Archive for December, 2010

State Rep. Mike Glanton will leave office Jan. 9 after serving Clayton County for two consecutive terms in the Georgia House of Representatives.

Although elected to represent the interests of District 76, you wouldn’t know that based on his accomplishments countywide.

“This was never a ‘part-time’ position for me,” says Glanton, who never missed a legislative day or a recorded vote during his tenure. “When I ran for office I promised my constituents that I would give 200 percent in my efforts to represent them.”

Throughout his 30-plus-year career as a public servant, volunteer and leader, Glanton has chaired and served on several committees, subcommittees and boards that have benefited Clayton County in various ways. This work led to his being the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including a recent proclamation from county commissioners.

Glanton serves as president of the Clayton County Ministers’ Conference and chairs the governing council at the Elite …

Continue reading State Rep. Glanton leaves office, but not Clayton »

Jonesboro residents might receive an unwelcome gift this Christmas: the resurrection of their property taxes.

According to the Clayton News-Daily, the proposed $2.58 million city budget includes revenue projections of $166,182 in property taxes.

Reinstating Jonesboro’s property taxes could help avoid city employees having to accept pay cuts and/or furlough days, and conceivably save jobs. As per the AJC, Jonesboro Councilman Bobby Wiggins estimated a one mil increase would generate $86,000, but the city needs at least three mills to help close the gap. It has been four years since residents in the city of Jonesboro paid property taxes.

But even with the revenue generated from property taxes, budget cuts will still need to be made and the number of special events residents have come to enjoy will be reduced. You can view the proposed budget at Jonesboro City Hall (124 North Avenue).

Continue reading Jonesboro property taxes revisited »

This time of year there are many worthy causes vying for your contributions to help the less fortunate. One local group, who could use assistance year-round  is Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG), which serves 150 Clayton county families. The program is in great need of gifts for teenagers.

“My family has been truly blessed through the aid of Kinship Care,” says Mary Davis, who has raised her granddaughter since age four. Davis also gives back to the program by volunteering as an evening support group facilitator, serving as a council member, and teaching a class called Through the Eyes of a Child.  Take your donations to 849 Battlecreek Road, Jonesboro 30236 or call 770.477.3417.

Donations will be accepted until December 16 for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners’ toy drive for underprivileged children (ages 6 months–12 years old). Countywide drop off locations include all Clayton County Fire stations, Parks and Recreations facilities, and the BOC office …

Continue reading Support Clayton and beyond this Christmas »

Fire Chief, Chief of Staff, and longtime resident Alex Cohilas will retire on December 24 after 35 years of service to Clayton.

His accomplishments are too lengthy to name here, but include being the youngest person to ever be named Chief of the Fire Department at age 45, being named Director of Clayton County’s Emergency Management Agency, and most recently being appointed Chief of Staff by the Board of Commissioners.

I have had a few opportunities to speak with Chief Cohilas about various county issues over the years, and his love for Clayton was always plain. He always expressed his desire to see this county prosper, and had some great ideas for improving and moving us forward. Not only do I wish him well, but also hope that his successor makes some of those ideas reality.

Assuming there will be a successor, do you have any thoughts on who should be the next Chief of Staff?

The Clayton County Board of Commissioners has kicked off the holiday season with a toy drive for …

Continue reading One of Clayton’s finest retires »