John Albers for State Senate.

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NOTE: Accessjohnscreek.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessjohnscreek.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect.

Help Recreate Milton County!

Engage With Us! Phone Bank for the Re-creation of Milton County!

Greetings Belle Isle Supporters!

This week is do-or-die for the legislation to Re-create Milton County in 2010. Of all the legislation currently being considered this piece will directly affect our way of life in a positive way! We need to encourage 20 Democratic legislators to vote for H.R. 21 to ensure its passage into law. We need your help!Please join us to call the legislators and encourage them to vote yes!
We will meet Tuesday March 23rd, 2010 at 9:30 AM until 11:30 AM at:

Belle Isle Law Group
178 S. Main St. Suite 250
(corner of Hwy 9 and Old Milton Pkwy)
Alpharetta, GA 30009

We have a list of the legislators that need to be called and a script you can read from if your not sure of what to say. I'll put the coffee on and we will have some bagels and pastries to keep you going.If you need more information or directions call me at 770-572-1570.

Thanks!
Belle Isle Campaign

____________________________________

www.belleisleforsenate.com

The gift limit is $2,400 per person or company, but all contribution levels are welcome! Checks should be made payable to "Belle Isle For Senate" and mail to:

178 South Main Street
Suite 250
Alpharetta, GA 30009

NOTE: Accessjohnscreek.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessmilton.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect.

John Albers for State Senate.

Milton County News!

Last Friday, 3/19 another legislative educational session was held downtown. John Albers, leading candidate for State Senate once again represented North Fulton residents. As the first speaker to the committee, Albers reminded legislators why 234 years ago we declared our independence – taxation without proper representation. The facts are clear and the time for Milton County has come. For more information, please contact us at www.votealbers.com.

NOTE: Accessjohnscreek.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessmilton.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect.

Jones

Courtesy John Fredricks / Beacon Media

House Speaker Pro-Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton) is the Joan of Arc of re-creating Milton County.

Hopefully, she'll end up with a better result than the famous French national heroine did.

The resolute Jones is determined to make sure of that. And she's pulling out all the stops to get the 125 votes she needs in the House next week to insure her constitutional amendment -- HR21 --gets to the senate.

Jones, speaking before a record crowd this morning at the annual Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Expo breakfast in Alpharetta, said she is a handful of votes short of the two-thirds majority she needs -- as of today. "We have been working the other side of the aisle, and we have picked up considerable Democrat house support," Jones said. "We've closed the gap considerably in the last several days." Earlier this week Jones stated, "Good governance and economic efficiency is non-partisan and slices thourgh party affiliation." She says Fulton County cannot be fixed. "The only way to fix it is to eliminate it," Jones argued. The North Fulton legislator maintains that the resolution is good for all Georgians. "It [HR21] is gaining momentum as more House members review the facts behind it," she claimed. Jones says she needs about 20 Democrat votes to get it over the top.

REPUBLICAN BAILOUTS

Jones' Milton county supporters got thrown for a loop last week when her Majority Whip, Rep. Ed Lindsey (R-Buckhead) came out against the resolution and tacked on an amendment at the last minute to stall it from getting out of one obscure house committee. His Kamikaze bid failed, 9-7, but his opposition forewarned trouble ahead

One veteran North Fulton Representative vented his disgust with the Lindsey stealth bombshell, referring to Atlanta's only Republican representative as "Judas."

BIG GUN CALLED IN

Jones countered the Lindsey defection by rolling out her big gun: Rep. Mark Burkhlater (R-Johns Creek). The former Speaker Pro-Tem, who has staked his political career on making the re-creation of Milton County a reality, delayed several business trips to help Jones and her North Fulton legislative team round up votes. Burkhalter, immensely popular in the Gold Dome with deep ties to many Democrat house colleagues, has been working feverishly to gain support for the resolution, sources say. "He's made great progress, as our entire team has," Jones said.

DO OR DIE IN RULES NEXT WEEK

Jones says she is confident the resolution will make it out of the Rules committee next week. Once accomplished, the gnostic house leader said the historic floor vote would then get on the docket. But Jones warned that she would not bring the resolution to the floor if she didn't have the votes. "If we are not successful in this session, I will bring it back next year," Jones vowed. "It's not a matter of 'if' for Milton County," she predicted. "Its a matter of when."

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Burglar bungles, gives up.

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

On Feb. 17, a burglar attempted to break into a home in Ivey Ridge subdivision in Johns Creek. According to the victim, someone tried to cut through her back door and window by using some sort of blade, such as a window cutter or utility knife. The perpetrator failed to cut all the way through the glass. The suspect then attempted to pry open the back door, damaging both the door and the door lining.

The suspect failed to gain entry and was not seen by the victim. Residents of Ivey Ridge have been notified of the would-be burgler.

Punch-out follows song at JC restaurant

Johns Creek police were called to a fight at the Tilted Kilt restaurant.

Outside, they met with the alleged assailant, Todd Hulsey, 22, of Duluth, who admitted to punching two men inside the restaurant because he had been told by another patron that the men had been plotting to attack him.

Speaking to the two victims, police were told that neither knew Hulsey and never spoke about him. They claim that a song by the band "The Deftones" came on the radio and one menitoned he liked the band. At this point Hulsey got up, told the men he disagreed and punched them both.

Hulsey was arrested for battery and taken to the Fulton County Jail.

Rain Barrel Worshop: Make your own!

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

Date: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Times: 9am - 11am
Phone: 770-551-7766
Location: 10925 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek, GA

Make your own rain barrel--it's easy--using a recycled 55 gallon barrel. All materials are included to take home your fully assembled rain barrel. Water your lawn or garden, even during watering restrictions. It's good for the environment and it's fun! Experts are available to answer all of your questions.

Jim Chapman Communities Begins New Construction.

Courtesy PRlog

– Mar 16, 2010 – ATLANTA – Jim Chapman Communities (JCC) is proud to announce that it recently began construction in two of its award winning active adult communities; Brookhaven at Johns Creek and Brookhaven at Sugarloaf. JCC, an Atlanta-based builder will add five homes in its Johns Creek community in North Fulton County and four at its Sugarloaf community in Duluth.

“We have had a lot of success coming out of the gates this year,” said Jim Chapman. “Our activity has been real good, we have already started more homes this year than we did in all of 2009.”

Brookhaven at Johns Creek features Jim Chapman Communities’ (http://www.jimchapmancommunities.com/index.php) signature two and three bedroom quad ranch condos as well as two- to four-bedroom single family home floor plans. Bonus rooms with full baths, great rooms with fireplaces and kitchen upgrades are also available. Homes are all-brick and stone construction with inviting front porches, vaulted ceilings and oversized master suites.

Residents enjoy two lighted tennis courts, walking trails, a beautiful heated pool, outdoor fireplace and clubhouse with exercise room and kitchen, as well as activities such as themed parties, holiday get-togethers and planned excursions, coordinated by the communities’ lifestyles director. Brookhaven at Johns Creek is 100 percent fenced for security with a gated entrance with remote openers.

Brookhaven at Johns Creek(http://www.jimchapmancommunities.com/brookhaven-at-johns ...) is located in the highly sought-after North Fulton area between Peachtree Parkway (GA 141) and McGinnis Ferry Road on Technology Circle. From Atlanta take I-85 North to I-285 West and Exit 31B, (GA 141 North-Cumming/Dahlonega). Bear left on GA 141 North to Johns Creek. Turn right on McGinnis Ferry Road, and then right on Technology Circle. Community is approximately one-half mile on left.

Located in Duluth, Brookhaven at Sugarloaf’s (http://www.jimchapmancommunities.com/brookhaven-at-sugarloaf) two and three bedroom homes are ideal for individuals or couples. Each home offers elegant details such as custom wood trim, 12 to 16 foot vaulted ceilings, great rooms with gas fireplaces featuring decorative wood mantels and master suite baths with large his/her vanities with full-length mirrors and ceramic tile showers. Homes also provide ample space for entertaining, including kitchens with casual breakfast bars, gourmet GE appliances and custom cabinetry. Homeowners can choose from two different plans, offering up to 1,875 square feet of living space with two-car garages, and plenty of custom options to reflect their own personal needs and taste.

To visit Brookhaven at Sugarloaf, from Atlanta take I-85 North to Exit 107, (GA 120 – Duluth/Lawrenceville) toward Duluth on GA 120 heading west. Go approximately one mile through three traffic lights. Brookhaven is on the right at the intersection of Duluth Highway and Meadow Church Way. From Sugarloaf Parkway, take Meadow Church Road south from intersection of Meadow Church Road and Sugarloaf Parkway. Sugarloaf Parkway Kroger shopping center is on the northeastern corner and Walgreen’s is on the southeastern corner. Travel approximately 1.3 miles south and take a right on Meadow Church Way. This intersection is just past Bentwood at Sugarloaf subdivision. Community entrance is 2 tenths of a mile on the right. For more information on the community, call 678-306-4222 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.

An Atlanta-based builder and developer, Jim Chapman began building custom homes in Buckhead in 1998. Today, Jim Chapman Communities applies to the active adult market the same quality and service standards Jim Chapman developed while building luxury homes. Jim Chapman Communities currently builds elegant yet affordable one-level ranch condominiums and detached homes in communities across metro Atlanta including Douglas, Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton and Forsyth counties. Planning and delivering extraordinary communities designed for the active adult lifestyle, Jim Chapman Communities offers Well-Earned Elegance for today’s active adults. For more information on Jim Chapman Communities, call (770) 319-7474 or visit www.JimChapmanCommunities.com.

Cox Wants To Raise Lottery Ticket Prices To Fund State's Schools.

Kathy Cox



Courtesy Beacon Media

State schools Superintendent Kathy Cox says lottery ticket prices should be raised to help pay for K-12 education in Georgia.


Cox said during an appearance Friday on CNN that hiking the price by just 50 cents per ticket could raise $350 million to help fill a massive hole left by state budget cuts in the last two years. Cox said raising prices would ensure K-12 got money while also preserving funding for the HOPE college scholarship and state's pre-kindergarten program.


The state constitution already allows lottery revenue to go to technology and buildings for elementary and high schools, but lawmakers stopped allotting that money to K-12 in 2003. Cox said the state's education budget has been slashed by nearly $3 billion in the last 19 months.


Cox, a Republican, is running for her third term as state school chief.


A lottery spokeswoman said she would have a comment early next week.

Fulton anti-burglary task force asks have citizens ‘had enough, already?'

By Marcus K. Garner
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County's district attorney is fed up with burglaries.

So Paul Howard Jr. is joining with the Fulton County Sheriff and police chiefs throughout the county to form a multi-jurisdictional burglary task force that aims to reduce home break-ins by 30 percent over the next two years.

The team formed in December, with chiefs from south Fulton police departments meeting to share information about a growing number of burglaries.

As more departments began responding to more and more break-ins, they came together to begin a formal cooperation against crime.

Since then, the task force has busted a $2 million Internet-based burglary ring with three arrests.

Eight jurisdictions -- East Point, Sandy Springs, Fulton County, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Johns Creek, the Fulton Sheriff's office and the DA's office -- will share a $20,000 federal grant intended to fight crime.

The burglary-reduction strategy will engage a public weary of what has been deemed an increase in home and business break-ins across the county.

The "Had Enough Already" campaign will team with the Atlanta Police Foundation and Crime Stoppers Atlanta to offer increments of up to $2,000 for credible burglary tips or for information on stolen property, authorities said.

Howard will unveil the plan Monday at 10 a.m. at the J.R. Crickets Sandtown at 5819 Campbellton Road in Atlanta.

Resetting sleep cycle nets better rest, better grades.

By Georgiann Caruso, CNN

Johns Creek, Georgia (CNN) -- Ethan Merbaum knows all too well the feeling of not getting a good night's rest, of lying in bed with nothing happening and being tired without being able to fall asleep. He knows all about watching his grades plummet and even about falling asleep in class.

"I really can't think of a time when my sleep disorder wasn't affecting my life," he said.

All the sleepless nights and daytime exhaustion made sense when he got a diagnosis of delayed sleep phase syndrome in spring 2009, his junior year of high school, when the problem was at its peak.

In delayed sleep phase syndrome, the internal biological clock runs longer than the normal 24-hour cycle, resulting in a desire to go to sleep later and wake up later. The plan of action? Resetting Merbaum's clock through the use of light therapy: daily morning exposure to a countertop light box.

It's something Merbaum, 18, is keeping in mind as the time change looms this weekend.

"I was happy we had a name. Was it something we could fix? I knew there was a long road ahead," said his mother, Michele Weiner-Merbaum.

That long road would set him on the course to graduate from high school on time, something that had been in question last year.

Although his case was severe, Merbaum's not alone in having the disorder. A 2006 poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that only four out of 10 adolescents said "I had a good night's sleep" every night or almost every night.

In fact, as children change during puberty, so do their sleep habits. Specifically, their biological rhythms -- the sleep and wake cycle -- get longer to varying degrees. This can cause a teen to function better at night and need to sleep later.

Adolescents with very long rhythms -- 25 hours or longer -- are considered delayed. When this happens, the body schedule can conflict with that of school and of society, and the teen can experience daytime sleepiness or another common symptom, hyperactivity.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says that although it's unknown how many people in the overall population have the syndrome, it could be as much as 16 percent of adolescents. In fact, the academy estimates that the syndrome is seen in approximately one-10th of people in sleep clinics who have chronic insomnia.

Dr. Jeffrey Durmer, who specializes in both neurology and sleep medicine, sees many adolescents in his practice in Johns Creek, Georgia.

"There are two things in particular that a child will demonstrate who has a delayed sleep phase. One is, they'll have incredible difficulty going to bed at night, so insomnia. The second is they will be very difficult to wake up in the daytime. They'll seem as if they're lazy or not doing what you ask of them, but really they're just delayed. They can't get up."

He reminds his patients that clock-on-the-wall time may not match someone's internal clock; that mismatch is what needs to be corrected.

The body's internal clock is set by exposure to light. Artificial light therapy is one way of bringing a too-long rhythm down to a normal 24-hour one. Simply sitting at arm's length from a specially designed light box for about 30 minutes each morning will pull the body clock into a normal cycle, the circadian rhythm, and, over several months, can reset it.

The cost of the device: about $250. It is able to be used for years.

With daylight saving time beginning this weekend, Merbaum says he is not taking chances with his biological clock. He will use light therapy as instructed.

If a child is having a hard time adapting to the spring forward, Durmer says, there are things parents can do for their children, aside from keeping a regular schedule of sleep-wake.

"Give them more light exposure in the day as soon as they wake up, and dim the lights in the evening. Try to get rid of the light around bedtime," he said. "That way they can start getting the new cue for sleep onset."

Letter To The Editor.

Should South Fulton suffer again for a Milton County?
by James Reese

Most people arguing for and against Milton County don't know the full story beyond the Depression consolidation of Campbell County (South) and Milton County (North)into Fulton County. Several facts are being skated over by lies and deceit.

The first lie and tale of deceit surrounds the notion that Sandy Springs was part of the Old Milton County. Sandy Springs once known as Hammonds has always been in Fulton County. The fact is the Chattahoochee River served as the old county line between what was once Milton and Fulton County. Representative Jan Jones and Representative Willard are trying to pull a fast one by sliding in language that slips Sandy Springs in their definition of reconstituted counties. Stop and think,better still look it up. Sandy Springs is south of the Hooch and has it's origins in Fulton County.

South Fulton has suffered enough for Sandy Springs to allow it to walk away easily.Read closely you are not going to read this information in ANY article written about reconstituting Milton County. Sandy Springs prosperity didn't happen by itself. During the late 1960's through early 1980's Fulton County's jewel was Fulton Industrial Boulevard (FIB) in South Fulton County. At one time, Fulton Industrial Boulevard was the largest industrial park east of the Mississippi River. With that came untold millions of dollars in property taxes and sales taxes. Where did Fulton County spend those dollars? Sandy Springs... The vast majority of it went into building Sandy Springs infrastructure and aid the white flight north that has made it one of the richest communities in the nation. South Fulton suffered through the 1970's and 1980's while it's northern cousin received favored treatment and money from South Fulton in an effort to keep Atlanta and it's annexation plans at bay.

Very little of the FIB money was spent in South Fulton that is why it remain rather rural to this day. There lies the other lie from those who constantly repeat the mantra that North Fulton is paying for South Fulton.

If it was my choice I'd say allow the state-wide vote for the Old Milton County WITHOUT Sandy Springs because it was never a part of the Old Milton County. Sandy Springs owes a large debt to South Fulton and the resources it imparted upon her.

Tell Representative Jones and Willard to stop telling lies and pull the plug on HR21. The people of South Fulton and Atlanta should let their representative know the truth. South Fulton is responsible for Sandy Springs and subsequently the balance of North Fulton's properity.

NOTE: Many thanks to James for sharing his perspective on the Milton County issue. When it comes to letters to the editor, Magnolia Media does not necessarily agree with or argue against the opinions shared. However, we do support any citizen who would like to share their opinion with our readers provided there is ownership to the letter published.

Majority Whip Ed Lindsey Poised To Sink Milton County in 2010.

Courtesy Maggie Lee / Beacon Media

With Friends Like Rep. Ed Lindsey, Who Needs Enemies?

Talk about teamwork.

He's the only Republican House member that represents part of Atlanta.
He got elevated to Majority Whip in January, with the enthusiastic support of Speaker Pro-Tem Jan Jones (R- Milton).

But now Rep. Ed Lindsey (R-Buckhead) is poised to single-handedly sink the hopes for Milton County -- at least in the 2010 General Assembly.

A hearing in an obscure committee attracted north Fulton's state legislative heavyweights, only to divide them in a tight vote on the idea of recreating Milton County.

By 9-7, the House State Planning and Community Affairs Committee passed a resolution that would trigger a statewide referendum on the question of reconstituting old counties.

That's a long way from the two-thirds super majority Jones needs to get the resolution through the House.

The committee has only 14 members; but using their privileges as House officers, Jones and Lindsey also voted. On opposite sides of the House Resolution 21, that is.

The two-hour hearing began with Jones and Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) again outlining their vision of Milton County: a place governed more efficiently than Fulton County, saving Fulton taxpayers millions of wasted dollars in the long run.

LINDSEY'S PLAN TO STRANGLE THE NEW COUNTY

The substantive opposition to Milton County actually came in the form of a surprise amendment from Lindsey.

HR21 envisions the entire state voting on a constitutional amendment that would allow for the recreation of former counties. If the amendment carries statewide, then North Fulton voters would be required to approve Milton County before it could be chartered. But Lindsey said all of Fulton County should have to approve it -- not just potential new Milton county residents. Lindsey's amendment to HR21 would have likely proved a death knell for the new county's hopes. However, Lindsey's bid failed.

FULTON COUNTY GOP FISSURES

In another shocker, Fulton County Republican Party official Brad Carver, speaking on the behalf of the Buckhead Coalition and Cousins Properties, testified against the new county, furthering the divide in the North-South Fulton County GOP camp. Carver, who is expected to run for Fulton County Republican Party Chairman when incumbent Shawn Hanley leaves the post, is sure to draw North Fulton GOP opposition from Roger Bonds, a party leader from Milton. Bonds has a better than two to one edge in members.

FEDERAL DOJ MAY STRIKE IT DOWN, ANYWAY

In any case, it's not clear that the federal Department of Justice would allow a Milton-only vote given the racial demographics; excluding south Fulton from the ballot box approval process is also apparently contrary to state code.

Lindsey's amendment didn’t carry despite the alleged legal problems with the HR21's current language.

The Buckhead legislator plans to reintroduce the amendment on the House floor. His language may doom Milton independence, as the question would go before the entire population of Fulton south of Sandy Springs.

Jones' next task is to guide the bill through the Rules Committee for a place on the House debate calendar. Then she's got to marshal two-thirds of the vote -- without her Majority Whip -- to pass the resolution.

With friends like Lindsey on your leadership team, who needs enemies?

The noose around Milton's neck is tightening -- and fast.

Bill would let more back yards be like barnyards.

By Nancy Badertscher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Some barnyard animals could be moving into back yards under a bill that cleared a House committee Wednesday.

The bill would allow homeowners to have chickens, milk goats and rabbits -- as well as sizable fruit and vegetable gardens -- so long as the goal would be to feed their families.

Local governments wouldn’t have much room to object, unless they have complaints about things like noise or odor that they're willing to take to court. Subdivision covenants would still apply, said Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta), sponsor of the “Georgia Right to Grow” bill.

“If Michelle Obama can grow food at the White House, then no Georgia family should be denied the right to grow their own food,” Franklin said.

Last year, some cities in north Fulton pressed homeowners to get rid of their backyard chickens. Some of the homeowners balked, and, in December, Roswell changed its backyard chicken ordinance to allow six birds in yards of one-third to one acre and a maximum of 36 birds with even bigger acreage.

Officials representing cities and counties -- including Atlanta -- told members of the House Agriculture Committee that the bill would usurp local control.

“These decisions are best made locally,” said Tom Gehl, deputy director of governmental relations for the Georgia Municipal Association.

Committee members were split 6-6 on whether to pass the bill, and committee Chairman Tom McCall (R-Elberton) cast the tie-breaking vote.

Johns Creek Troop marks 100 Eagle Scouts.

Scott Zadig, Josh Cullen, Jack Poole and Greg Koutrelakos are part of Troop 2000 in Johns Creek. Over the weekend, the troop celebrated having 100 Scouts pass their board review to become Eagle Scouts.

by Jennifer Chapman / Appen Newspapers

March 10, 2010 JOHNS CREEK - While the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th anniversary of scouting last month, Troop 2000 in Johns Creek celebrated its 100th Eagle Scout at a ceremony March 6 at The Church of the Hills. Andy Bedenk, Michael Cleary, Brandon Burton and James Zahnow were honored for passing the Eagle Scout board reviews, bringing the total of Eagle Scouts in the troop to more than 100 since the troop began in 1991.

"It's a rare event to have a troop that has had more than 100 scouts make Eagle (Scout)," said Mark Kopel, scoutmaster advisor for Troop 2000. "We're really excited about this."

Josh Cullen, who also passed the Eagle Scout boards, will have his official Eagle ceremony in May.

"Having 100 Eagle Scouts in a troop shows we have a commitment to something bigger than us and it shows we're committed individuals with good morals," said Cullen, a senior at Chattahoochee High School.

Cuts would hurt lives, Fulton school board told.

By Gracie Bonds Staples
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Fulton County school counselors and psychologists added faces to the proposed budget cuts as the system seeks to pare $120 million from its 2011 budget.

Speaking before the county board of education Tuesday night, counselors provided stark examples of students at risk: three elementary-age children who were left to fend for themselves while their parent was strung out. A 14-year-old who was being recruited by gangs. A fifth-grade girl whose mother didn’t believe she was molested by her step-father.

“How do we educate that child without a school social worker to intervene on his behalf,” Stephanie Schuette asked the board.

Schuette, a 38-year-old mother and school social worker, was one of nearly a half dozen school employees and parents to address the board before an overflow crowd. Board president Linda Bryant assured the audience it would take the comments under consideration.

Parents and employees had been bracing for an additional $28.9 million in cuts recommended by Superintendent Cindy Loe.

Those recommendations come after the more than $35 million in cuts that the board approved Feb. 18, when it voted to increase class size to the state maximum across all grades. The board also agreed to eliminate the pre-kindergarten general fund, the summer CRCT retake program and reduce the school calendar from 180 days to 177 days.

The board is expected to vote on the more recent recommendations – the elimination of 1,000 positions – at its March 18 meeting.

Nearly half of those positions are teachers. Others included are 100 are custodial jobs, 26 social workers, 37 counselors, 28 psychologists, 42 instructional support teachers and 59 positions in the district’s popular band and orchestra program.

Unlike other budget items, Loe said the district does not we receive state funding for its band and orchestra programs.

“Anything we cut is straight savings to the bottom line,” she said.

A big proponent of band and orchestra, Loe said it was difficult for her to recommend cutting the programs, which could save the district $4.1 million.

Board members indicated they had all lost sleep over the issue and not just the cuts.

“South Fulton needs social workers, counselors and psychologists,” Bryant said to applause.

Loe said she has the backing of elementary school principals who say they favor dropping band and orchestra over staff reductions. But she added, “If we do this, we should have an after-school program and that is part of my recommendation.”

More than 4,000 parents have signed an on-line petition urging the board to reconsider before the March 18 vote.

Schuette recommended the board raise the millage rate by two mills rather than cut school counselors. She also said social workers responded to over 29,000 referrals of crisis intervention.

“The proposed budget cuts would have 50 percent fewer social workers, leaving only 28 people to respond to a projected 35,000 referrals,” she said. “It is not possible to meet such expectations.”

Bruce Moody, a parent, told the board that while he is happy to hear about the money the board will save.

"But who will save our children,” asked Moody, vice president of the PTA at Creekside High School in Fairburn and grandfather of two Fulton high schoolers Quoting Malcolm X, Moody said that education is the door to the future.

“Right now, it seems like it’s closing,” he said.

Other recommendations by the superintendent included scaling back on school resource officers (police officers) to one in north Fulton high schools and two in south Fulton high schools, which could save $1 million. And another $5 million could be saved by halving the number of school counselors and psychologists.

Employees who lose their jobs will be notified no later than April and will remain on the school system payroll through June 30, said Toller.

Milton County proposal could get House vote next week.

By Jim Tharpe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A controversial proposal that could lead to the re-creation of Milton County out of what is now north Fulton County could be voted on by the state House of Representatives in a week.

The proposal, HR 21, won approval from the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee on Thursday by a 9-7 vote, clearing the way for its consideration by the House Rules Committee and the full House next week.

Pushed by House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton), the resolution would put the Milton County proposal on the November ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment. If that passed, residents in the proposed county would still have to approve the plan.

But the road to the November ballot is a long one. Proponents would need a two-thirds vote in the House, meaning Republican backers would need to pick up 15 Democratic votes, an uphill task for any piece of legislation in the partisan chamber. And if it passed the House, it would have to pick up a handful of Democratic votes in the Senate.

“They have some very steep hurdles to overcome to get this on the ballot,” said state Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), who opposes the proposal.

Proponents, however, point out that they overcame similar obstacles with the creation of the cities of Johns Creek and Sandy Springs in recent years.

Milton and Campbell counties were merged with Fulton County during the Great Depression as a cost-cutting move. Since then, however, northern Fulton’s population has exploded. Some north Fulton residents contend that the county's Board of Commissioners has become increasingly unresponsive to their needs and an inefficient steward of their tax dollars.

Opponents of a re-created Milton County argue that dividing Fulton County would hurt Atlanta and the entire region. Some opponents have alleged that race is an underlying motivation for the proposal -- south Fulton is predominately black, while north Fulton is majority white.

Supporters of the new county have steadfastly denied any racial motivation, contending their primary aim is a more efficient county government closer to the people it serves.

Fulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves on Thursday called the 1932 merger of Fulton with Milton and Campbell counties a “marriage” that Milton County proponents are trying to tear apart.

“This divorce would have a disastrous impact on all parties involved,” Eaves said. “It’s a lose-lose situation.”

But Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said during the committee hearing that divorce is sometimes necessary. In this case, he said, it might cause some short-term pain, but the long-term benefits would be worth it.

“The divorce is because it’s not working out,” said Wood, a major backer of Milton County whose city would be within its boundaries. “I see irreconcilable differences.”

Girl Scouts meet Johns Creek mayor, collect cans for NFCC.

Girl Scout Troop 3110 collected more than 1,000 cans

of food to North Fulton Community Charities.

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

March 10, 2010 JOHNS CREEK - The Girl Scout Cadet Troop 3110 had a recession meeting with Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker. He answered several questions concerning the recession in the community and how small businesses have been affected by the economy crisis.

They also discussed about the demand for the food pantry at North Fulton Charities and how they have been collecting food for the needy.

The troop's project for their Silver Award was "Feed the Hunger." The Silver Award project consisted of 40 hours of service hours in which the girls collected food, served food and worked at the food pantry packing shelves and sending out orders. For the past five years the girls "carol for cans" every holiday season and join hands with younger troops in their Two Bridges Service Unit to accomplish their goal of collecting more than 1,000 cans. Each troop went door-to-door singing holiday songs for about 50 homes in the Medlock Bridge neighborhood. Cadet Troop 3110 dropped off bags at each house in advance to be used to transport cans. All the cans were donated to the North Fulton Community Charities.

Troop 3110 is willing to help other troops in any way possible to serve their community and help the needy. For more information, contact Mayuri Mulji at mayubfit@bellsouth.net or Santhi Prabahar at psanthi@hotmail.com for further assistance regarding Girl Scout service projects.

"Writing Non-Fiction for Kids" Class at Northeast Library.

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

Date: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Times: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Phone: 770-360-8820
Location: 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, GA

“Writing Non-Fiction for Kids” will be presented at the NE Spruill Oaks Library on Saturday, March 27, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Two topics will be covered: “Writing for the Educational Market” by Toni Rhodes and “Who, How, What and Where of Creative Non-Fiction” by Heather Kolich. Both are published authors in their respective fields. The program is sponsored by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Southern Breeze chapter and Schmooze. To register call 770-360-8820 or e-mail jean.hughes@fultoncountyga.gov

Wilson Creek student chosen as junior ambassador.

Wilson Creek fifth grade student Emma Rowe and Wilson Creek Art Teacher Izzy Bush are all smiles after Rowe’s selection as junior ambassador to the Asian-Pacific Children’s Conference in Fukuoka, Japan.


Courtesy Appen Newspapers


March 10, 2010 JOHNS CREEK - Wilson Creek fifth grade student Emma Rowe was one of four Georgia students selected to travel to Japan to participate in the 22nd Annual Asian-Pacific Children's Conference in Fukuoka, Japan. Two boys and two girls were chosen from the state of Georgia to be Junior Ambassadors.


The conference is sponsored by the non-profit Japan-America Society of Georgia, whose mission is to promote the mutual understanding of the people of Japan and Georgia. The objectives of the Asian-Pacific Children's Conference are to generate appreciation for the culture of other nations and regions; promote mutual understanding and friendship; and nurture international awareness in the region through young people.


To be eligible for a student delegate position, Rowe had to write an essay on why she would make a good junior ambassador.


She also had to create a drawing that represented the theme of the conference, and submit a confidential letter of recommendation, as well as an application form. Wilson Creek Art Teacher Izzy Bush advised Rowe on her artwork and wrote Rowe's letter of recommendation.

Time for Milton County.

Pictured: John Albers, Mayors’ Jere Wood, Joe Lockwood and Mike Bodker.

John Albers, the leading Republican candidate for State Senate District 56, was the ONLY State Senate candidate to attend a legislative committee meeting and education session regarding House Resolution 21 (Re-Creation of Milton County). North Fulton mayors, city council members and community activists packed the room.

Said Albers, “Putting politics aside, it is deeply concerning others running for the same office I seek did not make the time to attend this important session. The families of North Fulton have suffered from a lack of quality services from Fulton County for years and have my complete support. I will dedicate myself and time to re-create Milton County so our citizens can be best served.”

“Chairman Eaves of the Fulton County Commission presented his case for keeping Fulton united, but it failed quickly when Representatives Willard, Jones and Geisinger pointed out the decades of poor service and continuing mismanagement. North Fulton Mayors and Commissioner Lynne Riley set the record straight on how the North Fulton cities are better governing locally and decades of poor service from Fulton continue to loom. Senator Dan Moody also echoed the call for Milton County and as your next Senator; I’ll continue his bold leadership. I continue to hope for success this session with a positive vote and referendum. However, if not, I’ll lead a parallel process beginning immediately; to begin systematically separating key services including a separate North Fulton school district. Measures such as these will provide a quick impact until such time as we have a new Milton County and Milton County School system.”

“Being a State Senator takes a substantial commitment of time and energy, I make that commitment. I have consistently demonstrated involvement in our community. Once elected, I will work tirelessly to serve the families in North Fulton and make Milton County a reality. I look forward to being North Fulton’s customer service State Senator.”

For additional information, please contact John Albers at john@votealbers.com or (770)280-6061. www.votealbers.com

NOTE: Accessjohnscreek.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessmilton.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect.

Pro & Con: Should the Legislature allow Milton County to be re-created?

YES: Fulton is too big and too mismanaged to serve its citizens.
By Jan Jones

In the movie “Groundhog Day,” Phil Connors (Bill Murray) wakes to relive one of the worst days of his life over and over again.

A million Fulton County residents wake each morning to their equivalent of Groundhog Day. They face a cycle of government squander that repeats itself, no matter how citizens try to change it.

Despite its infamy as the highest tax-and-spend county government in Georgia, Fulton County’s record of local service provision falls short — very short.

Elections management? Thirty violations in the 2008 general election are currently under investigation by the Georgia secretary of state. This follows on the heels of fines assessed for improper handling of voter information in 2007

Library services? An earlier settlement of a discrimination lawsuit cost taxpayers $20 million. Today, the library system costs double the state’s per capita average with no corresponding increase in service or usage.

Tax assessors office? A 2005 audit of the county’s Board of Assessors found multiple deficiencies, most of which remain uncorrected. Among other things, the county delayed updating valuation of nonresidential real property for 15 years.

Asset management? In 2008, audits showed the county had no asset inventory, no oversight of purchasing and tracking and an inability to locate roughly $160 million in asset purchases.

Perhaps most damning, the county taxes and spends double per capita that of neighboring Cobb and Gwinnett counties. A 2009 University of Georgia report showed Fulton spends more per capita in every comparable department than other metro counties. Regardless, service delivery remains inept.

Why can’t it just clean itself up? Because “local control,” relying on seven commissioners, is meaningless in sprawling Fulton. The county’s population exceeds that of six individual states and runs 80 miles from one end to the other. No wonder it was once three separate counties, not one.

Just as with the federal government, when the elected become far removed from the electorate, politicians and bureaucrats resort to one-size-fits-all solutions. Costs increase, efficiency declines and customers aren’t served.

Over the years, many have tried to intervene. Multiple blue ribbon committees, joint legislative study committees and targeted task forces have piled up reports. Candidates over the years have called for consolidation, municipalization, lower taxes, government reform and every iteration in between. So what to do?

Split off the northern third back into Milton County. Give Atlanta the option to eliminate Fulton County altogether through consolidation, like Athens-Clarke, Augusta-Richmond and Columbus-Muscogee. Allow south Fulton to re-create Campbell County should its citizens choose or retain its cities as part of a consolidated Atlanta-Fulton.

For the fourth year running, I will offer an alternative for the Legislature to consider through a constitutional amendment. It would allow historically merged counties to be recreated. Only two fit this definition, both within Fulton, since all other merged counties were subsequently decoupled.

Voters would make the final decision, both statewide and within each area of Fulton seeking a recreated county or consolidation.

Prior obligations, including MARTA and Grady Memorial Hospital, must be honored and managed together. The process would take several years and considerable work.

But without bold and real change, we’ll wake up to repeat Fulton County’s history — our own Groundhog Day. And we’ll keep talking about the same, tired problems with little prospect of improvement.

State Rep. Jan Jones (R-Alpharetta) is House speaker pro tem.
____________________________________________

NO: Fulton has held costs down; creating more government is costly.
By John Eaves

Everyone is aware that this legislative session is one in which Georgia legislators will have to make some very tough decisions because of these challenging economic times.

The citizens of our state have expressed the need for various important services that state and local government provide, including quality education, affordable health and trauma care, improved transportation, and water, to name just a few.

In the midst of their deliberations on these important quality of life issues, there is also HR 21, proposing a constitutional amendment that could pave the way for splitting Fulton County.

Certainly, HR 21 is legislation that is fueled by very strong emotions on both sides of the issue. There have been many things said and written to influence lawmakers’ and the public’s thoughts and opinions.

In particular, Fulton County government and the effectiveness of its operations have been frequently discussed.

One of the arguments is that Fulton is too big. I contend that the “too big” argument is not the real issue.

Experts have long said that the real issue statewide is related to “too many.” Georgia has too many counties already, 159 to be exact, nearly three times more than California.

There has been talk about the library system, that Fulton County is unwilling to create libraries in north Fulton. This is simply not true.

In July 2008, the Board of Commissioners approved a Library Facility Master Plan that included three new libraries in north Fulton as well as renovations for four — which was approved by voters countywide.

There have even been complaints related to the parks in north Fulton when the reality is that Fulton County only operates parks in unincorporated areas of Fulton — and not in any of the newly formed cities.

One of the most disturbing arguments used for the creation of a new Milton County is that Fulton County operates in an inefficient and ineffective manner.

This fiscal year, Fulton County managed to stave off a $77.1 million shortfall with no tax increase, keeping a reserve balance at nearly 7 percent, with no furloughs for staff and a reduction in force of less than 40 full-time, permanent employees.

We also increased grant funding for services to our most vulnerable citizens, our seniors and youth. That’s a far cry from inefficiency and ineffectiveness, especially in these times.

All these arguments are used to take away from the real problem, HR 21. There are several key issues with this legislation, including compliance with the Voting Rights Act requirements, vagueness of the constitutional amendment language, and consideration of capital costs, vesting of school board property, sales tax disbursements, long-term pension obligations, intergovernmental agreements and bond obligations — to name just a few.

While this legislation only takes into consideration the wants of a few, it does not take into consideration the needs of many. Homeowners will face major increases in residential property taxes. Impact on Fulton County businesses, including those in the city of Atlanta, could include a significant increases in commercial property taxes.

Given that 1 in 5 jobs in the state of Georgia is in Atlanta, any negative impact on Atlanta businesses could be disastrous for the entire region.

In a time where there is a great need to be fiscally conservative and we are furloughing and laying off educators, state and local employees, and needing to invest in our transportation infrastructure and in health and trauma care, can you really say that it is more important to spend the $6.3 million and probably more that it will cost taxpayers to create a new county so that Georgia can say it now has 160 counties?

I don’t believe the citizens of this state would think so.

John Eaves is chairman of the Fulton County Commission.

Johns Creek woman awarded Master's Degree

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

Lauren Christine Ray, daughter of Brett and Julie Ray, of Johns Creek was awarded a Master of Arts in Teaching in Severe and Profound Disabilities on Dec. 12. Lauren is a 2003 graduate of Chattahoochee High School and a 2008 graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education, teaches in Fulton County at Alpharetta Elementary School.

Georgia House Approves Extension of Hotel Tax

Courtesy The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) -- In an overture to keep the Falcons in downtown Atlanta, the Georgia House has approved an extension of the hotel tax until 2050. The additional money could be used to help build a new football stadium.

The 7 percent tax levied on hotels and motels in Atlanta was set to expire in 2020. The tax helps pay debt service for the Georgia Dome, where the Falcons play their home games.

The 30-year extension is contingent upon the Falcons remaining at the dome, which is overseen by the state's Georgia World Congress Center Authority.

There's been talk of the Falcons abandoning the 18-year-old dome for the suburbs. The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Mark Burkhalter, a Johns Creek Republican, said it sends the team a signal that officials want them to stay put.

It passed the House 151-13 on Monday.

John Albers for State Senate.

NOTE: Accessmilton.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessmilton.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect. >

Authorities end search for missing boater.

By Larry Hartstein and Ty Tagami
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rescuers in Gwinnett County called off their search for a missing boater on the Chattahoochee River at nightfall Sunday.

Authorities had been searching since around noon for a man in his late 50s who was in a small fishing boat that capsized Sunday morning.

When the boat carrying two men overturned about 11:40 a.m. south of McGinnis Ferry Road, a boater nearby pulled one of them from the water, Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said.

"He was not able to pull the second man from the water," Rutledge said. "He lost contact with him and he has not resurfaced."

The man who was rescued was conscious and alert but showing signs of hypothermia. He was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center.

The temperature in the water was in the mid-40s, Rutledge said. At that temperature, he added, "It doesn't take more than just a few minutes to feel the effects of hypothermia."

Authorities are withholding the names of both men from the capsized boat. Rutledge said the search was called off around 6 p.m. Oversight of the operation was handed over to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The agency will start a recovery operation come daybreak Monday.

"That window of the operation for a live rescue is pretty much diminished," Rutledge said around 7:30 p.m.

Firefighters trained for water rescue searched an 8- to 10-mile stretch of the river while a Gwinnett County police helicopter flew overhead. The searchers, equipped with a sonar device, concentrated their efforts between McGinnis Ferry Road and Medlock Bridge Road. They recovered the aluminum John Boat nearly a mile south of McGinnis Ferry Road.

The search involved personnel from Gwinnett and Forsyth counties, the city of Johns Creek and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

It was the second incident firefighters responded to on the river Sunday. About 10:15 a.m., Gwinnett's Swiftwater Rescue Team pulled to safety a fisherman who was clinging to a tree branch.

Rutledge said the sunny weather likely brought out more boaters Sunday. At the same time, the Army Corps of Engineers released water from the Buford Dam to operate the power plant that provides electricity for the lake.

"They had stopped generating water at the dam about 11:10 this morning," Rutledge said. "The current quickens and the water rises and it takes several hours for that to recede. We're being told the water in this general area won't recede completely to normal levels until 7 p.m."

North Fulton cities organize "Bulky Trash Day"

By Andria Simmons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The cities of Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell are offering residents a chance to clean out their garages, basements and attics on "Bulky Trash Day."

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20, citizens can bring unwanted items to the Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road for disposal. Items to be accepted include automobile tires (off the rim), furniture, appliances and electronics. The cities will not accept paint, household hazardous waste including motor oil and anti-freeze, household batteries, construction and demolition materials or yard waste.

The Atlanta Furniture Bank will collect items in good condition and offer donation receipts upon request. For more information, contact the Milton Grows Green Committee at miltongrowsgreen@cityofmiltonga.us or call the City of Milton Public Works Department at 678-242-2500.

John Albers for State Senate.

Serving your community…

By- John Albers

Volunteering in the community to serve others is a passion of mine. It is an honor and privilege to use my God given talents for the sake of others. North Fulton is a great community and the opportunities to get involved are abundant. I serve on dozens of charitable organization boards and find an intense joy making a positive difference.

As a fourth generation volunteer firefighter, I serve side-by-side with my fellow public safety professionals protecting life and property. Active firefighters have to complete continuous training, physical fitness, time and effort. It is a unique opportunity to give back. You do not have run into burning houses to help. Others support our firefighters and police officers with our Public Safety foundation by raising money and taking care of our heroes in their time of need. No matter your talent or desire we have a place for you.

Both of my sons are scouts. My older son Will is working on his Eagle Scout project. This is a tremendous accomplishment of which we are proud. His project will benefit a local Roswell charity and bring benefits for decades to come. My younger son Ryan is helping to earn his world conservation badge by cleaning the river and stream banks. It is never too early to get your children involved with serving others and the community. Volunteering as family is time very well spent and builds life memories. I volunteer to lead by example and help continue Scouting for generations to come.

I have enjoyed serving at church since my childhood. Decades of serving has ranged from delivering meals, providing medical care, building houses, coaching, mission trips, computer help, governance, fundraising, painting, teaching and simply listening. I am blessed to be a member at Roswell United Methodist church and encourage you to explore your faith and service to others.

You may be asking, why would I want to spend my spare time helping the community? A better question would be, why not? You will never regret missing an hour of TV, but you will treasure positively impacting your community. You will network, learn new experiences and become a better person. Believe it or not, you will be the biggest benefactor of your volunteer time.

In summary, please consider serving others joyfully and more often. If you are looking for ideas, please drop me a line at john@votealbers.com.

I look forward to serving you as your next State Senator (www.votealbers.com).

NOTE: Accessjohnscreek.com encourages all candidates running for office both locally and state wide to share information with us on their campaigns. This type of information does not mean that Accessmilton.com is endorsing one candidate as opposed to another. Here, all are treated equally and with respect.