To our readers:   State Senator Buddy Carter (R- Pooler) will be reporting each week during the Legislative Session.  The session began January 9, 2012 and is expected to last until the latter days of March. .

Day 6 (Monday, January 23, 2012):  Although we were not in session last week, as a member of the Appropriations committee I was at the Capitol most of the week for budget hearings.  We began on Tuesday of last week with the Governor presenting an outline of both his amended FY12 as well as FY13 budgets.

For the remainder of Tuesday, all of Wednesday and Thursday morning, we reviewed each departments proposals and studied the budget in detail.  After a long weekend, we’re back in session today.  Today is Mayor’s day at the Capitol sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and we welcome mayors and city councilman from around the state to Atlanta.  After joining this fine group of local leaders for a breakfast featuring Governor Nathan Deal, we go into session at 10AM and get right to work by debating two bills.

HB46, the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, will streamline discovery in cases involving out of state decisions by allowing depositions and discovery taken in other states to be admissible in Georgia courts.

While HB46 passes easily, SB203, a bill that was passed by the Senate last year but had changes made by the House, is disagreed to by the Senate today.  The bill will now go back to the House where they will either accept the bill as is or disagree and have a conference committee appointed to work out the differences between the two chambers.

Our Chaplain of the Day today is Chaplain Major Jeff Struecker, a decorated member of the U.S. Army whose character was featured in the book and movie “Black Hawk Down.”  Later in the day, I participate in the Right to Life rally on the Capitol steps and we enjoy a visit with friends from Effingham County as today is “Effingham Day at the Capitol.”

Day 7 (Tuesday, January 24, 2012):  While we didn’t have any action items on the calendar today during session, we had quite a number of groups that we honored including the Class AA state champion Burke County Bears football team.

Most of my day is taken up by committee meetings including a Higher Education Committee meeting where we hear presentations from Dr. Lamar Veatch with the Public Libraries and Chancellor Hank Huckaby and Technical School Commissioner Ron Jackson who make a presentation on the Complete College Georgia Plan.  This innovative and much needed plan creates new forms of collaboration and accountability between the University System and Technical Colleges in our state to help increase the number of students in Georgia who complete college.

Day 8 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012):  Today is a very busy day and I start with a meeting with representatives from The Living Vine, a Christian Maternity Home in Savannah that does outstanding work in our community.  As our state faces continued budget constraints, we will be depending on religious groups such as this fine organization to provide services to our citizens.

Once in session, we recognize Sheriffs from across our state who are at the Capitol today before we join the House for the State of the Judiciary address given by Chief Justice Carol Hunstein.  After meeting with the Community Bankers Association members, the afternoon is filled with committee meetings including a Health and Human Services, Ethics and Higher Education meeting.  The Higher Education meeting is a joint meeting with the House committee members and we hear a presentation from the Georgia Student Finance Commission updating us on the HOPE scholarship.  The HOPE scholarship is the finest merit based program in the nation and we are committed to helping sustain its success in the future.

Day 9 (Thursday, January 26, 2012):  Today is Savannah-Chatham Day at the Capitol and it is a welcome site to see so many friends from home.  We begin the day with a meeting of the Chatham County legislative delegation where we are joined by Mayor Edna Jackson and members of the Savannah City Council to review their legislative agenda for the year. Also this morning I have the honor of speaking to the Georgia Alumni Association of Historically Black State Universities.  This is a fine group with representatives from Albany State, Fort Valley State, and Savannah State and I am privileged to address the group.

Today is a very special day for me personally as my Chatham County colleague, Senator Lester Jackson and I welcome the Class A state football champion Savannah Christian Red Raiders to the Senate.  Led by Coach Donald Chumley and Upper School principal Ashley Barnwell, we honor this outstanding group of young men and have our picture taken with them and Governor Nathan Deal.  We are very, very proud of this fine group.

The afternoon is filled with meetings with different groups and, of course, the traditional meeting with Savannah-Chatham leaders that is moderated by former State Representative, and current WTOC news anchor, Sonny Dixon. Later that evening the “event of the year” the annual Savannah-Chatham seafood fest is held at the Depot.  What a great event and what a wonderful asset for us as legislators representing this area to have.

Senator Buddy Carter can be reached at Coverdell Legislative Office Building (C.L.O.B.) Room 301-A, Atlanta, GA, 30334.  His Capitol office number is 404-656-5109.

Written by Walter L. Johnson II

Almost one full month into 2012, change has come to the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Such changes have recently reached the top, as Catherine Glover left her job as President and CEO of the chamber at the start of the New Year, to take a position as the Vice President of Global Business Development at Equinox Chemicals.

But the changes don’t end at the top within the Chamber, as Jenny Collins, who served as the assistant to the president up until the end of 2011, left to become the Marketing and Communications Manager of the CVB to start 2012.

If that wasn’t enough, Deborah Bowie, replaced the late Wendy Martin as the Chamber’s Senior Director of Public Policy and Communications in June 2011.  Martin died in May 2011 after a long battle with cancer.

It was just time to make a change

Glover, who started her new position at Equinox on Jan. 9, says that after more than two decades of working in chambers of commerce, it was simply time for a change.

“After almost a quarter of a century doing what I do, which is economic development and working with businesses, thousands of businesses, over that time, it was just time to make a change,” explained Glover.

“Although I wasn’t looking for this opportunity, when it came to my doorstep, it was absolutely ideal,” Glover added. “I could stay here in Albany, and I could work alongside a business owner that is growing, and someone that believes in Albany as much as I do.”

From the Chamber to the CVB

     After working with the Chamber for almost 10 years, including the last several years as being the Assistant to the President, Jenny Collins began her tenure with the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau as its marketing and communications manager at the start of this year.

An Albany native, Collins says her passion for understanding the needs of customers drew her to her current position with the CVB.

“I have always loved that field in relating to the consumer, and trying to see what the market is wanting, and providing it, so I’ve always had an interest in that,” Collins said.

Additionally, Collins added, the opportunity to sell her hometown to potential tourists and residents is the one of the things she likes most about her job.

“The aspect that really attracted me (to the position) is selling Albany to visitors, letting them know what we have to offer, and hopefully, make them love it as much I love it.”

Collins says that things are starting to come together for the CVB, including the formation of multiple committees.

“We’re really starting to, really build the committees that we have,” explained Collins, “with the hospitality committee, the sports marketing committee, really promoting Albany as a destination for some motor coaches.

“So we’ve got some wonderful ideas, down the pipeline in 2012, and I’m looking forward to working on all of them.”

Giving Georgia a “competitive” advantage

     Although she has only been on the job for more than seven months, Deborah Bowie has already seen a significant difference between Albany, and her previous hometown of Birmingham, Ala.

“The Albany community is a “family-centric” community,” Bowie said. “I’m the mother of small children, of triplets.  So, we were just in love with the community from the first visit here.  It’s a great place to raise children, and it’s a town of convenience.

“I think that an outsider, you have a different perspective about what a community offers.  To me, Albany is beautiful, has a moderate temperature, it’s located not too far from the beach, not too far from Orlando, it’s a great location.

“The industry here is diverse enough where I think the community has some layers of protection, that you don’t have all of your industry sectors in one place.”

Bowie also believes that a new initiative designed to help foster economic development throughout Georgia could help Albany and southwest Georgia a competitive advantage in the coming years.

“What there has not been is a comprehensive economic development initiative strategy,” Bowie said, “that now seems to be front and center in (Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s) administration, it’s a plan that we support.

Protecting Albany’s status as a “Tier 1” community is also a high priority with the Chamber, Bowie added.

“We are also on the record with our legislative agenda to say to the Governor, that we want to protect as a “Tier 1” community,” Bowie said. “That is a status that we cannot afford to lose.

“It allows us certain incentives that other communities do not have, and so we see (2012) as a huge opportunity, not just for the state of Georgia, but particularly for regions of the state that will benefit from what we will know will happen in Savannah.”

What does what happens in Savannah have to do with what eventually might happen in Albany?  Bowie says that has to do with the potential widening of the port in coastal Georgia’s largest city.

“Even (Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed) has been on record supporting the widening, (the) deepening of the Savannah port, because we all understand that all regions of Georgia together, can be a very strong player on the economic development, international stage, if we make all the right investments.”

Encouraging new ideas

     Although her tenure as the President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce is over, Glover’s quest to bring meaningful jobs to Albany is far from over.

As a Massachusetts native who has called southwest Georgia home since late 2008, she encourages longtime residents and newcomers to accept people with new ideas, as well as new ways of thinking.

“Although I’ve only lived in Albany a little more than three years now, it is my home.  My parents have lived in Fitzgerald, and they’ve been (there) almost 18 years now.

“So, coming here, and staying here, and wanting to be here, is important, and I encourage the residents of Albany, and the businesses of Albany, to embrace people like me, who come in with new ideas and new opportunities, and don’t want to leave, and accept change.

“I’d like to say how much I appreciate living here, and I appreciate this community,” Glover said. “I appreciate the close-knit family feel, the quality of life truly, that we have here, and the ability to stay in this community, and to be successful with a very successful company.” 

Albany State University is in a bit of trouble.  The “Historically Black” school apparently admitted students who didn’t meet the minimum standards for the University.  For some, this may not seem like that big of a deal, but with Albany State, it is.

ASU, you may recall, made a pretty big deal out of Darton getting a four year nursing program.  At that time, they argued that Darton was the “white” school and that it would draw students away from ASU.  I said then that their argument was bull.  Those students who wanted to go to ASU would still go to ASU, while those who went to Darton and opted for a four year degree afterwards were generally going to Americus to attend Georgia Southwestern State University.

However, ASU’s actions should really earn the ire of Darton College.  You see, universities in Georgia have minimum standards that students must meet.  These students didn’t.  As such, their recourse should have been to attend Darton until they met ASU’s standards.  Instead, Albany State just admitted them and therefore kept them out of Darton College.

I’m all about the free markets, and think a more free market in education would ultimately lead to better education.  However, until that happens, I think all parties need to follow the rules.  It’s just that simple.  ASU didn’t, and again it’s just that simple.

President Freeman can say all he wants about how these students were just a few points below the level.  It just doesn’t matter.  They didn’t meet the minimum that the state requires.  If they don’t want to meet the state’s standards, then perhaps they should explore becoming a private university and then they’ll be free to set whatever standards they want.

However, the fact remains that the revelation only spurred on the feelings many have regarding ASU.  While few will argue against the economic impact of ASU’s homecoming, many question the quality of Albany State’s graduates.  Without a doubt, there are some quality folks who have graduated from ASU, but they are tarnished by the graduates who have shown themselves to be less than stellar in their respective fields.

With the information that we learned last week regarding ASU’s willful disregard of the state mandated standards, many in the community can’t help but feel that this is clearly part of the problem.  In addition, the fact that apparently faculty feels rather put upon based on a letter they sent to the Board of Regents last year, one must wonder how much real education is happening on the ASU campus.

Allen, Bennie T, Jan. 23, aggravated assault

Allen, Juaneesa Lashun, Jan. 20, disorderly conduct

Allen, Veronica Denise, Jan. 21, disorderly conduct

Anderson, Linda Nicole, Jan. 21, dui (1st offense alcohol), duty-involving inj or death, improper lane chge/dr on rdways for traffic, open container (po), striking stat object      near roadway prob

Andrews, Jacqueline Denise, Jan. 22, weekend prisoner

Banks, Victor Kartavious, Jan. 23, criminal trespass (2 counts), emergency help-intefering with call for, simple battery (2 counts), theft by taking

Barber, Jimmy Lee Jr., Jan. 20, civ contempt (child sup)

Barnes, Raymond Jr., Jan. 23, aggravated battery, burglary, kidnapping, prob violation, sale/poss wid/purchase/marij

Barnes, William E, Jan. 25, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Beach, Mark Edward Jr., Jan. 19, prob violation, simple battery

Bell, Alvin Bernard, Jan. 19, marijuana-possess less than 1oz.

Benton, Angelina Kamilah, Jan. 20, improper backing, suspended dl 3rd offense

Bermes, John Michael, Jan. 23, harassing phone calls, violation of family violence order

Bloxton, Marcus Leconte, Jan. 25, child restraint 4yrs & under ( 2 counts), D U I-of alcohol/drugs, DUI-alcohol / less safe, fail to dim lights

Boone, Cedrick Jr., Jan. 20, weekend prisoner

Boone, Christopher Quantez, Jan. 22, contempt of court, prob violation (2 counts)

Bradley, Harvey James, Jan. 20, battery, parole viol, prob viol

Brockinton, Quinorris, Jan. 20, armed rob (3 counts), fa/knife poss during crime/attempt crime (2 counts), receipt/poss/transf firearm by conv fel 1st ofndr (2 counts)

Brookins, Darrion Rashad, Jan. 25, court order sentence

Brown, Michael Darius, Jan. 19, prob violation

Brown, Stephen Bernard, Jan. 23, hold for other law enforcement (2 counts), prob violation, theft by deception

Carnegie, Douglas Oliver, Jan. 26, battery (2 counts)

Clark, Annie Doris, Jan. 21, pointing a gun/pistol at another

Clark, Kamari Elexis, Jan. 25, theft by shoplifting

Cobb, Felix Mendale, Jan. 25, hold for other law enforcement, simple battery

Cobb, Jimmy Jamune, Jan. 21, failure to appear

Collier, Shon Veshon, Jan. 22, prob viol

Collins, Vernon Anthony, Jan. 22, carrying weapon without license – 1st offense, fa/knife poss during crime/attempt crime, obstruction of officers, receipt/poss/transf firearm by conv fel 1st ofndr, sale/poss wid/purchase/marij, suspended/revoked license (2nd), theft by receiving prop stolen in anoth state, turn signals req

Corbeth, Michael, Jan. 22, prob violation

Corliss, Deborah Lynn, Jan. 25, weekend prisoner

Coston, James Henry, Jan. 22, dui (2nd offense alcohol), DUI driv under the inf of alc conc .08g more 3 hrs, improper lane chge/dr on rdways for traffic

Cox, Cameron Landis, Jan. 20, burglary (3 counts)

Cox, Toby Ian, Jan. 20, contempt of court, off bond, possession of a schedule ii controlled substance

Culbreth, Lacosta Leigh, Jan. 20, weekend prisoner

Cunningham, Chad Nathaniel, Jan. 20, aggravated assault, stalking

Daniel, Ricky Junior, Jan. 20, prob viol

Daniels, Darrion Valentina, Jan. 21, failure to appear

Daniels, De’Aris Dontezs, Jan. 22, disorderly conduct, general

Daniels, Terry, Jan. 25, civ contempt (child sup)(2 counts)

Davis, Alvin Jr., Jan. 23, criminal trespass

Davis, Charles Bernard, Jan. 21, criminal trespass

Deas, Joshua Immanuel, Jan. 25, contempt of court

Debruce, Devrious Hassan, Jan. 19, hold for other law enforcement

Dell, Keaira Chante, Jan. 21, theft by shoplifting

Deloney, Calvin Ray, Jan. 20, battery

Denham, Charles Emmett, Jan. 21, burglary, criminal trespass

Douglas, Daniel Iii, Jan. 21, giving false name, add, DOB to police, simple battery, theft by taking

Dowell, Willie Lee, Jan. 25, state court sentence

Doyle, Austin, Jan. 19, prob violation

Ellis, Andrete Choiaye, Jan. 24, superior court sentence

Ellis, Christopher Mckenzie, Jan. 19, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, prob violation

Faison, Kimberly Davis, Jan. 22, state crt intermittent sentence

Ferguson, Terrill, Jan. 23, parole viol

Flournoy, Montarius Ahmad, Jan. 20, affray (fighting)

, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr.

Ford, Nakia Rudolphus, Jan. 20, state crt intermittent sentence

Fritts, Annie Delores, Jan. 21, disorderly conduct, general

Furlow, Dexter Jr., Jan. 23, prohibited noise, suspended dl 2nd offense

Fusco, Nicholas Anthony, Jan. 20, poss consumpt alco by minor

Galbert, Warrick, Jan. 20, prob violation

Gilyard, Eldrundo Hozay, Jan. 20, prob violation

Green, John Oliver, Jan. 20, impersonating a public officer or employee

Griffin, Brian Merritt, Jan. 23, prob violation

Hall, Robert Edward Jr., Jan. 19, driving while license suspended/revoked, improper parking

Harper, Markel Jamal, Jan. 25, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Harris, Jessica Nichole, Jan. 23, criminal trespass

Harris, Thomas Jatell, Jan. 23, prob violation, prob violation

Hayes, Jawane Tobbaris, Jan. 24, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Haynes, Marquez Leonta, Jan. 19, criminal trespass

Hightower, Thomas Lee, Jan. 21, civ contempt (child sup), contempt of court (2 counts)

Hill, Kolrie Terail, Jan. 19, criminal trespass, simple battery, theft by taking

Hilson, Royce Charles, Jan. 20, state crt intermittent sentence

Hines, Michael Paul, Jan. 19, hold for other law enforcement

Hobbs, Christopher Lawrence, Jan. 21, simple battery

Holt, Rashad Jamal, Jan. 20, weekend prisoner

Hope, Michael Ronnie, Jan. 23, prob violation

Hope, Sherene Michelle, Jan. 19, simple battery

Howard, Dameka Monique, Jan. 23, prob violation

Jackson, Frank James, Jan. 25, parole viol

Jackson, Kourtney Nekisha, Jan. 24, obstruction of officers, theft by shoplifting

Jackson, Victoria Hand, Jan. 23, cruelty to children-deprv of necessary sub 1st dg

Johnson, Antionette Denise, Jan. 22, parole viol

Johnson, Neremiah, Jan. 25, battery

Johnson, Unterio Devon, Jan. 21, contempt of court (2 counts), obstruction of officers

Jones, Arsenio Terrell, Jan. 21, battery

Jones, Glenn Jr., Jan. 19, marijuana-possess less than 1oz., prob violation

Jones, Miesha Michelle, Jan. 23, disorderly conduct, general

Jones, Thomas Gregory, Jan. 24, entering auto

King, Demoski Copualus, Jan. 25, civ contempt (child sup)

Lassiter, Jamie, Jan. 22, state crt intermittent sentence

Leming, William Chance, Jan. 20, state crt intermittent sentence

Lockett, Kirshawn Beshae, Jan. 21, burglary, prob violation

Lockett, Kyser Monkel, Jan. 23, no dl on person, dl disply on demain, prob violation

Lofton, William Wesley Jr., Jan. 20, off bond, prob violation

Loud, Eddie James, Jan. 19, theft by shoplifting

Maldonado, Oscar Alexander, Jan. 23, prob violation

Mansfield, Rufus Greg, Jan. 20, criminal trespass, theft by receiving stolen property

Marshall, Steven Latrell, Jan. 22, criminal trespass, simple battery

Marshall, Walton Wayne, Jan. 21, failure to appear

Mason, Loria Lattrice, Jan. 22, theft by taking

Mathis, Martez Damion, Jan. 20, false report of a crime, unlawful f per employ/assc w/ str gang

Mathis, Phyllis Regina, Jan. 22, prob violation

Mcclary, Reuben, Jan. 25, prob violation

Mcgee, Kanaya, Jan. 21, theft by deception

Mcintyre, Anterrio, Jan. 19, driving while license suspended/revoked, dui alc/cont sub pres bld/urine sbj 40-6-391(b), improper lane usage, marijuana-possess less than 1oz.

Mckey, Kristy Lynn, Jan. 21, criminal trespass

Mckinney, Antario Montez, Jan. 20, weekend prisoner

Mcnair, Dywane Kenneth, Jan. 24, civ contempt (child sup), prob violation (2 counts)

Meadows, Devin Marquette, Jan. 22, DUI-alcohol / less safe, f t r accident resulting in inj/death, lv sc-stat object

Meadows, Lawrence Victor, Jan. 20, court order sentence

Meadows, Mario Dewayne, Jan. 23, fty veh turning left, suspended dl 1st offense

Means, Daniel Aaron, Jan. 24, marijuana-possess less than 1oz., theft by taking (2 counts)

Mein, Amy Elizabeth, Jan. 23, driving while license suspended/revoked, speeding (16-20)

Mennette, Lynn Veronica, Jan. 21, failure to appear

Miller, Omar Malik, Jan. 25, criminal trespass (2 counts), prob violation

Mobley, John Edward, Jan. 20, criminal trespass

Moreland, Johnny, Jan. 20, attempting to elude, reckless driving, stop sign/yield signs ( 2 counts)

Morgan, Tarris Terell, Jan. 19, weekend prisoner

Morris, Adinna Lynn, Jan. 22, prob violation

Muff, Nikeshia Lashun, Jan. 23, criminal trespass

Najjar, Michael John, Jan. 24, manufacture/del/dist/pos sched III, IV, V cont sub, parole viol, possession of methamphetamine w/intent to dist, sell/distribute/poss ecstasy

Newton, Luther Gilbert, Jan. 19, prob violation

Noird, Quroskie Jermaine, Jan. 24, criminal trespass, emergency help-interfering with call for, simple battery

Parks, Walter, Jan. 20, weekend prisoner (3 counts)

Patrick, Bobby Frank, Jan. 20, harassing phone calls

Paul, Gordon Conrad, Jan. 25, civ contempt (child sup)

Pillsbury, Thomas Hendon Jr., Jan. 19, state court sentence

Pollard, Gwancarlo Jermond, Jan. 25, prob violation, theft by conversion

Powell, Willie James, Jan. 24, failure to appear, simple battery, superior court sentence

Presley, Octavius, Jan. 25, contempt of court

Price, Alonzo Al, Jan. 19, contempt of court, marijuana-possess less than 1oz., possession of cocaine, theft by taking

Price, Quinten Antoine, Jan. 24, theft by taking

Reese, Michael Jerome, Jan. 25, no insurance 1st off, stop sign at rail road crossing, suspended dl 1st offense

Richardson, Deontae Cornelius, Jan. 19, prob violation

Riggins, Derrick Westley, Jan. 21, hold for other law enforcement

Robinson, Helen Deloris, Jan. 25, prob violation

Royal, Jessie James, Jan. 19, theft by shoplifting

Sammons, Brad Leon, Jan. 26, prob violation

Sapp, Rashad Marquis, Jan. 20, drug paraphernalia, headlights required, possession of marij (1 oz 1st offense)

Scott, Major Lee, Jan. 20, disorderly conduct, general

Sheppard, Betty Joyce, Jan. 20, weekend prisoner

Sherman, James Calvin Jr., Jan. 19, headlights required, suspended/revoked license (3rd)

Sherman, Myron Maurice, Jan. 24, prob violation

Simmons, Mario Theopolis, Jan. 24, failure to appear

Smith, Stacey Michelle, Jan. 19, ret f/trial

Solomon, Kenyatte Leshey, Jan. 19, theft by taking

Span, Kadisha Lasha, Jan. 23, simple battery

Spurling, Octavious Demond, Jan. 25, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Stafford, Leaquion Davontae, Jan. 23, court order sentence, prob violation, simple battery

Stroud, Stephen Bryant, Jan. 21, DUI less safe, spd 61-65/35 zone

Styles, Delton Renard, Jan. 24, theft by shoplifting

Tarver, Earlene Felicia, Jan. 19, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Taylor, Brittany Lashell, Jan. 22, suspended dl 2nd offense

Taylor, Herman Coley, Jan. 21, dui less safe, improper lane chge/dr on rdways for traffic

Taylor, Jimmy Charles, Jan. 21, suspended/revoked license (2nd), tag light required

Taylor, Kenneth Lewayne, Jan. 24, prob violation

Taylor, Khadijah Jamina, Jan. 20, battery

Teasley, Tosha Latrice, Jan. 22, civ contempt (child sup)

Teemer, Leander, Jan. 23, prob violation

Thompson, Titus Rashard, Jan. 20, theft by deception, theft by taking

Timley, Russell Andre, Jan. 24, prob violation

Tucker, Matthew Cory, Jan. 25, forgery 1st degree, giving false name, add, dob to police, obstruction of officers, signs & markers,compl w/traf control devices

Tumblin, Eric Davonn, Jan. 23, prob violation, simple battery

Tyson, Korey Michael, Jan. 20, entering auto ( 2 counts)

Vialpando, Moriah Christine, Jan. 21, hold for other law enforcement

Walker, Antonio Bernard, Jan. 25, criminal trespass

Walter, Cory Daniel, Jan. 20, poss consumpt alco by minor

Watson, Betty Ann, Jan. 23, theft by shoplifting

White, Ronald Dewayne, Jan. 24, prob violation

Wiggins, Reginald Dewyane, Jan. 19, prob viol, sale/poss wid/purchase/marij

Williams, Antonio Bernard, Jan. 25, court order sentence

Williams, Bobby Jermarcus, Jan. 24, disrupt/intefere w/public school opr., simple battery

Williams, Louise Bernetta, Jan. 21, contempt of court (2 counts),

Williams, Rantiez Deshad, Jan. 20, Affray (fighting), disrupt/intefere w/public school opr.

Williford, Robert Lee, Jan. 24, criminal trespass, giving false name, add, DOB to police, loitering/prowling

Willis, Johnny, Jan. 20, contempt of court

Wilson, Shentoni Dineka, Jan. 20, state crt intermittent sentence

Wimberly, Raymond Cartez, Jan. 25, driving while license suspended/revoked, no insurance (1st off), suspended vehicle registration (canceled, revoked), taillights required

Wingfield, Mantavious Mantell, Jan. 22, prob viol

Wright, Antonio Jermaine, Jan. 25, expired tag, suspended/revoked license (2nd), turn signals req

Young, Willie James, Jan. 23, hold for other law enforcement

Lon McNeil is an independent marketing consultant in Albany and can be reached at lonmcneil@gmail.com.
 

For as long as I can remember, Albany’s plan for economic development has always centered on building up, or rejuvenating specific geographical sections of our community. When I was a kid, the buzz was all about expansion efforts in Northwest Albany. The Albany Mall, Wal-Mart, and a host of mini-strip outlets, slowly drove the vast majority of shoppers and businesses away from our core, and out to the burbs and beyond. All was well.

The future seemed bright until we turned around to see the big empty spot where retail was once king; Downtown Albany. As businesses left there, government and professional offices moved in. Vital aspects of our city to be sure, but not the sort of development that one can get excited about. Then SPLOST money and other government funded programs gave us a “new” downtown. The multi-million dollar Flint Riverquarium, Ray Charles Park and the riverfront improvements, The Hilton Garden Inn, upgrades at Thronateeska Heritage Center, including a one-of-a kind planetarium, and a revitalized CVB Welcome Center at the Riverhouse, all played a role in our efforts to turn Downtown Albany back into the center of social and economic strength it once was.

Yet, we still struggle. True, this may not be the best time in the economy to take an honest look at how we are doing in Albany, but it’s not something we can put off. The offerings of both the Northwest retail districts, Lee County, and Downtown Albany, all have merit and play a key role in our future. The problem is not the ideas, or the geography. The problem is the people. We just don’t have enough people, with enough money to spend here, to keep all segments busy at the same time.

With large plant closings, a rising crime rate, and other concerns, our population has steadily dropped. This leaves businesses and our attractions fighting for those remaining pocket books. If Downtown takes off like everyone hopes it will, there will be a drop in business somewhere else. We desperately need to attract new people to Albany, either as visitors, shoppers, or residents. That is the only way we will have real growth.

It’s never a good sign when regional attractions such as Chehaw and Riverquarium spend so much of their time, money, and effort to get the local community through the doors, and even to become a “member” of their organization. They are failing to understand that their real value to the community is not what they can do for us, but what they can do to attract visitors, dare I say, tourists, to the Good Life City.

I’ve used this example before, but it’s a good one. Back in the mid-90s I lived in St. Augustine, Florida. I served on the marketing committee of the St. John’s County Chamber of Commerce. Not once, in all the many development meetings I participated in, was there any concern given to how best to get the locals into the Wax Museum, The Spanish Fort, The Old Jail, or Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. They understood the basic math. Getting that demographic to spend money at the attractions was simply moving the local dollars around. It would add no new growth to the local economy. Their focus was on regional and national marketing programs and ad campaigns. That can be expensive, but it’s a certainty that any revenue generated was new money, not recycled money. Now, I’m not saying that we are on par with such a tourist centered economy as St. Augustine, but we can learn something from them.

Instead of our attractions all competing for local attention and wallets, they should combine their limited marketing budgets with the major hotels, restaurants, and the local arts institutions to develop a single message about Albany, and how we can be a great “weekend get-away”. That message should be delivered to the major cities around us like Tallahassee, Columbus, Jacksonville, Macon, Savannah, and even Atlanta. We should never hear about it. Those of us that have lived here for a long time, may not easily see what a great offering we have, but to those living in larger metropolitan areas, we make a great mini-vacation location to get away from the fast pace they are accustom to.

But our attractions and institutions do not work together to that mission. They see each other as competition, not partners. Nobody wants to surrender any control of their own message, so instead of having one powerful story to tell the outside world, we have half a dozen short stories we keep telling ourselves over and over, wondering why things don’t change.

Albany’s historical, territorial attitude, that keeps us debating on which portion of our community we should support, leads to our collective loss in serious growth. Maybe these hard times will force us to speak with one voice that will put new dollars in our one pocket called Albany.

I was having a conversation with someone last week when they recounted a conversation they had with someone else.  “He doesn’t like libertarians because he says he wants to help kids on seniors,” she said.  I was taken a little aback by that, because if that’s the image we libertarians have, it’s no wonder we have the reputation we have.

Luckily, I happen to have an opportunity to set the record straight about what many libertarians actually think.  Let’s start off with kids.

Many people support welfare programs, despite their record of failure, because they just don’t want to punish kids for their parents’ failings.  I can understand that completely.  After all, I was just like those folks for years.  Unfortunately, there’s a flaw in that logic.

You see, when parents don’t have to do anything to provide for their kids, many of them just won’t. They know that they have our tax dollars to spend on food and clothing for their children, so they opt to just kick back and do nothing.

I care about those kids.  I want those kids to have more than the minimum.  I envision a world where those parents have to get off their butts and make a living the same as the rest of us have to.  Then, those kids can get more than just the basics.  They would have an opportunity to have even more, as well as learn that if one wants to thrive in this world, one must work for it.

Now, there are always going to be kids that need help for whatever reason.  I agree that it isn’t their fault that they’re in their current predicament.  That’s where private charity kicks in, and yes I believe that we all need to up our contributions to private charities.  Let the private sector take up the cause of helping out less fortunate kids, and quite requiring it through taxation and wealth redistribution schemes.

As for senior citizens, things are a bit trickier.  You see, I know of no libertarian who is in favor of Social Security.  However, many accept that it is here and that we can’t just cut it without destroying the lives of a lot of seniors.  I’m one of them.  I also recognize that Social Security is deeply flawed and that something must be done.

The reality is that Social Security is essentially a Ponzi scheme where my parents’ generation paid for their folks, and now they’re living off of my generation.  That’s not how it was supposed to work, but that’s the reality of it.  The first thing that needs to be done is to figure out a balance of what’s best for future generations and what’s best for current seniors.

I’m personally in favor of permitting those of us under 55 to take our Social Security withholdings into a private account if we so choose.  Yes, there is risk involved.  So what?  My generation is the first to accept that we will probably not receive Social Security since the program first started.

So what would those under 55 being able to opt out do for current seniors?  Not much.  Remember that Social Security withholdings actually go into the general account for the United States government and therefore current benefits are coming out of there as well.  We simply continue paying current benefits while permitting future generations of senior citizens to invest their withholdings (instead of them going to pay for what politicians want right now).  The result is current seniors receive what they’ve been receiving with no interruption.  In time, you will minimize those receiving social security as more and more realize that they will have a more comfortable retirement by investing.

Now, I’m not the spokesman for libertarianism as a whole.  I recognize that my Utopia will never happen, and that’s fine with me.  I’m willing to try and work with the world I have and accept less than ideal solutions, so long as they’re a move in the right direction.  However, to claim that libertarians don’t care about kids or older folks is just plain wrong.

Tannur Ali

Tannur “Shewrightz” Ali is originally from Philadelphia, PA. She began writing poetry at 12 years old, and began performing at 13. Winner of the Judith Stark Creative Writing Award, Host/Facilitator of Unplugged (Poetry Reading and Spoken Word venue), and member of The D’town Arts Coalition. Tannur remains active in the art, and always working to secure a place for the arts in her community.

Remember those tags that said “Made in America”?  When I was growing up they were just about everywhere.  Over the years, I have seen them less and less.  Now I can barely remember the last time I saw one.  While interviewing Heather Ashberry, the image of a new tag came in to my mind.  Made In Albany.

“Our country has allowed other countries to take over manufacturing and we don’t make anything anymore.”  -She states, sitting curled up in my office chair, no bigger than my nine year old daughter; and yet reminding me of a time when our country made everything from handbags to handguns and apple pie to automobiles.  It’s easy to be fooled by Heather’s barely five foot stature.  By looking at her you wouldn’t automatically think “Steel-worker” or “print-maker”.  But there is a secret hidden in her delicate fingertips.  Her artwork tells the story of a very old soul in a very new era.  I guess you could say that Heather is kind of like a computer chip, in that there is a ton of knowledge and know-how packed into a tiny package.   The cool thing is that she sees the irony in how our world and our city have changed.  She sees the good in the new as well as the old.

“Artists don’t have to starve”, she says impassioned.  “We have so many skills.  We build and make so many things and we can do something with that.”  When asked what her plans are for the next big project, she mentions SquirrelyDoodle Ink, her line of accessories and trinkets that already includes clutches and will soon include collector’s edition corsets, handmade leather items and much more.   She plans to open a boutique to sell her one of a kind handmade crafts and accessories, as well as an Etsy account soon to come.  Heather knows that in order to be successful, she must demonstrate skill as well as passion.  She does just that when showing her work at the monthly Nights @D’town events.  You may have also seen her work in her solo exhibition at The Albany Museum of Art, or maybe you’ve noticed the mural on the wall at The Levee studio.

She carries a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Georgia Southwestern with a concentration in painting and drawing, although she said much of her focus in college was print-making.  “School doesn’t teach the business of art.”  She tells me.  In order to know that side of being an artists, you have to put yourself in a position to learn on the job.

Ashberry is currently an apprentice to Trent Ty, Master Blacksmith.  Yes, Blacksmith.  The practical education that she’s receiving right now is not your stereo-typical horse-shoe conversation.  So excited about the level of expertise and talent she has found in her teacher, Heather immediately jumps on the computer to show me pictures of the gargantuan steel gazebo in Trent Ty’s workshop.   Then, pictures of knives that he’d made.  My personal favorite, the tooled leather handbags and man bags.  Wow.  She shows me pictures of her clutches and describes in detail some of her new ideas and designs.  I kept thinking “Where is your boutique, again?”  (Only to remember that it’s not here yet.)  I’m going to go ahead and let you know I’m looking forward to the SquirrelyDoodle Ink store more than the new Olive Garden set to open on the West side.

Albany has been called the fourth poorest city in the nation.  I’m convinced that’s because Albanians do not recognize and support the talent it has oozing out from between the cracks of the storied woodwork.   We have artists and artisans who take seriously olden days concepts like quality, detail and reputation.  They can provide us with the hot new things that no one else has, and they can do it right here in our own backyards.  All we have to do is support them financially, as we do verbally.

Americans, and Albanians by extension have become consumers.  “We’re so connected by technology that we no longer relate to each other in person.”  We laughed about sitting with friends and noticing everyone on a phone, computer or other device.  We laughed about it, both recognizing that it’s no laughing matter.  Heather’s vision to “create something personal and make it universal so that people can relate to it” is one that can help to change the way Albanians view Albany.  Heather, and artisans like her will help to make Albany represent culture, passion, skill and beauty.  The artists of Albany are showing up and showing out.  The next time you go out to grab a new purse, or place another piece of art on your wall.  Consider this:  Is it as awesome as a SquirrelyDoodle Ink design?  And is it Made In Albany?

To contact Heather Ashberry, or to view some of her work, visit her on Facebook at: Facebook.com/Squirrelydoodleink

This past weekend, Albany Herald metro editor Carlton Fletcher wrote in his column about something an anonymous source told him regarding what can only be described as voter fraud.  Fletcher’s column, coupled with the Journal article several weeks back, clearly indicate that something is going on in this town with regard to how elections are handled.

Despite comments from others made online and not directed to me that “credible journalists don’t hide behind anonymous sources”, I actually did take a great deal of time to consider the ramifications of using my information.  I have little doubt Carlton did as well.  You see, anonymous sources remain anonymous for a variety of reasons.  I’ve discussed it previously, as did Carlton.

In reality, there should be little surprise that anonymous sources are used.  What should be surprising to local officials is just how little surprise generated by the Journal article or the Herald column.  Frankly, there isn’t any.

For what it’s worth, I had heard the same thing Carlton wrote about.  The sources on those had no firsthand knowledge of what was supposedly happening, so I didn’t write about it.  I couldn’t get some confirmation and, despite what some may think, I don’t run rumors and without that confirmation, that’s all I had.

Fletcher and I have both hit on a key problem in this community, and that is that there is little trust in the election process, and apparently for good reason.  We were both approached by people with firsthand knowledge of the dirty nature politics, but from different angles.

The citizens of Dougherty County have known that our system is screwed up.  They know that there are serious issues with the election process.  The initial Journal story wasn’t groundbreaking except that it essentially confirmed what most in this community already knew.  They knew that elections could be bought, and they even knew some names that were doing it.  It was Albany’s worst kept secret.

However, now that this information is out there, there’s a chance we can do something about it.  Now there is an opportunity for the citizens of Albany and Dougherty County to step in and make things right.  We can do that, but first we need a bit of help.

These crimes need to be investigated.  They need to be investigated and any guilty party needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  While many don’t rate this crime as heinous as murder or rape, they need to understand that these criminals are killing our democratic principles; they are raping our way of self governing.  Yes, they are criminals in every way one can imagine.

I applaud Carlton Fletcher for writing that column.  I suspect it wasn’t easy for him, but it was definitely needed. To those who believe that using anonymous sources is somehow wrong, keep in mind that anonymous sources have broken many important news stories.  Just because someone’s anonymous, doesn’t mean they’re wrong.

Millions of people dream of hitting it big in the music industry.  Fantasies abound as people envision their showers actually being stadiums, filled to capacity with throngs of adoring fans screaming their heads off.  While most keep this as just that, a fantasy, others call it a dream and work hard to make it their reality.  Damascus Road Entertainment may just be the first stop for many on that road to fame and fortune.

Damascus Road Entertainment started much like the baseball field in the hit movie, Field of Dreams.  Like Kevin Costner’s character, Richard DeGray had a voice tell him to build something.  Instead of a baseball diamond in an Iowa cornfield, DeGray built a recording studio as he says God told him too.

He built the studio, but unlike the end of the movie, no one came. “Four months ago, I was ready to shut it down,” DeGray said.  That’s when he met is newfound partner, Willie Tatum.  “I was raging at God,” Degray said, citing how little use the studio was getting, “then Willie showed up.”

“I had the space, Willie has the talent and connections.” DeGray said.

The two bonded, creating an unlikely pair as the older white DeGray and the young black man Tatum began to work together.  Their first project, the one that brought Tatum on board, is a faith based album called The Faith Project.  DeGray describes The Faith Project as having come out of a Bible study. ““Why don’t we take the Bible and do something that hasn’t been done before.  Let’s take every book in the bible and describe it in a sentence or two,” something he says described as “incredibly difficult”.

When DeGray met Tatum, he shared his idea with the younger man.  “when I showed Willie the outline, he almost instantly had songs,” DeGray said.

DeGray wasn’t the only one ecstatic about the collaboration either. ““I’m glad the Holy Spirit gave him that vision, because it opened up creative avenues for me,” said Tatum.

The pair are finishing up the project, but then hope to turn their attention to new venues.  While both men say their faith is vitally important to them, neither wants to focus exclusively on faith-based music.

Instead, they see Damascus Road as a place for all kinds of music, but the only stipulation is that it must be positively based music. “It’s a business too.  As long as they’re not degrading women, or killing, or using drugs.  They can talk about parties, or having a good time, but it has to be positive,” says Tatum.

Both men see music as an opportunity to influence lives in a positive way.  They see many in the community turning to the wrong type of artists as role models. “It’s the wrong role model,” DeGray says. “This is the guy who should be the role model,” he says as he points to Tatum. Tatum follows by saying, “They think drugs and violence is the way to make it.”

So what sets this studio apart from other studios in town? “Other studios in town are, quite frankly, party places,” says DeGray, going on to say that he’s not to disparage those places, citing that that’s fine for some folks.

Damascus Road would be setting lofty goals by just focusing on recording music, but that’s not all they have in mind.  In addition, they plan on offering music classes from instructors who have a minimum of an associates level degree in music and offer classes in most instruments.

The cost for studio time is $30 per hour with a two hour minimum.  They can be found on the web at http://damascusroadentertainment.com/ or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Damascus-Road-Entertainment/.  On Twitter, just look for @damascusroadent.