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Federal, state, county and judicial offices that will be elected in 2010, as they apply to Gwinnett County.

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Dacula resident Randy DeVault filled his recall application last Friday, March 26th in an attempt to oust Gwinnett County Board of Commissioner chair Charles Bannister. His application had been signed by 153 residents surpassing the 100 required.

Now the application has to be verified by county election officials before this coming Friday. Bannister has until this Thursday to challenge the process in Gwinnett Superior Court. He has suggested that the bad economy should be the focus of citizen anger and not his leadership of the BoC.

If the application passes the scrutiny of the verification process, DeVault will then have 45 days in which to collect signatures from 30 percent of registered voters, approximately 125,000 people. If successful, the county elections office would then schedule a special election to put the recall to a vote.

DeVault has stated that he is establishing polling stations throughout the county and has commitments from more than 100 volunteers to gather the signatures required.

More:
GwntRecall.com

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Mike Beaudreau has decided not to run for the congressional seat being vacated by the retiring John Linder, but has instead thrown his support behind Representative Clay Cox.

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The county line:
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners adopted a new solid waste ordinance for unincorporated Gwinnett County during the board’s business session on March 2, 2010. The ordinance as adopted will be posted as soon as possible.

Service will begin on July 1, 2010, giving residents and haulers time to transition to the new system. The new ordinance, which does not affect city residents, will provide a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally-conscious solid waste management system and also will allow Gwinnett County to fulfill its requirements under state law. All homeowners will have access to services for the collection and disposal of household garbage, expanded recycling, white goods (household appliances), bulky wastes (mattresses, furniture, etc.), and yard trimmings.

The new ordinance sets five service districts and authorizes the County to enter into one or more service agreements with a private company or companies to provide residential garbage service with no more than one service provider within each district. Fees for residential waste services will be made payable to Gwinnett County and will be billed as a residential solid waste fee on the same bill as county taxes.

Approval of a new ordinance is the first required step in the process of implementing a new solid waste management plan. Details of the service areas, costs, and collection logistics will be made available as soon as they are finalized.

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Mike Beaudreau was quoted in part as stating, “I don’t think it’s perfect…”

Don Collins, government contract manager for Waste Industries, told commissioners his company took it on faith that the county would follow the court’s order and draw up a new plan in a public, above-board manner, but that the plan showed officials worked behind closed doors to satisfy members of the first lawsuit.

…Isn’t that why a Gwinnett County special grand jury is investigating the board’s land deals?…

“Even as our federal lawsuit continues,” Collins said, “your vote today confirms our position before the court that the county’s illegal trash plan is marching forward.”

Local news outlets report that despite not being allowed to address the board before the vote, citizens were vocal in their opposition after the vote. It was also disclosed that a new recall effort was being launched targeting Chairman Bannister.

More:
• GwinnettCounty.com
• GDP
• AJC
• GwntRecall.com

3 Responses To “Garbage Adopted”

1. CorinthHills.org Says:
   March 3rd, 2010 at 9:26 AM

   It’s my understanding that one of the overriding concerns that the board wanted to address for the citizens of Gwinnett was the traffic issues as it is effected by garbage haulers. For the life of me I don’t understand this. I find myself being delayed far more by postal trucks, UPS, FedEx and the worst offenders, school buses.

   There’s a project for Gwinnett County. Adopt a policy whereby school buses aren’t required to stop every 50 feet to pickup and offload kids. School systems all over this country, including GCPS, gripe about obese children… allow them to walk a few feet to and from the bus stop…

   That’s our opinion, we welcome yours…

2. j.q.public Says:
   March 5th, 2010 at 8:40 AM

   RINOs, republicans in name only. Republican mantra dictates smaller government and allowing the public to manage their own affairs in a free market society. Obama’s healthcare reform is an excellent example, republicans aren’t for it because it puts healthcare in the hands of government. BUT Gwinnett “republicans” believe that they should decide my waste disposal, how it’s paid for, how much it is and when I should pay it.

   Yeah, “republicans” they are.

3. fwy545 Says:
   March 9th, 2010 at 10:52 AM

   I do see garbage trucks from various services in our neighborhood on several days during the week, but they don’t take long to complete their business. I certainly don’t think that it’s worth relinquishing my right to chose my own waste disposal service in order to reduce this little bit of traffic. If you think about it, there will still be traffic to pickup all homes, and even more now that the county is mandating all residential homes be serviced. The only difference will be the number of days the truck will be in the neighborhood. The time spent in each neighborhood for each truck will actually increase.

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District 3 Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau is weighing an opportunity to succeed John Linder and his soon-to-be vacant U.S. congressional seat. Beaudreau plans to make a decision soon.

• MikeBeaudreau.com - Take the survey…

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Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will again consider county mandated garbage collection. Even with lawsuits totaling in excess of $80 million still pending over the last board sanctioned solid waste plan, local media reports suggests that not much has changed in the new proposed plan. The biggest change is that Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful will not be the county appointed enforcer.

Points from the original plan still being considered:
• Service fee(s) to be included in county tax bill
• Expanded recycling
• Mandatory participation by all residents
• 5 zones to be established and serviced by one hauler

If approved, the plan is expected to take effect this July. The board will not allow public comment prior to the vote. Voting will take place at 10 AM tomorrow at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

One Response To “County Mandated Garbage - AGAIN…”

1. CorinthHills.org Says:
   March 2nd, 2010 at 2:38 PM

   Gwinnett County’s Solid Waste Information Center is open for callers Monday through Friday between 7:00am and 7:00pm, 770.822.7141.

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U.S. Representative John Linder (R) made a surprising announcement today stating that he will not seek re-election this November. Linder has represented the 7th congressional district which comprises much of Gwinnett County since 1992.

Possible candidates mentioned to replace Linder include State Senator Don Balfour, State Representative Clay Cox and former Braves pitcher John Smoltz.

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Representative Clay Cox
Georgia’s 102nd District (Lilburn, Snellville, Mountain Park, Norcross)

Dear Friends:

As you may have heard, the Georgia Legislature has taken a two week recess to allow various committees of the house and senate to work jointly on the budget. This unusual action was determined to be necessary, and I agree, by the Speaker and Lt. Governor as we come to grips with cutting an additional $1 billion from our projected spending in the upcoming fiscal year.

Just to give some perspective, when I was first elected in 2004, the state budget was nearly $24 billion dollars. That number has steadily declined each year as we have cut government spending – some by policy driven choice, but most by necessity of declining tax revenues. Below is a summary of what we are facing:

What is the total state 2011 Budget?

It is about $18 billion. This year, the Georgia General Assembly has discretion over $16 billion in the General budget. This excludes $2 billion in (the bulk of) motor fuel taxes, all lottery funds and the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, which are dedicated by state constitution to specific appropriation purposes.

What is the shortfall that will need to be addressed in the proposed 2011 Budget?

Projections put it at $1 billion or more. It about equals the Everything Else category listed below.

How is the proposed 2011 General budget allocated?

• 44% ($7 billion)
K-12 - 1.6 million students; 160,000 teachers

• 14% ($2.2 billion)
Community Health - Medicaid, Peach Care, state health benefit plan, county public health departments

• 12% ($1.9 billion)
Regents - 300,000 students; 35 colleges and universities

• 8% ($1.2 billion)
Debt Sinking Fund - Bond payments

• 6% ($1 billion)
Corrections - 54,000 inmates; 37 prisons

• 5% ($800 million)
Behavioral Health - Including 7 state-run mental health hospitals, Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities

• 3% ($500 million)
Human Services - Including Child Welfare, TANF, Aging, Adoption, Foster Care Services

• 2% ($320 million)
Technical Colleges - 160,000 students; 65 colleges and branches

• 6% ($1.1 billion)
Everything Else*

*Everything Else totals just over $1 billion in the budget. It covers 40 agencies and all branches of government, such as Public Safety; Juvenile Justice; Judicial System; Governor’s Office, Senate and House; Teachers Retirement; Driver Services; Pardon and Paroles; and Revenue Department.

Thanks for your support. If I can be of service to you please let me know.

Representative Clay Cox
401 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 463-7853
clay.cox@house.ga.gov

Source: Direct e-mail from Clay Cox’s office

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During today’s State of the County address, commission chair Charles Bannister called for a one cent sales tax increase. Bannister stated that should voters approve the new penny tax, it would generate approximately 150 million dollars in new revenue with 35 percent coming from non-Gwinnett shoppers.

Bannister is looking to put the penny sales tax on the ballot this November.

2 Responses To “Bannister Asking For More Tax Revenue”

1. fwy545 Says:
   February 12th, 2010 at 7:44 AM

   Purdue wants a one cent sales tax increase for the state so if both initiatives make it to the ballot and pass Gwinnett will be up to 8%.

2. BG Says:
   February 16th, 2010 at 8:33 PM

   Not to mention the 21% increase in Gwinnett property tax and the abolishment of the Georgia homestead exemption. How does the government expect its citizenry to get ahead?

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Gwinnett County commissioner Kevin Kenerly refused to testify before a grand jury, claiming the subpoena was “a fishing expedition.” The grand jury is investigating whether there’s anything shady about the millions of dollars paid to developers for future park land.

• http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/i-team%3A-gwinnett-land-deals-021010

5 Responses To “Kevin Kenerly Pleads The Fifth - Video”

1. j.q.public Says:
   February 11th, 2010 at 8:43 AM

   Why in the world would the D.A. withdraw his subpoena? Let the commissioner’s motion go before the judge. This sounds fishy.

2. bwilson Says:
   February 11th, 2010 at 11:04 AM

   Yes, he (Kenerly) should be made to sit in the witness chair having taken an oath to God to tell the truth then state in front of the grand jury that he invokes his fifth amendment right and refuses to incriminate himself.

   One would think it’s 1950 the way politicians continue to conduct “business”. When will Gwinnett County ever grow up?

3. fwy545 Says:
   February 11th, 2010 at 11:33 AM

   Why does he feel that he needs immunity? Why won’t Porter grant him immunity in order to get to the truth?

4. Paulie Says:
   February 11th, 2010 at 11:43 AM

   Porter should NOT grant immunity to anyone for anything. A subpoena is not issued as a courtesy or a suggestion - compliance is not optional. Then again, recall the Grand Jury that was held to investigate the stadium deal - the co-foreman of that one was a participant in putting the deal together in the first place! The bottom line is that our current crop of elected officials reeks of corruption from top to bottom. This needs to be thoroughly investigated, and if nothing is found, we need to investigate the investigators, or at least equip them with white canes and guide dogs. The state ethics investigator that I worked with regarding some Bannister dirty deeds commented that the BOC surpassed all bad behavior that he had seen in his career to date. Gwinnett deserves better.

5. fwy545 Says:
   February 12th, 2010 at 7:51 AM

   The AJC is quoting Porter as saying, “I withdrew the subpoena because I wasn’t prepared to grant Kenerly immunity. That’s basically what the motion requests. It means that any of the documents that he produced could not be used in a subsequent criminal proceeding against him.”

   “I’ve withdrawn the subpoena,” Porter said, “but I expect that we’ll obtain the necessary information in other ways.”

   So keep the subpoena in place, make him plead the fifth in front of the grand jury and then get the “necessary info” from your other sources.

   If everyone ever subpoenaed played the game the same way Kenerly is and accepted the way Porter is allowing it no one would ever testify.

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The special grand jury requested by Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter empaneled to investigate questionable land purchases by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners began proceedings today (Friday, January 15, 2010).

Political connections between developers and county commissioners along with purchase price verses appraisals will be the main focus, but the special grand jury has greater latitude than other grand juries and may widen their scope as they deem necessary.

More details:
• Gwinnett D.A. Porter Requests Special Grand Jury
• Grand Jury To Investigate Gwinnett BoC

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Aaron Bovos, Gwinnett County Chief Financial Officer (CFO), stood before an Engage Gwinnett committee and stated that the just approved 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase is considered a “one-time revenue” and that “It is absolutely critical that we put it to good use.”

Bovos continued by saying that the county has accrued $300 million in pension liabilities that have yet to be funded. So, Bovos and his staff are in the process of considering a recommendation to use the entire $50 million + that will be collected as a result of the increase to fund this pension liability.

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has to vote on the allocation of tax revenues, but an actuarial study has already been commissioned to determine the impact of using the tax increase to fund the pensions.

Sources:
• Engage Gwinnett
• The Gwinnett Daily Post

One Response To “New Tax Increase To Potentially Fund Pensions”

1. BG Says:
   December 5th, 2009 at 9:44 AM

   Really, at what point does it become appropriate to march on Lawrenceville with pitchforks and torches?

   I’ve heard recall buzz, anything to it?

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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2010 budget on Thursday, December 10, at 7:00pm in the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. The public is invited to make either oral or written comments on the budget at the hearing. The Board of Commissioners is expected to make its final determination on the fiscal year 2010 budget during its regularly scheduled meeting on January 5, 2010.

The 2010 budget proposal outlines a countywide budget of $1.323 billion, down $387 million from the $1.71 billion budget adopted last March for fiscal year 2009. The five-year capital budget calls for $1.2 billion for capital improvements over the years 2011 through 2015.

Commission Chairman Charles Bannister said, “This proposed budget continues to be fiscally responsible, very conservative, and reflective of the dramatic cuts in departmental budgets that occurred in 2009. It also anticipates significant drops in Gwinnett property values while balancing the need for service with the economic struggles of our residents.” The budget is based on the same millage rate of 13.25 mills that the Board adopted for 2009.

The complete budget document is available for public access at the Department of Financial Services, also at 75 Langley Drive, from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and is available online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

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The Gwinnett County 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase will generate more than $50 million in revenue for 2009. This is how the money is set to be allocated:

• $18.7 million: for existing deficit and to offset predicted decline in commercial tax digest
• $15.7 million: public safety (includes adding police and fire personnel)
• $10.8 million: courts and constitutional offices
• $4.8 million: recreation
• $2.3 million: corrections, support services and transportation (primarily mowing of rights of way)
• $1.8 million: libraries (includes operating all branches from 48 to 52 hours per week)

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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved a 21 percent, 2.28 millage rate increase by a 4-to-1 vote. Mike Beaudreau was the only commissioner to vote against the measure.

More than 400 citizens filled the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium with approximately two dozen making comment in the public hearing that preceded the vote.

More:

3 Responses To “Gwinnett BoC Approves Tax Increase”

1. CorinthHills.org Says:
   December 1st, 2009 at 10:27 PM

   Always worth mentioning:
   - Gwinnett stadium deal (part 1) $40 million. - Negotiation in complete secrecy. No public hearings, no public input.
   - Gwinnett stadium deal (part 2) $24 million. - Cost overruns. Didn’t think it through the first time. There was however a public hearing,…. no public input allowed, but it was public. What’s the point?…
   - Two lawsuits pending ($40 million each) regarding the Gwinnett BoC and Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and government sanctioned garbage pickup. In reality this means we’re going to be spending double what we were spending before for garbage.
   - Overpayment for land acquisitions with questionable circumstances. These deals are currently being investigated by a special grand jury.

   I’m not opposed to paying taxes as long as the money is spent wisely and ethically. Someone convince me that our BoC is going to spend any new money better than they spent the old.

   Gwinnett County is on record - as reported by the GDP - as saying that the stadium would pay for itself “from day one”. Not so much, huh.

   There is a lot of gray area open for arguing which services should be cut to make up for the poor decisions of our BoC, but there is no arguing why we’re currently in the economic situation we’re in.

   BTW - I see that others are commenting on the reduction of their property assessments. My property assessments went up 3 times in roughly 10 years and has not gone down. My “real” property value is approximately 60 - 70% of what it is curently assessed by Gwinnett County and from what I gather from the Gwinnett County website I can’t even begin the process of rectifying the issue before January 1st of next year.

2. BG Says:
   December 2nd, 2009 at 8:54 AM

   GWINNETT COUNTY PROPERTY ASSESSMENT x MILLAGE RATE = TAX BILL.

   There is no way that the county can raise your property value assessments right now so they hop to the other side of the mathematical and political equation and raise the millage rate.

   There is always a way for county government to raise your property taxes and the ONLY way to keep the process in check is to vote better people into office and/or boot the bad ones out of office.

3. fwy545 Says:
   December 2nd, 2009 at 10:17 AM

   Sorry I don’t have a lot of factual data to provide, but this just stinks. We’re made to suffer because the Board of Crooks isn’t responsible with our tax dollars.

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