Does Roy Barnes have a Shot? (Atlanta, Decatur: costs, rail, budget)

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

[BThat being said, Barnes is by far the best option and will probably fare pretty well as Georgians are a lot less hostile to local Dems than they are to the national party. He has so far done a good job in toning down the part of his demeanor that came across as arrogant to many Georgians. He also is one of the only few interested in actually governing rather than gaining cheap political points by campaigning on gimmicks that will never be realized.

Speaking only for myself--an Independent---started out as a Southern Dem--once with Roy Barnes was enough.

If I thought for a second Gingrich would run---I might consider him---never really cared for his politics but the man knows the state and has surprised me at times with some ideas that make sense. He won't do it of course.

Time to beat the bushes and drive out an 'Unknown'----not intending to start serious, intense, discussion--but Tyler Perry is running a good business why not ask him if he knows anybody who would take such a job---tired of what the Past has been myself---regardless of party affiliations we need a Progressive thinker that can 'Get this Show on the Road'.

[Knight of the Round Table]

Originally Posted by south-to-west

Let's see:

• Not showing any willingness to invest in transportation in Metro Atlanta early on in his term. This is further exemplified by letting a $1 million Federal earmark for commuter rail languish and lose value during the length of his term.

Are those NEEDS or WANTS? We've gotten by without commuter rail, we can continue to do so. I'm fascianted with the idea of having commuter rail lines, but they aren't a necessity. I'd argue that perhaps a majority of people don't want them or are apathetic to the idea.

Commuter Rail comes at a hefty price, and that would only come out of the taxpayer's wallet. Then, to have people mad at you about such?

Closing public schools statewide in the wake of Katrina in a feeble and misguided effort to reduce demand and prices at the pump. Sacrificing our kids' education in order to save a few cents on gas? Really?

If you'll recall, oil refineries were down, pipelines were damaged and, as such, that affected prices, particularly to this region of the country. Gasoline shot up almost overnight, and some stations were gauging at $6 per gallon of gas. Most, however, were charging in the $3-4 range. The idea was to save money. Two days in a one hundred eighty day school calendar made little impact on the children's education, while it can also be said that it made little impact on savings. However, it seemed to halt escalating prices or at least bided us time.

Leading a prayer rally for rain rather than using the brain that God has blessed all of us with to formulate a statewide policy that enforces water conservation and plans for additional capacity through constructing new reservoirs over the long term.

What's wrong with a prayer rally? Do you disbelieve that God can do anything, including send rain if people pray? Or is it that you disapprove of a public official doing such? There's nothing stating that he can't do such.

Perdue has worked on plans for sustaining water for the state of Georgia. These things, however, take time, as it takes time to build reservoirs. You have to think, he's been trying to work with Alabama and Florida. Furthermore, even if and when a reservoir is built, you have to deal with property owners in and around the proposed site, and that takes time as well.

On a more positive note, I will give him credit for:

• Standing up to the State Legislature by vetoing tax cuts that would've wiped out our State government
  
  
• Being very proactive in negotiating with Alabama and Florida over rights to the Chattahoochee
  
  
• Being one of the first State leaders to attempt to create a project prioritization process for transportation projects in Georgia towards the end of his term.

It sounds like he's not as bad as you're making him out to be, then.

[south-to-west]

Originally Posted by Knight of the Round Table

I've heard Oxendine speak, and he sounds reasonable. Of course, I disagree with continuing GA 400 and connecting it with I-675, which was the original plan, if I'm not mistaken.

Tax cuts are a positive for business and the general person. Most people in this state prefer less government and lower taxes. Therefore, state legislators are only following their constituents desires.

Tax cuts are a good way to stimulate the economy, however they're not a good idea if they're already low--especially during an economic downturn. There isn't anything left to cut without making draconian cuts in services.

Having a functioning government is very pro-business as well in that businesses also require:

• An adequate transportation network where goods and services can travel easier. Additionally they need decent transit and roads to better serve employees commuting to and from work. Their pool of potential employees significantly shrinks when infrastructure is inadequate.
  
  
• Great and well-funded school systems that attract needed talent from elsewhere in regards to higher education. It also attracts talented workers that place a heavy priority in placing their children in a good school.
  
  
• Provide adequate police and fire protection for safety and security.
  
  
• Provide excellent paks and recreational facilities where their employees can relax or excercise in order to stay healthier and maintain higher morale.

[RainyRainyDay]

Originally Posted by TakeAhike

Personally--at this very moment--I would nominate Bill Murray or even Jim Carrey and just enjoy their entertaining comments as we approached the Apocalypse.

Maybe George Clooney could be persuaded--his dad was in politics--and it would be great to look at Clooney during press conferences. Yes,---casting 1 vote for George Clooney ----and Hugh Jackman for Vice President---what a happy nation we will then be.

As a Canadian and Australian respectively, I expect Carrey and Jackman have far too "socialistic" ideas for Georgia voters, and wouldn't be eligible for national office.

[south-to-west]

Originally Posted by Knight of the Round Table

Are those NEEDS or WANTS? We've gotten by without commuter rail, we can continue to do so. I'm fascianted with the idea of having commuter rail lines, but they aren't a necessity. I'd argue that perhaps a majority of people don't want them or are apathetic to the idea.

Commuter Rail comes at a hefty price, and that would only come out of the taxpayer's wallet. Then, to have people mad at you about such?

It is definitely a necessity. GRTA, Gwinnett Transit, and CCT operate with extremely high levels of ridership and a lot of times the buses are crowded beyond capacity. Additionally roads are still jammed packed with cars. We clearly need a separate-grade system for metro commuters--and yes we have to pay for it if we want to play with the big boys in competing large metros.

If you'll recall, oil refineries were down, pipelines were damaged and, as such, that affected prices, particularly to this region of the country. Gasoline shot up almost overnight, and some stations were gauging at $6 per gallon of gas. Most, however, were charging in the $3-4 range. The idea was to save money. Two days in a one hundred eighty day school calendar made little impact on the children's education, while it can also be said that it made little impact on savings. However, it seemed to halt escalating prices or at least bided us time.

Yeah? And people still had to pay extra out of their pockets to put their kids in daycare while they were at work. Also, why interrupt the flow of course instruction to save money on gas. A couple of days of higher priced gasoline isn't nearly as inconvenient as shutting down schools for a couple of days.

What's wrong with a prayer rally? Do you disbelieve that God can do anything, including send rain if people pray? Or is it that you disapprove of a public official doing such? There's nothing stating that he can't do such.

Because God has already blessed us with a brain that gives us the power to solve problems in this world. Prayer can give us strength and stability, but I truly believe that God is irked when we call upon Him while the answer is in front of our faces.

Perdue has worked on plans for sustaining water for the state of Georgia. These things, however, take time, as it takes time to build reservoirs. You have to think, he's been trying to work with Alabama and Florida. Furthermore, even if and when a reservoir is built, you have to deal with property owners in and around the proposed site, and that takes time as well.

I did give him credit for negotiating with the neighboring states and I also emphasized that he should plan for the long term. I have yet to see either adequate plans that will sufficiently meet our current and future water needs as a rapidly growing state.

It sounds like he's not as bad as you're making him out to be, then.

No, it's just that I'm not some partisan shrill that refuses to see ambiguity and to give credit where credit is due. While I was pleased by some of his policies, he still left a lot to be desired. We can't continue to have Georgia governed as a small rural state with a part-time state government while we've grown to being one of the most populated states in the nation. We need big time solutions rather than small time gestures.

[jhtrico1850]

HEY WHAT ABOUT ZELL MILLER

The Hope scholarship is the bomb Guess he's too old, that's too bad.

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by RainyRainyDay

As a Canadian and Australian respectively, I expect Carrey and Jackman have far too "socialistic" ideas for Georgia voters, and wouldn't be eligible for national office.

Well, you may be right since most Hollywood types are acknowledged lefties and have been for many years. More importantly, why do Hollywood types think that people care what they say? They're famous, but other than that, many of them have little or no education, and frankly if they weren't making millions acting, they'd probably be working fast food. Same goes for many pro athletes.

I say shut up and act, sing, or throw the ball, and let them keep their politics to themselves.

[TakeAhike]

Originally Posted by RainyRainyDay

As a Canadian and Australian respectively, I expect Carrey and Jackman have far too "socialistic" ideas for Georgia voters, and wouldn't be eligible for national office.

Well, Jackman would be 'nice to look at' and very funny, kind and could sing and dance. Jim Carrey is goofy enough to be in politics--ROFLMAO--the expressions he could make with his rubbery face---I'd vote for them.


Cheering wildly for Vancouver---'Let the Games Begin'--that is a city that ATL should try to emulate. I know not all Canadians like the term 'Hosers'---but eh, good enough for SNL and good enough for the funniest, nicest person I have met online ---so Go Hosers, Go Canucks---Yeah, Maple Leaf---just tired of GA Politics. Over half a decade of the jabberwocky---let us have a new person---Tyler Perry himself---that would be fine with me.

Craiig Ferguson---I could enjoy listening to his gubernatorial speeches--love the Scots accent---let's contact Craig.

[waronxmas]

Originally Posted by Knight of the Round Table

What's wrong with liking Confederate Gray?

Might have to do something with the Confederacy being filled with traitors to the Republic.

[waronxmas]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

I don't think that this is going to be a banner year for any Democrat, particularly in Georgia.

Hmmm, might have to reconsider that and weigh it against this:

FAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE DON'T KNOW NET CHANGE
PRESIDENT OBAMA 56 (56) 41 (40) 3 (4) -1

PELOSI: 42 (42) 48 (49) 10 (9) 1
REID: 33 (32) 56 (57) 11 (11) 2
McCONNELL: 18 (18) 63 (64) 19 (18) 1
BOEHNER: 19 (18) 61 (62) 20 (20) 2

CONGRESSIONAL DEMS: 41 (40) 55 (55) 4 (5) 1
CONGRESSIONAL GOPS: 18 (17) 65 (66) 17 (17) 2

DEMOCRATIC PARTY: 42 (42) 53 (54) 5 (4) 1
REPUBLICAN PARTY: 30 (29) 60 (61) 10 (10) 2

Along with the results of the last three presidential elections in Georgia:

2000 Rep. 54.67% 1,419,720 Dem. 42.98% 1,116,230
2004 Rep. 57.97% 1,914,254 Dem. 41.37% 1,366,149
2008 Rep. 52.20% 2,048,744 Dem. 47.00% 1,844,137


What does this all mean?

America isn't as disenfranchised with the Democratic Party or the President as Fox News and AM Radio would have you believe, everyone hates Congress but the people are less disgusted at the Democratic Party than they are with Republicans, and Georgia is turning more and more blue.

Don't count your chickens yet