Get that money
Two
Gwinnett County court reporters have found a loop hole
and are making sure they get paid. Pamela Lennard and
Mike Ables have both been charging more than $170,000
for their work, which is more than double what other
county reporters are charging and more than the judges
they work for make. For some reason, the county has a
problem with this.
Eight other court reporters billed the county anywhere between $41,000 and $85,000. Court reporters document judicial proceedings and prepare transcripts. They are licensed through the state.
Lennard and Able were transcribing everything said during court hearings that could involve multiple defendants, such as arraignments or trial calendar calls, then attaching that full transcript to each case file. That meant hundreds of extra copies for which they could bill the county, Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said.
Technically, a certified copy of those proceedings must be made part of the court record but doesn't have to be included with each defendant's case file, Porter said. It can be filed separately with the Clerk of Court.
At least one court reporter, Ables, is more than a year behind in finishing certain trial transcripts, but "by God those calendars get turned in because he's getting to bill $2,000 for it," Porter said.
Now typically, Gwinnett judges make just north of $150,000 a year. If the court clerk is pulling ing about $175,000, doesn't that just make them oppourtunists? I mean if the judges are so smart, wouldnt they have taken a higher paying gig? And just because the court reporters are using a loop hole to steal money from the county, what's the problem? I say if you want to make money, you've got to take money. If the county doesn't like it, they should fix the loop hole.
Eight other court reporters billed the county anywhere between $41,000 and $85,000. Court reporters document judicial proceedings and prepare transcripts. They are licensed through the state.
Lennard and Able were transcribing everything said during court hearings that could involve multiple defendants, such as arraignments or trial calendar calls, then attaching that full transcript to each case file. That meant hundreds of extra copies for which they could bill the county, Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said.
Technically, a certified copy of those proceedings must be made part of the court record but doesn't have to be included with each defendant's case file, Porter said. It can be filed separately with the Clerk of Court.
At least one court reporter, Ables, is more than a year behind in finishing certain trial transcripts, but "by God those calendars get turned in because he's getting to bill $2,000 for it," Porter said.
Now typically, Gwinnett judges make just north of $150,000 a year. If the court clerk is pulling ing about $175,000, doesn't that just make them oppourtunists? I mean if the judges are so smart, wouldnt they have taken a higher paying gig? And just because the court reporters are using a loop hole to steal money from the county, what's the problem? I say if you want to make money, you've got to take money. If the county doesn't like it, they should fix the loop hole.
I voted for Barack because he's black ... and that's OK
Feb,06 2008 12:22 PM Filed in: 2008
electionBarack
Obama
Well,
I ran across this little article in the Clayton News
Daily. When I first saw the title I was outraged. I
don't think race should play a role and thought this
was some type of reverse racism. But I will admit Joel
Hall's article here is pretty good and seems to
validate his reasons for include race in his decision.
I pasted it below. What do you think?
I voted for Barack because he's black ... and that's okay - Joel Hall
Being that this is an election year and I am a political reporter, I have followed the issues of this presidential race very closely. I am very aware of the major issues and where most of the Democratic and Republican candidates stand.
In some ways, the race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton boils down to an argument of judgment verses experience (i.e. Obama's consistent opposition of the Iraq War verses Clinton's former title of First Lady).
There are, however, a few major differences in their campaign platforms. The biggest difference is their approach to health care.
Clinton believes in universal health care in the purest sense. She wants to have a system in which everybody is covered and everybody buys into it.
That would work if America was Sweden or Americans were less individualistic and self-absorbed, but that is the nature of who we are.
Obama's approach seems a lot more realistic: If you make health care inexpensive enough so that most people can afford it, most people will buy it.
It makes sense because it allows the few individuals who like being uninsured to do so. At the same time, it gives the other 99 percent of the population the tools they need to be healthy at a reasonable price.
But that's not why I voted for him, when I cast my ballot, during advance voting last Monday. The driving force behind why I voted for Obama was simply because he is an African American.
I know I'll probably draw a lot of criticism from some black and white people who don't believe Obama should get a gold star for being black. Obama's blackness shines, however, above all the other reasons why I voted for him.
I'll explain why.
When I was a small boy, I remember my parents telling me that I could be anything I wanted to be if I put my mind to it.
However, as I grew older, the glass ceiling became more apparent and I realized how hard it was to be the first black person to do anything.
From grade school academic clubs, to orchestra groups, to college, and even my current job as a reporter, I've received a great deal of scrutiny for being black. Some whites will worry if I am there on my own merit and some blacks will expect more from me than someone who is white.
I don't know how stressful it is to be black and running for president, but as any black man who has ever aspired to be anything, I know how it feels to be scrutinized on both side of the racial divide.
I would argue that few candidates in history have been more scrutinized than Barack Obama. I would also argue that Obama has been challenged more than any other candidate in this race.
While the Obama camp tends to downplay the factor of race, it has undoubtedly influenced his campaign. He has had to shrug off comparisons to past black candidates like Jesse Jackson -- something no white candidate has had to do or would be expected to do.
While not advertised, he was the first candidate in this race to request Secret Service detail. That security detail was recently doubled due to threats made against his life.
Whenever a black man has come close to achieving a historic first, it has made many people uncomfortable. However, that discomfort has often served as the engine for dramatic social change.
In sports, it took black athletes like Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Julius Erving, and Tiger Woods to break traditions and prove that all Americans are worthy of being honored on the same stage. By becoming Atlanta's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson paved the way for minorities and women to share that title.
For nearly 250 years, the highest office in the land has been reserved for white males alone. If Barack becomes president, it will not only change the way Americans look at the presidency, but it will level the playing field in a way no other act in American history could.
In addition, it will inspire the next generation of people who will finally be able to tell their children in confidence that they really can do anything.
Obama has made it this far on his own merit and is well aware of the opposition against him. If he is willing to take those risks and can make those changes, then he is well deserving of my vote and yours as well.
I voted for Barack because he's black ... and that's okay - Joel Hall
Being that this is an election year and I am a political reporter, I have followed the issues of this presidential race very closely. I am very aware of the major issues and where most of the Democratic and Republican candidates stand.
In some ways, the race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton boils down to an argument of judgment verses experience (i.e. Obama's consistent opposition of the Iraq War verses Clinton's former title of First Lady).
There are, however, a few major differences in their campaign platforms. The biggest difference is their approach to health care.
Clinton believes in universal health care in the purest sense. She wants to have a system in which everybody is covered and everybody buys into it.
That would work if America was Sweden or Americans were less individualistic and self-absorbed, but that is the nature of who we are.
Obama's approach seems a lot more realistic: If you make health care inexpensive enough so that most people can afford it, most people will buy it.
It makes sense because it allows the few individuals who like being uninsured to do so. At the same time, it gives the other 99 percent of the population the tools they need to be healthy at a reasonable price.
But that's not why I voted for him, when I cast my ballot, during advance voting last Monday. The driving force behind why I voted for Obama was simply because he is an African American.
I know I'll probably draw a lot of criticism from some black and white people who don't believe Obama should get a gold star for being black. Obama's blackness shines, however, above all the other reasons why I voted for him.
I'll explain why.
When I was a small boy, I remember my parents telling me that I could be anything I wanted to be if I put my mind to it.
However, as I grew older, the glass ceiling became more apparent and I realized how hard it was to be the first black person to do anything.
From grade school academic clubs, to orchestra groups, to college, and even my current job as a reporter, I've received a great deal of scrutiny for being black. Some whites will worry if I am there on my own merit and some blacks will expect more from me than someone who is white.
I don't know how stressful it is to be black and running for president, but as any black man who has ever aspired to be anything, I know how it feels to be scrutinized on both side of the racial divide.
I would argue that few candidates in history have been more scrutinized than Barack Obama. I would also argue that Obama has been challenged more than any other candidate in this race.
While the Obama camp tends to downplay the factor of race, it has undoubtedly influenced his campaign. He has had to shrug off comparisons to past black candidates like Jesse Jackson -- something no white candidate has had to do or would be expected to do.
While not advertised, he was the first candidate in this race to request Secret Service detail. That security detail was recently doubled due to threats made against his life.
Whenever a black man has come close to achieving a historic first, it has made many people uncomfortable. However, that discomfort has often served as the engine for dramatic social change.
In sports, it took black athletes like Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Julius Erving, and Tiger Woods to break traditions and prove that all Americans are worthy of being honored on the same stage. By becoming Atlanta's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson paved the way for minorities and women to share that title.
For nearly 250 years, the highest office in the land has been reserved for white males alone. If Barack becomes president, it will not only change the way Americans look at the presidency, but it will level the playing field in a way no other act in American history could.
In addition, it will inspire the next generation of people who will finally be able to tell their children in confidence that they really can do anything.
Obama has made it this far on his own merit and is well aware of the opposition against him. If he is willing to take those risks and can make those changes, then he is well deserving of my vote and yours as well.
Sonny Perdue for vice president?
It seems Perdue's name is
popping up on some lists for VP. This reminds me a lot
of an article I wrote last year when his name was being
bantered about for president. Here it is,
again:
Is presidential campaign on 'Sonny-do' list?
Gov. Sonny Perdue may be looking to move into the White House.
While Perdue hasn’t formed an exploratory committee or publicly expressed interest, online forums and Perdue supporters are starting a buzz.
“I think he would make a great president,” said Donna Wright of Morrow. “I voted for him because of what he has done in Georgia and I am sure he can do the same things for the nation.”
Chris Schrimpf, a spokesperson for Perdue, said, “Right now he is just focused on his second term as governor and doing what is best for Georgia.”
But Perdue’s midterm victory was one of the few bright spots for the Republican party across the nation. While the GOP lost control of Congress, Purdue beat his Democratic opponent with almost 60 percent of the vote. And while Republicans struggled nationwide, they did well in Georgia and picked up both the lieutenant governor’s and Secretary of State’s offices with Perdue at the top of the ticket.
Also, as a veteran, foster parent and former walk-on quarterback at the University of Georgia, Purdue might appeal to many voters.
“I wasn’t surprised that he was reelected,” said Chris Esmay of Riverdale. “He is very popular. Beating him would be a tough task for anyone.”
Charles Bullock, a political science professor at UGA, said he would be surprised if Purdue attempted to run in the Republican primary.
“He hasn’t given any indication that he would run,” said Bullock. “If he is going to do something, he needs to begin right now.”
Bullock said Perdue currently has little name recognition nationally and would have to make a major change quickly for him to be a serious contender.
However, Bullock acknowledged Purdue’s recent reelection and ties to the south have served as fuel to presidential talks.
Is presidential campaign on 'Sonny-do' list?
Gov. Sonny Perdue may be looking to move into the White House.
While Perdue hasn’t formed an exploratory committee or publicly expressed interest, online forums and Perdue supporters are starting a buzz.
“I think he would make a great president,” said Donna Wright of Morrow. “I voted for him because of what he has done in Georgia and I am sure he can do the same things for the nation.”
Chris Schrimpf, a spokesperson for Perdue, said, “Right now he is just focused on his second term as governor and doing what is best for Georgia.”
But Perdue’s midterm victory was one of the few bright spots for the Republican party across the nation. While the GOP lost control of Congress, Purdue beat his Democratic opponent with almost 60 percent of the vote. And while Republicans struggled nationwide, they did well in Georgia and picked up both the lieutenant governor’s and Secretary of State’s offices with Perdue at the top of the ticket.
Also, as a veteran, foster parent and former walk-on quarterback at the University of Georgia, Purdue might appeal to many voters.
“I wasn’t surprised that he was reelected,” said Chris Esmay of Riverdale. “He is very popular. Beating him would be a tough task for anyone.”
Charles Bullock, a political science professor at UGA, said he would be surprised if Purdue attempted to run in the Republican primary.
“He hasn’t given any indication that he would run,” said Bullock. “If he is going to do something, he needs to begin right now.”
Bullock said Perdue currently has little name recognition nationally and would have to make a major change quickly for him to be a serious contender.
However, Bullock acknowledged Purdue’s recent reelection and ties to the south have served as fuel to presidential talks.
State of the state
Gov. Sonny Perdue has
challenged House Speaker Glenn Richardson on the issue
of taxes.
In his state of the state address, the governor’s pitching a constitutional amendment to eliminate $94 million on state property taxes on cars and real estate. Richardson has targeted school property taxes.
No details yet on how the governor intends to pay for it.
Now the governor has just proposed expanding the power of new DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham to include supervision of the state tollway authority.
That one’s likely to make next week’s fight over appointments to the state Board of Transportation even sharper. Richardson is targeting certain members of the board who voted to install Abraham over his candidate.
Perdue also declared that he’ll be in China on March 30 to open a new trade office in Beijing. It took a while, but lawmakers eventually realized that the governor wants the Legislature out of town by then.
“Y’all are slow, but you catch on,” Perdue said
In his state of the state address, the governor’s pitching a constitutional amendment to eliminate $94 million on state property taxes on cars and real estate. Richardson has targeted school property taxes.
No details yet on how the governor intends to pay for it.
Now the governor has just proposed expanding the power of new DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham to include supervision of the state tollway authority.
That one’s likely to make next week’s fight over appointments to the state Board of Transportation even sharper. Richardson is targeting certain members of the board who voted to install Abraham over his candidate.
Perdue also declared that he’ll be in China on March 30 to open a new trade office in Beijing. It took a while, but lawmakers eventually realized that the governor wants the Legislature out of town by then.
“Y’all are slow, but you catch on,” Perdue said
impeachment?
There are
rumors that two Republican House members are throwing
around the possibility of impeachment resolutions
against Casey Cagle for violating the state
constitution by refusing to take up veto overrides
immediately.
(originally reported on JasonPye.com)
(originally reported on JasonPye.com)
Cobb throws down on Glenn Richardson
Taking a break from the Obama* beat, the Cobb County
school system is officially opposing House Speaker
Glenn Richardson's** revised plan to eliminate school
property tax. Its main opposition is that the school
both expects and demands money to teach our children.
While it couldn't hurt some of those children to use
some "resources," it is wildly unpopular.
Actually, Richardson's plan would still fund schools, it would just be done off a sales tax and the money would go thru the state rather than directly to the school system. Currently the schools are funded off property taxes. The school system doesn't like the new plan because how much money it would get. Cobb claims it would be a nightmare to them since their school system is so big and growing so fast.
Those kids need their edumacation!***
*No, please no!
**Can't we get along?
***To feel smarter, either buy some Impeached gear, or visit our sponsors. Either are wise decisions for extremely smart people!
Actually, Richardson's plan would still fund schools, it would just be done off a sales tax and the money would go thru the state rather than directly to the school system. Currently the schools are funded off property taxes. The school system doesn't like the new plan because how much money it would get. Cobb claims it would be a nightmare to them since their school system is so big and growing so fast.
Those kids need their edumacation!***
*No, please no!
**Can't we get along?
***To feel smarter, either buy some Impeached gear, or visit our sponsors. Either are wise decisions for extremely smart people!
Barack to visit the ATL?
11 Alive is reporting that Barack Obama will join his
wife in Atlanta this Sunday for the Trumpet awards. No
one from the Obama camp has verified his visit, but
other rumors are circulating that he may show up in
Atlanta on Martin Luther King Day.
Even more rumors say he will visit Magic City on those nights. While it would probably be political suicide, our very unreliable source said, "The man's got to keep it real. Represent ya heard?"
If for some reason he doesn't show, expect him to be in town along with Hillary Clinton and John Edwards on Jan. 30 for the state Democratic fund-raiser.
Even more rumors say he will visit Magic City on those nights. While it would probably be political suicide, our very unreliable source said, "The man's got to keep it real. Represent ya heard?"
If for some reason he doesn't show, expect him to be in town along with Hillary Clinton and John Edwards on Jan. 30 for the state Democratic fund-raiser.
Mayor Franklin endoreses Obama
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin officially endorsed
Barack Obama on V-103's "Frank and Wanda Morning Show"
today. Here is some of what she had to say:
"There's no question that Hillary is a strong candidate. What I like about Obama is that he is reaching, he is energizing a population that is not typically energized. There's a lot of talk about whether he's got enough experience. It's as if we've forgotten that Dr. (Martin Luther) King was a global leader at 34."
"So I am 15 percent pulling for Barack Obama. Now, that is a new position for me."
She had previously been neutral with her endorsement, but if she has as much luck with her support of Obama as she did with her support of Mike Vick, Obama may just reject it (Remember, she wrote to the Judge Hudson to be easy on Vick right before he was sentenced to 23 months).
On Monday, Sen. Kasim Reed, on of Franklin's top strategists
"There's no question that Hillary is a strong candidate. What I like about Obama is that he is reaching, he is energizing a population that is not typically energized. There's a lot of talk about whether he's got enough experience. It's as if we've forgotten that Dr. (Martin Luther) King was a global leader at 34."
"So I am 15 percent pulling for Barack Obama. Now, that is a new position for me."
She had previously been neutral with her endorsement, but if she has as much luck with her support of Obama as she did with her support of Mike Vick, Obama may just reject it (Remember, she wrote to the Judge Hudson to be easy on Vick right before he was sentenced to 23 months).
On Monday, Sen. Kasim Reed, on of Franklin's top strategists
Get ready to rumble!
As the Georgia legislature prepares to go back to
session on Jan. 14 here is a look at some of the
battles that are brewing:
Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, is still on his anti-abortion campaign. He will introduce a bill that declares the US Supreme Court lacked authority to issue its Roe v. Wade decision over 35 years ago and Franklin's bill claims that states have every right to disregard it. (Doesn't the Supreme Court have the ultimate authority over all our courts?*)
The "Human Life Amendment" isn't expected to go anywhere, but it will be the focus of pro-lifers.
HB 908 will attempt to change the law which prohibits sex offenders from living or working within 1,000 feet of places where children gather. The Supreme Court** voided the law in a case in which a sex offender was in compliance with the law until a day care center was built in the neighborhood. The change aims at restoring the 1,000 foot prohibition by making a special carve-out for offenders who are made to be in violation by events over which they have not control.
HB 896 could put some money back in tax-payer's pockets. It would give a credit to tax payers against their state income taxes so long as the state's revenue shortfall reserve fund remained about $500 million (The reserves are currently at $1.6 billion***).
*Yes
**That's right, the same ultimate authority of our courts.
***Give me some of that!
Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Marietta, is still on his anti-abortion campaign. He will introduce a bill that declares the US Supreme Court lacked authority to issue its Roe v. Wade decision over 35 years ago and Franklin's bill claims that states have every right to disregard it. (Doesn't the Supreme Court have the ultimate authority over all our courts?*)
The "Human Life Amendment" isn't expected to go anywhere, but it will be the focus of pro-lifers.
HB 908 will attempt to change the law which prohibits sex offenders from living or working within 1,000 feet of places where children gather. The Supreme Court** voided the law in a case in which a sex offender was in compliance with the law until a day care center was built in the neighborhood. The change aims at restoring the 1,000 foot prohibition by making a special carve-out for offenders who are made to be in violation by events over which they have not control.
HB 896 could put some money back in tax-payer's pockets. It would give a credit to tax payers against their state income taxes so long as the state's revenue shortfall reserve fund remained about $500 million (The reserves are currently at $1.6 billion***).
*Yes
**That's right, the same ultimate authority of our courts.
***Give me some of that!
Get your guns loaded
Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the NRA,
will head down to Atlanta on Monday to push HB 89-a
bill that allows guns in parking lots. A similiar bill
was shot down last year by the State Senate.
LaPierre's schedule is a noon press conference and an evening banquet. According to NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam, the visit is significant.
"Him coming down to Atlanta to meet the state legislators is an indication that this is a very important bill for the association," said Arulanandam.
For those of you who disagree with owning a firearm, feel free to peacefully protest. For those who own firearms, line up across those protesters in "fireing squad" fashion.
LaPierre's schedule is a noon press conference and an evening banquet. According to NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam, the visit is significant.
"Him coming down to Atlanta to meet the state legislators is an indication that this is a very important bill for the association," said Arulanandam.
For those of you who disagree with owning a firearm, feel free to peacefully protest. For those who own firearms, line up across those protesters in "fireing squad" fashion.
New Year's resolutions make the season what it is!
Dec,30 2007 04:09 PM Filed in: commentarymisc
By Jenna Betz
There’s much for us to enjoy about the holiday season. There’s family, friends, good food, festive parties, and holiday cheer. And at what other time of the year can you expect people who are drunk or have below average IQs to come of with ridiculous resolutions that they never plan on keeping? The answer is: no time, except New Year’s! If you ask me—resolutions are what really make the holiday season what it is.
Here are some “resolutions” my friends “plan” on keeping this New Year’s. As you can tell, most of these resolutions are pretty much doomed from the start. I don’t mean to be offensive but no one knows for sure yet if my friends can keep their resolutions, including myself. Good luck guys. Heavens knows you’ll need it. I kept your names out of this list so people won’t think less of you than they all ready do!
List of Resolutions:
I will always wear clean underwear in case I am forced to play twister.
-Resolution by the chick I go to college with who always gets drunk at parties.
When I find something is offensive I will not respond by shouting, “OACB.”
-Resolution by the dude in my office who spends more than 17 hours a week on aol. And, no; I don’t know what OACB means either.
I will wear more deodorant and Lily perfume and take much less showers.
-Resolution by the local hippie and Live Green activist. She used to wash my car for free. Large stains started appearing on my hood. When she told me she only used “recycled” water the next time I saw her, I almost ran her over.
Fit in fitness five times a week.
-Resolution by the man who can’t “fit” into a pair of size 21 jeans yet. We go out to eat twice a week during our lunch break and discuss the Food Channel and new recipes we’d like to try.
Smoking less three packs a day.
-Resolution by a woman who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and carries around a tank of air in order to live.
Enjoy life more.
-Resolution made by my sister (who takes three different brands of anti-depressants and never leaves her house except to do her groceries.)
Stop buying useless things.
-Resolution made by a friend who thinks buying the 6.5 pound ‘Antarctic Sleeping bag’ was a good investment. I’m not kidding.
I will think of a password other than "password."
-Resolution made by my friend who comes from the “deep south”. That should explain just about everything.
I will see the dentist about my problem.
-Resolution made by the man I walk past daily, who has no teeth.
Stop pissing people off, including my friends.
-Resolution made by me. No, seriously. I need to stop. I’ll do it next year.
There’s much for us to enjoy about the holiday season. There’s family, friends, good food, festive parties, and holiday cheer. And at what other time of the year can you expect people who are drunk or have below average IQs to come of with ridiculous resolutions that they never plan on keeping? The answer is: no time, except New Year’s! If you ask me—resolutions are what really make the holiday season what it is.
Here are some “resolutions” my friends “plan” on keeping this New Year’s. As you can tell, most of these resolutions are pretty much doomed from the start. I don’t mean to be offensive but no one knows for sure yet if my friends can keep their resolutions, including myself. Good luck guys. Heavens knows you’ll need it. I kept your names out of this list so people won’t think less of you than they all ready do!
List of Resolutions:
I will always wear clean underwear in case I am forced to play twister.
-Resolution by the chick I go to college with who always gets drunk at parties.
When I find something is offensive I will not respond by shouting, “OACB.”
-Resolution by the dude in my office who spends more than 17 hours a week on aol. And, no; I don’t know what OACB means either.
I will wear more deodorant and Lily perfume and take much less showers.
-Resolution by the local hippie and Live Green activist. She used to wash my car for free. Large stains started appearing on my hood. When she told me she only used “recycled” water the next time I saw her, I almost ran her over.
Fit in fitness five times a week.
-Resolution by the man who can’t “fit” into a pair of size 21 jeans yet. We go out to eat twice a week during our lunch break and discuss the Food Channel and new recipes we’d like to try.
Smoking less three packs a day.
-Resolution by a woman who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and carries around a tank of air in order to live.
Enjoy life more.
-Resolution made by my sister (who takes three different brands of anti-depressants and never leaves her house except to do her groceries.)
Stop buying useless things.
-Resolution made by a friend who thinks buying the 6.5 pound ‘Antarctic Sleeping bag’ was a good investment. I’m not kidding.
I will think of a password other than "password."
-Resolution made by my friend who comes from the “deep south”. That should explain just about everything.
I will see the dentist about my problem.
-Resolution made by the man I walk past daily, who has no teeth.
Stop pissing people off, including my friends.
-Resolution made by me. No, seriously. I need to stop. I’ll do it next year.