Fingers Flying, Words Whirling and Crowns Caring - Politics at Its Best
Wanting my vote to produce an awesome District 3 Commissioner, I decided I needed more information about each candidate. A debate was my answer. Weeks of emails and phone calls produced the “2012 YOUR VOTE COUNTS!” Dinner Debate held at Stars and Strikes in Dacula. Decked in patriotic colors, voter registration forms at the door, attended by active citizens, supportive family, and staff members, the debate produced an evening of composed yet, gut rumbling answers by the candidates. Listening to each candidate from beginning to end, I offer the following review.
First, there are four distinct men with four very different personalities competing for your vote. Each man is different in how he believes our county should be run. Each man displayed his strengths and political weaknesses for those in attendance. Each of the four candidates brings to the table a very different agenda of how he would govern, if elected for the job.
There is no question that each of these men has totally different personalities. While all republicans, they each hold to a different view on how a commissioner should make a decision. They each differ in the way citizen’s views should be considered. After speaking, with many who attended the debate, about whom they thought “won” or “lost” the debate, I offer the following for your consideration. My take away from this debate was aligned in the same fashion as those I spoke with but not in all areas.
First, this debate was more fitting of an educated voter than the last debate. The moderator, JD Brandon, was neither for nor against any candidate which produced a more balanced debate. Second, candidates were able to supply a 3-5 minute video displaying their views of the job ahead. Third, each candidate was able to ask the other candidates his own questions to gain positional strength or to expose a perceived weaknesses in their opponents. A fiery, yet controlled, exchange of answers befitting mature adults ensued. Here are the results according to those polled.
First, while negative politics may propel a new candidate forward and make for fiery headlines, those in attendance did not see it as a leadership quality. Most found the negativism to be an unnecessary factor by those whom used it. Mike Korom, Dacula’s experienced community leader and newcomer to county politics, was perceived as a “negative candidate.” Whether speaking about a bad 7-year-old employment review of candidate Hunter or Beaudreau’s past stand on the airport, his negativity was not well received. Even though his points were true, those questioned felt like he only showed one side of himself and they were looking for a more faceted candidate. His bright spot of the evening was his powerful and persuasive video that far eclipsed his fellow competitor’s video. This video showed a man that understands the need for change. In his fiery desire to bring honor and honesty back to our commission office, his video was strong and showed a strong well-spoken candidate. Positive - his fiery desire to change the status quo as many citizens agree. Negative - his brashness during the debate.
Second, if you are looking for on the job experience with a history of making hard and unpopular decisions, then Mike Beaudreau is your man. He is by far the most polished, informed, and articulate of the four men. He offers no apologies for his past votes. He knows his material. He strongly believes his past 8 years, in the trenches, will provide the necessary leadership our county needs with the important issues ahead. As for the negative side of Beaudreau, for those who believe. “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” when it come to politics, he cannot remove himself from his explosive past that some voters see as career ending. He served with a batch that have been accused and convicted of illegal actions. For me, I am concerned that we may put him back in office only to hear more from the grand jury. Once again we may have to spend money on trials instead of our county’s needs. Beaudreau offers that his record shows that he did not vote for the fellow commissioners that have fallen in disgrace. “ I agree with the public and I did not vote for the now damaged commissioners. I do not get to choose whom I serve with,” Beaudreau states. Many still worry that a vote for Beaudreau would be a wasted vote. Only time will tell the end of this story. Positive - his years of experience. Negative - the citizens he has offended over the years.
The third candidate is Jerry Oberholtzer, past Snellville city council member and two-term mayor of Snellville. His own policy of term limits in Snellville has, in essence, removed him from serving the citizens of Snellville. He brings years of experience to the office. If you are not involved in politics, you may not understand how our local cities can be left out of revenue sharing in some county decisions. Oberholtzer, along with the other Gwinnett city mayors, has been fighting Gwinnett County government for double taxing citizens for services, for years. He has years of executive experience. His own citizens voted for him term after term. He understands the history and problems of Gwinnett County from the inside as a former mayor. The general feel was, “I know he feel favorably towards Snellville but what about the rest of the citizens of Gwinnett? Some feel he is connected to the old guard. He feels like the trusted father of a friend. Positive - His years of experience. Negative - Unknown outside of Snellville.
Our final candidate is Tommy Hunter. Mr. Hunter has been employed with the county for years. He has a qualified understanding of our water issues. He understands the current and upcoming storm water issues. Many believe Gwinnett will be well served with knowledge and experience in the water department. He does not have any elected experience. He is knowledgeable of zoning due to also being a realtor. Like it or not, years ago, he did indeed receive a dressing down from his superiors. There were two trains of thought in reference to this information outed by Korom. One is -- surely he has grown in eight years! Second is that the items mentioned go towards his personal work ethic. Moving on, Tommy has been employed with the county for years. He has an understanding of the current conditions and the county’s upcoming needs. He has a background many believe will serve Gwinnett well. He spoke with meaning and heart. He reminds you of an uncle everyone likes and respects. Positive - he has experience working with the counties issues. Negative - his work ethic is in question.
So, there you have it, four men wanting my vote and your vote. If you were there, how did you see it? If you were there, did any of the candidates garner your vote that night? If so, why? If not, why not? This election is right around the corner, are you ready? What do you still have to hear from the candidates before Korom, Beaudreau, Oberholtzer, or Hunter will get your vote?
M.K. Osborne
10:55 am on Saturday, June 23, 2012
In order to fix a problem you have to show the good ,the bad & the ugly . Only then can you make progress and real changes . To forget the past would be only to repeat it !!
Jimmy Orr
12:55 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Cynthia, your post is an excellent piece of journalism. The one nagging question I have about the present incumbent is, "Why did he accept a large campaign contribution from a major pipe material vendor which has been involved in county's staff's recommendations to change the pipe material standards for pipe used for storm water systems since 2001?" It is not like the present incumbent does not know about this issue as I discussed same with him at length on Saturday, February 12, 2012, at Fire Station #30 on Ozara Church Road. Ted Turner, V-P Pulte Homes, can attest to this as he (Ted) asked to be included in said discussion. There are a whole heap of folks in and out of Gwinnett County government who know about this issue which boils down to, "Why is outside interests allowed to continually override county staff's recommendation on proposed changes in pipe material standrads for pipe used for storm water?" Charlotte Nash knows about this issue as well as John Heard, Ron Seibenhener, members of the Gwinnett County Dept. of Water Resources Storm Water Utility Division, and members of the Gwinnett County Storm Water Authority of which I am a member. Some folks have asked me to declare as a write-in candidate for the District 3 seat. I don't think so. Why? I am to old (76) and set in my ways. I see my responsibility as a citizen and registered voter to ascertain that I do my part to elect the best candidates to political office. See continuation ORR #2.
Jimmy Orr
1:05 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
continuation ORR #2
Given the current revelation that the incumbent accepted such a large campaign contribution from a vendor who would have a vested interest in any outcome of the so called pipe issue does not set well with me. From August 2001 until present there may be absolutely no impropriety associated with this issue but, it simply does not pass the smell test.
Floyd Akridge
1:09 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Nice article Cynthia and my compliments on the debate. I liked it...wish we could have had about 500 people in the room.
I agree with you regarding Korom and the negativity. Hammering on Hunter in the envelope of a TSPLOST question was significantly over the top. I disagree with you though regarding his video. Frankly I found it too long and his narration was a bit on the boring and uninspired side. I also found it humorus that in the video he shows a clip of Coolray field and "world class sports" one of the things he's criticized Commissioner Beaudreau about. In addition, I found it distasteful and insulting for him to show the GDP front page showing the three commissioners who had to resign. The implication was that Commissioner Beaudreau was involved. What that picture showed actually was that he was in the BOC and did NOT get involved with dishonesty. That's not a weakness...it's good character. (for the record...if he were to ever get involved with such I would continue to support him as a friend but my support for him as a Commissioner would end that microsecond.)
Again...excellent debate...liked the length,the format and the participation. Nice job.
M.K. Osborne
1:32 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Mr Orr you know that's in the past and its time to move forward . People are going to say your negative if you keep this up . (100% SARCASM)
Jimmy Orr
1:55 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
@Kevin. FYI, it is not in the past. It is still an active issue and one I plan to keep on the proverbial front burner. We have good rapport. I feel you have my back. I suppose another question I should have asked is why should outside interests be allowed to influence our BOC in overriding any decisions, recommendations, etc. made by the professionals on Gwinnett County government staff?
Floyd Akridge
4:08 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Jimmy...I remember you well from the 2004 campaign and I do not question your motives or integrity in the least. However, sorry to sound like Clinton here but what is the definition of "outside interests"? Couldn't a voter be considered an outside interest with respect to the recommendations by county staff?
Furthermore, who says county staff aren't influenced by outside interests and thus going against them is actually in the best interests of the district/county?
The issue is more complex than it would first appear. The real answer though is a villigant public.
R++ - One of the famous "Dacula Crew"
1:57 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Cynthia
VERY well done.
Kristi might just have a competitor in her future (or a cohort)
Floyd Akridge
4:09 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
I agree...nice article.
M.K. Osborne
2:10 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Jimmy i understand the issue and this pipe issue is only the tip of the ice burg .YES , I HAVE YOUR BACK !! outside interests have seem to be running things since the late 80's .I think we do need to get together and chew on some of these topics .
M.K. Osborne
2:13 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Oh yeah Jimmy , one day it will be in the past . just letting you know that is why i don't buy into that horse hockey !
J. Morley
4:55 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
It was a great debate. Still supporting Tommy, and will help him fill Beadreau's seat. I also still like my my new nickname 747. Korom is a one issure candidate, and that got ripped out from under him. All he can do is attack the other candidates. As far as beaudreau goes he stands behind every decision he's made and i think that will be enough to hurt him very badly. Tommy's common sense is what the county needs!
Floyd Akridge
6:56 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
J...hurt him very badly? The two polls here on the post seem to indicate otherwise.
BTW...for those who don't understand the nickname in another discussion J tried to associate 747's with Briscoe...I called him on it and gave him three chances to correct what he said. Instead, he embraced what he knew was invalid...so he gets what he apparently wanted. What's funny about that is to listen to him try to attach Commissioner Beaudreau and Bannister's dealings while making a wild statement we all knew was invalid when it was posted.
That's why his hysterical statements about Commissioner Beaudreau don't have much believability with them.
Floyd Akridge
6:57 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Furthermore, I think you take Mike Korom too lightly. He's definitely made some mistakes but there is ample time to learn from them and improve. I suspect he'll do better than you believe..
J. Morley
9:06 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Floyd, please dont think I take anybody for granted, because I do not. You know where i was going with the whole Briscoe comment, and you keep holding on to that. As far as polls go on here I dont take too much stock in them at all. Afterall their not scientific anyway. I think I have a pretty good feel for what's going on in voters minds. I have been in the east side of the county my whole life. I know a few people. While I'm not in the know with all the politicians like yourself, I hear that your boy is in trouble. Let me just lay it out like this. I know a lot of folk that voted for your friend two times that arent this time. Not one or two either. A lot. Please just shoot me straight one time Floyd. Do you really not see it? Seriously. Your friend is desperate. He's a desperate politician. He doesnt even have a fan club on here besides you and Tim Sullivan! I didnt embrace anything envalid either. I tried to help you understand the voters perception and you can run with that all you want.Your buddy is a scared, desperate, last remaining Bannister crew man. it doesnt matter how hard you take up for him at the end of the day the voters perception will be all that matters!
Floyd Akridge
9:35 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Sorry J...I bet you don't put much stock in the polls here...if my guy wasn't even beating the "haven't decided yet" bunch I'd say the same thing too...but scientific or not you and I both see the results.
You are right...I know EXACTLY where you were going with Briscoe. You said what you said and then instead of just admitting a mistake and both of us moving on you took it as some sort of badge you wore with pride...so I gave you what you wanted...hey...blame yourself...MR. 747.
J...unlike you, I don't say stuff that sounds nice or overexaggerates a point. I tell you exactly what I feel or think or know about a point. Furthermore, I don't make mistakes often (not a prideful thing...I just like being informed about a situation before I say something) but when I do...I admit it...just exactly like I did later in that thread.
I also thank you for trying to help me "understand the voters perception" but you are just a bit too hysterical in all of your postings to be believable.
I also find it comical that you don't put much stock in the polls here but then want to compare sizes of fan clubs here. I swear I've seen few people that can ensnare themselves with the ability you posses.
Finally...you do underestimate Korom. I do not. Over a month remains which is plenty of time to learn and regroup. Doesn't mean he'll be successful at it...there are no guarentees...but you have already slammed the door on him which is a clear mistake on your part.
Floyd Akridge
9:38 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Tell ya what...I'll give you opportunity #4. Will you admit that your attempt to link Briscoe and 747's was a mistake? If you do so that will be the end of it with me.
M.K. Osborne
9:37 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
J Morley your bunch are a bit over zealous and that is about as bad or worse than desperation . Mike Beaudreau has some stiff competition in a bad era and as much as i do not care for his style of governing or what i perceive as arrogance that ties into the current culture , he doesn't deserve the manure you just unloaded .By the way Tommy came by my house and i missed talking with him because i was very sick with walking pneumonia .
Floyd Akridge
9:44 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Thanks Kevin...I appreciate the honesty.
I hope you are getting over that walking pneumonia...had it before...nasty stuff.
Mike certainly does have some solid competition...Obviously there's not doubt in my mind who I'm voting for but I am also as curious as heck to see how the results turn out. Lots of sub lines I'm interested in.
J. Morley
10:09 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Give him a call he would be happy to get back with you. I'm over zealous and I wont deny that I believe in what Tommy's doing and stands for. Again what i stated is about perception of people I have talked to.
J. Morley
10:15 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Floyd I never made an untrue statement you twisted for your gain. Everything I stated was about perception from what I'm hearing. Peception, perception, perception......
Floyd Akridge
12:59 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Well...you muffed chance #4...that's apparently a difference between you and I. Too bad...I was hoping you'd do better.
Word to the wise....when you walk around spewing this Beaudreau = Bannister hysteria what ends up happening is the actual truth is so contrary to the hysteria you've posted that it isn't Commissioner Beaudreau that looks bad. It's you. See...somethings here I can only take an educated guess at...Commissioner Beaudreau being a Bannister guy isn't one of them. Just being honest here and telling you everytime you try to make that connection it makes me laugh and laugh hard. Sincerely, I can well appreciate being zealous. But you really don't know what you're talking about re:Commissioner Beaudreau and it shows big time. The more you try the more you get trapped and you actually do all the work.
M.K. Osborne
10:37 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Got any good references i can read over. LOL
J. Morley
11:16 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
Nah just campfire talk.... LOL
M.K. Osborne
11:39 pm on Saturday, June 23, 2012
See Rodney was right ..... we all CAN get along.
J. Morley
2:14 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
That was funny!
J. Morley
2:30 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Floyd how many times do I have to tell you that it's perception perception perceeption. You know being the political force you are that perception in politics is reality. It's ok you can twist and turn everything I post from here on out I wont stop reminding you either. Like I told you before. If your neighbor starts selling dope your probably going to notice something. Beadreau is your friend so I exspect you to defend him until the end. Have at it. Never said Beadreau commited any crime. Did I? Just trying to get you to admit it doesnt look good and the VOTERS PERCEPTION which in turn is reality in politics could be different than what you think. It's not me its the majority of the people I talk to. Again, perception here could be wrong, but thats for Beadreau to fix not me....... He went in with Bannister and he's the last of the ones that went in with him. It's not my fault that Bannister, Kenerly, and Lassiter have had the troubles they have. It's not my fault that Beadreau just happens to hold the same position in goverment they did. Again you know perception is reality in politics. I think you might be a little more zealous than myself, but thats ok. He's your friend you should always have your friends back.
Floyd Akridge
3:36 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
J, here's the deal...perception is important but it is not king. The mistake you are making is that it's the ONLY perception. Look..I don't expect you to change your vote but even during the debate when the candidates were asking each other questions and it was attack Mike time (except for the question Hunter asked Korom which I liked btw)...he stood there...took the heat and answered each question. That also gives a perception....a perception of a man who even when you disagree with him you have full assurance that he did his best to be informed and make a decision that was in the best interests of D3 and the county. That's EXACTLY what any of us in the room would love for EVERY elected official to do.
When people try to create the perception that Commissioner Beaudreau was Bannister's guy simply because Mike served in some of the same calendar years that ends up proving our point...take that clip in Korom's monotonous video where he shows the GDP front page of the 3 commissioners who had to resign. Who's picture is NOT there? Yup...Commissioner Michael A. Beaudreau. Again...isn't integrity what we want in an elected official? Wouldn't everyone really want someone who didn't do it when others did?
For the record, I not only enjoy your zeal but respect it.
btw...have we ever met before? I get that quasi feeling that we have but just can't remember where...just wondering.
M.K. Osborne
7:36 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Floyd , he deserves a Beaudreau Bobble head for his efforts ! make sure he gets one.
J. Morley
9:49 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Thnaks Kevin. If I get one it will be the first time I have ever won anything....
Floyd Akridge
11:11 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
We're trying to get some with him holding a Romney 2012 sign.
J. Morley
10:07 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Floyd I dont think we have ever met. I have been here my whole life so our paths may have run across each other, but not in politics. I usually just got and vote and leave it at that. Zeal is a good thing. I respect you and yours, but we will have to disagree on who we feel is the right man for the job. Like I said numerous times, its not my me it's just what I'm hearing from a lot of folks.
Floyd Akridge
10:25 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Okay...thanks for getting back with me.
Cynthia Montgomery
10:16 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
G-men, I thank you for your positive comments on the debate. From conception to roll out, I did get to speak with each candidate. Each man has desire in his belly for the job. For some it is fire desire and for others it is the next step. Which one we get will be determined by the voting public. I do not feel there will be a huge turnout yet, hope I will be proven wrong in the one case. At UGA we were taught that a cross reference polling was just as viable at 100 calls as it is at 10,000 calls. If I had an up to date call list, I would love to make 100 calls this very day to see where each man is. At times having the vim & vigor is just as important as knowledge & experience. Looking at the requested 3-5 minute video as a measurement of their ability to get the job done, then clearly we know who we should be voting for. 1 candidate turned in nothing. 1 candidate turned in single shot video. 1 turned in a video that was done for another reason. 1 turned in a powerful & persuasive piece on how he sees the county's forward progress. As I said before, each man has his strengths & weaknesses. It is our job it to pick the one man that we feel can best lead us into the future & make Gwinnett Great again. Is it the mayor with years of clean experience, the very experienced incumbent with some baggage, the newcomer with fire & desire, or the in the know county employee with a carry on bag. Each man is giving us himself! I respect all. I only have 1 vote- I remain undecided :(
Floyd Akridge
5:49 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Hi Cynthia...I too am very interested to see the turnout percentage...it could be all over spectrum of possibilities. Lots of side bar things I'll be studying after the election is over.
If we are to judge who is most compentant based just on the video then we also have to look at the content of each video. You are right about Oberholtzer's submission...it was a bit of an unexplainable political gaffe to have a video that was 2 years old and partially irrelevant.
You speak of Korom's video with a bit too much awe but you also have to consider that in the video Korom completely contridicted himself when he showed a shot of Coolray field and the Gwinnett Braves....and referred to it as world class despite continuously trying to hammer Commissioner Beaudreau on getting it here. Double talk at its best. He also tried to insinuate that Commissioner Beaudreau was linked withi the BOC corruption by showing that front page from the GDP but that page actually shows that Commissioner Beaudreau was NOT involved. The obvious insinuation was just more of the same negativity you saw from him very early in the debate.
Commissioner Beaudreau's video was to the point without all of the propaganda. He let a citizen explain his level of service and involvement to the district and county...doing exactly what he said he would do from the very beginning.
I do agree with you regarding respect for getting involved. I've experienced what it takes and I couldn't agree more.
Cynthia Montgomery
10:43 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012
G-men, I understand F's desire to keep his man in front of everyone. Name recognition is the number 1 thing considered by many political parties when deciding on a candidate to run. It is why you will see highly popular people being asked to run without experience. John Glenn of Ohio & who can forget the wrestler who became a governor of MN. Those men had no experience in public office yet, they did have name recognition! Beaudreau has the name. I believe that if Jerry had less integrity & some scandal in his past, his name would be more recognized in other parts of the county. His Snellville citizens have consistently kept him in office as a sign of trust in his leadership abilities. He raised their taxes & they still supported him even when he made those financial decisions. Each of us are angry with what has gone on in our beloved county. Most just complain but, Korom decided to DO something about his disgust with the status quo. He has put his money &reputation on the line in a desire to "FIX" our county. Then we have Tommy, he speaks from the heart, saying what we each are feeling, has solid experience in some important areas but, will it be enough? If one post represents 100 readers then we are surly educating our fellow citizens to these men & their personal truths. I am now considering the senate & house races. I like some of the candidates more than others. What say ye about the Balfour Bungle & the fine candidate running against him? Educate Yourself & VOTE!
M.K. Osborne
10:26 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
The stadium is here said and done so its OK to include , the actions that rammed the stadium down the taxpayers throats and will incur future infusions of tax dollars is the issue to deal with going forward , I don't think that thing came with wheels attached ,
Floyd Akridge
11:01 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Kevin...Korom slams Mike for bringing the stadium to Gwinnett and then calls it world class. Sorry...nothing but double talk from Korom.
R++ - One of the famous "Dacula Crew"
2:29 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
So Floyd, are you stating for our readers that the Ballpark is SUB PAR?
Seems we went WAY over budget and paid a bunch of overtime for nothing if its not world class.
The citizens are disappointed that their vote produced such a poor project, oh that’s right , we DIDN’T vote, AT ALL, on any of it – it was all signed and a done deal with the Braves BEFORE it was even built.
Never knew a ballpark was a core government service…
Don’t we have to market it as “World Class” if we want to sell it?
That's not an example of double talk - that’s REALITY.
Hopefully this will be the LAST “half duty cycle complex” we ever build on the taxpayer dime.
Because REGARDLESS of what “bucket” it comes from, the contents of all the county’s many buckets flow directly from OUR pockets and wallets…
But we have rumblings of a desire for a retractable roof to be installed.
Floyd Akridge
10:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
BTW...here's something humorus...in the WSJ last week they had some interesting examples of how elections have concluded when there was a tie. Believe it or not, in a city in Texas recently they rolled a single die to determine a winner. Of course, it couldn't get settled in the first go around or the 2nd or 3rd...it actually took 4 times including one time when one of the candidates actually rolled their die off the table (that was covered in the rules). Amazing.
M.K. Osborne
10:42 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
LOL
Floyd Akridge
11:03 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Isn't that a hoot? I'm waiting for a Rock Paper Scissors tie breaker.
Cynthia Montgomery
11:23 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Floyd, Did we meet at the Debate? Or was I too busy to greet you. Love to have an event but at the end of the evening, I look around and see people I did not even get to say hello too. Same to you Kevin! What are your thoughts on the Senate race? Balfour got caught with his hand in the cookie jar! His answers just does not hold up for me. I like the man running against him so far. What are your thought on that race. Kevin? J Morley? Mr R. Mr J? G-men what are your thoughts on this race. Educate Me. I only read it in the AJC and while they ARE trying to change over from a LIBERAL ONE track paper to a progressive fair and balanced read, I would still like to hear about what the G-Man Club thinks on this important election!
R++ - One of the famous "Dacula Crew"
2:22 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
Mr. Balfour is an experienced candidate that is articulate, extremely knowledgeable of the system and has reached the point that replacement is required.
Mr. Steve Ramey should make an interesting challenger.
M.K. Osborne
6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I was unable to make it , i had walking pneumonia and very sick. Sorry to miss all of you and the debate . Never have liked Balfour , he desperately needs downsizing to his ego and arrogance ,throw the bum out!!
Floyd Akridge
11:31 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Remember when just about everyone had left and you were talking to Mike B.? I was the guy talking to your husband...actually talked with him for about 5 minutes...nice chap. Sorry I missed you.
I cannot vote for Balfour. I almost got involved with the campaign of one of his opponents last time. in 2010 all he did was run and hide...wouldn't come to basically any event...just ran on name recognition. Sadly it worked. Travis is a good candidate...I'm hoping this is it for Balfour.
M.K. Osborne
6:22 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
I agree his time is up.
Cynthia Montgomery
2:30 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
MR J, the very questions was asked of Beaudreau during the debates Candidate to Candidate portion. I do believe Kristi has his answer on tape. He acknowledged that he indeed accepted the money but, stated that money was not a conflict of interest in his mind. Again, each of us have to put a price on our vote as to if we agree of disagree with his answer. I can say it was one of the questions that I felt he was most uncomfortable with answering. I would like to see a reporting of the names of the people that have to each candidate. He touted that he has over 100 donors this year; teachers, police, & so on. I am more interested in Hunter's doners. Having been on a campaign committee back in the 90, I am aware that all donations must be turned into a governmental agency with amounts and names. Maybe Kristi can get each of the candidates donation list and we can see whom is supporting who. The truth is money can exchange hands without reporting or money can change hands by a boss from a company having his employees give a donation from the company.My boss wouldn't allow his employees to "donate" their phone time to a senate candidate & he left the company because of it. I admired his stand & felt less about the man running for office. In campaigns;Money Talks, Time Knocks, Sex Shocks, Scummy Opens Pandora's Box & Charisma Rocks. There will always be some in society wanting to buy their way into the voting mind of a politician. I am always blown away that it happens!
R++ - One of the famous "Dacula Crew"
4:27 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Originally posted under http://dacula.patch.com/blog_posts/a-time-for-change#comments
In its very own way this was interesting, either as a red herring from the bait bucket of the former Mayor of Snellville or for the sheer lack of comment since it was placed out in the world…
Question from Oberholtzer to Beaudreau: Don't you think you should return campaign contributions from Kennerly? Link focus time index - 32 seconds to 53 seconds.
http://soundcloud.com/daculapatch/001-a-029-kristi-z0000355
See/hear the rest of the questions here…
http://dacula.patch.com/articles/audio-listen-to-the-district-3-candidates-answer-questions-at-forum
So the total claim in question from the audio was 3,500 but the year was not stated
The year turned out to be 2008, if you are a stickler, actually the total is 4,500 including the 1,000 from 2006.
http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/elections/pdf/MICHAEL%20BEAUDREAU_CDDR_12.31.2010.pdf
Kevin Kenerly (Personal) 02/02/ 2008 2,000.00
http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/elections/pdf/Michael%20Beaudreau%20-%20CCDR%2003.31.08.pdf
Kevin Kenerly (Personal) 09/26/2008 1,500.00
http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/elections/pdf/Michael%20Beaudreau%20-%20CCDR%2009-30-08.pdf
Kevin Kernerly Campaign 2/15/2006 1,000.00
http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/elections/pdf/Kevin%20Kenerly%20-%20CCDR%2003-31-06%20BOC%20District%204.pdf
Cont
R++ - One of the famous "Dacula Crew"
4:28 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Cont
And for those who want to review all the donors (law firms and consultants) of all the candidates between 2006 and 2011 here is the link:
http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Elections/
M.K. Osborne
7:01 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Floyd , I slam inspector Beaudreau on the stadium because of the manner in which it was conceived , the empty sell of it , the overages , and the RAMMER !! What can we do now ........... at least try keep the taxpayers from further being on the hook by accepting that its here and try to make it work out , and put a plan in place when they decide to go down the road for a sweeter deal and newer facilities , oh it will happen . The forced trash plan also is something that is here and under contract but unlike the stadium portions of the deal may or may not be subject to dissection , leaving only the legal aspects until the end of the contract . just a thought. I would not incur one penny to lawsuits over that . That's my thoughts on this.
M.K. Osborne
7:12 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Floyd , Was that land part of the Grand Jury findings? Bert got the heck out of dodge , Bert was of course the " I love baseball " dream sequence to this playing out . The script must have been awesome except for one fact .........The taxpayers only part was to pick up the tab and remain silent.