A few Fayette Front Page weekend stories:

Shelby Barker Announces Run for Peachtree City Council Post 1
4/11/09 Shelby Barker, business consultant and executive board member of the Fayette County GOP, officially announced his candidacy Friday for the Peachtree City Council Post 1. The winner of the Post 1 race will fill the remaining two years of Don Haddix's... More

Fayette County Attorney Shows His Stuff…
4/10/09 (Blog) Thursday night after the Fayette County Commission meeting the County Attorney, Scott Bennett, came over to the press area and said he wanted to talk with the press. I didn’t catch the entire statement so I asked one of the other reporters what he’d said. The reporter indicated he wanted us to stick around so he could talk to us. We immediately “assumed” it had to do with the lawsuit filed by former County Administrator, Chris Venice... More

Fayette Sheriff's TNT Makes Drug Busts in Multiple Counties
4/12/09 The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) executed four Search Warrants simultaneously in the Shiloh mobile home community that resulted in the arrest of six persons. TNT with the assistance of the Sheriff’s office Swat team, CID, K-9 Unit, Hawk one helicopter, and uniformed patrol officers executed the warrants at 7am on Friday April... More

One Accord in Concert at NFUMC
4/12/09 The public is invited to attend North Fayette United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 19, as One Accord, a 12-member vocal ensemble auditioned from the Atlanta Christian College Concert Choir performs at the 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services, and then again that day at 3:00 p.m. when the group performs in a special concert... More

Senoia Celebrates Earth Day with "The Art of Green"
4/12/09 Green isn't just the color of Spring in Coweta County; it's also the theme of a new arts event sponsored by the Cultural Arts Committee of Senoia's Downtown Development Authority. On Saturday, April 25th from 10 to 6, Historic Downtown Senoia... More

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces More Shows at Delta Classic Chastain
4/12/09 The GRAMMY® Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra announced four more performers for their 2009 Delta Classic Chastain summer concert series at the legendary Chastain Park... More

Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre Proudly Announces Its 2009-10 Season
4/10/09 Atlanta’s nationally acclaimed Alliance Theatre, recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®, and Artistic Director Susan V. Booth are proud to announce the 2009–10 Season for the Alliance Stage, the decidedly underground Hertz Stage and the Alliance Children’s Theatre... More

Atlanta Tea Party Info
Where and When? Atlanta State Capitol 206 Washington St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30334-9007 , Recommended Arrival time 6-7 p.m. (Note: we'd advise getting there even earlier! A lot of people will be coming to hear Sean Hannity, express their frustrations, etc. Plus, Dick Armey is doing a book signing at 3:30 in the Capitol, might be something you'd want to check out - FFP)

What to expect at the Tea Party? The purpose is to let Congress and the President know there are many, many Americans across the country that are fed up with bailouts, large budgets, and high taxes... More

Fayette County Unemployment Insurance Claims Jump 229%

According to new numbers released by the Georgia Department of Labor (DOL), Workforce Information & Analysis, unemployment insurance claims have jumped a whopping 229% since March of 2008.

While the percentage sounds high, the numbers aren't quite as scary. Claims in March of 2008 totaled 144. Claims in March 2009 totaled 475. If you are one of the individuals experiencing a loss of income, percentages and totals are meaningless. It's devastating to most to lose a job.

Unemployment insurance claim numbers include initial unemployment claims only; they do not include people who have run out of unemployment benefits without finding employment, neither do they include claims by people who had previously claimed unemployment.

Preliminary unemployment rates for February 2008 show an increase from 4.3% in 2008 to 7.9% in 2009. Unemployment numbers indicate statistics for the civilian labor force over the age of 16 living in the county. The unemployment numbers reflect those who are "actively seeking jobs".

Currently, according to the DOL, 4,152 are unemployed in Fayette. In February of last year the 2,287 were listed. The unemployment rate in January of this year was 6.9%.

Source: Interview with Department of Labor; http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/pr/initialuiclaims.pdf and http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pdf/pr/laborforce.pdf

Fayette County Commission sued, passes defined benefit program and county attorney gets nasty with reporter...

Interesting "doings" at the Fayette County Commission chambers Thursday. The Commission voted to hire GEBCorp to manage the new defined benefit (DB) program for county employees at the evening Commission meeting (3 yes, 1 abstention, 1 no). In late 2007 Eric Maxwell, Herb Frady, Jack Smith and Robert Horgan voted to implement a DB program (former Commissioner Peter Pfeifer opposed).

GEBCorp is the company that initially helped the Commission study committee determine the feasibility of moving from the current award-winning retirement plan to a defined benefit plan.

After the meeting the County Attorney Scott Bennett asked reporters to step into his office. When yours truly walked back the attorney got nasty. He noted I'd written some bad things about him back when the Commission hired him and so he didn't want to talk with me. He said more -- and I'll be sharing more about it later.

Christine (Chris) Venice, former County Administrator filed a sexual discrimination lawsuit against the county earlier this week. Venice was let go without cause in April 2007. Attorney Harlan Stuart Miller III, an Atlanta attorney, is representing Venice.

The suit asks for damages resulting from breach of contract, lost retirement / pension benefits, back wages and other issues.

Since the County's spokesperson in legal matters, Scott Bennett, refused to talk with me I talked to Jack Krakeel, the current County Administrator who stated he had no knowledge of the suit beyond knowing it was filed.

Krakeel referred me to County Chairman Jack Smith who initially referred me to their attorney, but spoke to me when I indicated the attorney had refused to talk with me.

Smith said he was informed of the lawsuit this evening via email, just finding out around 6:15. He had not had time to delve into the details.

- jmd

Fayette County Headlines are back

We had put the Fayette Front Page newsletter and blog aside for a variety of reasons. However, we've decided to start using it again. It won't be an every-day newsletter as we attempted before. We'll simply be trying to highlight some important issues. Those who have subscribed will get a maximum of one email a day as the system consolidates all messages into the one email.

Hope you enjoy getting a bit of Fayette County news in your inbox and on your screens occasionally!

We're on Twitter and Facebook now! Check us out at http://twitter.com/gafrontpage (@gafrontpage).

Don Haddix: Why Am I Running for Mayor?

The 2007 election was a rejection of the direction Council had chosen over the prior two years. An incumbent was defeated and two Council Members were elected that promised to work to return Peachtree City to the Village Concept, as demanded by the Comprehensive Plan and the will of the Peachtree City residents. A message was clearly sent to the new Council as to what the citizens wanted.

While both Council Members, elected in 2007, have kept their promises, the message has been ignored by the remaining three. The actions and goals, of the prior two years, have been continued by the other members of Council.

There is a strong division of goals and visions on Council.

The 2009 election is where the voters will decide the direction of Peachtree City for the next four years and the tone of the years that follow. Do you wish to continue to see votes supporting Big Boxes, high density and annexation for growth purposes? Or, complete the change to the path of Smart Growth, versus any growth, and more open government versus less?

While the Mayor and Council Member offices are equal in legislative powers, the office of Mayor does hold many additional powers and advantages, such as some additional executive powers, chairing Meetings, having the only Council office at City Hall, greater contact and influence outside of Peachtree City, being able to control some information flow to Council Members, even though it is not supposed to, and being the accepted voice of Peachtree City.

These issues make it critical as to who holds that office.

With that in mind, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Peachtree City.

Why now, so early in the year? Because of the many contacts and requests to do so I have received, to say I am running and why and to give an alternative to the status quo.

So, why should I be elected as Mayor?
I keep my promises and hold to my goals. As promised, you can find the goals and promises of the 2007 election in the donhaddix.com forum.
Peachtree City was founded on the Village Concept. This concept is being successfully moved to by an increasing number of other cities while, for the last three plus years, Peachtree City has been moving away from that vision.
The Comprehensive Plan, says all proposals must be economic, environment and traffic impact studied and be Village Concept. The Mayor is supposed to be the chief advocate for Peachtree City, not developers, on these issues.
Peachtree City needs employers, not more retail. I have worked with the Development Authority of Peachtree City in that goal as Council Liaison in 2008. It was on the shelf, when I took it on, but now it is working hard for Peachtree City. But this effort has been opposed. Mayor Logsdon has considered disbanding the DAPC, replacing their seat on the County Authority with the City Manager, cutting their funding, putting all functions through the Fayette County Development Authority and centralizing all efforts into Staff. His thinking has been wait for development to come to us, not seek it out, which normally means more retail development, which he views as very desirable. Further, redevelopment requires an active DAPC, since FCDA does not do redevelopment, business retention or seeking occupancy for empty stores.
Already serving on Council provides:
An understanding of the office of Mayor.
A knowledge of City Hall and working relationship with Staff.
Already developed working contacts and relationships with our State level representatives, Fayette County, other cities, agencies, organizations and so forth.
Already completed required minimum training plus advanced training.
No need to learn and grow from ground zero.
A known commodity with a known voting record and extremely clear positions. No surprises or guessing as to what the voters will get.

Peachtree City needs to move forward or be left behind. Moving to what is failing in the rest of the nation, and away from what was proving successful, will leave us far behind. The office of Mayor is critical in that effort.

If you agree with these goals and approve of my conduct as Councilman, please support my bid for the office of Mayor.

Thank you.

Don Haddix
Mayoral Candidate
donhaddix.com/elect

Newsletter status

In case you haven't noticed... we've been rather slack on posting to the newsletter.

We've finally decided to stop doing a newsletter for a number of reasons which I'll be happy to share if anyone is interested.

We WILL be keeping this blog. So, if you keep your subscription off and on you'll get things. However, we're going to concentrate on our bread and butter, the main Fayette Front Page site. If we think something is particularly interesting or have some spare time we'll be adding things on here.

Thanks so much for signing up and hanging in there with us! I hope you'll visit the Fayette Front Page daily (consider making it your home page).

New Computer for the Kids? 10 Tips to Keep Them Safe Online

If the gifts under your holiday tree this year are going to include a new computer for the kids, now is the time to think about how you're going to shield them from the unsavory side of the Internet. For all the merits of cyberspace as a source of information, entertainment and community, there are also dangers.....More

Johnson Controls Announces Call for Creative Energy Projects Entries

Fayette County Students, Here's your chance to shine!

Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) , the global multi-industrial leader in energy efficiency and sustainability, has developed an innovative program to engage kindergarten through 12th grade students across North America in developing ways to make the environment more energy efficient....More

Sandy Creek Financial Aid Night December 15

Seniors who will be graduating from Sandy Creek High and their parents can learn how to get funding for college during the school’s Financial Aid Night on December 15 at 6:30 p.m.....More

Messages From Our Great American Warriors!

Fayette County Man On the List!

Being separated from our loved ones is difficult at best. Knowing our loved ones are fighting for our country and our freedoms make us proud and fearful for their safety.....More

DNR Board Approves Chris Clark as Next DNR Commissioner

The Board of Natural Resources has approved the recommendation of Governor Sonny Perdue to name Chris Clark as the next Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Clark currently serves as the Executive Director of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA). He will succeed Noel Holcomb as DNR Commissioner when Holcomb retires in April.....More

Santa Claus is coming to... The Clothes Less Traveled!

Dec. 6th , 10 a.m. - Noon; 459 Hwy 74 South, Peachtree City (near Gil-roy's); Come see Santa and tell him what you'd like for Christmas! Parents, enjoy a bit of shoppping while you're there! Great Christmas section.

The Clothes Less Traveled Thrift Shop is a not-for-profit thrift store, serving the needs of south Atlanta and providing an opportunity for people to have a place to volunteer and perform community service in a positive and productive way. They resell gently used clothing and household items at a fair and reasonable price. Profits, after expenses, are disbursed to needy organizations in the community.

If you are looking for previously owned quality goods, at a great price, visit the thrift store in Peachtree City. Click here for directions

Marketing Your Business

Recent survey information shows business now spends about 47% of the marketing budget online. No longer is the question........More

Delta to Manage 2009 Capacity Due to Global Economic Slowdown and Softening Traffic

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today issued the following memo to its more than 75,000 employees worldwide.....More

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level This Year

Mortgage rates fell dramatically last week, due to the government's decision to purchase mortgage-backed securities. Rates for 30-year fixed mortgages declined.....More

Wanted: Director of Communications

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) seeks to hire a Director of Communications.... More

Join us: Blog, chat, and share!

We've set up a new feature! Hope you'll click and check it out! Be the second to join (I was first ;-). - jmd

Vote for the Dessert You Want to See for the Holidays

The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin pie fills the air today. Now that the dessert is taken care of, do you need help with the turkey?....More

Thanksgiving Thoughts: 1621 Style

Edward Winslow, a passenger on the Mayflower at the age of 25 and one of the first pilgrims to step on shore, wrote about his 1621 Thanksgiving experience in "A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.".....More

Will Retailers Have a Merry Holiday Season?

As the holiday shopping season approaches, retailers are traditionally shivering with anticipation...More

Georgia Aquarium Welcomes New 'Toothy" Sharks

Georgia Aquarium announced today that new sand tiger sharks have been added into the Ocean Voyager gallery, built by The Home Depot.....More

RNC Chairman Mike Duncan in Fayetteville November 25

Fayetteville, GA
RNC Chairman Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Co-Chair Jo Ann Davidson
Fayette County Victory Center Visit
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 11:30 am EST
Fayette County Victory Center
111 South Glynn Street
Fayetteville, GA 30215

Jingle Bell Trail Ready to Ring in Holidays December 6 in Peachtree City

Get ready to put on your jingle bells in support of students at Peachtree City Elementary.... More

Ramblin' Jan: One Giant Flush for Mankind on World Toilet Day

One Giant Flush for Mankind on World Toilet Day....More

Fayette County Tiger Pals Help Younger Counterparts

Tigers and honeybees make great pals or at least that is the case for Fayette County High and Hood Avenue Primary....More

Fayette County Whitewater’s InvenTeam on Discovery.com

The five Whitewater High students who won a $10,000 grant from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to make a prototype invention of a combined dehydrator/condenser have caught the attention of the Discovery Channel....More

Fayette County Excels For Exceptional Children

The Fayette County School System strives to ensure that all students receive the best education possible while arming them with the skills they will need to succeed in today’s competitive environment....More

Braelinn Elementary Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6, 9AM-2PM

Come one, come all to share in the excitement and magic of the North Pole and our Old Fashioned Christmas Village! Do lots of shopping in the Christmas village with a cup of egg nog or pumpkin latte while your child is having a grand time in the North Pole. Pictures with Santa, live holiday music, and special story time area. Free admission. Vendor booth space available. For more information, please email braelinnholidayfestival@gmail.com. Sponsored by Braelinn Elementary PTO.

Medicare Part D Information Session to be Held at Fayette Senior Services

The annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D began November 15, 2008 for eligible participants. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at... More

Peachtree City Fire Dept. Changes Format for Santa Run 2008

In an attempt to save on fuel, wear and tear on equipment and due to budget cuts, the Peachtree City Fire Department has changed the format for Santa Run... More