SWGA Politics

Who’s fault[ July 21, 2009 – 2:00 pm]by Tom Posted in » Albany Dougherty County, Editorial

It’s easy to blame others.  In one squawk in the Squawkbox, there’s someone who apparently blames the City “leaders” for the level of crime in this town.  As someone who is notoriously critical of government, and usually feel compelled to blame them for just about anything, I’m going to do a 180 on this one. Read More …

The Broken City[ July 21, 2009 – 8:00 am]by Tom Posted in » Albany Dougherty County

“each candidate behaved well in the hope of being judged worthy of election. However, this system was disastrous when the city had become corrupt. For then it was not the most virtuous but the most powerful who stood for election, and the weak, even if virtuous, were too frightened to run for office.” – Niccolo Machiavelli

I have argued that this City has a level of corruption that seems crafted by a novelist looking to build a setting of suspense for his or her hero to navigate. In truth, it may well be. However, some apparently disagree with me, so I’m going to take a moment to point out the basics that are easily documented that only skim the surface, and let you decide for yourself. Read More …

Ed Rynders To Chair Confirmation Hearing[ July 21, 2009 – 7:40 am]by Jeff Posted in » State

As I reported three weeks ago today, SB 200, the Transportation Reorganization bill, gave the House Transportation Committee a very unusual power – the power to confirm one particular appointment of the Governor. Normally in the General Assembly, as in the US Congress, the Senate has the confirmation power and the House of Representatives doesn’t get a say in any Executive appointment whatsoever.

However, a provision slipped in by lawmakers trying to kill the bill went unnoticed, and now the House of Representatives gets to confirm the Governor’s appointment of his new Transportation Planner – a ‘Transportation Czar’, if you will.

And Albany’s own State Rep Ed Rynders (R-Leesburg) is going to chair that hearing.
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