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OPINIONS
Jackson County opinion page
SPORTS
Jackson County shut out in district tourneys
If you listen closely enough, you might just
hear hundreds of sighs of relief going up all over Jackson County.
Ryan Crane 18th at Montgomery
After qualifying 16th, Jefferson's Ryan Crane
finished 18th Saturday in the Jasper Engines & Transmissions
200 at Montgomery Motor Speedway.
CPRD Girls At State Tourney
The only Commerce Parks and Recreation Department
all-star team still in action, the 14-under softball team is
planning to finish its season Saturday in the state championship
game in Adel.
Neighborhood News...
MADISON COUNTY
Danielsville council focuses on water issues at Mon.
night meeting
Water was the focus of the Danielsville city council Monday night.
The council passed an emergency water conservation plan, approved
new water rates and delayed a zoning decision on a new...
Fortson denied bond
Tracy Lea Fortson will remain in jail without bond, a judge ruled
in Madison County Superior Court last week.
News from
BANKS COUNTY
Banks County residents file suit against Baldwin over
taxation
Twenty-nine Banks County residents of the City of Baldwin are
finding out what it's like to fight city hall. They're taking
the City of Baldwin to court and they say they need Banks County's
help to prevent the city from taxing them unfairly.
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The Jackson Herald
Jefferson, Georgia
Telephone: (706) 367-5233
Fax: (706) 367-8056
NEWS / ADVERTISING
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MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
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BOC CHAIRMEN CANDIDATES SPEAK
Presley Attempts to
Enter Chairman's Race as Independent (see
below)
The three Republican candidates for chairman of the Jackson
County Board of Commissioners were among those speaking at a
political forum Thursday night in Jefferson. Shown are: (L-R)
Harold Fletcher, Roy Grubbs and Tommy Stephenson. (See
Story)
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Presley moving
forward in effort to seek BOC chairmanship as independent candidate
A 26-year-old Jefferson man has passed the first hurdle in getting
his name on the ballot in November as a candidate for chairman
of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Jerry Presley has submitted the signatures of one percent, or
160, of the registered voters in the last general election. Jackson
County Probate Judge Margaret Deadwyler said these names have
been certified which means he is "qualified" to seek
the post. However, before his name goes on the ballot, he must
have signatures from five percent of the registered voters, or
792.
Deadwyler said Presley has submitted 855 signatures but they
must be verified before it becomes final. She said they must
be certified by comparing the signatures to those on the voter
registration card. This is expected to be done within the next
week.
If Presley's name goes on the November ballot, he will face the
Republican winner from the primary. There were no Democrat candidates.
Presley is a 1998 graduate of the University of Alabama with
a bachelor's degree in political science. He has lived in Jackson
County since January 1999.
Presley said earlier this year that he is a "political entrepreneur
who firmly believes in the Constitution of the United States."
"I am an avid supporter of the people's right to sovereign
authority over government," he said.
More than $6,000
donations
reported in House race
The largest amount of donations made to candidates in the last
month came in the District 25 seat on the Georgia House of Representatives.
The two candidates received a total of more than $6,000.
Incumbent Scott Tolbert (R) reported $3,754 in donations, while
challenger Pat Bell (D) listed $2,300.
Tolbert's contributions including the following: Tommy and Carolyn
Barnett, Nicholson, $200; Committee of Automobile Retail, Atlanta,
$254; Committee to Elect Bob Smith, Watkinsville, $250; Construction
Suppliers Association, Roswell, $500; Ford Motor Company, Dearburn,
Mich., $150; Georgia Dental Association, Roswell, $500; Georgia
Mining Association, Macon, $200; Georgia Oilman's Association,
Lawrenceville, $200; Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia,
Atlanta, $500; Gregory Irvin, Athens, $250; J. Mack Robinson,
Atlanta, $250; and Medical Association of Georgia, Atlanta, $250.
He also reported $300 in in-kind contributions from Keith Hayes,
Jefferson, for dues payment for the Jackson County Builders Association.
He also listed on his report a $1,000 donation from the House
Republican Trust incumbency fund, Atlanta, which he refunded.
Tolbert reported $1,000 in contributions to the Georgia Republican
Party, Atlanta.
Bell's contributions include: Kirby Atkinson, Monroe, $250; Griffin,
Diane and Associates, Atlanta, $1,000; Joe Tanner, Stockbridge,
$250; and $800 in individual donations of $100 or less each.
She also listed $540 in in-kind contributions from Larry Phillips,
Hendersonville, N.C., for the use of a popcorn popper and supplies.
Her expenditures include $1,447 to Personal Service Company,
Springfield, Ill., for signs; $165 to the United States Postal
Service for stamps; and $79 in miscellaneous expense.
BOC CHAIRMAN
Harold Fletcher's contributions include $600 in individual donations
of $100 or less each. His expenses include $1,052 to The Jackson
Herald.
Tommy Stephenson's reported contributions include $1,817 in personal
funds and $500 in individual donations of $100 or less each.
His expenses include $775 to Chatham Signs and $1,367 to The
Jackson Herald.
Roy Grubbs' contributions include: Ron and Sara Bond, Jefferson,
$200; Brent Greenwood, Jefferson, $150; $633 in personal funds;
and $570 in individual donations of $100 or less. His expenses
are Athens Blueprint, $661, and MainStreet Newspapers, $543,
and $55 in miscellaneous expenses.
DISTRICT 1 BOC
Thomas Benton reported no contributions or expenditures.
Stacey Britt reported $575 in individual donations of $100 or
less each. His expenses include $370 to MainStreet Newspapers
for advertising and $1,632 to McKinney Designs for signs. Felton
Rainey reported no contributions or expenditures. Travis Boles
Sr. reported his contributions as $133 in personal funds and
$100 from Bell Construction. His expenditures include $116 to
Commerce Printing and $16 for miscellaneous items.
DISTRICT 2 BOC
Sammy Thomason reported no contributions and the following expenditures:
Jana Adams, design consultant, $125; MainStreet Newspapers, $126,
advertising; and WJJC, $154, advertising. Don Blalock reported
$50 in donations. His expenses include $214 to McKinney Designs
and $88 for miscellaneous items. Tommy Ford had not filed a report
by the July 3 deadline.
DISTRICT BOC 3
Jerri Smith reported $640 in contributions, including $500 in
personal funds and $140 in individual donations of $100 or less
each. Her expenditures include $125 to the Jackson County Republican
Party for a fundraiser barbecue. Fran Thomas reported no contributions
or expenditures. Mark Tolbert reported the following contributions:
Hilda Gee, Pendergrass, $450; Alan Puckett, Jefferson, $250;
Melvin Tolbert, Jefferson, $500; and $1,015 in individual donations
of $100 or less each. He reported $405 in expenses of $100 or
less each. Edward "Chip" Pritchett reported $80 in
contributions and the following expenditures: $54, Georgia U.S.
Data, Norcross, and $210, The Jackson Herald. Emil Beshara reported
$435 in individual donations of $100 or less each and $52 for
miscellaneous expenses.
DISTRICT BOC 4
Tony Beatty reported $350 in individual donations of $100 or
less each. His expenditures include: $140, Bobby's Signs; $198,
Office Depot; and $180 for miscellaneous items. Daniel Sailors
reported no contributions and $380 to Bobby's Signs and Graphics.
Kenneth Bridges reported $305 in individual donations of $100
or less each. His expenses include $138 to Bonnie Evans, typist,
and $330 to U.S. Postal Service.
SHERIFF
Stan Evans reported $839 in contributions, including $200 from
Greg Irvin, Athens; $269 in personal funds; and $370 in individual
donations of $100 or less each. His expenditures include $215
to Bobby's Signs and $54 for miscellaneous items. Charles Hayes
reported no contributions and the following expenditures: Circle
K, Jefferson, $10; MainStreet Newspapers, $235; and $245 in individual
expenses of $100 or less each. Glenda Coker reported no contributions
or expenditures. Steve Gary reported no contributions or expenditures.
PROBATE JUDGE
LeAnn Crawford reported $1,175 in contributions, including $680
from her husband, Steve Crawford, and $495 in individual donations
of $100 or less each. Her expenditures were $148 for miscellaneous
items. Margaret Deadwyler's contributions included $500 from
Jack Davidson, $200 from Joe Booth and $400 in individual donations
of $100 or less each. His expenses include $104 to Comax Inc.
CORONER
Keith Whitfield reported his contributions as $94 in personal
funds and his expenses as $94 to MainStreet Newspapers. Terry
Baxter reported no contributions and $160 in individual expenditures.
Sammy Qualls reported no contributions or expenditures.
BOE POST 1
Ricky Sanders and Stephanie Kitchens reported no contributions
or expenditures.
Chairman's race
to top
ballot at next Tuesday's voting
Local candidates have been talking a lot in recent weeks, but
now it's time for voters to speak.
Next Tuesday, voters will decide on a slew of local races, including
naming one of three candidates to lead the restructured Jackson
County Board of Commissioners. The BOC chairman's race will be
decided in the Republican Primary election since only Republican
candidates are seeking the post. It is the only race to be decided
Tuesday since all other local races have candidates from both
parties who will face off in November.
But this year's balloting may create a unique problem for those
wanting to vote for chairman and for a local Democrat - they
can't do both. Voters can only vote in one primary and must choose
between a Republican ballot or a Democratic ballot. Those voting
a Democratic ballot will not be able to vote for county commission
chairman. Nor can those voting a Democratic ballot vote in a
Republican runoff should that be necessary. Runoff balloting
is slated for Aug. 8.
Two former county commissioners, Harold Fletcher and Tommy Stephenson,
will vie along with political newcomer Roy Grubbs for the chairman's
position. That position will be voted on county-wide. It is the
second time Fletcher and Stephenson have faced each other in
an election. In 1992, Stephenson beat Fletcher in a close race
for state representative.
In addition, four BOC district seats will be decided.
In the District 1 Jefferson area BOC race, three Republicans
face each other Tuesday. Travis Boles Sr., Felton Rainey and
Stacey Britt are all seeking the seat. The winner will face Democrat
Thomas H. Benton in November.
In District 2, Commerce area Democrats Sammy Thomason and Thomas
"Tommy" Ford are on the ballot Tuesday. The winner
will face Republican Don Blalock in November.
Four Republicans are seeking the District 3 North and West Jackson
area seat on the BOC ballot. They are Emil Beshara, Mark Tolbert,
Geraldine "Jerri" Smith and Edward "Chip"
Pritchett. The winner will face Democrat Fran Thomas in November.
Republicans Kenneth Bridges and Tony Beatty are seeking the District
4 South Jackson BOC seat. The winner will face Democrat Daniel
Sailors in November.
Voters will also be casting their vote in the sheriff and coroner
races. Incumbent sheriff Stan Evans (R) will face challenger
Charles Hayes on Tuesday. Glenda Coker and Steve Gary will be
on the Democrat ballot for sheriff.
In the coroner's race, incumbent Keith Whitfield will face Terry
L. Baxter in Tuesday's Democratic primary. The winner of that
race will face Sammy Qualls (R) in November.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
For those who will be unable to go to the polls on July 18, absentee
ballots are available. Those interested may go by the county
registrar's office at the Jackson County courthouse in Jefferson
and complete an application to vote absentee. Ballots must be
cast by the close of the business day on Monday, July 17.
Those who are homebound and can't come in to the office, may
call and ask the registrar to mail an application. Once approved,
the registrar can mail a ballot to the applicant's home.
At the polls on election day, voters must present one of several
forms of approved identification. A voter registration card is
not acceptable identification. Permitted ID includes: a valid
Georgia driver's license, valid state ID card, U.S. passport,
valid employee photo ID; valid photo student ID, hunting/fishing
license, gun permit, U.S. military ID, certified copy of birth
certificate, valid Social Security card, certified naturalization
documentation, certified copy of adoption or name/sex change.
There are 15,562 "active" voters registered in Jackson
County. To be classified as "active," a countian must
have voted in an election in the past three years. There are
almost 5,000 voters listed as "inactive" because they
haven't voted in the past three years. Both "active"
and "inactive" voters will be allowed to cast a ballot
in the primary.
See this week's Jackson Herald for more in-depth election
coverage.
County BOE sets
Aug. 9 work
session on attendance policy
An increasing number of requests from students living outside
the school district to attend county schools has led the Jackson
County Board of Education to take a closer look at its attendance
policy.
The BOE has tentatively planned a work session for 1 p.m. on
Wednesday, Aug. 9, to discuss its attendance policy.
At a work session last week, school officials said the BOE has
had problems in the past with out-of-system attendees. Superintendent
Andy Byers said some residents within the city systems have requested
to go to the county schools to participate in various programs
available there.
BOE member Ed Tolbert suggested "throwing" the policy
"out the window" and letting the students attend the
county schools.
But, Byers said there are some issues with adequate building
space and with choosing who gets admitted and who doesn't.
Tolbert said the system doesn't have the people to "police
this" and that it's "getting worse every day."
BOE member Jill Elliot said: "I hate to have a good system
and tell people they can't come."
She suggested an application process and suggested charging tuition.
However, the point was made that parents currently getting around
the system would attempt to get around paying tuition.
Byers said the issue would take a while to figure out and he
suggested setting up a day-long work session retreat during the
fall to revisit the policy.
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Jefferson BOE
sets tentative budget at $7.9 million
The Jefferson Board of Education reviewed a tentative fiscal
year 2001 general fund budget of $7.9 million Thursday afternoon,
with plans for the budget to lie on the table 30 days. The board
also approved a one-month spending resolution for operating expenses
until the budget is officially approved.
The 2001 budget of $7.9 million is up $1.2 million over last
year's $6.6 million general fund. Revenues for the new year include
an increase of $211,097 over last year in appropriations from
the city. The system will also see an increase of $1.3 million
in total QBE earnings.
Dr. John Jackson, superintendent, explained that new textbooks,
extra staff and raised salary contribute to increased expenditures,
particularly in the area of instruction, which saw the greatest
jump over last year. He pointed out that, per approval given
Thursday, the school system will be purchasing new textbooks
for elementary art and music, eighth grade Georgia history and
high school drama.
Also, the system is funding an additional half-time counselor
and full-time custodian for Jefferson Elementary School and a
half-time administrator for Jefferson Middle School. The budget
also includes a slight increase in pay for substitute teachers,
as well as as a salary increase for certified and non-certified
staff. Certified staff will see an eight percent increase in
the part of their salary that comes from a local supplement,
as well as a three percent increase in salary from state-based
funds. Non-certified staff will see a four percent salary increase.
Commerce BOE
To Fingerprint Staff
The Commerce School System has always required fingerprinting
and a criminal records check for its certified staff but, under
a new state requirement, as of July 1 the system will require
the same procedure for all its staff.
The Commerce Board of Education held a first reading of a policy
that enforces that requirement Monday night, after discussing
the matter at a work session Thursday.
All state school systems will be required to establish such a
policy.
At the proposal of Superintendent Larry White, the board agreed
to reimburse the $24 cost of the fingerprinting and background
check for the system's employees if they turn in a receipt.
White suggested that the system "get on a regular schedule,"
requiring staff to have the fingerprinting and records check
done every five years. Under the new plan, all new staff will
be required to undergo the check when they begin work, and teachers
submit to it when they get re-certification.
But White said he would like to see all staff get the information
updated on a regular, five-year basis.
He proposed to have the food service and custodial staff get
fingerprinting and a background check in 2001 and have the secretaries,
clerks, bus drivers and paraprofessionals get the procedure done
the next year. That would spread the cost of reimbursement out
some, he said.
The board will hold a second reading of the policy, which is
available for review for 30 days, at its August 14 meeting.
Water authority
commits $40,000
on land deal
The Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority voted unanimously
Thursday night to front $40,000 for the option to buy approximately
150 acres of land adjacent to the Jackson County Wastewater Treatment
plant.
The board will have 45 days to run tests on the land to determine
whether or not it will be suitable to use as spray or drip fields
for wastewater.
As part of the option to buy, the property owner will also conduct
a survey of the land to identify the wetland areas on the property.
According to engineer Bob Sutton Jr., wetlands make up approximately
40 acres of the property.
The board will meet with the Jackson County Board of Commissioners
before the option expires to decided whether to purchase the
land.
OTHER BUSINESS
At its meeting Thursday, the board also:
·learned the authority has begun making more documentation
of project work and is now using computers to track inventory
better.
·heard from engineer Charlie Armentrout that the raising
of the Center water tank the additional 30 feet needed to establish
pressure continuity in the system may not be feasible. Armentrout
was quick to point out that he did not want to make a recommendation
to the board until the full report on the project was completed.
·approved a list of charges for tampering with water authority
meter boxes.
·learned the authority will not have to buy more than
its contracted share of water from Athens-Clarke County.
·learned the authority still does not have Bear Creek
Reservoir water purchase agreements with Hoschton or Maysville.
The board agreed to send a letter to Maysville giving them until
the end of September to act on a draft of the agreement.
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