Page 4A THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD February 10, 2010

construction capitol out- believes that what is best for the last several years we observe From the desk of lay program from June 15, corporate America is also what that our middle path has veered Stephen Allison 2010 to June 30, 2015. This The Middle Path is best for the country. often towards the problems we measure will enable school If there is any truth in face as a society and as a nation Obama’s speeches of recent and we have sometimes fol- February 5th marked systems to continue to earn by Don Perry weeks then what follows in lowed that path without looking Legislative Day 13, putting and use Advance Funding, the coming months may look for alternate routes that were us more than a quarter of the Exceptional Growth, and Some days…some the coffee bitter this Monday something like this. Obama more hopeful. way through the General As- Low Wealth School Capital months, some years it is hard morning is the realization that has spoken often of increasing We do not like the way sembly’s 40 day legislative Outlay Grants. to avoid a certain cynicism after it is all said and done and exports and making American that even a hint of cynicism and session. This week debates These bills, as well with regards to the human con- regardless of the speeches and companies more competitive despair fl avors our coffee and continued on the House as all other legislation that dition that results from human the promises that any politi- in order to rescue the economy, with your permission we would floor, committees consid- came before the House fl oor action. Ecclesiastes tells us cian will make from behind the but in order to accomplish this, like to begin steering our efforts wages of American workers ered dozens of bills and the this week, passed with over- that all is vanity and vexation facade of any political party, towards a more hopeful direc- of spirit, but we know that this the debt of the must adjust downward towards tion. Hope is not to be found House Appropriations com- whelming support. Each the wages paid by our “competi- in Washington, nor in mittee delved further into piece of legislation will now is not the whole of the truth so is now mathematically impos- we keep trying, in faith and sible to pay. The debt of the tors” in the developing world. or even in Hiawassee. Hope the budget. The House of move to the state Senate and in hope that somehow our ac- United States now exceeds the Americans are not likely begins with the individual and Representatives is expected be studied by committees tions, in some small way, may combined assets of the citizens to readily accept a drastic cut in grows outward into the family, to vote on the amended before moving forward in serve some greater purpose. It of the United States. pay “for the good of the coun- the church, the school, the com- budget next week, which the process. is faith that sustains us when Our choices in this matter try,” but millions of workers munity and onward. As best will set state spending levels Finally, I would the results of our actions are are few. We can default and deal unemployed for months on end we can in the coming months through the end of June. also like to mention a piece not immediately apparent and with the unraveling of the world may have little choice. The good we would like to speak more when the cost of our mate- economy or we can unleash paying job with benefi ts, already of those who have found solu- Over the past year, of legislation that was just harder to find, may become tions and renewed their hopes. banks have also felt the pinch introduced this week. As rial pursuits is our health and the hounds of hyperinfl ation, peace of mind. The ancients already straining at the leash. scarce in the United States. Do We suspect that those who have of the economic downturn. you know, water is such a were wise in warning us that Neither alternative will be a not look for any meaningful ac- - have done so by changing This week, the House crucial issue for our state. In the fruits of our labors do not pleasant one. tion addressing unemployment their attitudes, their habits and of Representatives debated the last few years, Georgia belong to us and that any ac- Unfortunately, my good in the short term. their expectations. We believe House Bill 926, which would faced a devastating drought tion for the sake of reward is neighbors and friends, I do not Yes, problems we have that there is a new paradigm allow state-chartered banks and ongoing litigation be- futile; that indeed the act itself see a path that will avoid the aplenty. It is easy to find a growing in this country that is to more easily renew loans tween Alabama and Florida must become the reward. undiscovered country of this problem. It is much harder to smarter, leaner and more fl ex- Five years ago we began wilderness that looms in front fi nd a solution. In reviewing ible. We expect to be pleasantly or lines of credit to custom- that brought this issue to a the archives of this column over surprised. ers in good standing. This head. In 2008, a law was this quest to communicate with of us. We have allowed in the the words of Samuel Adams generations since World War II is a necessary step to help passed to help build reser- who said, “It does not take a a government to develop that Georgia’s banks, businesses voirs throughout the state majority to prevail, but rather exists primarily to protect inter- Have something to sell? and citizens who rely on and improve conservation an irate, tireless minority keen national business. It addresses them. Current law prevents efforts. This week, House to set brush fi res in the minds the wants of the population Let the Herald state-chartered banks from Bill 1094, the Georgia Water of men.” This was a jour- only to the extent of what is renewing or restructuring Stewardship Act, was intro- ney born out of a widespread needed to avoid anarchy and work for you! loans or credit for any cus- duced as a result of the hard frustration with the condition it gives lip service to social Contact us at tomer if it would cause the work of Georgia’s Water and the direction of American reforms as far as is necessary Contingency Task Force. life, disgust with American to swing blocs of voters. The 706-896-4454 bank to exceed the amount it political theater and dismay actions of the Obama Ad- can lend to a single borrower. I look forward to learning at the dumbing down of the ministration in rescuing Wall House Bill 926 will assist more about it as it makes its American mind. Street on the heels of and in Deadline for Georgians by giving banks way through the commit- It was a brushfi re indeed spite of the sentiments of the more fl exibility and helping tee process, and evaluating that swept the Republicans out millions of voters that put the T.C. Herald to ensure that financially whether this bill is right for of power and brought “change” them in office should illustrate is Monday responsible Georgians have us in the mountains. to America, but like a brushfi re clearly where we are on the list the loans and credit they need As we continue to move that burns along the surface of of priorities. It matters little by noon to ensure their businesses can bills to the fl oor for a vote, the ground, the fuel was quickly whether Obama is a cynical consumed and the fi re went out. front man for banking or a grow. I would like to know your Very little has changed in any misguided idealist who truly The House also passed a opinions on these important way that really impacts our lives. series of education-relat- issues. Please feel free to Some things are worse, and as ed measures this week to call me with any questions the economy continues to wind give local school boards or comments that you might down and unemployment goes more flexibility and the have regarding legislation or up, fi res are kindling once again. tools they need to make the issues under consideration We will undoubtedly “punish” best decisions for their stu- at the state capitol. You can Washington once again by elect- ing Pepsi instead of Coke, and dents, teachers, and schools. reach me at my Capitol of- again, at least for the time being, House Bill 905 extends sun- fi ce at 404-656-0177. Thank nothing will change. set provisions for the school you for your time. The thing that makes

Elected Offi cials Elected Offi cials Elected Offi cials Governor Sonny Perdue, Georgia State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334, 404-656-1776 Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-3643 Sen. Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-3521 U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, 10th District, Washington, DC 20515, 202-225-4101 Rep. Stephen Allison, Georgia House of Representatives, 404-656-0177 or 0185 Sen. Jim Butterworth, , 404-463-1367 Towns County Commissioner Bill Kendall, 706-896-2276 Clerk of Superior Court Cecil Dye, 706-896-2130 Tax Commissioner Bruce Rogers, 706-896-2267 Magistrate/Probate Judge David Rogers, 706-896-3467 Sheriff Chris Clinton, 706-896-4444 Coroner Ricky Mathis, 706-896-6254 Enotah Circuit District Attorney Stan Gunter, 706-896-6489 Board of Education:706-896-2279, Michael Anderson, Donna Hedden, Bob Gibby, Larry Kimsey, Emily Phillips. Superintendent: Dr. Richard Behrens Hiawassee Mayor Barbara Mathis, 706-896-2202 Hiawassee City Council: Janet Allen, Jay Chastain, Joan Crothers, Howard Cunning- ham, Annie Johnson Community Calendar Young Harris Mayor Andrea Gibby, 706-379-3171 Young Harris City Council: Terry Ingram, John Kelley, Donald Keys, Matthew Miller, Towns County Water Board day of the month at 7:30 p.m. Chapter, Trout Unlimited Jennifer Mulkey, David Sellers Meeting 3rd Monday of each Board of Voter Registrars meets 2nd Thursday of each GUEST COLUMNS month at 7 p.m. in the TC meets the 3rd Wednesday of month at Cadence Bank in From time to time, people in Water Offi ce Building. the month at 4:30 p.m., Court- Blairsville. 5 p.m. Fly Tying the community have a grand Mountain Community Se- house. - 7 p.m. General Meeting. slant on an issue that would niors meet the second Thurs- Towns County Board of Everyone welcome. www. make a great guest editorial. day of each month at the Elections holds its monthly ngatu692.com. Those who feel they have Senior Center in Hiawassee meetings on the 2nd Wednes- Military Offi cers Association an issue of great importance at 2 p.m. Luncheons are held day of each month at 4 p.m. of America (MOAA) meets should call our editor and at 1 p.m. at the Elections Offi ce (Old the 3rd Monday of each month talk with him about the idea. Towns County Democratic Rock Jail). at various area restaurants. Others have a strong opinion Party meets at 6 PM every Towns County Historical For information call John after reading one of the many 2nd Thursday of the month at Society meets the 2nd Monday Quinlan at 706-896-2430 or columns that appear through- Crossroads Restaurant. Meet- of each month at the Senior visit www.moaa.org/chapter/ out the paper. If so, please ing begins at 6. Please call Center in Hiawassee at 5 p.m. blueridgemountains. write. Please remember that Kim Bailey @ 706-994-2727 Annual dues $15, PO Box Alcoholics Anonymous: 24 publication of submitted edi- OR 706-896-6747 932, Hiawassee, GA 706-896- hour phone line 828-837- torials is not guaranteed. Towns County Republican 1060, www.townshistory.org 4440. LETTERS TO THE ED- Party meets the 1st Tuesday Bridge Players intermediate Mothers of Preschoolers ITOR SHOULD BE E- of each month from 5 p.m.-6 level meets at 12:45 p.m. on meets on the third Thursday MAILED OR MAILED p.m. Dinner at Daniels Steak Mondays & Fridays at the of each month at First Baptist TO: Towns County Herald, House, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Towns County Health Dept. Church of Blairsville from Towns County Herald Letter to the Editor, PO Box meeting, 896-7281. Call Eden at 706-896-6921. 6 - 8 p.m. Call the church of- Dedicated to the promotion of Towns County 365, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Towns County Planning Mountain Regional Arts and fi ce at 706-745-2469 for more Our email address: tcherald@ Commission is held the 2nd Crafts Guild, Inc (MRACG) information. KENNETH WEST...... PUBLISHER brmemc.net. Letters should be Monday of each month at 7 meets the 2nd Tuesday of each Chatuge Regional Hospital CHARLES DUNCAN...... EDITOR, ADVERTISING limited to 200 words or less, p.m. in the Courthouse. month at ArtWorks Artisan Auxiliary on the 3rd monday JIM BRYANT...... SPORTS WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER signed, dated and include a Towns County Commis- Centre, located at 308 Big Sky of each month, except the LISA BRYANT...... SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER phone number for verification sioners meeting is the 3rd Drive (behind the Holiday Inn), months of July, October and LOWELL NICHOLSON...... PHOTOGRAPHER purposes. This paper reserves Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Hiawassee. Refreshments at 6 December, in the hospital the right to edit letters to courthouse. p.m. & the meeting begins at cafeteria at 1:30 p.m. OFFICE LOCATED AT 446 NORTH MAIN STREET conform with Editorial page School Board Meeting, 2nd 6:30 p.m. ,Contact us by call- Old Fashioned Square Dance “THE MALL” HIAWASSEE (706) 896-4454 policy or refuse to print letters Monday each month at 7 p.m. ing 706-896-0932, mtnregarts- Lessons each Mon. in Hiawas- Publication Number 635540. Entered as second-class matter on deemed pointless, potentially November 8, 1928, at the post offi ce at Hiawassee, Georgia under Act in the auditorium. craftsguild.org. mtnregarts- see, GA, 6 p.m. at the Senior of March 3, 1879. With additional mailing points. defamatory or in poor taste. Hiawassee City Council 1st [email protected]. Center (2 blocks south of Letters should address issues Tuesday of month 4 p.m., at VFW Post #7807 Fish Fry will the town square, beside the EMAIL Address: [email protected] of general interest, such as City Hall. be 2nd and 4th Friday of the Courthouse) Hiawassee, GA politics, the community, envi- Young Harris City Council, month, 4:30-7 p.m., $9 a plate, 706-896-1060 POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: ronment, school issues, etc. 1st Tuesday of month at 7 p.m., all you can eat. Mountain Magic Table Tennis TOWNS COUNTY HERALD Letters opposing the views Young Harris City Hall. Mountain Computer User Club meets 6 p.m. Thursdays P.O. BOX 365 HIAWASSEE, GEORGIA 30546 of previous comments are The Hiwassee River Valley Group meets the 2nd Monday at Pine Log Baptist Church welcomed; however, letters Kennel Club meetings are held of each month at the Goolsby Fellowship Hall in Brasstown. DEADLINE FOR ALL NEWS COPY & ADVERTISING cannot be directed at, nor at 7 p.m. the 1st Monday of Center at YHC. Q & A at 6 Ping Pong players welcome. Monday at 12 Noon name or ridicule previous each month at Brother’s Res- p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Call Lee (828) 389-0924. writers. Letters that recognize taurant on Hwy 64 in Murphy, FPL Retirees Breakfast will Mended Hearts Support SUBSCRIPTION RATES good deeds of others will be NC. Call President Kit Miracle: meet the 2nd Tuesday of each Group meets the 2nd Monday TOWNS COUNTY (1 YEAR) $15 considered for publication.* 706-492-5253 or Peggy Moor- month at the Hole in the Wall of each month at Chatuge Re- OUT OF COUNTY (1 YEAR) $25 Note: All letters must be signed, and contain the first and last man: 828-835-1082. Restaurant on the square in gional Hospital Cafeteria from The Towns County Herald is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond The Unicoy Masonic Lodge Blairsville at 9 a.m. 5:30-7 PM. For information the cost of the actual space involved. All subscriptions must be paid in advance. name and phone number for verifi cation. #259 meets on the 2nd Mon- Chattahoochee-Nantahala contact 706-994-6988.