VSU student Kathryn Grant asked Gov. Nathan Deal about his Immigration Enforcement
Review Board appointee
Phil Kent.
The governor responded at length.
Here’s the video:
What about Phil Kent? — Kathryn Grant to Gov. Deal @ VSU 16 Sep 2011
Student protesters,
Press Conference, Gov. Nathan Deal (VSU),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 16 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
-jsq
South Georgia death penalty opponents took their protest to the governor while he was in Valdosta.Governor Deal was in Valdosta to tour VSU’s nursing college but death penalty opponents confronted him about the upcoming execution of cop killer Troy Davis.
A small group of demonstrators gathered a VSU to plead for clemency for Troy Davis.
“We hope he uses his influence to the pardons and parole board to get out get rid of this execution,” said Deandre Jones, the president of the VSU’s NAACP college chapter.
Protesters approached the governor as he left the university center.
“The committee has followed the legal process and has gone through the appellate court,” said Deal.
Davis’ execution is set for Wednesday for killing an off duty Savannah police officer in 1989.
Their main question was about the impending Sept. 21st execution of Troy Anthony Davis, about whom Amnesty International says there is too much doubt.
Student protesters greet Governor Nathan Deal at Valdosta State University, 16 Sep 2011.
Pictures by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
The press had already noticed: Continue reading
Jane Osborn talked about two health issues:
the downside of coal mining,
and no institutions for mental health.
…also related to the solar discussion that was begun yesterday, I think a piece we don’t talk about very often is the extraordinary negative side of coal mining. We are taking the tops off of mountains in Appalachia, leaving pristine streams clogged with the debris and the toxic waste of that. So coal is not just the price you see that we pay for it. Coal is seen in the price of people still dying of black lung, every time a mine collapses, and every time another mountain is taken down. I would guess if they were taking mountains down in North Georgia, we’d be fussing about it.She said she has been a social worker for 33 years. She said starting June the DBHDD there would be a new service she recommended the county advertise on its website.
As of June 1st no person in the state of Georgia with a developmental disability may be placed in an institution.The new service is a 24/7 toll free number to call for help.
Here’s the video:
The extraordinary negative side of coal mining —Jane Osborn @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
-jsq
The VDT picked up that I referred to Ashley Paulk’s
personal attention of the day before
as flattery.
Sorry, elected officials who can’t even get recognized by the Chairman:
bring a camera next time; then he’ll notice you!
First I pointed out that the Mayor of Hahira was in the room. The Chairman had recognized the new Mayor of Valdosta, his replacement on the Valdosta City Council, and the Chair of the Lake Park Chamber of Commerce, but not the Mayor of Hahira. I didn’t want anyone to think the County Commission doesn’t care about Hahira!
Then I commended the voting Commissioners for their comments
Continue reading
Dr. Noll made the case for the cost-effectiveness of solar energy
through, among other things, an analogy to finaninc buying a car.
First Dr. Noll thanked people who had supported WACE’s anti-biomass work, and hoped people had had time to read his recent LTE in the VDT, Waste Not, Want Not. Then he addressed Commissioner Raines’ comments of the previous day. Dr. Noll pointed out that solar is fast becoming less expensive and with financing costs little more than a car or truck.
Here’s the video:
Solar is cost-effective —Dr. Noll @ LCC 13 September 2011
Regular Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 13 September 2011.
Videos by Gretchen Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
-jsq
Jim Galloway wrote for the AJC on 1 Sep 2011, Sam Olens, Mike Bowers at odds over change to Open Records Act,
At issue is House Bill 397, which was drafted by Olens and received its first public hearing at the state Capitol this week. One provision in the bill would prohibit those who file lawsuits against state or local governments from using the Open Records Act to obtain records for use in court.
Bowers has successfully used open records to win a lawsuit on behalf
of fired librarians.
The proposed law would prevent such uses.
Olens said:
“What we’re trying to do is incorporate past judicial decisions so we’re all on the same page,” Olens said. “When you’re suing the government, you should have no other advantage that you would when you’re suing a private party.”
The current Georgia sunshine law has two parts: open records and open meetings. Continue reading
William Branham talked about solar initiatives he’s involved in
and a variety of public officials he’s talked to who are positive
on solar and renewable energy for generating jobs.
He pointed out that solar grew faster than any other energy source.
He mentioned the Chamber’s
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Network
(of which I am also a member).
After Branham spoke, Commissioner Raines cited one solar company that had failed together with financing concerns and indicated he didn’t think it was time for solar here.
I don’t agree with Commissioner Raines. What do you think?
Here’s the video:
Solar for Georgia —Bill Branham @ LCC 12 September 2011
Work Session, Lowndes County Commission (LCC),
Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, 12 September 2011.
Videos by John S. Quarterman for LAKE, the Lowndes Area Knowledge Exchange.
-jsq
8 June 2010.
A Mr. Mulligan of Bemiss Road
wanted to know who does code enforcement.
Chairman Paulk responded:
You’re looking at him. Me.
This was shortly after he said: Continue reading“I was the sheriff sixteen years; I locked up some of my best friends; that’s the way I operate.”
Another quick meeting, when at the end:
Chairman: Mr Quarterman, The County Commission wishes from this day forward that any filming be done from the media area in the back corner of the room.jsq: Has the Commission taken a vote on that?
Chairman: Yes sir, we uh independently; I will submit the chairman without the Commission … do not question my authority.
jsq: So the Commission has not taken a vote on that.
Chairman: Commission doesn’t have to.
jsq: And you believe that legally you can do that?
Chairman: Yes sir I believe that. I do my research.
jsq: Can I see that legal opinion please?
Chairman: You’re looking at it.
jsq: In writing if you would.
Chairman: Mr Quarterman, I will not argue with you. Do not film except in the media area. Do you understand me? Don’t say you weren’t aware of it. It’s on the web site.
Here’s Camera 1: Continue reading