Archive for January, 2011

Recently, our Board of Commissioners took a step towards moving economic development forward in Clayton county by hiring a deputy director who plans on undertaking many of the marketing issues residents often discuss.

Kevin Gullette brings 16 years of related experience to Clayton. He most recently served as Executive Director for the Stanly County Economic Development Commission in North Carolina, where he was responsible for the development of marketing, product development, and business retention and expansion strategies. Gullette was also the primary recruiter for new industrial and commercial development, where he successfully expanded three local industries which created over 120 new jobs and over $15 million in new investment.

“Clayton County offers so much potential for success,” says Gullette. “Home to the world’s busiest airport and the strategic logistics center for the southeast, Clayton County is the ideal place for companies looking for access into the global …

Continue reading Clayton hires new economic development director »

Recently, a new chairperson and vice-chairperson were elected to preside over Clayton County Public Schools’ Board of Education.

In 2008, Dr. Pam Adamson was elected to fill an unexpired term in District 1. According to the Clayton News-Daily, Chairperson Adamson doesn’t believe her connection to the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools was the reason her peers elected her, and I’m inclined to agree. Despite her online biography, anyone who has spoken with Dr. Adamson can interpret she how much she cares about CCPS and Clayton’s children.

Vice-Chairperson Charlton Bivins (District 9) was elected to fill a vacant seat in 2008. His public service history includes being one of the founders of the Concerned Citizens of Clayton County, Inc. (C-4), an organization credited by SACS’ Mark Elgart for serving as “a barometer of the community’s tie with the school district” and responsible for educating over 800 citizens on the impact of accreditation loss when residents were …

Continue reading BOE elects new leaders »

Recently, the Clayton county branch of the NAACP got a fresh start by electing a new president and installing several new officers.

“Contrary to what is perceived about the NAACP, we are not a political organization. We are a civil rights organization,” says C. Synamon Baldwin, who is the first woman to serve as president of the Clayton county NAACP. “We do not endorse any candidates! We do sponsor forums, debates and town hall meetings. We register people to vote and provide voter education. We are a 501(c)4 which allows us to promote issues that are important to people of all colors.”

Founded February 12, 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization. As per the website, the organization was formed partly in response to 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois. Its main goals are to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of minorities, eliminate racial prejudice, and remove all …

Continue reading NAACP gets fired up in Clayton »

As of January 1, 2011, senior citizens who utilize the Frank Bailey Center and the J. Charley Griswell Senior Center began paying more money for their yearly memberships.

Clayton county seniors now pay $12 for a yearly membership, up from $1, non-county seniors who used to pay $10 must now pay $180, and the costs for meals were raised by $1.

According to a press release, the department lost grants which helped fund the senior centers. That in conjunction with a loss in tax revenue and fees led to the Board of Commissioners’ decision to raise membership fees, and the BOC “… continues to evaluate what other actions are necessary.”

Most will agree that if anybody deserves a break financially, it is senior citizens. To that end, Clayton’s seniors will receive the best deal on their yearly membership costs, and rightfully so since they pay taxes here and have presumably contributed to their community and/or county in some way.

But believe it or not, many come from surrounding …

Continue reading Seniors hit with membership increases »

At a recent Chamber of Commerce breakfast, our legislative delegation discussed some of their future goals for Clayton county.

As per the Clayton News-Daily local state representatives Glenn Baker and Robert Abdul-Salaam along with a newly elected Atlanta state representative, would like to see House Bill 277 pass returning public transportation back to Clayton along with a one-percent sales tax to pay for it. Rep. Baker also mentions $2 billion in uncollected state taxes that could help to pay for public transit. Rep. Darryl Jordan added that we need to find ways to make Clayton more appealing to tourists and bring revenue and businesses back to the county.

What are other concerns and/or issues you would like to see our legislators address and accomplish for Clayton county? If their goals don’t align with yours as a constituent, and especially if they do, make sure to let them know before the new legislative session begins on January 11, 2011.

State Representatives:
District …

Continue reading Tell your representatives what you want to see happen in Clayton »