From Where I Stand

Will We Finally Have Ethics Reform in Georgia?

The 40 days of the next General Assembly session will not be boring.

As we turn the calendar to 2013, we leave behind a year of successes and failures. It is easy to begin listing the failures, but I refuse to invest my time in being negative. Rather than dealing in the past, let us look forward into the future in our state of Georgia. On the second Monday of January, the Georgia General Assembly will open for the 40-day legislative session. There are some new people in places of leadership under the Gold Dome. It is felt by some people this will be positive in terms of moving legislation that is needed to help make our state stronger in ethics reform and care for those who need a voice. Without making sweeping statements about former or even current leaders, I choose to deal with issues. When this session …

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From Where I Stand

More Losers Than Winners

Americans are a funny bunch of folks when it comes to attitude about the rich.

Another record Powerball lottery event has come and gone. There were two winners in distant states from Georgia. At the height of the frenzy of lottery ticket selling more than 100,000 tickets were being sold per hour. Those people who track these types of events announced that the odds were very high that anyone could win. I saw a number of 1 in 175,000,000 chances to win the jackpot. Knowing the odds were great against ever winning the grand prize did not keep people from flocking to the lottery outlets to take the chance they would walk away a millionaire. I found it interesting that the week when President Obama was planning and speaking at rallies, pushing for tax increases on the wealthy, that so many people were lining up to …

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From Where I Stand

General Assembly Actions Affect Each of Us

Citizens must stay informed on all the issues.

During the last couple of weeks, as I drove to the Capitol each day for the special session of the General Assembly, I was made acutely aware of the gridlock on I-85 that runs (crawls) through Gwinnett County during what is misnamed “rush hour.” It can take more than an hour to make the short drive from 316 to I-285 during the height of the traffic snarl. However, I found the trip was worth the hassle. As I walked the halls of the Capitol during the special session, I made some observations and drew the following conclusions: From where I stand, it is more important than ever for all citizens to stay informed on all the issues being considered at all levels of government.

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Ray Newman

4:09 pm on Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I agree Cynthia. Even with the snarled traffic and need to find a parking space being inside the Capitol brings a sense of pride about our state and also an awareness of the need to stay informed about what is happening there. I love my job.   more ›

From Where I Stand

Casinos, a Big Gamble

Gambling's risks can outweigh the benefits.

Reports of the shortfall in revenue plaguing cities and counties in Georgia continues to make news. Elected officials are trying to find new revenue streams that will help balance the budget and replace reserve funds that have been tapped during this time of economic struggle. Citizens have recoiled at higher property taxes and question the extension of SPLOST, but now Rep. Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) has introduced legislation to provide a new form of revenue - gambling proceeds. House Resolution 186 is similar to legislation (HR 1177) Geisinger introduced in the 2009-2010 legislative term. This proposed constitutional amendment would enable voters across the state to decide whether or not to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel gambling in…

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Ray Newman

11:07 pm on Thursday, February 24, 2011

I agree on the harm that gambling causes to families Becky, thank you for your comments. There has been one bill introduced already, (HR186) and there is another one planned for late in this session we have been told.   more ›

Horse Racing, Wagering Legislation Introduced

HR 186 would allow municipalities to decide whether or not to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering.

A state representative wants to make horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering legal in Georgia. Earlier this week, State Rep. Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) filed House Resolution 186, a constitutional amendment that would allow Georgia voters to decide whether or not to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in their local municipality.  “As Georgians across the state continue to struggle to find employment, the legislature must look for new ways to bring much needed jobs to our state,” said Rep. Geisinger in a released statement.  “Expanding our state’s horse industry is a simple way to do just that.  The number of jobs created and revenue generated would give Georgia a much needed economic boost.” According to a press release from the …

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