Archive for December, 2011

Moderated by Tom Sabulis

Released earlier this year, the movie “Contagion” illustrates pandemic panic. Some say cuts in public health programs could make events in the film a reality.

Compounding matters, scientists recently created a highly transmissible form of the deadly virus that causes bird flu. Below, experts consider the ramifications:  Dr. Ruth Berkelman, director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Research at Emory University; and Art Kellermann and Melinda Moore, who work at the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit policy and decision-making institution.

Got your flu shot yet?

Continue reading 12/30: Could ‘Contagion’ come true? »

Moderated by Rick Badie

Commenting has been closed on this entry.

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has outlined a “path to legality” for some illegal immigrants. The criteria: They must have lived in the United States 25 years, have family, abide by the law and pay taxes. Two guest columnists offer views on this controversial issue facing the U.S.

Here is  what Charles H. Kuck, managing partner with Atlanta-based Kuck Immigration Partners, LLC., and president of the Alliance for Business Immigration Lawyers, has to say. And read an opinion piece by Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials.

If nothing else, most agree there’s a problem and that solving it won’t be easy.

Continue reading 12/29: A ‘path to legality’? »

Moderated by Rick Badie

From Atlanta to South Georgia, post offices may be closed as the U.S. Postal Service tries to reduce costs and turn a profit.

Today, a New York University professor explains the importance of postal services.

I interview residents in the rural town of Perkins about the potential loss of a community anchor.

Continue reading 12/28: Why postal services are important »

Moderated by Tom Sabulis

It’s a good news-bad news day.

Georgia’s last-minute cancellation of high-occupancy toll lanes on I-75 and I-575 has hurt its reputation globally and offers little hope for alternative plans.

On the bright side, a new study says the intercity bus industry, which recently gained a foothold in Atlanta with Megabus and Greyhound Express, is seeing some fast early gains.

What are your thoughts on these transportation issues?

Continue reading 12/27: I-75/575 decision has big impact »

By the AJC Editorial Board

Investments should yield rewards; that’s a cornerstone of capitalism. And it’s critical to understanding just how bad a deal for Georgians would ensue if the General Assembly takes the final step toward creating a “CAPCO” program. This idea should go nowhere fast. CAPCOs, short for certified capital companies, plunge governments into the midst of the venture capital, or VC, business. That’s work best left to the private sector, we believe. Read what we have to say about it in full.

Ben Harbin, a Republican state representative from Evans, however, that the plan offers a means to create more jobs.

And Kelly McCutchen, president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, believes that while the job shortage is real, better solutions exist.

Commenting is closed on this entry.

Continue reading 12/18: CAPCO program for the birds? »

Moderated by Tom Sabulis

Treatment is as important a component of our healthy lives as prevention.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter talks about Georgia’s progress in the field of mental health and a recent Carter Center study.

And IBM executive Curtis Tearte discusses new environmental data that will give caregivers more insight to patients’ maladies.

Continue reading 12/16: Fixing ailing system achievable »

Moderated by Rick Badie

Local produce is finding its way to the lunchrooms of Gwinnett County’s public schools. This month, the state’s largest school system received a “USDA Best Practice Award” for its efforts to provide students healthy and nutritious food.

Below, a Gwinnett school official explains the program.

And I talk to advocates about the farm-to-school movement.

Continue reading 12/15: Farm-to-School initiative is healthy »

Moderated by Rick Badie

Wal-Mart was greeted with open arms when it chose to build a store in a dated strip mall off Jimmy Carter Boulevard in the Norcross area. It is believed the company’s presence will spark development in the corridor.

The executive director of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District shares the CID’s vision.

And residents lay out the welcome mat for the retail giant.

Continue reading 12/14: Wal-Mart welcomed with open arms »

Moderated by Tom Sabulis

New intercity bus lines have revitalized a longtime travel option. Curbside express bus services are making news for convenience, low fares and, in some cases, safety violations.

Our columnist from the American Bus Association discusses a recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board.

My column looks at new express bus services, which launched in Atlanta this fall.

Do you find the service to be a good travel option?

Continue reading 12/13: Express bus service on a roll »

Moderated by Tom Sabulis

Last January, metro Atlanta was paralyzed for days when a winter storm hit, costing businesses and government millions in lost business and expenses. In response, the city of Atlanta just spent nearly $1 million for new equipment for snow and ice removal. With winter rapidly approaching, what do you think leaders should do to make life easier during the next snow-pocalypse? We will run select comments in the newspaper next week, along with guest columns.

Continue reading 12/13: What to do for Snow-pocalyse 2? »