LumpkinSunshine.com

Financial obligations can result in the enslavement of both individuals and nations.  Debt, the slight of hand that let’s us live beyond our means, eventually demands an accounting.  There is no such thing as a business too big to fail; and there is no such thing as a nation too big to fail.  Mighty nations have been wiped out by their own excesses.

According to Douglas Holtz-Eakin, director of the Congressional Budget Office from 2003 to 2005, ” By 2020, the federal deficit — the amount the government must borrow to meet its expenses — is projected to be $1.2 trillion, $900 billion of which represents interest on previous debt.  The health care legislation would only increase this crushing debt.  It is a clear indication that Congress does not realize the urgency of putting America’s fiscal house in order.” Continue reading »

Once again, leaving many in the audience unsure about what they had voted to do, Lumpkin County Commissioners denied dog park proponents the right to proceed with plans for their dog park.

Chairman John Raber began the discussion saying, “Regardless of what comes out, you have been professional.”  He continued relating that during visitation at the funeral home someone had yelled out at him, “Y’all had better not allow that dog park!”

After allowing dog park supporters to state what they  wanted, Raber offered dog park opponent, Clinton Crane, an opportunity to question dog park supporters.  Crane asked, “Y’all gonna build a fence if we give you a piece of property?  Y’all gonna take care of all the upkeep, so forth?  No extra work for the Park & Rec?  Who has liability?  My thing is, right now the county has not given a piece of land to a non-profit.”

This public display during a Regular Commission Meeting was unprecedented since Raber became chairman.  During all previous Regular Monthly Commission meetings, Raber has been very careful to allow only commissioners to ask questions during meetings. Continue reading »

GEFA loan bill sneaks out of Senate committee
by Tom Crawford on 2/16/2010

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s aides are taking a back-door approach to getting legislative approval of his proposal to raise cash for the budget by selling off loans made by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA).

Language that would authorize GEFA to turn over its loan proceeds to the state treasury was quietly added to a House bill (HB 244) that was originally introduced last year to make a routine change to the authority’s name. Continue reading »