Politics – Page 15 – Sightseers' Delight

Georgia voters say yes to charter schools, Romney

November 7, 2012 Todd DeFeo

ATLANTA — Georgia voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the state constitution that gives a state commission the power to authorize public charter schools upon the request of communities. Under the amendment, which appeared headed toward approval with more than 58 percent of voters casting ballots in favor of the measure, the State Charter Schools Commission would have the power to review charter school petitions and “ensure that charter schools are consistent with state

‘Black market tobacco sales create unfair competition’

March 16, 2012 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives last week passed a measure aimed at decreasing the sales of so-called “black market” cigarettes and cigars in Georgia. HB 1071, sponsored by state Rep. Penny Houston, R-Nashville, eliminates the lifetime license for retail sales of tobacco. Instead, the measure would, if signed into law, create a one-year license for tobacco merchants. The measure, which is now in the state Senate, would set penalties for tobacco illegally brought

Campaign signs? Election season is here

November 8, 2011 Todd DeFeo

They appear every election season – in front yards, on street corners and in abandoned lots: campaign signs.

State lawmakers return next week for special session

August 12, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State lawmakers will return to the Gold Dome on Monday as part of a special session primarily aimed at finalizing new districts for the state House and Senate and congressional districts. Georgia is gaining a 14th seat in Congress following last year’s Census. Other items on the docket for the special session include “technical changes” — as Gov. Nathan Deal’s office put it in a news release — to next year’s TSPLOST referendum and

Deal officially calls for special session

August 10, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal, joined by House Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, today issued the call for the 2011 special legislative session. The special session is set to convene at 10 a.m. on Monday, and will include redistricting of the Georgia House and Senate and congressional districts, technical changes to next year’s TSPLOST referendum and ratifying the governor’s gas tax rate freeze.

State committee to review open records law

August 5, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — The state House Judiciary Committee is set to discuss proposed changes to the Georgia’s open records and meetings laws, Attorney General Sam Olens said this morning. The committee will be meeting Aug. 30 to discuss House Bill 397, which was introduced late in this year’s legislative session. The committee will meet at the end of a special session to draw new Congressional district maps as part of this year’s redistricting process. According to

Rep. Bobby Franklin dies

July 26, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA — State Rep. Bobby Franklin, a vocal Republican from Cobb County has died, ajc.com reported. “I was shocked and saddened to hear of Rep. Bobby Franklin’s death,” Gov. Nathan Deal said in a statement. “Bobby served the people of Georgia as a representative from Cobb County for nearly 15 years, and he never wavered in his conviction to his principles. “He staunchly defended our Second Amendment rights, and he passionately promoted the sanctity of

NE Ga. voters return to polls Tuesday

July 18, 2011 Express Telegraph

WATKINSVILLE — Voters in District 113 will return to the polls Tuesday to elect a new state representative. The new General Assembly member will replace Hank Huckaby, R-Watkinsville, who stepped down to become chancellor of the University System of Georgia. The July 19 election is non-partisan, but features a Republican and a Democrat in a district that leans right. Following the June 21 election, Republican Chuck Williams and Democrat Dan Matthews, both of Watkinsville, emerged

State Sen.: Build trust, remove Ga. 400 toll

June 16, 2011 Express Telegraph

Permanently removing the toll on Ga. Highway 400 could inspire trust among motorists who must endure another decade of the toll, a state senator from North Fulton contends.

Lawmaker: No ‘nontax fees’ on tax bills

February 24, 2011 Express Telegraph

ATLANTA – A state lawmaker wants to ban “nontax fees” from appearing on property tax bills. Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, introduced HB 291, which would ban the non tax fees, such as waste removal and storm water fees, from appearing on tax bills. Harrell estimates 15-20 percent of some people’s tax bills come from nontax fees. “Too often citizens across Georgia experience increased property tax bills, higher month mortgage payments, and in some cases even