Paulding: The race is on for DA, State Senate and GA House

[rbpls]

I didn't say HE was arrogant.

 

 

 

 

So, he works part-time. So, the SOS website is correct, he's a student.

 

While I don't agree with Newt's personal choices, you obviously haven't read much from him lately.

 

As someone who associated with Newt G (we were both at West Georgia College in the 70s,) talked with him on numerous occasions and listened to him pontificate then and later on throught the years, followed his career, read things he wrote, etc etc, yes I definitely say that Will is a quicker study than Newt. It is ignorant or delusional thinking that labels one smart or dumb based on party affiliation. I've known and supported bright and honest Republicans and Democrats. There are certainly very uninformed and misinformed people who vote party line line for BOTH parties. But, they are the doofy ones who are hurting our country right now. It is just such low brow behavior (from supporters of both major parties) that put us in the pickle we are in. This type of government doesn't work well if people use flawed logic (voting party line) and refuse to be informed. What has happened to critical thinking?

 

The situation we have right now is every bit as bad as when only a Democrat could win. And yes, Will Avery is not just a more honest and ethical human being than Newt Gingrich, he is also smarter and more industriuous.

 

His teaching job at University of West Georgia is connected to his studies primarily in that he is working his way through graduate school. He is not just grading papers for the professor, etc.

[surepip]

You would be wrong.

 

How so?

[NewsJunky]

How so?

 

There were quite a few conservatives/moderates who bought into the Obama "Hope and Change" line! I think that election proved you wrong. I would not take the chance of voting for a Democrat to help Obama move his agenda forward right now. I doubt some of the folks who did would do it again. I might vote for a Libertarian or Independent who had a platform I could agree with. At this point in time, with the group of candidates who have qualified, there is no way I would give my vote to anyone in the same party with Obama. At the same time I would vote to oust some incumbents in the primary if there were a challenger.

[surepip]

There were quite a few conservatives/moderates who bought into the Obama "Hope and Change" line! I think that election proved you wrong. I would not take the chance of voting for a Democrat to help Obama move his agenda forward right now. I doubt some of the folks who did would do it again. I might vote for a Libertarian or Independent who had a platform I could agree with. At this point in time, with the group of candidates who have qualified, there is no way I would give my vote to anyone in the same party with Obama. At the same time I would vote to oust some incumbents in the primary if there were a challenger.

 

So how would I be wrong?

 

I said the Posse would not vote for anyone with a "D" next to their name, and you even agreed, reiterating you would not vote for a Dem no matter what.

[Beach Bum]

So how would I be wrong?

 

I said the Posse would not vote for anyone with a "D" next to their name, and you even agreed, reiterating you would not vote for a Dem no matter what.

 

I'm sorry - I may have missed it as I am nearing the big "50" and my eyesight is not what is used to be. Can you direct me to the post in which NewsJunky said she (and I quote you)"would not vote for a Dem no matter what"? Maybe its there and I just don't see it - I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

[NewsJunky]

So how would I be wrong?

 

I said the Posse would not vote for anyone with a "D" next to their name, and you even agreed, reiterating you would not vote for a Dem no matter what.

 

 

I have to admit I might have if the correct candidate had qualified. I would not for the ones who did. I hope that clears it up for you.

[surepip]

I'm sorry - I may have missed it as I am nearing the big "50" and my eyesight is not what is used to be. Can you direct me to the post in which NewsJunky said she (and I quote you)"would not vote for a Dem no matter what"? Maybe its there and I just don't see it - I will give you the benefit of the doubt.

 

 

Here you go:

 

There were quite a few conservatives/moderates who bought into the Obama "Hope and Change" line! I think that election proved you wrong. I would not take the chance of voting for a Democrat to help Obama move his agenda forward right now. I doubt some of the folks who did would do it again. I might vote for a Libertarian or Independent who had a platform I could agree with. At this point in time, with the group of candidates who have qualified, there is no way I would give my vote to anyone in the same party with Obama. At the same time I would vote to oust some incumbents in the primary if there were a challenger.

 

Nuff said ?

 

You never know. This Will Avery may be smart enough to have realized with the uphill battle he has as a newcomer, to run as a Dem, with no opposition, relieves him of any big deal in the primaries. He can simply concentrate on November, get his name and message out there, and hope there are enough voters who do not care if it is an "R" or a "D", and come up smelling like roses.

 

Look what the "R"s have fielded. Can you pick someone you want to represent you out of the 3?

[Beach Bum]

Here you go:

 

There were quite a few conservatives/moderates who bought into the Obama "Hope and Change" line! I think that election proved you wrong. I would not take the chance of voting for a Democrat to help Obama move his agenda forward right now. I doubt some of the folks who did would do it again. I might vote for a Libertarian or Independent who had a platform I could agree with. At this point in time, with the group of candidates who have qualified, there is no way I would give my vote to anyone in the same party with Obama. At the same time I would vote to oust some incumbents in the primary if there were a challenger. /quote]

 

Nuff said ?

 

You never know. This Will Avery may be smart enough to have realized with the uphill battle he has as a newcomer, to run as a Dem, with no opposition, relieves him of any big deal in the primaries. He can simply concentrate on November, get his name and message out there, and hope there are enough voters who do not care if it is an "R" or a "D", and come up smelling like roses.

 

Look what the "R"s have fielded. Can you pick someone you want to represent you out of the 3?

 

While I believe you might have twisted her words a bit, I appreciate your posting this - please note, your words were not her exact words and I certainly understand her reasoning in not supporting anyone that is associated with Obama. That would be foolish in light of what is going on in today's politics (my humble opinion of course and quote me all you like).

 

And on another note, my vote is none of your business. You might try tending to your own life for a while....

[surepip]

ame='surepip' date='01 May 2010 - 06:29 PM' timestamp='1272752960' post='3147986']

Here you go:

 

 

 

While I believe you might have twisted her words a bit, I appreciate your posting this - please note, your words were not her exact words and I certainly understand her reasoning in not supporting anyone that is associated with Obama. That would be foolish in light of what is going on in today's politics (my humble opinion of course and quote me all you like).

 

And on another note, my vote is none of your business. You might try tending to your own life for a while....

 

BB, you are the one twisting the words.

 

She did not say "associated with Obama"....those were your words.

 

 

She said "In the same party with Obama". Now, I may not be a rocket scientist, but Obama is a Dem. So by saying anyone in the same party with Obama translates for me, "Any Democrat", which is exactly what I said in the first place.

 

And I personnally am incredulous that someone would indeed knowingly vote for a sub-standard candidate purely because they are a Republican and NOT vote for a Democrat who might well be the better candidate, just because the chose to put that "D" by their name.

 

But then again, I don't participate in partisan politics. I vote for a Republican because I think he or she is a good candidate. I vote for a Democrat for the same reason. Only now, if they are a Republican I am much more likely to want to dig into who they really are because I have been fooled so many times. You can use Mr Stout as a classic example.

[NewsJunky]

Here you go:

 

There were quite a few conservatives/moderates who bought into the Obama "Hope and Change" line! I think that election proved you wrong. I would not take the chance of voting for a Democrat to help Obama move his agenda forward right now. I doubt some of the folks who did would do it again. I might vote for a Libertarian or Independent who had a platform I could agree with. At this point in time, with the group of candidates who have qualified, there is no way I would give my vote to anyone in the same party with Obama. At the same time I would vote to oust some incumbents in the primary if there were a challenger. /quote]

 

Nuff said ?

 

You never know. This Will Avery may be smart enough to have realized with the uphill battle he has as a newcomer, to run as a Dem, with no opposition, relieves him of any big deal in the primaries. He can simply concentrate on November, get his name and message out there, and hope there are enough voters who do not care if it is an "R" or a "D", and come up smelling like roses.

 

Look what the "R"s have fielded. Can you pick someone you want to represent you out of the 3?

 

 

In case you missed the above post:

 

NewsJunky

Posted Today, 05:54 PM

I have to admit I might have if the correct candidate had qualified. I would not for the ones who did. I hope that clears it up for you.

 

 

 

 

 

[dlstout]

Just a quick clarification for those of you who care...

 

- My campaign in the special election was about Transparency, Accessibility, and Accountability.

- I said I would vote for smaller government, lower taxes, 2nd amendment rights, and defend life for all Georgians.

- I held to those commitments during my term, voting against the several tax increases brought before the house, voting against bigger government, and voting for and helping pass 2nd amendment legislation. The "Pro-Life issue" did not come before the House.

- I provided a clear picture the issues I would support, the voters elected me, and I followed through (even when pressured to do the opposite).

- I fully respect your right to speak, run, or vote against me for any reason.

- I hope and believe that when the voters of Paulding have their say, a candidate who represents the wishes of the people will be elected. I hope that person is me, but I will provide encouragement and respect to whomever the person may be. We really have a great county here, and the future of the county will be determined by we-the-people, which is why I expect it to be a bright future.

 

If you have questions about the session, or would like to discuss an issue in general, feel free to contact me.

 

770-655-7750

 

Respectfully,

Daniel Stout

[NewsJunky]

How so?

 

 

Just to clarify for you surepip, I would vote for Zell Miller if he was running on the (D) ticket. He would not vote for Obama and would fight against his agenda. He was one of the real Democrats of the past. I think that party has been high jacked by the progressives, socialists, and communists. I want nothing to do with their agendas I have been watching the riots in Athens Greece this morning. They are horrible. People who are used to the government supplying their needs are out of work or suffering pay cuts and they are burning and killing. It is horrible. I say no thanks to those who wish to bring that kind of government to America. We must elect people who believe in our Constitution and are willing to preserve it. This goes for offices that are to be filled locally. I think every office and the person who holds it can be very important given the right circumstance, crucial in some cases.

 

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/05/greek-unions-hold-general-strike-plan-rallies-protest-new-deep-spending-cuts-1081338175/

[NewsJunky]

Just a quick clarification for those of you who care...

 

- My campaign in the special election was about Transparency, Accessibility, and Accountability.

- I said I would vote for smaller government, lower taxes, 2nd amendment rights, and defend life for all Georgians.

- I held to those commitments during my term, voting against the several tax increases brought before the house, voting against bigger government, and voting for and helping pass 2nd amendment legislation. The "Pro-Life issue" did not come before the House.

- I provided a clear picture the issues I would support, the voters elected me, and I followed through (even when pressured to do the opposite).

- I fully respect your right to speak, run, or vote against me for any reason.

- I hope and believe that when the voters of Paulding have their say, a candidate who represents the wishes of the people will be elected. I hope that person is me, but I will provide encouragement and respect to whomever the person may be. We really have a great county here, and the future of the county will be determined by we-the-people, which is why I expect it to be a bright future.

 

If you have questions about the session, or would like to discuss an issue in general, feel free to contact me.

 

770-655-7750

 

Respectfully,

Daniel Stout

 

Thank you for being willing to talk to the people. I am sure they will have a lot of questions and don't be surprised if they are personal.

[Cabe]

Just a quick clarification for those of you who care...

 

- My campaign in the special election was about Transparency, Accessibility, and Accountability.

- I said I would vote for smaller government, lower taxes, 2nd amendment rights, and defend life for all Georgians.

- I held to those commitments during my term, voting against the several tax increases brought before the house, voting against bigger government, and voting for and helping pass 2nd amendment legislation. The "Pro-Life issue" did not come before the House.

- I provided a clear picture the issues I would support, the voters elected me, and I followed through (even when pressured to do the opposite).

- I fully respect your right to speak, run, or vote against me for any reason.

- I hope and believe that when the voters of Paulding have their say, a candidate who represents the wishes of the people will be elected. I hope that person is me, but I will provide encouragement and respect to whomever the person may be. We really have a great county here, and the future of the county will be determined by we-the-people, which is why I expect it to be a bright future.

 

If you have questions about the session, or would like to discuss an issue in general, feel free to contact me.

 

770-655-7750

 

Respectfully,

Daniel Stout

 

How many voting opportunities did you miss?

[deadeye]

I do know Chad Plumley, he is a nice guy. Finding out about who they are and where they stand should not be a problem. Google is your friend. I'm sure all kinds of mud slinging will be going on, shouldn't be too hard to verify what is and isn't fact.

 

I know I have sat in a couple of trials with Dick Donovan, one criminal, one civil. He was not prepared, his presentations were sometimes ridiculous. It appeared he didn't really care if he won or lost, he just wanted to be done with the case. He doesn't even live in Paulding County does he???

 

 

When I read to my wife the entry by naturegirl saying that I was “unprepared” and made “weak presentations” in court, she laughed and said, “Well, I guess you can’t stop people from making up stuff about you!” The writer claimed to have watched me lose two cases, a civil and a criminal case. Makes me wonder.

 

The last time I went to court unprepared, Judge Dan Winn chewed me out for ten minutes after court and that problem was solved right then. That was in the early 80s. The last time I made a “weak presentation” was also back in the early 80s, and Judge Robert J. Noland was so mad at me he wouldn’t even look at me for weeks after. That problem was solved, then and there. As a result I have a reputation as an aggressive lawyer.

 

I honestly don’t remember the last civil case I lost, except one about ten years ago, and that case was reversed on appeal. The last criminal case I lost was last Fall in Paulding County, when my client refused the offer made by the state to plead the case. I am bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct to do as my client instructs, so long as it’s not unprofessional, illegal or unethical. So we went to trial and lost. Happens not often but sometimes.

 

I agree with all who have entered posts suggesting that the District Attorney be chosen on the basis of experience, and not personality. The experience of all the candidates can likely be found on our websites, but as for me, what I bring to the race is this:

I was a crime scene technician with the Atlanta Police Department and worked during the year that Atlanta was the homicide capital of the world (more homicides per capita than any other place on earth). I then was a uniform officer and a detective with the East Point Police Department where I attended the National Death Investigation Seminar in Warrensburg, Missouri two years in a row (paying my own way the second year) and was trained as one of the very first intoximeter operators in the state of Georgia (the machine than assesses blood alcohol level by a breath sample) which meant forty hours of blood chemistry and machine operation practice, and then completed the FBI’s sex crimes investigation school.

 

I have five (5) years of solid management experience, as security manager for what would be, in today’s dollars, about a fifty- million-dollar-a-year retail operation, where I managed a staff of between 12 and 20, depending on the season, and was responsible for all areas of security, internal and external, audits, etc. In retail, allowable shrinkage is 1.0%. Of the probably 50 to 100 stores in the nine-state southeastern region, I had the best shrinkage of any for five years in a row, always less than 1.0%, and sometimes as low as 0.7%.

 

While doing that job for five years, in my spare time I attended law school for thirty-three months straight, passed the bar examination and graduated with honors.

 

Obviously, this entire post of mine is self-serving. But how could I justify asking people to vote for me as the best candidate if I don’t believe it myself? With my management experience, my law enforcement training and experience, and my more than thirty years of courtroom work in criminal cases, I think I am best qualified. I realize that there are those who wouldn’t vote for me even if their mothers endorsed me - but that’s what makes horse races - and elections for District Attorney.

 

And speaking of negative responses, when I ran four years ago Mr. Lane took me to task because I had at one time some tax liens filed against me. This is true and I wouldn’t deny it even if I thought I could. I am the only son of a widowed mother who retired on a disability pension when I was 22 years old. I had no family help pay for law school or to help me to get a law practice established. I didn’t even know what a tax lien looked like until I got the first one in the mail. The problem with tax liens is that you must scrounge up all the money and pay the whole thing at once - taxes, interest and penalties; the tax commissioner doesn‘t take monthly payments. So I scrounged and paid - every penny, tax interest and penalties.

 

God has been very good to me. He gave me a good, strong God-fearing and God-loving mother who kept me in line and taught me to be God-fearing and God-loving, and a good solid God-fearing and God-loving wife, Teresa (née Walton) who has stood by me for 35 years in hard times and good.

 

Vote for whom you believe to be best qualified - but don’t decide against me because of what someone made up abut me. Call me - 770-943-3466 if you want to talk to me. Check out my web-site donovanforda.com if you want more information.

 

I want to win this election because I honestly believe I am the right person to do the job. I realize some do not agree, and will support the other candidates. If you agree that I am the right person for this job, your support is appreciated. If you do not agree, I still wish you well.

 

Oh, and, yes, I do live in Paulding County. Same place for thirty years. Can’t run in Paulding if you don’t live here.

 

Dick Donovan

[mevans_70]

How many voting opportunities did you miss?

Hi Madea,

 

I'm not sure how many opportunities Daniel missed, but I know he definitely missed 1 day.

It was preapproved by the Speaker of the House. There was a necessity for his attending a session at the bank he works at due to the FDIC examination occuring that day.

I am not in Daniel's district, so this doesn't really benefit me to share. I just wanted to respond for you.

 

I know Daniel posted his phone number above, and he will be happy to talk to any citizens in the county to answer questions specifically. Feel free to call him if you'd like more information.

[avalon]

She may have "qualified" to run for the seat, but I don't believe she is qualified for the seat. She won't be getting my vote...

 

I am struggling with how the others in the Paulding Dist.19 State House Race can be considered qualified? The young kid banker, in the seat now, seems green and out of his league, not to mention I heard he had some personal issues that came up after his election?? Then, I hear some builder has entered the race, and that seems like he might just be part of the old guard problems. As I understand it, the lady running, seems to be conservative and has a business that provides jobs here. Lord, knows we need jobs, not more banks or houses built.

[NewsJunky]

We seem to be off to a running start with the guilt by association mud slinging. I hope we can find out what these candidates stand for and what they will bring to the office. I don't really want to see them condemned because they were in business to make a living for their families. I am seeing that happen in more than one local race. If they had a reputation for being fair and honest in that business then I think that is important. If they were not I want to know that too. Have they contributed to the community and held positions of responsibility? I think that is also important. If they have personal issues that call their character into question I think that the voter has the right to know about that too. I am not into trying to get anyone I favor elected by trying to tarnish their opponents because of who they know, worked for, or are related to. I will be judging them based upon their reputation and what THEIR qualifications are.

[avalon]

Hi Madea,

 

I'm not sure how many opportunities Daniel missed, but I know he definitely missed 1 day.

It was preapproved by the Speaker of the House. There was a necessity for his attending a session at the bank he works at due to the FDIC examination occuring that day.

I am not in Daniel's district, so this doesn't really benefit me to share. I just wanted to respond for you.

 

I know Daniel posted his phone number above, and he will be happy to talk to any citizens in the county to answer questions specifically. Feel free to call him if you'd like more information.

 

If you look it up,the Ga.state legislative website shows that Daniel Stout MISSED 45 votes from 3/6/10 -4/30/10. Not sure why, but only one was "excused". Your post made me curious. Thanks!

[ultramsb]

I'll be voting against Mr. Donovan.

I will be voteing against Mr Lane and his two and three day work weeks.

[Animal]

Thank you for being willing to talk to the people. I am sure they will have a lot of questions and don't be surprised if they are personal.

 

I talked to him about my gun rights last night,I feel sure he is fighting for my right to bare arms.

[smy34]

I may have missed this, but Mr Stout did not say anything about EDUCATION....and the recent flyer from Sen Heath bragged about everything except EDUCATION...so I am going to find someone that introduces bills....have you ever gone to see what Sen Heath and others introduce....nothing drastic....

[willavery]

I may have missed this, but Mr Stout did not say anything about EDUCATION....and the recent flyer from Sen Heath bragged about everything except EDUCATION...so I am going to find someone that introduces bills....have you ever gone to see what Sen Heath and others introduce....nothing drastic....

 

I am the most pro-education candidate out there right now. I would love the chance to speak with you about my plans to keep education funded without raising taxes on businesses or individuals. Give me a call if you would like 770-508-8823. Education, in my opinion is one of the most important issues our state faces right now, and I am committed to finding solutions to address the problems we face.

[surepip]

I may have missed this, but Mr Stout did not say anything about EDUCATION....and the recent flyer from Sen Heath bragged about everything except EDUCATION...so I am going to find someone that introduces bills....have you ever gone to see what Sen Heath and others introduce....nothing drastic....

I remember his bill introduced when he was in the legislature making it illegal for women to get genital piercings in Georgia.

 

 

He lost all credibility with me after that.

 

And his race with Mason Roundtree was one of the most, if not the most dispicable displays of lies printed on paper and mailed out to voters I have ever witnessed.

 

I will give Heath 1 line of credit:

When we were fighting the BOE Bond referendum in 2006 and 2007 several emailed him, as well as all our other representatives asking about doing something about putting impact fees on the developers and builders to support the schools. Richardson had helped pass legislation making it so cumbersome to do so it is all but impossible.

 

Richardson, Maxwell and Hamrick never replied.

Heath replied he had discussed this with our BOC [shearin, Kirby, Echols, Ragsdale and Powell] and they uniformly told him "NO", Paulding county did not want to put impact fees for the schools on the shoulders of the developers so he dropped it.

 

Remember that when you run out to vote for the Shearinites who are running for Post Commissioners.

 

I think our only chance to get a bill proposed in the Legislature for impact fees on building permits to help out the BOE would be Will Avery. I do intend to pose this question to the other candidates anyway. Will has already told me he would support impact fees if they are structured to help the BOE without tying their hands.

[tbird]

The two main differences that I know about Lane and Donovan is that Lane believes in just throwing somebody in jail--no questions. Donovan believes in trying other methods first--probation, etc. Yes--some crimes deserve immediate jail time--others don't. I would much rather see somebody convicted of a misdemeanor sentenced to intense probation, counseling and such. Then it is on their backs to make good. If they don't--by all means--give them jail time. Much less tax dollars used on probation and such. Jails are already overcrowded--not to say that it should be a picnic in jail. Next they will be asking for more tax dollars to build more jails.

I have not heard what Plumleys stand is on this.

[EagleWings]

I would still like to know why Mr. Avery feels his politics side more with the democrats. Simply list your stances so we can all see. Why are you a democrat and not republican? Please, don't send a PM asking me to call you. I appreciate the invite but I think letting possible voters here know where you stand would be more productive. Use the party's platform as your basis please.

[willavery]

I would still like to know why Mr. Avery feels his politics side more with the democrats. Simply list your stances so we can all see. Why are you a democrat and not republican? Please, don't send a PM asking me to call you. I appreciate the invite but I think letting possible voters here know where you stand would be more productive. Use the party's platform as your basis please.

 

 

I believe that simply listing every platform plank is far too time consuming, and I do not believe that you would like to sit down and read it. Both the Democratic and Republican platforms are lengthy, and discuss many issues that are not germane to the race in which I am currently entered.

I am running as a Democrat because I am a Democrat. I may be more moderate or conservative than others, however that is my political leaning. I believe that since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that the Democratic Party and the associated party flipping that occurred during that time, that the Democratic Party has represented the average American Citizen and the middle class that makes our country operate. We are currently seeing the middle class shrinking to historic small numbers, which in my opinion is totally unacceptable. We need to focus on ways to get money back in the pockets of the middle class not through corporate tax breaks!

I am a Democrat because I believe in a more Democratic approach to education, as opposed to those proposed by the Republicans over the past few sessions. I am wholly against furloughing teachers, school vouchers, or diminishing the quality of our public education system. I am for a true public education system, which the Democratic Party Stands for. School vouchers are not the way to solve issues in education. While they look good on paper and in the planning process, we have to think about who actually gets school choice. The people that it will benefit are the children who possibly only have one parent working and are able to drive them to school everyday, because school buses certainly won't entertain the idea of taking these kids to school. It will also encourage certain schools to become too crowded and decrease the overall quality of education. Instead, we need to focus on limiting the impact and importance of high stakes testing, such as the CRCT or the graduation test. We need to focus on allowing teachers to teach creatively and to teach critical thinking skills rather than teaching students to pass a specific test. These are all ideas supported by the Democratic Party and denounced by the Republican Party.

I am a Democrat because I believe in creating opportunity for small business, rather than allowing for the large multinational corporations to flourish at the expense of local businessowners--something that the Republican leadership has ushered in. The Republican leadership in Georgia likes to talk about helping small businesses and talk about how small businesses are the largest employers in the country, but their policies reflect pandering to large corporations and their associated lobbyists. Lets get money back into the pockets of small business owners through tax credits for hiring new employees or for buying new equipment.

While I do side with Democrats on many issues, I also side with Republicans on some issues. I do not believe in looking at politics from a party line standpoint. Too many politicians on both sides of the aisle do this and do not make compromises that reflect their constituents beliefs.

[WHITEY]

I believe that simply listing every platform plank is far too time consuming, and I do not believe that you would like to sit down and read it. Both the Democratic and Republican platforms are lengthy, and discuss many issues that are not germane to the race in which I am currently entered.

I am running as a Democrat because I am a Democrat. I may be more moderate or conservative than others, however that is my political leaning. I believe that since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that the Democratic Party and the associated party flipping that occurred during that time, that the Democratic Party has represented the average American Citizen and the middle class that makes our country operate. We are currently seeing the middle class shrinking to historic small numbers, which in my opinion is totally unacceptable. We need to focus on ways to get money back in the pockets of the middle class not through corporate tax breaks!

I am a Democrat because I believe in a more Democratic approach to education, as opposed to those proposed by the Republicans over the past few sessions. I am wholly against furloughing teachers, school vouchers, or diminishing the quality of our public education system. I am for a true public education system, which the Democratic Party Stands for. School vouchers are not the way to solve issues in education. While they look good on paper and in the planning process, we have to think about who actually gets school choice. The people that it will benefit are the children who possibly only have one parent working and are able to drive them to school everyday, because school buses certainly won't entertain the idea of taking these kids to school. It will also encourage certain schools to become too crowded and decrease the overall quality of education. Instead, we need to focus on limiting the impact and importance of high stakes testing, such as the CRCT or the graduation test. We need to focus on allowing teachers to teach creatively and to teach critical thinking skills rather than teaching students to pass a specific test. These are all ideas supported by the Democratic Party and denounced by the Republican Party.

I am a Democrat because I believe in creating opportunity for small business, rather than allowing for the large multinational corporations to flourish at the expense of local businessowners--something that the Republican leadership has ushered in. The Republican leadership in Georgia likes to talk about helping small businesses and talk about how small businesses are the largest employers in the country, but their policies reflect pandering to large corporations and their associated lobbyists. Lets get money back into the pockets of small business owners through tax credits for hiring new employees or for buying new equipment.

While I do side with Democrats on many issues, I also side with Republicans on some issues. I do not believe in looking at politics from a party line standpoint. Too many politicians on both sides of the aisle do this and do not make compromises that reflect their constituents beliefs.

Excellent response, very open and candid, I wish the other candidates of District 19, would come onto p.com and openly discuss the issues,As you have?

[Cabe]

Excellent response, very open and candid, I wish the other candidates of District 19, would come onto p.com and openly discuss the issues,As you have?

 

The only thing that response did for me was to convince me beyond any reasonable doubt that Will Avery is absolutely NOT the right person for District 19.

[lotstodo]

In 2005, Georgians paid 7 percent more of their personal income toward K-12 education than the national average, yet we were 48th in graduation rates that year. In 2008 Georgia ranked 7th highest in the nation in percentage of per capita income spent on public education, but ranked 49th in graduation rate. Twenty one states including seven in the Southeast have consistently higher graduation rates yet spend less per pupil than Georgia. That poses the question, why do we expect increased spending to solve the problems in the Georgia educational system, when history tells us otherwise? Isn't it time to look at all alternatives to improving the number and competitiveness of Georgia's High School graduates? What do we do wrong that other states do right?

 

I don't have all the answers, but I do know what hasn't worked. I would suggest trying some alternatives, and ask the question what could be more democratic than eventually giving each parent $11,345 per student per year plus additional funds for special needs and letting them choose where to send their kids? Why do we believe that the government knows better where and how to educate our children than their own parents? Wouldn't parents send their children to the best possible schools and thus weed out the schools that are the true under-performers? It was proven in Washington DC that under advantaged children prospered from their experimental voucher program with greatly increased test scores and participation. I am at a loss as to why so many people are so strongly against it right off the bat.

 

We are suffering from a dearth of good ideas far more than we are suffering from a lack of funds. Let's really look at all of the alternatives and what has worked elsewhere.

[Cabe]

Newsweek Interesting article, particularly on post-Katrina education in LA.

[willavery]

In 2005, Georgians paid 7 percent more of their personal income toward K-12 education than the national average, yet we were 48th in graduation rates that year. In 2008 Georgia ranked 7th highest in the nation in percentage of per capita income spent on public education, but ranked 49th in graduation rate. Twenty one states including seven in the Southeast have consistently higher graduation rates yet spend less per pupil than Georgia. That poses the question, why do we expect increased spending to solve the problems in the Georgia educational system, when history tells us otherwise? Isn't it time to look at all alternatives to improving the number and competitiveness of Georgia's High School graduates? What do we do wrong that other states do right?

 

I don't have all the answers, but I do know what hasn't worked. I would suggest trying some alternatives, and ask the question what could be more democratic than eventually giving each parent $11,345 per student per year plus additional funds for special needs and letting them choose where to send their kids? Why do we believe that the government knows better where and how to educate our children than their own parents? Wouldn't parents send their children to the best possible schools and thus weed out the schools that are the true under-performers? It was proven in Washington DC that under advantaged children prospered from their experimental voucher program with greatly increased test scores and participation. I am at a loss as to why so many people are so strongly against it right off the bat.

 

We are suffering from a dearth of good ideas far more than we are suffering from a lack of funds. Let's really look at all of the alternatives and what has worked elsewhere.

 

 

A good start would be, as I suggested before, to reduce the impact of high stakes testing in the classroom. All tests like the CRCT do is test how well a teacher can instruct a student to pass a test. We need to allow teachers to teach creatively and teach critical thinking rather than testing taking skills. Some schools actually waste class time before high stakes testing to instruct students on how to take tests. As a future employer, I want an employee that has been taught how to solve problems, not how to take a test.

 

It is easy to say that spending more money on education doesn't work. But can anyone honestly say that spending less will work? Can anyone really say that close to 40 students in a classroom is a good thing? I think not.

 

With vouchers it looks good in the planning process, but some studies have shown that it actually hurts the majority of the population in practice. It will only benefit those that have the means to transport their kids to school everyday, which is a vast minority of students in Paulding County and in Georgia. If it were not the case none of us would be caught behind school buses on our way to work every morning during the school year. For some it would work, for most it would not.

 

 

[lowrider]

A good start would be, as I suggested before, to reduce the impact of high stakes testing in the classroom. All tests like the CRCT do is test how well a teacher can instruct a student to pass a test. We need to allow teachers to teach creatively and teach critical thinking rather than testing taking skills. Some schools actually waste class time before high stakes testing to instruct students on how to take tests. As a future employer, I want an employee that has been taught how to solve problems, not how to take a test.

 

It is easy to say that spending more money on education doesn't work. But can anyone honestly say that spending less will work? Can anyone really say that close to 40 students in a classroom is a good thing? I think not.

 

With vouchers it looks good in the planning process, but some studies have shown that it actually hurts the majority of the population in practice. It will only benefit those that have the means to transport their kids to school everyday, which is a vast minority of students in Paulding County and in Georgia. If it were not the case none of us would be caught behind school buses on our way to work every morning during the school year. For some it would work, for most it would not.

 

 

 

 

Oh, if only you could get rid of CRCT's.

 

And let teachers teach.

[willavery]

 

 

Frankly, I believe what needs to be done is a combination of new ideas and continual funding. If you look at other states, like Maryland, school vouchers are all but non-existent, but the quality of education is unmatched. Not to say that we can just up and be like any other state (I do not believe we can, nor should Georgia try to emulate others), but we need to look at the fact that well-funded schools are the only way to keep public schools at a high quality HOWEVER this must be done in conjunction with smart practices. I hope that made some lick of sense. It's been a long day.

 

Personally, I think that discussing school vouchers is a straw man argument. If a student wants to go to another public school for a valid reason (i.e. they have a much better program in, say, automotive studies), a choice like that should exist. This is not to say that students should be able to transfer at a whim for reasons like, say, joining a better sports team, but that if their academic progress would truly be benefitted by going to another nearby public school, that option should exist. However I also believe that saying that students should be able to transfer just because School X has better scores that School Y is not a good plan; one can gain an outstanding education anywhere, but it is a matter of making sure that we equip each school with the tools and staff to allow for this to occur.

 

 

[lotstodo]

Will, I'm not saying that vouchers are the end all be all. What I am saying is that the state of Georgia spends MORE per student than fully 1/3 of the states, yet ranks lowest in graduation rates. That's a huge red flag. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to tell you that spending more money alone does not work. I am not, as you will note by the $11,345 figure advocating spending less. I am saying that for decades the politically expediently thing to do as a candidate for office is to say that you will spend more on education. I am simply asking why, what on, and how will that help our students be better scholars?

 

I agree that when you test the students and measure success of failure by that test, that you wind up with teachers teaching the test to the exclusion of everything else. I also agree that if a parent wants to send their child to any school within the system, they should be able to. I also advocate a hub and spoke bus system to allow them to do just that, and I think that by putting the financial power into parent's hands instead of the hands of a school board, that is the best way to make progress happen. But I am certainly open to other ideas.

 

Unfortunately, the premise that all schools are created equal is simply wrong. It would be wonderful if everybody's neighborhood school was exactly equal, but they are not. The reasons for this are economic , managerial, and many, but inequities exist, will likely always exist, and are not as easy to cure as once again throwing more money at the problem.

 

Georgia needs to train the best and attract the best when it comes to teaching, and any teacher will tell you that raises are wonderful, but the same person will also tell you that they didn't get into the profession for the money or that it was the only opportunity they had. It is also true that the best teachers tend to gravitate to the best schools after a while because of seniority or connections. This inevitable places less experienced teachers in poorer performing schools. We need to ask teachers what motivates them to slog through a lesson, and what they need to teach children, any children, so that they retain their lessons. If it is "hazard pay" or better facilities, or creative principals in the poorer performing schools, then fine. Shift funding. But for God sakes don't just say "here, here's another 2 mils property tax," and expect that the problem will solve itself. We all know that any job will consume every dollar and every hour budgeted and then some if not properly managed. This is as true in education as it is in engineering. If a valid assessment says that with x number of dollars per student at this school spent in this way we can achieve y better comprehension, then fine. Test it. If it proves to be correct, then do it. I am saying be frugal and smart, that's all. And if Maryland has a lot of good ideas, then certainly look into what we can do to implement those here. Leave no stone unturned.

[surepip]

Will, I'm not saying that vouchers are the end all be all. What I am saying is that the state of Georgia spends MORE per student than fully 1/3 of the states, yet ranks lowest in graduation rates. That's a huge red flag. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to tell you that spending more money alone does not work. I am not, as you will note by the $11,345 figure advocating spending less. I am saying that for decades the politically expediently thing to do as a candidate for office is to say that you will spend more on education. I am simply asking why, what on, and how will that help our students be better scholars?

 

I agree that when you test the students and measure success of failure by that test, that you wind up with teachers teaching the test to the exclusion of everything else. I also agree that if a parent wants to send their child to any school within the system, they should be able to. I also advocate a hub and spoke bus system to allow them to do just that, and I think that by putting the financial power into parent's hands instead of the hands of a school board, that is the best way to make progress happen. But I am certainly open to other ideas.

 

Unfortunately, the premise that all schools are created equal is simply wrong. It would be wonderful if everybody's neighborhood school was exactly equal, but they are not. The reasons for this are economic , managerial, and many, but inequities exist, will likely always exist, and are not as easy to cure as once again throwing more money at the problem.

 

Georgia needs to train the best and attract the best when it comes to teaching, and any teacher will tell you that raises are wonderful, but the same person will also tell you that they didn't get into the profession for the money or that it was the only opportunity they had. It is also true that the best teachers tend to gravitate to the best schools after a while because of seniority or connections. This inevitable places less experienced teachers in poorer performing schools. We need to ask teachers what motivates them to slog through a lesson, and what they need to teach children, any children, so that they retain their lessons. If it is "hazard pay" or better facilities, or creative principals in the poorer performing schools, then fine. Shift funding. But for God sakes don't just say "here, here's another 2 mils property tax," and expect that the problem will solve itself. We all know that any job will consume every dollar and every hour budgeted and then some if not properly managed. This is as true in education as it is in engineering. If a valid assessment says that with x number of dollars per student at this school spent in this way we can achieve y better comprehension, then fine. Test it. If it proves to be correct, then do it. I am saying be frugal and smart, that's all. And if Maryland has a lot of good ideas, then certainly look into what we can do to implement those here. Leave no stone unturned.

 

 

Ah, but at the same time you can't take away 2 mils and expect improvement either. At least Sonny has established an outside committee to study the numerous tax credits given to hundreds of companies around the state to see what can be taken back or stopped. That might help.

 

I don't like the vouchers. Too easy to get onto that slippery slope of using STate funding to send kids to religous oritented schools. The Parochial schools never got any state funding while I was in them last century, and the state does not need to start funding any now.

 

The other issue with the money we throw at the schools, is the building program state wide. If we are seeing the amount of graft and corruption in Dekalb, to the tune of millions, what are we not seeing ?

 

Whtiey and others tried to pry into that here several years ago, and were told by Tom Cable from THE FIRM, via the BOE, that several thousand dollars would have to be paid up front to copy records from the "Archives" which were only 3 to 4 month old.

 

 

 

 

[tmilanese]

Will, I'm not saying that vouchers are the end all be all. What I am saying is that the state of Georgia spends MORE per student than fully 1/3 of the states, yet ranks lowest in graduation rates. That's a huge red flag. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to tell you that spending more money alone does not work. I am not, as you will note by the $11,345 figure advocating spending less. I am saying that for decades the politically expediently thing to do as a candidate for office is to say that you will spend more on education. I am simply asking why, what on, and how will that help our students be better scholars?

 

I agree that when you test the students and measure success of failure by that test, that you wind up with teachers teaching the test to the exclusion of everything else. I also agree that if a parent wants to send their child to any school within the system, they should be able to. I also advocate a hub and spoke bus system to allow them to do just that, and I think that by putting the financial power into parent's hands instead of the hands of a school board, that is the best way to make progress happen. But I am certainly open to other ideas.

 

Unfortunately, the premise that all schools are created equal is simply wrong. It would be wonderful if everybody's neighborhood school was exactly equal, but they are not. The reasons for this are economic , managerial, and many, but inequities exist, will likely always exist, and are not as easy to cure as once again throwing more money at the problem.

 

Georgia needs to train the best and attract the best when it comes to teaching, and any teacher will tell you that raises are wonderful, but the same person will also tell you that they didn't get into the profession for the money or that it was the only opportunity they had. It is also true that the best teachers tend to gravitate to the best schools after a while because of seniority or connections. This inevitable places less experienced teachers in poorer performing schools. We need to ask teachers what motivates them to slog through a lesson, and what they need to teach children, any children, so that they retain their lessons. If it is "hazard pay" or better facilities, or creative principals in the poorer performing schools, then fine. Shift funding. But for God sakes don't just say "here, here's another 2 mils property tax," and expect that the problem will solve itself. We all know that any job will consume every dollar and every hour budgeted and then some if not properly managed. This is as true in education as it is in engineering. If a valid assessment says that with x number of dollars per student at this school spent in this way we can achieve y better comprehension, then fine. Test it. If it proves to be correct, then do it. I am saying be frugal and smart, that's all. And if Maryland has a lot of good ideas, then certainly look into what we can do to implement those here. Leave no stone unturned.

 

The problem with education is that it is controlled by politicians competing for votes instead of private enterprises competing for customers. Will Avery's solution is nothing new. Take the power and control away from bureaucrats and slick-talking politicians and give it back to the parents. End of story.

[feelip]

The problem with education is that it is controlled by politicians competing for votes instead of private enterprises competing for customers. Will Avery's solution is nothing new. Take the power and control away from bureaucrats and slick-talking politicians and give it back to the parents. End of story.

 

So when are you boys down at the PGOP going to jump on this idea that you had way before Will had and do something other than vote pandering with Stout and Collett's Right to Life Bullcheeze?

[tmilanese]

So when are you boys down at the PGOP going to jump on this idea that you had way before Will had and do something other than vote pandering with Stout and Collett's Right to Life Bullcheeze?

 

The "boys" at the PGOP don't tell Stout, Collett, or anyone else what to run on. The reason people state whether they're pro-life is because voters ask them. Try running for office and knocking on every door in Paulding, you'll see how many people ask you what your position is on that issue.

[feelip]

The "boys" at the PGOP don't tell Stout, Collett, or anyone else what to run on. The reason people state whether they're pro-life is because voters ask them. Try running for office and knocking on every door in Paulding, you'll see how many people ask you what your position is on that issue.

 

Nope. They came out of the chute wearing their religion and their right to life crap on their sleeves. I have seen way too many set themselves up for failure by doing this sort of thing. No-freakin-body can live up to these standards. I just want people to be honest with me, and to do that they are going to first have to be honest with themselves.