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Citizen Newsletter #286 Henry Citizen (hccitizen@hccitizen.net) hc.citizen@hccitizen.org; Saturday, August 27, 2011 1:04 AM

The Citizen Newsletter

Issue # 286
August 27, 2011 The Conservative Voice of Henry County
Contact The Citizen at hc.citizen@hccitizen.org Your comments and submissions are always welcome!

Gallup: Perry leading nationally, Romney second,

In This Edition
Gallup: Rick Perry Leads Learn About Beekeeping Dooley on the T-SPLOST Vote Keeping Up Appearances When Dems Attack Racism is a Cottage Industry Bill Byrne Against T-SPLOST Legislators Critical of Rail Line Bob Ott: Get Nothing For It YOUR VOICE Commentary by Bruce Kendall Remember Van T. Barfoot

Paul third
Less than two weeks into his official campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, Rick Perry has a 12-point lead over Mitt Romney, ACCORDING TO A NATIONWIDE G ALLUP POLL of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents released Wednesday. Perry, the Texas governor, received the support of 29 percent of the poll's respondents. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who was in first place in the previous three Gallup surveys this year, slipped to 17 percent in the poll, just four points ahead of Texas Rep. Ron Paul, with 13 percent.

Editorial / Publication Policy

Learn about how to become a beekeeper

Most beekeepers are in it for the honey, although many others maintain colonies of bees to pollinate crops, or for the beeswax, propolis, pollen or royal jelly. But did you know it could be a family hobby? Join us on Saturday, October 15th, 8:00am, Public Safety Building Community Room at 116 Zack Hinton Parkway South in McDonough, Georgia. The Henry County Beekeepers will host a Beekeeping Short Course. To print out the registration application, go to our website at www.henrycountybeekeepers.org or for more information call 770-473-5434. Tom Bonnell ~ Horticulture Program Assistant Clayton County Extension Service Email: hortpa@uga.edu

Your Support is Appreciated

~Debbie Dooley T-SPLOST Vote

Or visit www.hccitizen.org Gov. Deal has shown time and time again that he listens to the voice of the people and that is very refreshing and shows leadership. The T-SPLOST was thrust upon him because it passed under Gov. Perdue. Please thank Gov. Deal for listening to us and encourage him not to campaign on behalf of T-SPLOST....
Governor says transportation referendum now in hands of General Assembly | ajc.com

Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday that if the date of next year's transportation referendums is to be moved, it will be up to the General Assembly to do so. Deal's comments come a day after his office first said there was a deal with Republican leaders in the House and Senate to move the 2012 referendums from the July 31 primaries to the November general election and to mandate that all future special local option sales tax votes also move to November. That agreement -- if there ever was one -- quickly dissolved, however, as House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said there was no deal. Late Wednesday evening the governor announced the transportation referendum was dead for the year and would not be taken up by lawmakers while they're in Atlanta this month for a special session on redistricting. "I just did not feel like it was worth wasting any more time on that issue," Deal said "So in January, well have a full-fledged donnybrook between the two most powerful entities now existing in the Republican party: The state chambers of commerce, and the tea party." Great victory for the grassroots for now. "They'll be back". The MARTA Republicans will not give up without a fight. They will fight again in January when the Legislature convenes again and will continue to turn to Obama Democrats to pass the largest tax increase in Georgia history.

Keeping Up Appearances
By Larry Stanley Posted on Facebook: The Henry GOP FB page is for promoting Republican events and platforms. It should not be used to post personal negative opinions or attacks on fellow Republicans especially those we have elected to office. Let's not give Democrats ammo!

Neither Democrats nor Independents need ammo. They see and hear the same as Republicans. THAT is why TEA Parties say it is not only Dems they are watching. As far as I am concerned every person from the Chamber to the county commission to city councils who promote the lie of taxation leading us to a better tomorrow must be exposed as enemies of the people. Whether that fails the GOP test of saying only nice things, or hurts someone's feelings, I do not care. To my Fellow Republicans: We must keep our own house clean or never, ever say anything negative about anyone, any policy or any agenda. Just because a person aligns themselves with the GOP, that is no reason for the GOP to align ourselves with them. We must be free to speak out or we are slaves to hypocrisy, the source of most of the world's problems. I will respect the objectives of your FB site, but will not subject myself or my writing to ignoring the truth. ?"There are two ways to be fooled: One is to believe what isn't so; the other is to refuse to believe what is so." --Soren Kierkegaard Shirley Tyree said, I think there is a lot of independents who are tired of both sides. I think that politicians need to be more knowledgable instead of trying to win. When they stupid things that are not true or twisted we the people loose confidence if we have any brains. Don Henderson said, Why is it the only thing you can get Democrats and Republicans to agree on is "NO THIRD PARTY" and the only thing you can get the leadership of ANY party to agree on is "NO NEW LEADERSHIP" Party politicians are

for the most part not "We the people" it is "We ARE the people" and that is not inclusive for NEW ideas.... after all we can't have too many cooks in the kitchen....how do you like the way the soup has turned out so far?

Thank you for your support and participation

Over 18,000 reads at Scribd.com Over 4,000 subscribers

http://www.scribd.com/larry_stanley

When Dems Attack

Jones, Davis Sparring Over Henry Redistricting Map

http://www.henryherald.com/news/2011/aug/25/jones-davis-sparring-over-henry-redistricting-map/? popup=true

Jones said he plans to call for an ethics investigation into the activities of his colleague in the area of redistricting. The county started it, but Rep. Davis took it over, said Jones. Hes trying to push it through, and ram it down the legislatures throat. Clearly, theres all kinds of conflicts. One of those conflicts, Jones said, centers on the position of Rep. Davis son, Ryan Davis, as a member of the school board in Henry County. The state senator, who is the head of the local legislative delegation, said Davis, in recent months, has been promoting a map which creates a safer district for his son. Henry School Board: It is Charles Vickery in D-3 that was protected. He is up for election in 2012. The facts: Ryan Davis and Erik Charles are not up for election in 2012. Both were moved - Davis to D-4, Charles to D-5. Davis shot back at Jones claims about the countys map, calling them ridiculous. I cant stop him filing suits, but all hes going to do is cost the county tens of thousands in legal fees, when experts have already said that it meets all the requirements of the Voting Rights Act. Rep. Davis acknowledged that he called a House delegation meeting, but said he only did so because Jones refused to participate in the countys redistricting efforts. Davis countered Jones arguments, by saying the map meets all the requirements of the Voting Rights Act, and protects minority participation, and said the state senator is trying to get his way, despite not being active in redistricting locally. The county, the representative said, went through a lengthy series of meetings with the Board of Commissioners, as well as the Board of Education, to discuss redistricting with the public, with no input offered by Sen. Jones. I participated in the process, said Davis. The counties are redistricted by the General Assembly, and he has absolutely refused to participate in any form or fashion. He has drawn his own maps, which he has refused to share with county officials, elected officials or the county attorney. All hes trying to do is obstruct and distract, because hes not getting his way, Davis continued. He would have a better chance of getting his way, if he had participated.

Racism is a Cottage Industry

Sen. Emanuel Jones proves that racism is a cottage industry to Democrats. They cannot work within the legislature or even do the jobs we elected them to do. Racism abounds with this disgusting attack against a fellow Henry County legislative delegation member. View the race-baiting Senator Jones speaking in the well of the Georgia Senate on August 23rd:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1PXPcSsb3Y&feature=share

Video of Senate activities is also available at http://mediam1.gpb.org/ga/leg/2011/ga-leg-senate_082311_AM.wmv Citizen Voices: I know something else about Steve Davis, He voted for more accountability for all departments but the out

going Governor vetoed it. This is a perfect example of black legislators trying to keep blacks on the Democratic plantation. Read this excellent article on the current-day plantation: HTTP://WWW.HUMANEVENTS.COM/ARTICLE.PHP ?ID=38963 I watched the entire almost 2 hour video of yesterdays GA Senate session in which every black legislator who spoke from the well objected to the redistricting because of race. It is unbelievable to me that in the home state of Martin Luther King, Jr., and nearly 50 years after the Civil Rights movement in which Black American fought for, and some even died for, equality, that they now wish for nothing more than to separate themselves from whites. I was appalled to hear so many elected officials harping on race. It was disgusting. Sen. Jones said Henry's new District 111 is Republican-leaning and created to dilute black vote. That is tripe. The same Bovine Scatology that says Republicans are racists. It is clear that racism is just a cottage industry to Jones and his ilk.

Former Cobb County Commission Chairman Bill Byrne Against the T-SPLOST
PRESS RELEASE: Governor Nathan Deal officially called lawmakers back into session starting Monday, August 15th, to address the issue of redistricting and requested the lawmakers consider changing the date for regional transportation referendums, that is scheduled to be put before voters on May 31, 2012. The Governor is asking the lawmakers to move the vote on the T-SPLOST to the November 6th general election in 2012. In 2010, Georgia lawmakers passed House Bill 277, which was signed into law by Governor Perdue. The law created Regional Taxing Districts to finance regional transportation projects and generate approximately $6 billion, over ten years, for construction purposes. Moving the referendum to the November 6th general election is a clear indication that the Tax Increase Proposal is in serious trouble.and it should be!!! 1. If approved, the T-SPLOST will raise the sales tax by 1%, for ten years, in the middle of a double-dip recession. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! 2. The T-SPLOST is a Regional vote, NOT a county vote. If Cobbs voters reject the T-SPLOST vote and a majority of the regions voters approve the T-SPLOST, then Cobb County will be forced to pay an increase in taxes, for ten years, that they rejected at the polls. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! 3. If the T-SPLOST is approved, a Regional Board will be created for oversight purposes for the projects and construction funding. This process will eliminate the concept of Local Control, for cities and counties and this program will be controlled by an unelected, regional bureaucracy. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! 4. Cobb Countys primary project is a proposed rail project, from the Arts Center in Atlanta to Cumberland Mall in Cobb County. The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) estimates that construction costs for the project would be $1.2 billion, take fifteen years to complete and require $9.6 million to operate on a yearly basis. Where will this money come from? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!! Summary: We are at a time in our history, where personal uncertainty dominates the feelings of people across the Country, the State of Georgia and Cobb County as well. Proposing a Tax Increase, that would last for ten years, managed by an unelected regional bureaucracy, is a proposal that I cannot support and I urge all voters to reject the T-SPLOST proposal, regardless of the date that it will be placed on the ballot. Sincerely, Bill Byrne Republican Candidate for Commission Chairman Cobb County Board of Commissioners

Legislators critical of proposed rail line

http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/15181904/article-Legislators-critical-of-proposed-rail-line? instance=home_news_bullets

During a meeting in the Coverdell Legislative Building in Atlanta between the Cobb Legislative Delegation and Cobb Board of Commissioners, state Sens. Lindsey Tippins (R-west Cobb), Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and state Reps. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), Sharon Cooper (R-east Cobb) and Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) expressed doubts about the $856.48 million, 12.8-mile rail line project, which would only have about one mile of track inside Cobb. The $856.5 million number is the conservative estimate. The maximum cost is targeted at $1.234 billion, according to the county.

Legislator tears into proposed light rail - MARIETTA State Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) chairman of the 19-member Cobb Legislative Delegation says the light-rail line that constitutes the majority of Cobbs take in the proposed TSPLOST would benefit only about 5 percent of county residents.

Around Town: Ott says we will pay TSPLOST but 'get nothing for it'
MJDOnline.com August 20, 2011

INITIAL REACTION from a smattering of well-informed Cobb residents to the long-awaited project list to be funded by next year's Transportation SPLOST was not encouraging for backers of the one percent sales tax. As one observer put it, "The mountain roared and gave forth a mouse." Perhaps the most disappointed was Southeastern District Cobb Commissioner Bob Ott, who described the list as "a big win for the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) but a big loss for those wanting a plan that would alleviate traffic congestion all across Cobb." Commission Chairman Tim Lee and Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews represented Cobb on the regional committee that chose the final projects. Lee has enjoyed strong support from Cobb Chamber of Commerce insiders, the Cumberland Improvement District and the Atlanta Regional Commission, all of which have been busy pulling the TSPLOST's strings. Ott contends Cobb is listed as recipient of a $1 billion light rail project, but points out that only a tenth of a mile of the rail (and one station) would be in Cobb. "It is not a Cobb project," he said flatly. Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal - Around Town: Ott says we will pay TSPLOST but 'get nothing for it'

Editor's Comments: I think I can elaborate on the Obama/T-SPLOST thing. "From each according to his ability; to each according to his need." Everybody can surely spend an extra penny on the dollar for the greater good. Surely the need for rail transit in Cobb and Gwinnett can be funded by a society eager to improve the economy. This is the socialist mantra. That is the connection between Obama and the big government folks preaching "If this tax fails then Georgia fails" as said by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. OK, Why are Henry County commissioners either silent or openly supporting T-SPLOST? Henry will see only $192 Million for some local roads... over 10 years. Even Cobb officials see this tax as a bad investment, and they will see $Billions. Vote NO, NO, NO -- but speak out now!

YOUR VOICE

Transportation sales tax could be historic for wrong reason www.ProvisionProperties.com

Dalton Mayor David Pennington is not on board with the idea of a penny-per-dollar sales tax to fund transportation projects. He fears a higher sales tax will encourage people to shop in nearby Tennessee and spend less money in his North Georgia city

Cemetery Research Group

www.crghenry.org

One of Jim Wooten's BEST!! Republicans under the Gold Dome are blowing one of the great political opportunities of my lifetime the opportunity to create a culture that is open, straight with the voters and honestly committed to the principles that conservatives espouse. Transportation policy is an example.
MY NITS
WITH THE TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX VOTE

| THINKING R IGHT WITH JIM WOOTEN

http://blogs.ajc.com/thinking-right/2011/08/18/my-nits-with-the-transportation-sales-tax-vote/

Signature Broadcasting

Network SBN TV Were all about you! http://sbn.tv/

www.mdjonline.com

Laura Armstrong: Leaders pushing TSPLOST pork while we're left asking 'Where's the
beef?' - Were hearing about this upcoming 2012 regional TSPLOST vote the largest proposed tax increase in Georgia history.

The Georgia Young Republicans want to make sure you stay connected to what
we're doing, too. Take a few moments and go hit our "Like" button?
www.facebook.com/georgiayr

The Floyd County Republican Women will hold their Sept meeting on Tues, Sept 6,
at the Red Lobster Restaurant. Please come at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and our meeting begins at 12 noon. Our speaker will be Major Denise Downer-McKinney, Rome Police Dept. Please come and bring a friend.

************

PROOF OF RIGHT ~ Conservative ramblings of Joanie Scott Big 5's Billy Abbate Arrested for Child Molestation
According to the Henry County Sheriff's Office William L. Abbate, Managing Partner of Big 5 Enterprises, was arrested today on multiple counts of sexual offenses which allegedly occurred on March 17, 2010. Abbate is charged with: Aggravated Child Molestation Child molestation Statutory Rape Sexual Exploitation of Children Enticing a Child for Indecent Purposes.

Billy Abbate and Big 5 Enterprise own 97 acres adjacent to Tara Field Airport in Henry County. Since acquiring the land in 2006, he has sued Clayton County BOC and Chairman Eldrin Bell twice in an attempt to obtain easement access from his land onto the airport. Additionally, he misled the Henry County Zoning Advisory Board and Board of Commissioners regarding a supposed contract he claimed he had with Clayton County, in order to have the land rezoned. friendsofrichardsteinberg@gmail.com Campaign Committee of Richard Steinberg for Stockbridge City Council Visit our website at www.friendsofrichard.com Make Donations Payable to: Friends of Richard Steinberg 254 Kensington Trace Stockbridge, Georgia 30281 770-912-7036 OR Make Donations Via PayPal Look For Us On Facebook at Friends of Richard Steinberg According to campaign contribution disclosures I obtained from the Henry County Board of Elections yesterday, Abbate and his colleagues affiliated with QUALITY PHYSICIAN'S S ERVICES, The DOCTOR' S O FFICE, LLC, and ATLANTA ARMS AND AMMO have donated at least $7,150.00 since January 1, 2008 to Henry County Board of Commissioner Chairman, Elizabeth "B.J." Mathis. Mathis also paid out $800 from her campaign in 2008 to QUALITY PHYSICIANS S ERVICE, owned by Abbate, for office space she used for her campaign headquarters. The address is 1065 Jodeco Road in McDonough, which is the same address, listed in the current year Henry County Tax records for Big 5 Enterprises land adjacent to Tara Field.

the Hack Line

http://charlesmobley.wordpress.com/2011/08/25/redistricting-observations/

REDISTRICTING OBSERVATIONS
Redistricting is a balance of fairness skewed towards those empowered at the time. There is much to consider in the process starting with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) of which Georgia has been held hostage for acts committed 46 years earlier. Times have changed. Yet there are those who clearly desire to use the VRA to their advantage.

************

UPDATE: Looks like others think the VRA is in threat of being rewriten:

Coming soon: The Democrats Protection Act of 2011

Teacher Preview Weekend 2011

Dear Educators, We appreciate all you do in educating children, and we want to show you our appreciation! We would like to invite you to our Fall Teacher Preview Weekend September 17 - 18, 2011 when Teachers will receive FREE* Admission with their school photo ID! How exciting! Plan a fun day with your fellow teachers, or bring the family! Just don't forget your valid school ID - you must have that in order to get in FREE*!

This special weekend will allow you the opportunity to experience the fun & educational time we offer here on the farm. On the weekends, we have all our Fall attractions open to the public (with the exception of the milking demonstration) where you have free range to explore our Fall attractions at your own pace. During the weekday School Field Trips, our focus is on educating children in a fun way touring the farm. The Fall Teacher Preview Weekend will only happen once this year, and you don't want to miss getting in FREE*! So mark your calendar for Sept. 17 & 18, 2011! We look forward to seeing you here on the farm! Southern Belle Farm
www.SouthernBelleFarm.com

770.288.2582 * Teachers must present valid photo school-issued ID for the teacher to be admitted FREE. Offer valid 9/17-18/2011 only! Offer only for the Teacher atmitted for free - not transferable to another person.
Field Trip Cost: $7.00 per student/parent/visitor,

Teachers and aids are FREE w/ valid school ID on field trips

ACT scores receded

News Flash: The average composite ACT score dropped by a whopping 00.1 to 20.6. While Media pundits are looking for something interesting to report, lets consider two myths some educators continue to champion instead. One, Typically when you see a significant increase in the number of students taking a test you have a greater decline in the overall results, Stated Superintendent Dr. John Barge. Starting with the 2011 Georgia Profile report, and working back 18 years to 1994, we discover that 17% of Georgias graduates took the ACT and received a Composite score of 20.3. That 17% increased 272% by 2011 to 47% of graduates, with an accumulative improvement of 00.3. The process while not consistent has several periods of interest. From 1996 thru 1999 the percentage of test takers was 16% and it started a seven year decline in scores from a 20.3 to a 19.8 in 2002 and 2003. Starting in 2002 thru 2011, the percentage of test takers more than doubled, from 20% to 47% and state averages climbed from 19.8 to 20.6 in 2011. Two other windows are, 2007 to 2008 where the percent of testing students increased 4%, and the score 00.1% to a 20.6. The next big increase was from 2009 to 2010, another 4% increase of test takers with the score peaking at 20.7. Typically a decline in the overall results, History tells a slightly different story. Two, another favorite argument of some educators, Because Georgia tests a higher percentage of its students, our ACT test results will be lower than states testing a smaller percentage of students. Using that line of reasoning one can state, Because we test a smaller percentage of students than another state, we will score higher. Then please explain the following table: ACT 2011: States testing a higher percentage of students than Georgia, with an equal or better composite score.

State Illinois Colorado North Dakota South Dakota Kansas Nebraska Oklahoma Utah Minnesota Wisconsin Missouri Ohio West Virginia Idaho Iowa Montana National Georgia

Percent Tested 100 100 98 81 79 76 76 73 72 71 71 69 65 64 61 60 49 47

Composite Score 20.9 20.7 20.7 21.8 22.0 22.1 20.7 21.8 22.9 22.2 21.6 21.8 20.6 21.7 22.3 22.1 21.1 20.6

English Score 20.6 20.1 19.8 21.0 21.4 21.8 20.5 21.4 22.3 21.6 21.5 21.1 20.6 21.1 21.7 21.3 20.6 20.1

Math Score 20.9 20.4 20.8 21.8 21.8 21.7 19.9 21.2 23.0 22.1 21.0 21.5 19.9 21.3 21.9 21.9 21.1 20.7

Reading Score 20.8 20.9 20.8 22.0 22.3 22.3 21.3 22.3 22.9 22.2 21.9 22.1 21.3 22.2 22.6 22.7 21.3 20.8

Science Score 20.7 20.7 20.8 22.1 21.9 22.0 20.6 21.7 22.8 22.3 21.6 21.8 20.6 21.5 22.4 22.0 20.9 20.3

West Virginia is the only state with an equal score. I included the National scores for those who like the traditional information.

Bruce Kendall

REMEMBER THE GUY WHO WOULDN'T TAKE THE FLAG DOWN?

You might remember a news story several months ago about a crotchety old man who defied his homeowners association and refused to take down the flagpole on his property and the large flag that flew on it? Now you can find out who, exactly, that old man was. On June 15, 1919, Van T. Barfoot was born in Edinburgh -- probably didn't make much news back then. Twenty-five years later, on May 23, 1944, near Carano , Italy , Van T. Barfoot, who had enlisted in the US Army in 1940, set out to flank German machine gun positions from which fire was coming down on his fellow soldiers. He advanced through a minefield, took out three enemy machine gun positions and returned with 17 prisoners of war. If that wasn't enough for a day's work, he later took on and destroyed three German tanks sent to retake the machine gun positions.

That probably didn't make much news either, given the scope of the war, but it did earn Van T. Barfoot, who retired as a colonel after also serving in Korea and Vietnam , a Congressional Medal of Honor. What did make news was a neighborhood association's quibble with how the 90-year-old veteran chose to fly the American flag outside his suburban Virginia home. Seems the rules said a flag could be flown on a house-

mounted bracket, but, for decorum, items such as Barfoot's 21-foot flagpole were unsuitable. He had been denied a permit for the pole, erected it anyway and was facing court action if he didn't take it down. Since the story made national TV, the neighborhood association has rethought its position and agreed to indulge this old hero who dwells among them.

"In the time I have left I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference," Barfoot told The Associated Press. As well he should. And if any of his neighbors still takes a notion to contest him, they might want to read his Medal of Honor citation. It indicates he's not real good at backing down.

The Citizen Newsletter is provided by

Henry Citizens for Responsible Government Larry Stanley, Editor

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