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See Banks
County's 1999 Year in Review
ON THE MOVE
Michelle Snipes moves toward the basket
for Banks County's Lady Leopards last week at the WJJC Holiday
Classic Tournament in Commerce. Both Banks County teams finished
second in the tournament.
Photo by Drew Brantley
'Session for Education'
ahead for legislators
Education will be key during legislative
session, Jamieson says
BY SHERRY LEWIS
When the state legislature convenes next week, it will begin
the "Session for Education."
"I agree with Governor (Roy) Barnes, it will be the session
for education," said Rep. Jeanette Jamieson during a telephone
interview on Tuesday.
Jamieson has worked tirelessly on the education review commission,
as well as the accountability subcommittee. Barnes is expected
to introduce the education package late next week.
"It will include an increase in funding to more equally
distribute the cost of education so that all children in Georgia,
regardless of economic background, can expect the same quality
of education," said Jamieson.
Jamieson said the package will ask for accountability from everyone
involved in the education of a child.
"We expect the package to call on parents to be accountable,
teachers to be accountable, administrators, students and those
of us in the General Assembly to be accountable as well,"
she continued.
Jamieson said she believes the bill will address the needs of
all students.
"It will address the needs of all students, from those in
academically needful positions to students who are extremely
bright with all the advantages who need to be constantly challenged,"
Jamieson said.
Jamieson said the bill should contain incentives for some teachers
and warnings to others.
"I expect the bill to address the fine professionals we
have, especially classroom teachers, and contain incentives to
keep these professionals in education," said Jamieson. "At
the same time, it should send a message to educators who have
failed to keep their professional skills up to par."
Jamieson said she believes the education package will have the
support of Republicans and Democrats alike.
In addition to education, Jamieson said she believes rural counties
will be interested in Barnes' Rural Development Initiative.
"This is a program to make money and grants available to
rural counties to allow counties such as ours to compete for
industry," Jamieson said. "We will compete with states
such as North Carolina, Alabama and South Carolina. It is a terrific
initiative for the governor to show his support for rural counties."
Jamieson also noted the renovation at the state capital.
"This is truly one of the most historic projects the state
has ever seen," she said.
The renovation goes back to the days of the first legislature.
The light fixtures, paint and ceiling have been reformed to the
original design and colors of days gone by.
Jamieson said she is excited about the session.
"I look forward to a good session and appreciate the support
of my constituents in Banks County," she said.
BOC asked to place
moratorium on new motel units at I-85
BY SHERRY LEWIS
The Banks County Board of Commissioners has been asked to place
a moratorium on additional motel units at I-85.
The request came from other motels located in the Banks Crossing
area, according to chairman James Dumas.
"Motel operators say people gravitate to new units and the
occupancy rate drops at old units," Dumas said. "They
could become 'by the week' units."
Families living in motel rooms would not be good for the county,
said Dumas.
"We could end up with whole families camped out in motel
rooms," he said. "They are not designed for long-term
stay. This could put a burden on the school system."
Commissioner Pat Westmoreland agreed that some type of regulation
should be put in place, but he did not elaborate. But commissioner
Ernest Rogers said he does not agree with a moratorium being
placed on regular motel rooms.
"They can lower the rates or upgrade the rooms," he
said. "If a new motel comes in, it forces an upgrade."
The BOC will ask county attorney Randal Frost to research the
issue before any action is taken.
Maysville City
Council to look at personnel policy
BY ADAM FOUCHE
At the request of city clerk Lois Harper, the Maysville City
Council will look at establishing a written personnel policy
for city employees.
"I think we need to put the personnel policy on the front
burner," said mayor Richard Presley.
The council was to look at subdivision planning ordinances in
an upcoming work session, but instead decided at its meeting
Monday night to devote the work session to creating the personnel
policy.
The work session will be held on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. in the city
hall.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, the council:
·heard from Harper that she was still attempting to get
bids for patching on Deer Run Road.
·learned the city's communication system is functioning
well.
·called a special election for the council's Ward 4 seat.
The election will be held on March 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at
the Maysville Fire Department. Qualifying was set for Jan. 24
and 27 from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the city
hall.
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