THUMBS UP: To the organizers, participants and supporters who made this year’s Ham & Egg show possible. The show, in its 56th year, keeps alive practices and traditions that are native to South Georgia. The show is also made possible by the individuals and businesses whose bids at Wednesday’s auction provide the incentive for participants.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who participates in today’s Seventh Annual Sporting Clay Shoot held as a fund-raiser for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lowndes County Inc. The event is the organization’s primary fund-raiser for the year. Money raised benefits the CAC’s mission of assisting children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse.
THUMBS UP: To the organizers and donors who made the Blazin’ Blazer Blood Drive at Valdosta State University a success. The Blazers set a goal of raising 400 units for the American Red Cross. The subsequent 429 units collected surpassed the goal and broke this region’s record of 397. Special thanks go to VSU football coach Chris Hatcher, who sponsored Tuesday’s blood drive.
THUMBS DOWN:To members of the Georgia House this week, who snuck in a crucial change in language on House Bill 833, which passed with NO dissenting votes, including from our local delegation.
The bill changed the wording as it relates to public notices of bid projects, which would allow government agencies the option of whether or not they want to advertise those bids in their local newspapers.
By changing the wording from “must appear” to “may appear,” that pretty much eliminates any chance that a government agency will actually do so, which also eliminates any chance of the public being notified about major projects in their communities.
Reportedly, House Speaker Barry Fleming and others were joyously happy over “getting” the newspapers in this manner. As the Georgia Press Association points out, the income from these notices is minimal, and this seems to be a personal vendetta on the part of some lawmakers who have an ongoing beef with the Atlanta media.
The Senate will review the bill, and we urge Sen. Tim Golden to help change the language back. A government that persistently tries to operate in secret is not what Georgians deserve.
