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Welcome to the
Fayette
Front Page... a better side of news for the citizens of Fayette County!
First to bring you complete daily community news you can use. Enjoy some
of the best news in the county and the state of Georgia!
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand
fibers connect us with our fellow-men; and along those fibers, as
sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as
effects.
- Henry Melville
The
Fayette Front Page offers a FREE page to all non-profits!
Visit the
Directory to see
more civic groups and non-profits. If you'd like to add your
non-profit organizations information to the site please
send us an email!
Six essential qualities that
are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy,
wisdom, charity. - William Menninger
Keep up with all the election
news! Republican and Democratic candidate information, links, press
releases, news and commentary. Currently focusing on the Presidential races.
All candidates for office receive a FREE page on the Fayette Front
Page. Throughout the election cycle we'll be talking with candidates
and posting short chats on our
You Tube
page. We'll also be filming debates and various events to post on
the site.
During our first talk with each candidate we're letting them control
the microphone and tell us pretty much whatever they'd like. As we get
closer and closer to decision time we'll be asking specific questions
from you, our readers.
Send us your questions and we'll do our best to get the answers
for you!
All current elected officials in Fayette County have an open invitation to submit
information, to write a regular column or to simply add this site to their
press release distribution list.
Please send questions or just start sending your words!
2/5/08 Fayette
County voters take pride in the fact that voter turnout is typically higher than
most other counties in Georgia. One of the reasons may simply be that we teach
our children patriotism and civic responsibility beginning at an early age.
16-month-old Vivian Frances Sweatt
showed her patriotic spirit and enthusiasm when she accompanied Mom, Dana,
to vote earlier today. This was Vivian's first trip to vote!
The adorable toddler, decked out in
patriotic colors, definitely brightened up the day for everyone at the precinct
- and she gives us hope for a bright future!
Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I
hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst
fears; to your confidence rather than your doubts. My dream is that
you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding your steps
and opportunity's arm steadying your way. - President Ronald Reagan
Westmoreland Pushes for English-only
7/19/07 U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today offered legislation
that requires all federal financial aid forms be completed in English...
More
3/9/07 -Watch the
March 7th County Commission Meeting(We didn't
film it all, but it's still close to three hours long. If you read the
various stories you'll be able to pull up individual snippets of the film rather than
wading through the entire video!)
Georgians
pessimistic about eliminating poverty
6/28/07 Georgians see poverty as an intractable problem; more
than half of all Georgians (54 percent) believe that current programs to
address poverty are making no difference. Additionally, 51 percent say that
even if government were willing to spend whatever it thought was necessary,
the task of ending poverty could not be accomplished....
Congress Mulls Revoking Pensions for Disgraced Members
6/23/07 (CNSNews.com) - If Rep. William
Jefferson (D-La.) is convicted in a federal bribery and corruption
scandal, he will still enjoy a taxpayer-supported congressional
pension of $53,000 a year. That's less than the up to $64,000 received
each year by former Rep. Randy Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.), who is now
serving a federal prison term for bribery, conspiracy, mail and wire
fraud and tax evasion...
The best reason I can think of for not running for president of the
United States is that you have to shave twice a day.- Adlai
Stevenson
6/28/09 U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the
following statement regarding defeat of the immigration reform bill being
considered by the U.S. Senate. Chambliss voted “no” on a procedural motion
requiring 60 votes to cut off debate on the bill. The motion failed by a vote
of 46-53...
8/3/08 (8:10 p.m.) As the Democrats gaveled the House to a
close today for a five-week recess and turned off the microphones, U.S.
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland took to the floor and began speaking to tourists in
the House... More
7/22/08 (JMac Politics) Last night the School Board met to discuss
the possibility of asking voters to agree to a once-cent tax hike to
pay for what appears to be much-needed improvements and items for our
students. I listened as various department heads and staff explained
each of the items listed on the proposal...
More
5/20/08 (4:41 p.m.) The campaign season is in full swing,
with only seven weeks left until the people of Fayette County choose their
next Sheriff. People understand the important role the Sheriff plays in
the county, and there is a great deal of interest, and even excitement,
surrounding this particular race...
More
5/6/08 (11:17 p.m.) Veteran Prosecutor Rudjard Hayes qualified at the
State Capitol last week to challenge incumbent Griffin Judicial Circuit
District Attorney Scott Ballard in the Republican Primary on July 15,
2008. The Griffin Judicial Circuit...
More
Georgia Speaker Richardson Talks to Fayette GOP on
Education, Taxes, Transportation and More
5/9/08 Speaker Glenn Richardson spoke to a packed room
at IHOP, Fayetteville earlier this month. We filmed the entire talk he
gave to Fayette County Republicans and highly recommend watching 2, 3, &
4 of the series. The first is interesting, but it serves more to frame
the remainder of his talk. Richardson touches on education,
transportation, water, taxes and more. We've also included
Representative Matt Ramsey's introduction of Richardson as a stand-alone
video.
5/5/08 (9:19 a.m.) On May 2, 2008 former
Republican Commissioner, Linda Wells qualified to run for the position
of Tax Commissioner. Asked about her reasons for running, Ms.
Wells said there are several reasons for returning to public
service... More
5/2/08 (11:51 a.m.) The local elections, which already promised to be
interesting to say the least, heated up a notch or two today. First, Robert
(Bob) Fuhrman came into Fayette County Republican headquarters to qualify...
More
5/2/08 (4:51 p.m.) Greg Dunn announced today that he will
be a candidate for election to Post 1, Fayette County Board of
Commissioners. He stated, “After considerable observation and analysis of
the Board’s actions over the last 1 ½ years, and...
More
5/2/08 My name is Ann Jackson and on July 15, 2008 I am
seeking your nomination as the Republican candidate for the next Fayette
County Probate Judge. Why should you vote for me?...
More
5/2/08 (3:22 p.m.)
On Monday, April
28, 2008, David Simmons, CPP, former Deputy Chief of Police Detroit Police
Department (Retired), qualified to run for the 2008 Republican nomination
for Fayette County Sheriff... More
5/2/08 (Blogpost) Over the last twenty-five years our
County has seen explosive growth, with our population multiplying close to
five times in that time frame. Our population growth has partly been a
product of our close proximity to Atlanta and the airport, however, the
quality of life in our...
More
3/12/08 (Blogpost) Deputy Secretary of State Rob Simms today
testified on Georgia’s photo identification requirement for in-person voting
before the U.S. Senate Rules and Administration Committee. Deputy Secretary
Simms appeared before the Committee at the request of Chairwoman...
More
3/8/08 (Blogpost) THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This
week, I addressed the Department of Homeland Security on its fifth
anniversary and thanked the men and women who work tirelessly to keep us
safe. Because of...
More
3/7/08 (Blogpost)
As we enter March, our work at the Capitol continues. While we did many
good things this week, I was disappointed when the largest tax cut in
the history of the state failed by ten votes to receive the necessary
two-thirds vote to be placed
3/1/08 (Blogpost) We have completed 26 days of the 2008
session and Senate committees have been working late into the evening, as we
try to pass as many Senate bills as possible by the 30th legislative day,
which is otherwise known as “Crossover Day.”...
More
2/29/08 (Blogpost) The House convened this week on Tuesday, February
26th, for the 23rd day of our 40 day legislative session. On the
floor, we adopted legislation addressing our continued transportation
funding problems, education and local school boards and an adoption
tax...
More
2/18/08 (9:00 p.m.) I was disturbed to learn that my
colleague in the General Assembly, Virgil Fludd, is once again
attempting to change the way our County Commission is elected in Fayette
County through the use of “Local Legislation” in the State House...
More
Voting at an Early Age and Lovin' It!
2/5/08 Fayette
County voters take pride in the fact that voter turnout is typically higher than
most other counties in Georgia. One of the reasons may simply be that we teach
our children patriotism and civic responsibility beginning at an early age...
More
1/30/08 (9:39 p.m.) This is the time of year when your state
and local governments and school systems work out their budgets. When they
establish their budgets, they also create the need for the taxes that pay for
those budgets... More
The state had an approximate 44% voter turnout,
numbers we haven't seen in decades.
2/7/08 Mitt Romney suspends his
candidacy. Check out
JMac Politics
for a copy of his speech to CPAC (along with John McCain's speech to the same
group).
1/19/08:
Duncan Hunter Bows Out of
Republican Presidential Race
McCain wins South Carolina
Mitt Romney wins Nevada Caucus
Hillary Clinton wins Nevada Caucus
Four Qualify
to Run for Georgia House Seat 72
11/21/07 12:01 p.m. It's official. Heidi Becker (R), Steve Brown (R), Kevin
Madden (D) and Matt Ramsey (R) will compete for the seat vacated by Rep. Dan
Lakly's untimely death.
Official Release from Secretary of
State
10/19/07 Saying he was the “best-qualified”
the Fayette County Commission voted unanimously to hire McDonough City Attorney
Scott Bennett as the new in-house county... More
Speaker of the House
Glenn Richardson Announces BRIDGE Program
8/17/07 Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) announced
recently that he and Representative Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) are sponsoring
legislation that will create the BRIDGE program in Georgia’s high schools.
BRIDGE stands for Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop...
More
Nevada Gives Youth a Voice By Jan Goehring
8/6/07
In order to engage young people with legislators and to
give them an authentic voice in the democratic process, the Nevada Legislature
has created the
Youth Legislative Issues Forum. The legislation creates a 21-member group
of students in grades 9 - 12...
More
Politics: Fayette County & Beyond: Bloggers, Newspapers, Bias VS Facts
8/1/07 I rarely read the blogs on the local newspaper site. Seems
to me a lot of people with axes to grind (some of them pretty strange
axes) and very little real factual (or even vaguely correct) information
like to spout off about every and anything. How do they find the time?
Better yet, why do they make the time?...
More
Former County Commission Chair Price:
Fears Defined Benefit
Retirement Plan Would Be Financial Disaster for County
8/1/07 I feel compelled to respond to the article about the study
committee the County Commission has appointed to consider an additional
retirement plan know as a “defined benefit”. Former County Commissioner
Burrell is credited with startling statements that, if acted upon, I fear would
be a financial disaster for Fayette County taxpayers...
More
7/13/07 (Audio included) Three former County Chairman
attended the July 12th County Commission meeting to speak for themselves and
three others who could not be in attendance. Former County Commission Chairs
Greg Dunn, Harold Bost and George Patton spoke to the current Board...
Chambliss,
Isakson Continue to Urge Commitment to Border Security
7/13/07 U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) and Johnny
Isakson (R-Ga.) this week sent a follow-up letter to President Bush urging him
to send an emergency supplemental spending bill to Congress to fund border
security...
Westmoreland:
Democrats twisting arms, breaking rules 6/28/07 Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland called
out House Democrats on the floor for breaking their own rules, after
their leadership held open a vote past the allotted time to twist arms
and change the outcome of a vote...
Isakson Urges
Swift Action on Border Security, Renews Call for Emergency
Supplemental to Secure U.S. Border ‘It Is
Clear We Have a Crisis in Confidence’ 6/28/07 U.S. Senator Johnny
Isakson (R-Ga.) today said the President and Congress must commit to
securing the border as the first step of immigration reform, and he renewed
his call to secure the border by using a supplemental spending bill to fully
fund the manpower and technology necessary to do so....
Secretary
Handel Certifies June 19 Election Results
6/25/07 Secretary of State Karen Handel today certified
the election results for the June 19 special election in the Tenth
Congressional District and State Senate District 24....
Letter:
Commissioner Peter
Pfeifer Weighs in on County Attorney 6/25/07 Let’s discuss the County Attorney. There is an effort, by
some, to replace our current County Attorney, McNally, Fox & Grant,
with an “in-house” Attorney....
Long time member of the
Georgia Federation of Republican Women, Ora Jean Gunnin with
Angela Bean, most recent member, at a recent fund raising event for
the Fayette chapter. More
7/25/08 (7:31 a.m.) The bridge safety bill that passed the
House 7/24/08 includes a Westmoreland provision that creates a $5 million
pilot program to fund technologies that constantly monitor bridges for
warning signs of danger...
More
7/19/08 (GFP) U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., took to the Senate floor
today in his continued effort to highlight Georgians’ concerns over rising gas
prices and to urge Congress to take steps to address the energy crisis...
More
Watch the Metro Kiwanis Political Forum, Candidates for Sheriff
7/2/08 (4:07 p.m.) Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel reminds all voters
participating in the upcoming General Primary Election that in-person advance
voting will begin Monday, July 7 and end Friday, July 11...
More
6/18/08 (4:33 p.m.) As we all know and feel there is a
downward force on our economy. Housing values, sales of goods and services
are in a downward trend. Along with this economic downward pressure is the
rising cost of energy... More
6/16/08 (5:56 p.m.) I read last week’s Letter to the
Editor by Rick Williams attacking his opponent John Yates and felt
immediately bound to respond. First, let me immediately set the record
straight regarding...
More
6/16/08 (4:52 p.m.) In the last several weeks, a local
newspaper reported on the changing cultural diversity of Fayette County. In
the May 21, 2008, a local newspaper reported that 13,720 new residents moved
to Fayette County between 2001...
More
5/23/08 (5:51 p.m.) U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and
Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today praised passage of a Sense-of-the-Senate
resolution urging federal agencies to conserve fuel at a time when
rising gas prices are significantly affecting the American economy and...
More
5/8/08 (Blogpost) The Georgia Department of Transportation is
cautioning state political candidates and campaigns to make certain
roadside signs are not placed in rights of way. Those that are will be
removed by Georgia DOT maintenance crews. “Georgia law stipulates that
the Department is required to maintain a safe roadway for the
traveling public, which includes the immediate removal of any
obstruction or hazard that may pose a threat to the traveling public,”
said Georgia DOT District Engineer Thomas Howell...
More
4/30/08 Republican
Stuart Kourajian qualified today for the Post 3 Fayette
County Commissioner position. Kourajian served Peachtree
City for one term on the City Council and opted to forego
running for another term in order to run for the County
Commissioner position... More
4/23/08 In coffee shops, diners, and community
meetings, much has been debated about the 2008 Georgia General
Assembly session that concluded two week ago. Some have
criticized, some have ballyhooed, some jumped for joy, while
others registered...
More
4/17/08 (Blogpost) May 17 - 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.; The
Barbeque : The Barbeque will be served, on site, at the Fayette
Shrine Club, Fayetteville by A. K. “Kenny” Melear. Legend has it
that Melear has been making barbeque since right after he saw...
More
3/21/08 (Blogpost) Today Governor Sonny Perdue signed
into law HB 989, the Amended FY08 budget, and exercised his line-item
veto authority to eliminate non-critical spending. Pointing to a
softening economy and slowing revenue figures, Governor Perdue expressed
concern that this budget exceeds his revised...
More
3/11/08 (Blogpost) The Senate was preparing for
Crossover Day this week, which is the last day we can pass a Senate Bill
over to the House. Last year, there were more than 60 bills on the
Senate calendar for Day 30, which makes for quite a...
More
3/10/08 (Blogpost) The Georgia General Assembly has
completed twenty-nine days of the 2008 Georgia General Assembly session
and “Day 30” which is “Crossover Day” will be Tuesday, March 11. As I
discussed last week...
More
3/7/08 (Blogpost) PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council for
Quality Respiratory Care (CQRC) -- a coalition of the 12 leading home oxygen
therapy providers and manufacturers who provide...
More
3/2/08 (Blogpost)
Next week taxes, certificate of need and lobbyists; We have completed
twenty-six days of the 2008 Georgia General Assembly session and we
are quickly approaching “Day 30” which is “Crossover Day.”
Crossover day is the last day that the House or Senate...
More
Hello, my name is Thomas Mindar and I am a candidate for
Sheriff of Fayette County. First, after much thought and prayer and with
the overwhelming support of my colleagues at the department and friends here
in the community, I have decided to honorably run for Sheriff...
More
2/12/08 (2:37 p.m.)
Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today certified
the elections results for the February 5 Presidential Preference Primary...
More
2/6/08 (1:34 p.m.) Secretary of State Karen Handel today
announced that Georgia voters participated in record numbers in the February 5
Presidential Preference...
More
2/4/08 (10:33 p.m.) Secretary of State Karen Handel
announced today voter turnout figures from the Georgia Presidential
Preference Primary advance voting week. Voters were able to cast...
More
Romney Wins Michigan; Clinton also
wins although none of the delegates will be awarded. To keep up with national
elections visit our political blogs.
Secretary Handel Files Amicus
Brief in Voter ID Case with U.S. Supreme Court
12/11/07 (11:42 p.m.) Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel
today announced that her office has filed a brief of amicus curiae in support of
Indiana’s photo ID voting requirement in the Indiana Democratic Party v. Rokita
case currently pending...
More
12/10/07 (6:44 p.m.) Monday over 100 supporters gathered at All
Children’s Park in Peachtree City and off the square in Fayetteville to listen
to former Congressman Mac Collins and former Delta Airlines President Hollis
Harris... More
Georgia Gang's Phil
Kent to Speak to Republicans
Phil Kent will be the guest speaker for the Fayette County Republican's First
Saturday Breakfast. Kent heads his own communications company, is a veteran
Georgia journalist, a former press secretary to a U.S. senator, one-time
president of a constitutional public interest law firm, a public speaker and
author. Writing is his passion and hobby. He will be speaking to the Fayette
County group about his latest book, “Foundations
of Betrayal: How the Liberal $uper-Rich Undermine America.” His thesis: the
awesome power of unaccountable, tax-exempt, left wing foundations has grown to
the point of becoming virtually a shadow government operation in America. Dec.
1st, 9 a.m., 8:30 if breakfast is desired, International House of Pancakes,
Fayetteville.
Mac Collins and Hollis Harris to
Co-Chair Ramsey for General Assembly
11/14/07 (10:51 p.m.) Former United States Congressman Mac Collins and former
Delta Air Lines President Hollis Harris announced that they will serve
as co-chairmen of Matt Ramsey's campaign for the Georgia House of
Representatives. Ramsey, a Fayette County attorney, is running in the
special election to fill the seat held by the late Dan Lakly...
More
Westmoreland: ‘Put poor kids
first’
10/18/07 U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today voted to uphold
President Bush’s veto of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program...
More
Governor Mitt Romney Announces
Georgia Statewide Coalitions
10/18/07 Governor Mitt Romney has expanded his base of political
support today with the announcement of four newly-formed Georgia statewide
coalitions. These coalitions include Hispanics for Mitt, Veterans for Mitt,
Women for Mitt and Young Professionals...
More
U.S. Senator John McCain issued the following statement on
MoveOn.org's ad appearing in The New York Times today: 9/10/07 "In today's New York Times, the
anti-war group MoveOn.org launched a McCarthyite attack on an American patriot
and our commander in Iraq, General David Petraeus. This is a man who has devoted
his life in service to our nation and has defended America in many battles over
many years. Now he is the target of a despicable attack in one our nation's most
visible newspapers. No matter where you stand on the war, we should all agree on
the character and decency of this exceptional American. I would hope that the
Democratic Congressional leadership and Democratic presidential candidates would
also join me in publicly condemning this kind of political attack ad and the
organization responsible for it in the strongest terms possible."
Secretary Handel
Reminds Voters to Bring Photo ID to Early Vote in Person
9/7/07 Secretary of State Karen Handel reminds voters
participating in the September 18 elections that early voting will begin Monday,
September 10, and voters will be required to show photo identification when they
vote in person. Early voting will end Friday, September 14...
More
Proposed
Redistricting Stirs Up a Storm
8/23/07 The redistricting of Fayette County's voting precincts is
once again stirring up a storm. At the County Commission's retreat held at
Callaway Gardens earlier this month Commissioner Herb Frady presented the Board
with a redistricting map. He said he had already presented his version of the
re-drawn lines to the Georgia Reapportionment Services Office and they had
suggested one fairly minor change...
More
Commissioner Opts
for Local, Open, Accessible Retreat
8/6/07 The Fayette County Commission has chosen to meet, for a
Retreat, in Callaway Gardens. We will meet Tuesday evening, August 7th,
and Wednesday, August 8th. I have attended other Commission Retreats
in the past and they were all held here in the County...
More
Politics: Fayette County & Beyond:
Seven Fayette County Commission Chairman have spoken out... It's time to
wake-up!
7/30/07 Seven, yes SEVEN,
former Fayette County Commission Chairman have now voiced their opposition to
actions of the current Board of Commissioners. That is unprecedented in the
history of this county, and perhaps in any county in Georgia or the United
States...
More
Former County Commission Chair Chuck Watkins
Resigns from the Fayette County Water Committee 7/25/07 Chuck Watkins, the Chairman of the County's
Water Committee and a former County Commission Chairman has resigned from the
Water Committee. His resignation follows that of former County Chairman George
Patton last week from the same Committee. Both pointed to the current Board's
firing of County Attorney Bill McNally as one of the main reasons for choosing
to resign their positions.
A total of seven past County Chairmen have now spoken out in
protest regarding the current Board's actions. (Dunn, Bost, Price, Wallace,
Patton, Watkins & Barronton)
A shocking crime was committed on the unscrupulous
initiative of few individuals, with the blessing of more, and amid the passive
acquiescence of all. - Tacitus
Congress Passes Amendment Ending Race Preferences in Federal Contracting
7/26/07 /Standard Newswire/ In a stunning move Congress finally showed that, at
least on the issues of fairness and equality, they are in touch with the will of
the people. Last night, Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Michigan) introduced an
amendment to the department of transportation's appropriations bill that would
eliminate funding for programs that give preference based on...
More
Fayette County
FairTax Supporters Travel to South Carolina
A contingency of Fayette County FairTax supporters got up at
the crack of dawn to travel to Columbia, South Carolina to have lunch with
potential (probable) presidential candidate, Fred Thompson...
Watchdog
Group Names Rep. Westmoreland a “Taxpayer Hero” 7/10/07 The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today
honored Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) as a Taxpayer Hero for scoring 93
percent on its
2006 Congressional Ratings. The average for the entire House hit a new
low at 29 percent, making Rep. Westmoreland’s achievement that much more
impressive...
Read the FBI Watergate Files
6/19/07 The FBI investigated the break-in of the Democratic National
Committee Headquarters (DNCH) that occurred on June 17, 1972, at the
Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. A security guard discovered
evidence of illegal activity and the hidden electronic listening
devices in the conference room area of the DNCH, which violated the
Federal Interception of Communications Law. The ensuing investigation
led to the Executive branch cover-up of the crime and, ultimately, to
the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon on August 9, 1974.
Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want and
deserve to get it good and hard. - H. L. Mencken
Creative semantics is the key to contemporary government; it consists of
talking in strange tongues lest the public learn the inevitable inconveniently
early. - George Will
Genuine politics -- even politics worthy of the name -- the only politics
I am willing to devote myself to -- is simply a matter of serving those around
us: serving the community and serving those who will come after us. Its deepest
roots are moral because it is a responsibility expressed through action, to and
for the whole. - Vaclav Havel
Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has
lost its status. - Laurence J. Peter
Politics is war conducted by other means. - David Horowitz, The Art of
Political War.
