What's up in the Georgia General Assembly

I'm going to cover some bills in several posts that you might like to know about. As usual, the General Assembly is attacking those issues that most of us see as a problem like illegal immigration, taxes and the like. Some times I'm astounded at how our representatives and senators approach these issues.

House Bill 109 addresses the problem of lobbying (not by lobbyists but by city employees). I'm not sure that a constitutional law can be crafted that deprives citizens (including city employees) of their right to free speech. If you have an opportunity, talk to your representatives about this bill. I am opposed on the basis of free speech. By the way this one was introduced by Rep. Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming).

Senate Bill 40 introduced by Senator Jack Murphy (R-Cumming) calls for the removal of local officials (but not state officials, I would guess) for failing to enforce the Security and Immigration Compliance; Public Contacts law. The punishment for local officials could be removal from office, a fine of up to $10,000 and possible criminal investigations.

While we all decry the lack of federal enforcement of immigration laws and lax border enforcement, should failure to use the E-Verify and SAVE programs at the local level require removal of local county commissioners and mayors. What about state representatives and senators who don't provide any resources to help local government comply?

I favor stricter immigration laws at the state level, but don't put the onus on local officials for federal and state failure. I oppose this bill as written. Ask you local representatives to vote against this bill as it comes to the House and Senate floors.

House Bill 87 introduced by Rep. Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City) would require local governments to identify illegal aliens and allow police agencies to detain said aliens. One provision of the proposed act would allow anyone over the age of 21 to file an action against any official or agency or subdivision of the state if they feel that the official or agency is not complying with the act. It also requires that cities that issue business licenses or occupational tax certificates provide an annual report identifying each license and/or certificate issued by the city.

No funding to support any of the acts required is provided in the proposed law. My question to legislators and to the public is how do you budget for the potential litigation and who pays for the audit reports?

Gwinnett County Commission Chairman Special Election

The choice of a new Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman will be made on March 15, 2011. This is a most important election. I encourage you to vote in the Special Election.

Absentee voting will begin on February 14, 2011, and Advance voting will be held at the Gwinnett Elections Office at 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville on March 7-11, 2011. Regular precinct voting will occur on March 15, 2011 at your regular polling place.

The last day to register to vote in the Special Election is February 14, 2011. You may obtain a voter registration form from the Dacula City Hall, any library branch or request one from the Elections Office.

We need to elect a person of proven integrity who will be able to lead the Board of Commissioners without a lengthy learning process. I am voting for Charlotte Nash. I believe she has the set of qualities that Gwinnett County needs. I hope you will join with me and cast your vote for Charlotte Nash.