Sunday, September 30, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MILTON, GEORGIA!!!
THE MILTON ROUND UP: A Family Affair.By Tim Enloe; Accessmilton.com
Saturday, September 29, 2007 was no average day in Milton, GA. It was a beautiful day full of celebration, laughter, and comradery as the city celebrated it's first anniversary at the Birmingham United Methodist Church at the Birmingham Crossroads. From horseback riding to the mayor in a dunk tank to bungee jumping; this celebration had it all!
A chili cook off was also in the mix with participants being from the Milton Fire and Police departments. While praise was given all around, Team "Guns and Hoses" took the biggest trophy home.
With over 2700 people in attendance, life long resident Travis Allen who co-chaired the event with Burt Hewitt, was pleased, "It was wonderful to see our community come together for such a wonderful event. I know we couldn't have pulled it off without all of our hard working volunteers including the support of council members Tina D'aversa, Julie Zahner Bailey and City of Milton Project Coordinator Linda Blow. We hope to continue this success in the future!"
Volunteer Ginger Enloe had this to share: " It was impressive to see Burt Hewitt and Travis Allen pull together such a passionate team of volunteers. Obviously, all of their hard work paid off. I also want to thank the Birmingham United Methodist Church for the use of their wonderful property. We could not have done it without their kindness and generosity."
While the event was scheduled to run from 3pm to 8pm, a few residents remained after the late hour. Thanks to sponsors such as Jittery Joes, The Underwood Agency, and Anytime Fitness, no tax payer monies were used.
Here is what some of those residents in attendance had to say:
"The Milton Roundup was terrific! My boys had a blast and enjoyed all the many activities for the kids! The Chili was great and it was nice to see so many people come out from our community! Nice to see our Mayor didn't mind getting dunked in the dunking booth! "
Lisa - Milton
"I want to congratulate everyone on the Milton Round Up planning committee for a job well done! The event had the character and personality deserving of Milton!"
Alan Tart - Milton
"When leaving the Roundup with my son Jake Swiacki 9yrs old, I asked him if he had a good time and he answered in a very energetic voice" ya! I had a blast" then he asked me "will Milton have a Roundup every year"?
- Kim Swiacki - Milton
"It was about 7:45pm and we were waiting on line for the kids to go into the train/bounce house. There was this man who just had the biggest smile on his face. I was looking into the bounce house to see how many kids were in there and the man said "it is so great to see this. The kids made me get out and they said they were taking care of directing the younger kids. It is so nice to see young children taking on responsibility. There is nothing for me to do!!!!" I was a little confused and then I realized - this mas was the owner/vendor of the train bounce house. He then looked at me and said "You just have the greatest little town here. This is incredible". I just said thank you because I did not know what else to say. We know we have something special, but it was so nice to see how amazed an outsider was with what a special place we have. I can't really think of any quotes, but it was just such an awesome day. We knew so many people there (neighbors, people from Church, people from City Hall). I really had an overwhelming sence of "belonging" and that this was my home town. I can't thank everyone involved enough for their efforts. I don't think this could have been any more of a success than it was."
- Tara Chambers - Milton
Volunteers for The 2007 Milton Round Up included but were not limited to:
Burt Hewitt / Co-Chair
Travis Allen / Co-Chair
Travis Allen / Co-Chair
Tiffany Allen
Tina Diaversa
Julie Bailey
Tim Enloe
Ginger Enloe
Tina Diaversa
Julie Bailey
Tim Enloe
Ginger Enloe
Jack Berube
Rachelle Berube
Jan Fowler
Kevin White
Phyillis Davis
Linda Blow
Sandy Jones
Troy Hutchinson
Patricia Stimle
Kathey Woerner
Johns Creek Approves $50M Budget, Milton $17.8 M
By DOUG NURSEThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 09/25/07
After much deliberation and some hard choices, the new cities of Milton and Johns Creek have cobbled together their first 12-month budgets.
The two cities, which became legally functional on Dec. 1, have struggled with start-up costs and a shortage of money, some of which is a matter of cash flow, some of which is a matter of just being new.
Both cities' fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
The Milton City Council approved its $17.8 million budget last week and the Johns Creek City Council signed off on its $50 million spending plan on Monday.
The two cities also are scrambling to build up reserves. With demands for improved roads, parks, and other government buildings and no money, Milton and Johns Creek want to sell bonds on the market. But investors might be nervous about the two cities' caps on their property tax rates. One thing that makes municipal bonds attractive is that they almost never default because cities and counties can raise taxes if they have to.
So to allay investor worries, Johns Creek and Milton plan to sink money into their reserves that can be tapped in an emergency.
Both cities have their millage capped at 4.731. Johns Creek adopted a property tax rate of 4.614 mills, the amount set by Fulton County for Johns Creek before cityhood. Milton went ahead and adopted the 4.731 mills.
Milton and Johns Creek set aside a large chunk for CH2M Hill-OMI, the Colorado-based company that was hired to provide most day-to-day municipal services to the public.
When the have-to-have items were covered, the councils were left trying to do the fiscal equivalent of spreading a queen-sized sheet over a king-sized bed. In the end, most of the money left over went for a few road improvements, and projects for which the voters are most hungry.
Here are the highlights for their 2008 budgets:
Johns Creek
Population: 65,000
Budget: $50.25 million
Millage: 4.614
Capital Improvements: $2.29 million
Police start-up costs: $7.09 million
Fire start-up costs: $8.19 million
CH2M Hill-OMI: $17.86 million
Misc.
Rogers Bridge Road: $90,000
Guard rail repair: $50,000
Parks and Recreation summer camp: $90,000
Resurfacing: $400,000
Sidewalks: $100,000
Traffic light at Seven Oaks Road: $150,000
Reserves: $950,000
Milton
Population: 20,000
Budget: $17.82 million
Millage: 4.731
Capital Improvements: $1.92 million
Public Safety (includes police and fire departments): $6.4 million
CH2M Hill-OMI: $6.78 million
Misc.
Parks and Recreation: $418,000
Park Development $90,000
Recreation and Parks Master Plan: $30,000
Design Guidelines for Highway 9: $30,000
Historic Preservation Ordinance: $20,000
Tree Preservation Ordinance: $10,000
Birmingham at New Providence intersection improvements: $171,000
Freemanville at Providence roads intersection improvements: $208,000
Reserves: $530,000
After much deliberation and some hard choices, the new cities of Milton and Johns Creek have cobbled together their first 12-month budgets.
The two cities, which became legally functional on Dec. 1, have struggled with start-up costs and a shortage of money, some of which is a matter of cash flow, some of which is a matter of just being new.
Both cities' fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
The Milton City Council approved its $17.8 million budget last week and the Johns Creek City Council signed off on its $50 million spending plan on Monday.
The two cities also are scrambling to build up reserves. With demands for improved roads, parks, and other government buildings and no money, Milton and Johns Creek want to sell bonds on the market. But investors might be nervous about the two cities' caps on their property tax rates. One thing that makes municipal bonds attractive is that they almost never default because cities and counties can raise taxes if they have to.
So to allay investor worries, Johns Creek and Milton plan to sink money into their reserves that can be tapped in an emergency.
Both cities have their millage capped at 4.731. Johns Creek adopted a property tax rate of 4.614 mills, the amount set by Fulton County for Johns Creek before cityhood. Milton went ahead and adopted the 4.731 mills.
Milton and Johns Creek set aside a large chunk for CH2M Hill-OMI, the Colorado-based company that was hired to provide most day-to-day municipal services to the public.
When the have-to-have items were covered, the councils were left trying to do the fiscal equivalent of spreading a queen-sized sheet over a king-sized bed. In the end, most of the money left over went for a few road improvements, and projects for which the voters are most hungry.
Here are the highlights for their 2008 budgets:
Johns Creek
Population: 65,000
Budget: $50.25 million
Millage: 4.614
Capital Improvements: $2.29 million
Police start-up costs: $7.09 million
Fire start-up costs: $8.19 million
CH2M Hill-OMI: $17.86 million
Misc.
Rogers Bridge Road: $90,000
Guard rail repair: $50,000
Parks and Recreation summer camp: $90,000
Resurfacing: $400,000
Sidewalks: $100,000
Traffic light at Seven Oaks Road: $150,000
Reserves: $950,000
Milton
Population: 20,000
Budget: $17.82 million
Millage: 4.731
Capital Improvements: $1.92 million
Public Safety (includes police and fire departments): $6.4 million
CH2M Hill-OMI: $6.78 million
Misc.
Parks and Recreation: $418,000
Park Development $90,000
Recreation and Parks Master Plan: $30,000
Design Guidelines for Highway 9: $30,000
Historic Preservation Ordinance: $20,000
Tree Preservation Ordinance: $10,000
Birmingham at New Providence intersection improvements: $171,000
Freemanville at Providence roads intersection improvements: $208,000
Reserves: $530,000
Friday, September 28, 2007
Happy Birth...oh, Never Mind.
By DOUG NURSE The Atlanta Journal-Constitution / Published on: 09/29/07
It sounds like a simple question: When is the best time to celebrate a one-year birthday?
Twelve months seems right — unless you're the city of Milton.
Milton is celebrating its first birthday as a city Saturday, with a blow-out celebration that includes a chili cook-off, equestrian demonstrations and a live band.
Problem is, the city is either too early — or too late.
The first anniversary of the election founding this north Fulton city was July 18, but organizers ran short of time to pull together a one-year celebration.
As we all know, the weather can be a little dicey in December, the month Milton become a full-fledged, functioning city.So today's party is a civic-spirited compromise.
That's something of an anomaly in a city where the elected officials haven't been so friendly to one another. (One councilman was even the target of not-so-veiled threats over stolen campaign signs. )
"We didn't really have any particular reason for the date," said City Council member Tina D'Aversa. "We really just wanted a fall festival."
It sounds like a simple question: When is the best time to celebrate a one-year birthday?
Twelve months seems right — unless you're the city of Milton.
Milton is celebrating its first birthday as a city Saturday, with a blow-out celebration that includes a chili cook-off, equestrian demonstrations and a live band.
Problem is, the city is either too early — or too late.
The first anniversary of the election founding this north Fulton city was July 18, but organizers ran short of time to pull together a one-year celebration.
As we all know, the weather can be a little dicey in December, the month Milton become a full-fledged, functioning city.So today's party is a civic-spirited compromise.
That's something of an anomaly in a city where the elected officials haven't been so friendly to one another. (One councilman was even the target of not-so-veiled threats over stolen campaign signs. )
"We didn't really have any particular reason for the date," said City Council member Tina D'Aversa. "We really just wanted a fall festival."
Johns Creek Home Gets Whiff Of Two Sewage Spills
Readers: Some news from our sister city Johns Creek.Manhole twice spews sewage into yard.
By DOUG NURSEThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 09/27/07
It was the ickiest thing Rebecca Nelson ever had to do. Nelson, wearing gloves to the elbow and throw-away shoes, tiptoed through sewage to pick up the breathtaking nastiness from a manhole that had overflowed in her backyard in Johns Creek.
"It was gross, absolutely," she said. "There was everything that goes in the toilet. My husband had a business meeting that day [at the house]. I didn't want his boss to see that."
It was a major spill, 12,000 gallons, and she picked up a garbage bag's worth of toilet paper, condoms, feminine products and other debris. Fulton County crews spent an entire day clearing the blockage.
Then, in mid-September, it happened again. It was a minor spill, about 5,000 gallons.
"I'm afraid it's going to keep happening whenever it rains," said Morrie Nelson, Rebecca's husband. "When this happens, we can't let the kids in the backyard. I'm afraid it will affect property values."
The Nelsons live in a 5,700-square-foot, three-level brick home with a deck overlooking a small lake. Morrie Nelson estimated the house would appraise at about $580,000.
But their half-acre of paradise has two manholes for a Fulton County sewer pipe. One is on the property line with a neighbor. When it overflows, it dumps directly into the lake. The second is within the fence line. In an overflow, the effluent runs about 20 feet before it hits the water.
Morrie Nelson estimated that since 2001 there have been about six spills on his property.
The Nelsons have complained to city officials and their county commissioner. They've even called the EPA. But Fulton County officials insist the problem is not with the pipes; it's caused by misuse of the sewers. Officials insist the two recent spills are beyond the county's control.
Angela Parker, Fulton County's director of public works, said the first spill was caused when a piece of PVC pipe from who knows where became stuck crossways in the sewage pipe about 800 feet downstream from the Nelsons.
The second was caused by grease, probably from restaurants upstream. The county has counseled the restaurants not to pour grease down the drain.
She said the pipe, which seems to average half to a third full, seems to be of adequate size and free of roots and other obstructions. The Nelsons' manholes sit at a low spot, so when backups occur, they may catch the brunt of it.
By DOUG NURSEThe Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 09/27/07
It was the ickiest thing Rebecca Nelson ever had to do. Nelson, wearing gloves to the elbow and throw-away shoes, tiptoed through sewage to pick up the breathtaking nastiness from a manhole that had overflowed in her backyard in Johns Creek.
"It was gross, absolutely," she said. "There was everything that goes in the toilet. My husband had a business meeting that day [at the house]. I didn't want his boss to see that."
It was a major spill, 12,000 gallons, and she picked up a garbage bag's worth of toilet paper, condoms, feminine products and other debris. Fulton County crews spent an entire day clearing the blockage.
Then, in mid-September, it happened again. It was a minor spill, about 5,000 gallons.
"I'm afraid it's going to keep happening whenever it rains," said Morrie Nelson, Rebecca's husband. "When this happens, we can't let the kids in the backyard. I'm afraid it will affect property values."
The Nelsons live in a 5,700-square-foot, three-level brick home with a deck overlooking a small lake. Morrie Nelson estimated the house would appraise at about $580,000.
But their half-acre of paradise has two manholes for a Fulton County sewer pipe. One is on the property line with a neighbor. When it overflows, it dumps directly into the lake. The second is within the fence line. In an overflow, the effluent runs about 20 feet before it hits the water.
Morrie Nelson estimated that since 2001 there have been about six spills on his property.
The Nelsons have complained to city officials and their county commissioner. They've even called the EPA. But Fulton County officials insist the problem is not with the pipes; it's caused by misuse of the sewers. Officials insist the two recent spills are beyond the county's control.
Angela Parker, Fulton County's director of public works, said the first spill was caused when a piece of PVC pipe from who knows where became stuck crossways in the sewage pipe about 800 feet downstream from the Nelsons.
The second was caused by grease, probably from restaurants upstream. The county has counseled the restaurants not to pour grease down the drain.
She said the pipe, which seems to average half to a third full, seems to be of adequate size and free of roots and other obstructions. The Nelsons' manholes sit at a low spot, so when backups occur, they may catch the brunt of it.
Councilman O'brien's Answer To October Campaign Question.
All:District 4 Councilman Neal O'brien evidently had sent us an answer to our October Candidate Question at our magnoliamedia@yahoo.com email. While we are unsure as to why we did not receive it for The Milton Observer Issue that went out today, we do apologize to Mr. O'brien. Our focus has always been to be an open voice for all in Milton. In an attempt to do this public servant justice, we will post his answer here as well as in the upcoming November newsletter slated for the end of October.
Question: Are you for or against sewer extension into the City of Milton? Please elaborate.
AGAINST SEWER EXTENSION
I am against sewer extension into the City of Milton and have a long record of supporting the one acre minimum lot size that is a key part of the character of our City. Additionally, I will support accompanying measures that preserve and nurture the unique appearance, livability and property values that define our area. The application of local control, decisive Zoning and the historically effective denial of sewer extension, will be the three legs of the stool that successfully protect Milton in coming decades. I intend to lead that effort as a member of the Council, representing the desires of the vast majority of Milton residents.
Neal O'Brien
I am against sewer extension into the City of Milton and have a long record of supporting the one acre minimum lot size that is a key part of the character of our City. Additionally, I will support accompanying measures that preserve and nurture the unique appearance, livability and property values that define our area. The application of local control, decisive Zoning and the historically effective denial of sewer extension, will be the three legs of the stool that successfully protect Milton in coming decades. I intend to lead that effort as a member of the Council, representing the desires of the vast majority of Milton residents.
Neal O'Brien
Know Your Milton: Raccoons!
To See a Raccoon practice for the Circus, Click Here->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53pLaZii0zs
SPECIES DESCRIPTION
The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a stocky mammal up to three feet in length and weighing between 8-20 pounds. Distinctive markings include a black mask over the eyes and heavily furred tail with black rings. Its fur is grizzled in appearance and coloration can vary from gray to black, although individuals with a somewhat yellow, "tawny" color are common in some areas. Raccoons have pointy, triangular ears and hand-like front paws. Breeding peaks in February and March, but can occur at any time from December to June. Litters of 1-7 "kits" are born after about 63 days. Young are weaned after 10-12 weeks, but can remain with the female as a family unit for up to one year.
HABITS AND HABITAT
Raccoons are found throughout Georgia in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes. They are typically found in habitats closely associated with water, including coastal marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes and streams. They also tend to favor habitats where mature hardwood trees are available. Raccoons are highly adaptable and their populations thrive in most parts of the state. They typically den in hollow trees, ground burrows, or brush piles, but will readily use human structures like a barn, an attic, or an abandoned building. Denned raccoons with young can often be heard "chattering" in the den. Raccoons are active throughout the year in Georgia, but may remain in their dens during extreme winter weather. They are considered nocturnal, but will readily forage during the day when local conditions allow. Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic. They feed on a variety of plant and animal matter including berries, fruits, seeds, and insects, as well as other invertebrates and small vertebrates.
DISEASE
As with all wildlife, raccoons should not be approached or handled by humans. One reason for leaving raccoons undisturbed is their susceptibility to numerous diseases including canine distemper and parvovirus, in addition to zoonotic diseases (humans can get from animals) such as rabies and raccoon roundworms. Even though raccoons may be carriers of rabies, not all raccoons have rabies. Typically, rabid raccoons will exhibit aimless wandering and lack of coordination, or they will exhibit aggressive behavior that can include attacks and self-mutilation.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Nuisance raccoons cause health concerns for humans and their pets. Most diseases are transferred only through direct contact. Simply being near a raccoon is not considered a risk. Pets should receive regular vaccinations from your veterinarian to reduce risk. Report any direct contact with your pets to your countys animal control office. Any human contact with raccoons should be reported to the county health department. If you observe an obviously aggressive animal, report this to your regional WRD office.
NUISANCE
Because of their adaptability to different habitats and further development of formerly wild areas, raccoons often become a nuisance in urban and suburban areas, around rural homes and in recreation areas. One of the most common conflicts between raccoons and humans occurs when household pets are fed outside. Raccoons are attracted to pet foods and can often congregate in large numbers to take advantage of this easily obtained food source. Other raccoon / human conflicts occur when raccoons den in buildings, raid gardens, harass backyard chicken coops or visit garbage cans in search of food. Given raccoons adaptability to different food sources and their dexterity, eliminating outside food sources can be challenging.
Raccoons are relatively easily captured in cage-style traps baited with moist cat food. However, due to the fact that raccoons can carry rabies and the fact that relocated raccoons often exhibit poor survival in new areas, relocating nuisance raccoons is not an option. Nuisance problems are best dealt with by changing or removing food sources, or excluding raccoons from human structures and garbage containers. Raccoons should never be fed intentionally. Relief of nuisance problems can be alleviated through contract with a WRD permitted nuisance trapper or with a permit for lethal control from a WRD Game Management Office.
FURBEARER VALUE
As with most furbearers, raccoon fur once was valuable to trappers and resulted in significant trapping pressure. Today their fur has little commercial value. However, they remain a popular game animal in the State of Georgia primarily for sport hunting. There are hunting and trapping seasons for raccoons, which occur from October through February.
Thanks to http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us
Born Today In...
1902 is Ed Sullivan; US TV Host"If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure. It transcends all barriers."
Thanks to www.born-today.com.
Did You Know...
The world's first skyscraper was the 10-storey Home Insurance office, built in Chicago in 1885. (During Roman times buildings were up to 8 storeys high.)Thanks to www.didyouknow.org.
Milton Zoning Info From Roger Santi.
Dear Friends and Neighbors, In talking with voters, I have discovered that someone is misrepresenting my position on sewers and development. Let me be very clear. I totally oppose the installation of sewers in the City of Milton. I do not support anything - including sewers - that would increase density or any development that alters the rural nature of Milton. I support full community involvement in the development of a new Comprehensive Land Use Plan and once adopted, I will not deviate from it when voting on zoning issues.
If anyone tells you differently, they are either grossly misinformed or they are deliberately trying to deceive you. If you have any questions about my position on the issues, please call me at (678) 478-6285. I will truthfully explain my position on any issue on which you may have concerns.
As always, thank you your interest in our wonderful City of Milton.
Roger Santi
Candidate, Milton City Council
Thursday, September 27, 2007
New Libraries And Renovations Headed to North Fulton
By MARY MacDONALD / The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionPublished on: 09/26/07The Atlanta-Fulton County public library system plans to build 10 new libraries, and renovate many facilities, as part of a 10-year improvement list.
The library system has scheduled a series of public meetings over the next several months to collect feedback from patrons.
The master plan includes a 25,000 square-foot facility for the Birmingham area of Milton, and major renovations for the existing facilities in Sandy Springs, Roswell and Alpharetta.
For more information on the master plan, please visit the web site at http://www.af.public.lib.ga.us/.
North Fulton meetings are as follows:
7 p.m., Oct. 3, Sandy Springs library, 7 p.m., 395 Mount Vernon Hwy., Sandy Springs.
7 p.m., Oct. 24, Northeast/Spruill Oaks library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta.
7 p.m., Oct. 25, Ocee/Robert E. Fulton library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta.
10 a.m. Oct. 27, Roswell forum, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill St., Room 220.
7 p.m., Nov. 5, Alpharetta library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta.
7 p.m., Nov. 14, Birmingham/Milton forum, Milton City Hall, 13000 Deerfield Pkwy, Suite 107, Milton.
Born Today In...
1722 is Samuel Adams; US Patriot and Brewer."The necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance."
Thanks to www.born-today.com.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Candidate Neal O'Brien's Campaign Site Is Back Up.
Readers:
As you know, we received inquires early this month regarding Candidate Neal O'brien's website being inaccessible. Thanks to residents, we have now gotten word that the site is once again active.
It was also relayed that there have been no changes to the content on his site from last year's campaign season. While we are unsure of this claim, you can preview the site here->
http://www.obrien4milton.org/html/home.htm
- AM Staff.
As you know, we received inquires early this month regarding Candidate Neal O'brien's website being inaccessible. Thanks to residents, we have now gotten word that the site is once again active.
It was also relayed that there have been no changes to the content on his site from last year's campaign season. While we are unsure of this claim, you can preview the site here->
http://www.obrien4milton.org/html/home.htm
- AM Staff.
Did You Know....
That for 3000 years, until 1883, hemp was the world's largest agricultural crop, from which the majority of fabric, soap, paper, medicines, and oils were produced.Thanks to www.didyouknow.org.
Born Today In...
1942 is Gloria Evangelina Anzaldua; US-Chicana Writer"Voyager, there are no bridges, one builds them as one walks."
Thanks to www.born-today.com.
Do you have a birthday that you would like to share? Email us at
magnoliamedia@yahoo.com / Subject line: Birthdays!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Candidate Neal O'Brien's Campaign Website.
For those who have requested information regarding District 4 CandidateNeal O'brien's campaign website, we unfortunately have been unable to
track down the correct domain. After emailing Mr. Obrien, we have not heard back from him. As some have relayed, his campaign site from this past year, http://www.obrien4milton.org/, is not currently active.
Should anyone be aware of the correct URL, please send it to:
magnoliamedia@yahoo.com / Subject Line: Neal O'Brien website so
that we may pass it along in our news section.
Thank you!
- Accessmilton.com.
Born Today In...
1946 is Felicity Kendall; English Actor"There is one sure way of telling when politicians aren't telling the truth—their lips move."
(09/25/1946 – )
Thanks to www.born-today.com
Do you have a birthday wish that you would like to share? If so, email us at magnoliamedia@yahoo.com / Subject line: Birthday!
Did You Know...The Meaning of Flowers!
Daffodil:respect and "the sun always shines when I am with you."
Thanks to http://www.didyouknow.org/.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Mark Your Calendars!
Meeting Tomorrow - September 25th - to discuss new Birmingham Elementary School.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Summit Hill Elementary School.
Dear Milton Residents,
Fulton County Schools will hold an informational meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, for the community to learn about features of a new elementary school to be built along Birmingham Highway in the City of Milton.
The public is invited to ask questions to school officials about the construction and design process, special school features, bus transportation, and the redistricting process.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Summit Hill Elementary School, located at 13855 Providence Road in Alpharetta, Ga.
Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in this meeting.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Summit Hill Elementary School.
Dear Milton Residents,
Fulton County Schools will hold an informational meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25, for the community to learn about features of a new elementary school to be built along Birmingham Highway in the City of Milton.
The public is invited to ask questions to school officials about the construction and design process, special school features, bus transportation, and the redistricting process.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Summit Hill Elementary School, located at 13855 Providence Road in Alpharetta, Ga.
Please forward this message to anyone you think might be interested in this meeting.
Do You Have What it Takes...
to ride...THE BULL?Only at the Milton Round Up this Saturday / September 29th from 3pm to 8pm! To find out more, click here-> http://www.cityofmiltonga.us/community/roundup07.html
(Andy didn't ->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqyh8M2thOo)
DO NOT CALL LIST
NOTE: Accessmilton.com staff has verified the following and it is correct.DO NOT CALL LIST
REMINDER...9 days from today, all cell phone numbers are being
released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive
sales calls.
....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of
your time.
It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.
You cannot call from a different phone number.
HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
It take about 20 seconds.
Special thanks to Mrs. Pat Enloe for bringing this to our attention.
Merritt's Momentos
Merritt’s Momentos offers a variety of personalized gifts, including decorative pillow cases, tote bags and an array of baby items. We also offer digitizing services as well as custom embroidery services which include embroidering items you may already own or supplying you with “logo wear” for your school or business. If you have an embroidery job, please contact us and we’d love to discuss it with you. We guarantee you quality embroidery at a great price!
To find out more about this Milton company, click here!-> www.embroiderybytara.com.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Making Milton Different: Our Equestrian Flavor.
The staff at Accessmilton.com are advocates of this wonderful part of our city and would like to encourage residents to learn more. With such fine facilities as ARH Farms and The Farm At Pamelot at our back door, very few can be so lucky. So start a new chapter in your life by experiencing the wonderment of these incredible animals today!
Don horses have a been around since the eighteenth century. They stand at about 15.3 horse hands. They might seem weak, but are really strong. This warm blooded animal has a chestnut brown coat and is from Northern Eurasia, or Russia Federation. The Don horse is able to live in frozen areas. This fabulous creature has short and straight shoulders, thus making their strides shorter. This animal has fairly short hair. The horse have a very interesting body structure.
The Don horse has four influences. An influence is a trait that comes from another breed of horse. The breeds that influence the Don horse are the Karabakh, Akhal-Teke, Thoroughbred, and the Arabian. The Karabakh gives the Don improvement on speed, action, and ability to move gracefully. The Akhal-Teke contributes overall ability, endurance, and ability to run miles and miles without becoming too tired. The Thoroughbred passes on performance, conformation, and size. The Arabian gives more and better quality, physically sturdy or healthy, and great temperament. These horses make the Don horse a great one.
Did You Know...
although a cow has no upper front teeth, it grazes up to 8 hours a day, taking in about 45 kg (100 lb) of feed and the equivalent of a bath tub full of water. A healthy cow gives about 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.Thanks to www.didyouknow.org.
And now for some Poetry...
...The brook was thrown
Deep in a sewer dungeon under stone
In fetid darkness still to live and run-
And all for nothing it had ever done
Except forget to go in fear perhaps.
No one would know except for ancient
maps
That such a brook ran water.
-Robert Frost, "A Brook in the City"
Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Cauley.
Deep in a sewer dungeon under stone
In fetid darkness still to live and run-
And all for nothing it had ever done
Except forget to go in fear perhaps.
No one would know except for ancient
maps
That such a brook ran water.
-Robert Frost, "A Brook in the City"
Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Cauley.
Missing Milton Campaign Sign Spurs Threats.
By DOUG NURSE / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution / Published on: 09/23/07
A missing campaign sign. An exchange of e-mails. Not-so-veiled threats of violence.
A political squabble in a quiet Milton neighborhood became so overheated that a city councilman even made concerned references to slain DeKalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown in an e-mail sent to fellow council members, among others.
"It's like someone punching out the umpire at a Little League game," City Councilman Neal O'Brien said. "Sometimes I scratch my head. People have lost their minds."
In the north Fulton city, council members are on the ballot this year in the first election since the city was incorporated Dec. 1.
The incident began two weeks ago when O'Brien sent an e-mail to his neighbor, attorney Jim Lomenick, after seeing a campaign sign in Lomenick's yard for Burt Hewatt, who is running against O'Brien in the November city election.
In that e-mail, O'Brien invited his neighbor to "talk about your impressions and concerns."
The conflict arose a week later after the sign disappeared from Lomenick's yard. O'Brien denied having anything to do with the sign's disappearance from Devonshire Farms, a small subdivision of 27 homes in the $350,000 price range.
Lomenick's follow-up e-mail to O'Brien, sent Sunday, said if he found out O'Brien took the sign from his yard he would "come down the street and knock you into the middle of next month, and call the police first to tell them I'm gonna do it. ..."
Lomenick then added: "I'm liable to just sit in a concealed location outside at night at any time with the appropriate ammunition, and in the event I see a car pull up and try to take away the signs, well, consider yourself and/or your minions forewarned."
A few hours later, Lomenick sent O'Brien an e-mail saying he wouldn't really harm the city councilman.
O'Brien distributed the exchange of e-mails to fellow council members and called for people to settle down.
"In light of the strong words directed at me in the e-mail below," O'Brien wrote, "it is not too much of a stretch to recall the Derwin Brown-Sidney Dorsey episode a few years ago, among others."
Brown, newly elected sheriff in DeKalb County, was shot to death at the instruction of the man he unseated for the position in 2000. Former Sheriff Dorsey was convicted in July 2002 of masterminding the killing and was sentenced to life in prison.
Milton is known for its horse farms, mansions and manicured subdivisions.
In an interview last week, Lomenick said he wouldn't wait in ambush for sign thieves. He said he doesn't even own a gun."This has gone way beyond what I envisioned," Lomenick said.
"I'm 50 years old. I'm not going to fight anybody."
A missing campaign sign. An exchange of e-mails. Not-so-veiled threats of violence.
A political squabble in a quiet Milton neighborhood became so overheated that a city councilman even made concerned references to slain DeKalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown in an e-mail sent to fellow council members, among others.
"It's like someone punching out the umpire at a Little League game," City Councilman Neal O'Brien said. "Sometimes I scratch my head. People have lost their minds."
In the north Fulton city, council members are on the ballot this year in the first election since the city was incorporated Dec. 1.
The incident began two weeks ago when O'Brien sent an e-mail to his neighbor, attorney Jim Lomenick, after seeing a campaign sign in Lomenick's yard for Burt Hewatt, who is running against O'Brien in the November city election.
In that e-mail, O'Brien invited his neighbor to "talk about your impressions and concerns."
The conflict arose a week later after the sign disappeared from Lomenick's yard. O'Brien denied having anything to do with the sign's disappearance from Devonshire Farms, a small subdivision of 27 homes in the $350,000 price range.
Lomenick's follow-up e-mail to O'Brien, sent Sunday, said if he found out O'Brien took the sign from his yard he would "come down the street and knock you into the middle of next month, and call the police first to tell them I'm gonna do it. ..."
Lomenick then added: "I'm liable to just sit in a concealed location outside at night at any time with the appropriate ammunition, and in the event I see a car pull up and try to take away the signs, well, consider yourself and/or your minions forewarned."
A few hours later, Lomenick sent O'Brien an e-mail saying he wouldn't really harm the city councilman.
O'Brien distributed the exchange of e-mails to fellow council members and called for people to settle down.
"In light of the strong words directed at me in the e-mail below," O'Brien wrote, "it is not too much of a stretch to recall the Derwin Brown-Sidney Dorsey episode a few years ago, among others."
Brown, newly elected sheriff in DeKalb County, was shot to death at the instruction of the man he unseated for the position in 2000. Former Sheriff Dorsey was convicted in July 2002 of masterminding the killing and was sentenced to life in prison.
Milton is known for its horse farms, mansions and manicured subdivisions.
In an interview last week, Lomenick said he wouldn't wait in ambush for sign thieves. He said he doesn't even own a gun."This has gone way beyond what I envisioned," Lomenick said.
"I'm 50 years old. I'm not going to fight anybody."
Friday, September 21, 2007
Coming Saturday, Sept 22nd (Or maybe a tad bit earlier....;)
The ACCESSMILTON.COM 2007 ELECTION SECTION! Are you a big fan of a certain candidate? If someone were elected or re-elected, would you put a "For Sale" sign in your Milton yard? If so, then the AccessMilton.com Election Section is the place to be heard! So keep checking the home page for the official activation!Website maintenace performed by www.rayoflightmedia.com.
Little Bear Tree Service provides fully insured tree assistance to the surrounding counties of the North Metro Atlanta area.
To Find out more, click here-> http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/LittleBearTreeService.php
Did You Know...
that since 1972, some 64 million tons of aluminum cans (about 3 trillion cans) have been produced. Placed end-to-end, they could stretch to the moon about a thousand times. Cans represent less than 1% of solid waste material.Thanks to www.didyouknow.org.
Born Today In...
1931 is Larry Hagman; US Actor."My definition of a redundancy is an air bag in a politician's car."
(09/21/1931 – )
Thanks to www.born-today.com.
Do you have a birthday that you would like to share? If so, email us at magnoliamedia@yahoo.com / Subject line: Birthday!
Kick-Off Campaign Annoucement From Roger Santi.
Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commissioner
Ron Wallace, Milton Interim Government Committee
D.C. Aiken, Alpharetta City Council
David Belle Isle, Alpharetta City Council
John Monson, Alpharetta City Council
Gordon Hunter
Mike Kenn
George Ragsdale
And Special Invited Guests
Congressman John Linder
Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas
Karen Thurman, Milton City Council
Bill Lusk, Milton City Council
Cordially Invite You To A Reception Honoring Roger Santi
Candidate for Milton City Council
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Manor Golf and Country Club
The Sports Center
16000 Hopewell Road
Alpharetta, Georgia
RSVP: Patti Peach (770) 850-0165 or
pattipeach@mindspring.com
$250 Guest $1,000 Host
Checks should be made payable to: Citizens for Roger Santi
And mailed to: P.O. Box 14514, Atlanta, GA 30324
Congressman Linder is not asking for donations from corporations or for individual funds in excess of $2,100 per election from an individual’s own funds or in excess of $5,000 per election from a multi-candidate political committee or a political party committee.
Paid For By Citizens for Roger Santi.
Do you have a kick-off campaign annoucement that you would like to share? If so, email us at magnoliamedia@yahoo.com!
Ron Wallace, Milton Interim Government Committee
D.C. Aiken, Alpharetta City Council
David Belle Isle, Alpharetta City Council
John Monson, Alpharetta City Council
Gordon Hunter
Mike Kenn
George Ragsdale
And Special Invited Guests
Congressman John Linder
Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas
Karen Thurman, Milton City Council
Bill Lusk, Milton City Council
Cordially Invite You To A Reception Honoring Roger Santi
Candidate for Milton City Council
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Manor Golf and Country Club
The Sports Center
16000 Hopewell Road
Alpharetta, Georgia
RSVP: Patti Peach (770) 850-0165 or
pattipeach@mindspring.com
$250 Guest $1,000 Host
Checks should be made payable to: Citizens for Roger Santi
And mailed to: P.O. Box 14514, Atlanta, GA 30324
Congressman Linder is not asking for donations from corporations or for individual funds in excess of $2,100 per election from an individual’s own funds or in excess of $5,000 per election from a multi-candidate political committee or a political party committee.
Paid For By Citizens for Roger Santi.
Do you have a kick-off campaign annoucement that you would like to share? If so, email us at magnoliamedia@yahoo.com!
Know Your Milton: Opossums!
To see what Opossums do in their down time, click here-> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL4zzjfoxnIThe Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), or "opossum" as it is commonly known, is a native mammal in Georgia. Many people are familiar with opossums, but there are several aspects of the opossum with which people are unfamiliar.
DESCRIPTION
The opossum is about the size of a house cat with adult males weighing an average of 5.5 pounds and adult females an average of 4.0 pounds. They have long, dense body fur that is usually a grayish white color, although some opossums in the southeastern U.S. are darker. An opossums face is white with a pointed snout and whiskers. An adult opossum has 50 teeth, quite a lot, and is not afraid to bare them when scared or angry (hence the phrase "grinning like a opossum"). Its tail is about a foot long and has very little hair on it. The tail is prehensile which means it is can be used to grasp onto objects such as tree limbs.
RANGE AND HABITAT
Opossums are fairly widespread in continental North America, found as far north as the U.S./Canadian border and as far south as Costa Rica. In the United States, opossums are found in the eastern two-thirds of the country and along a narrow strip on the Pacific coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This west coast population is a result of human introduction, and thus is not a native population.
Opossums are not constrained to any specific habitat type, thus they are found in many different areas from cities and towns to rural areas. However, across their range they appear to be most numerous in wooded areas adjacent to water bodies such as creeks, rivers, and lakes.
Opossums are not territorial animals, but do maintain seasonal home ranges (the area typically traversed by an animal over a given time). Adult males have a home range of about 350 acres (increasing to around 785 during breeding season) and adult females usually range over about 160 acres during a given year. Since they are not territorial, individual home ranges often overlap with others.
Opossums are not territorial animals, but do maintain seasonal home ranges (the area typically traversed by an animal over a given time). Adult males have a home range of about 350 acres (increasing to around 785 during breeding season) and adult females usually range over about 160 acres during a given year. Since they are not territorial, individual home ranges often overlap with others.
BIOLOGY AND LIFE HISTORY
Unique among North American mammals, opossums belong to the mammalian subclass known as marsupials. Breeding occurs in mid-winter, and tiny (0.1 inch) young are born after a brief gestation period of 12 days. Remarkably, the young climb into a pouch located on the females abdomen. In the pouch, female opossums suckle and shelter their newborn young for almost 70 days. Being fed milk in the warm cozy environment of the pouch, the young fully develop. The young are completely weaned at about 100 days after entering their mothers pouch. Average litter size is seven and adult female opossums have an average of two litters each year.
On average, opossums can be expected to live about two years at best, with a substantial percentage dying before their first full year. Major causes of mortality include predators such as coyotes, dogs, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and raptors, as well as human caused mortality through hunting, trapping, and vehicle strikes. Opossums are subject to a variety of diseases, though interestingly, rabies is exceedingly rare.
On average, opossums can be expected to live about two years at best, with a substantial percentage dying before their first full year. Major causes of mortality include predators such as coyotes, dogs, bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and raptors, as well as human caused mortality through hunting, trapping, and vehicle strikes. Opossums are subject to a variety of diseases, though interestingly, rabies is exceedingly rare.
Opossums are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal substances. They eat hard and soft mast: acorns, berries, and other fruits. Opossums consume insects and other arthropods, as well as bird eggs, bird nestlings, and small mammals. They have even been known to kill and eat venomous snakes (opossums are remarkably immune to snake venom). Carrion (dead animals), garbage, and even young of their own species round out an opossums diet.
Many people have heard of opossums "playing dead". This unusual behavior is thought to have evolved as a defense mechanism against predators that seek out live prey. By lying still and feigning death in the face of perceived danger, perhaps the opossum is banking on being passed by rather than eaten.
SPORT AND ECONOMIC VALUE
In Georgia and many other states opossums are considered a game animal and thus have regulations pertaining to their harvest through hunting and trapping. In Georgia during the 2002-03 hunting season, an estimated 2,400 hunters harvested approximately 12,700 opossums. During the same season, Georgia trappers harvested approximately 3,800 opossums. The overall Georgia opossum population is unknown, but most biologists believe that the hunting and trapping harvest is a very small percentage of the overall population.
Opossums were the third most trapped furbearer in Georgia during the 2002-03 trapping season behind raccoons and beaver, respectively. Nationally, from 1970-71 through 1994-95, opossums were the fourth most important furbearer in terms of trapper harvest (behind muskrat, raccoon, and nutria, in that order).
Opossums were the third most trapped furbearer in Georgia during the 2002-03 trapping season behind raccoons and beaver, respectively. Nationally, from 1970-71 through 1994-95, opossums were the fourth most important furbearer in terms of trapper harvest (behind muskrat, raccoon, and nutria, in that order).
When properly prepared, possums make for excellent table fare and were once commonly eaten. They can be cleaned by skinning, or by scalding and scraping in a manor similar to cleaning a domestic hog. The meat is white and succulent and can be cooked like a pork roast with potatoes, carrots and onions to round out the flavor.
NUISANCE
Opossums are known to get into garbage and pet food that has been left outside. They can easily climb stairs to get these items on porches and decks. Opossums also target bird feeders. The key to preventing these types of situations is to secure or remove the attractant or food source. Opossums are known to kill and eat poultry and small game birds thus causing economic losses. Live traps (cages) and foot hold traps are the most commonly used to trap opossums. Compared to some other furbearers, they are relatively easy to trap.
Thanks to http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Milton Beacon Chimes In On District 2 Race
AREA COUNCIL RACE SPARK DEBATE IN NORTH FULTON.From The Milton Beacon
By John Fredericks / Staff Editor's note: The Beacon does not endorse political candidates nor does it take advocacy positions on local issues. The following article is a subjective analysis of the November municipal elections in the cities the Beacon covers.
In the 1968 U.S. presidential election, independent candidate and Alabama Governor George C.Wallace justified his long-shot bid for the White House by using the now infamous catch phrase, "there ain't a dime's worth of difference" between the other two candidates, Republican Richard Nixon and Democrat Hubert Humphrey. Not so in this election.
Area voters have very stark choices in deciding who is in and who is out.
All races are elected at large (all residents of each city elect each candidate).
Here is a candid assessment of the races, the candidates and the politics behind each campaign.
Milton
There are three City Council seats open and each incumbent is running for re-election after having served less than one year. The elections were staggered to bring Milton into compliance with Georgia law regarding municipal election cycles.
Under normal circumstances in a new city with a newly formulated charter and a new government, one would think even first-year incumbents would be a shoo-in for re-election. It's only been a year; give them a fighting chance, right?
Not so in Milton. These are not normal times and not normal circumstances. The first year of the city government's existence might be described by some as chaotic at best and a calamity at worst.
Unfortunately for the incumbents, many of their successes, like getting both their police and fire departments fully staffed and operational in their first year as a functioning government,are overshadowed by the three primary gaffes that have plagued the city of Milton in their first year. These include Mayor Joe Lockwood's losing battle with Georgia State Representative Jan Jones over changes she made to the city charter that resulted in a messy ethics charge levied against him by several of his Council opponents, the city manager's failure to file the necessary paperwork on time that has at least temporarily cost the city over $850,000 in lost state funding(the city manager has since resigned) and the awkward-looking decision by City Council to engage in private team building exercises with an industrial psychologist.
Milton District Two
JULIE ZAHNER-BAILEY (INCUMBENT)VS. ROGER SANTI
Julie Zahner-Bailey, a twelve-year, vociferous and tireless community advocate with an astonishing record of success at the community activist level may have had a difficult time transitioning that record of accomplishment to a functioning city government.
Capturing just over 50 percent of the popular vote in her maiden quest for public office and besting two other candidates just one year ago, Zahner-Bailey garnered nearly 3,600 votes and was the leading vote getter among Council candidates on Election Day. She won outright and avoided a run-off by drawing a plurality of just under 51 percent.
A year later she is facing a very stiff challenge from a formidable candidate who she handily defeated last time, CPA and Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) appointee Roger Santi. Zahner-Bailey is in for the race of her life.What gives?
Zahner-Bailey is intense, focused and very passionate about her mission as it relates to the City of Milton. "I have consistently dedicated the last four years to the city of Milton and my experience and leadership are key factors in my ability to bring good stewardship to our new city."
The incumbent is a former corporate finance executive with Citibank and Equifax and is currently substitute teaching in Fulton County while she raises her family. Zahner-Bailey added, "I am supported by a broad base of listeners.Mayor Lockwood supports my efforts in Council." Regarding the campaign, Zahner-Bailey said, "I am continuing to work on Council and I fully focused on the issues facing our city. I will not let this campaign deter my efforts or distract me. I am truly humbled by the support and encouragement I continue to receive from the community I serve."
She defined her re-election effort this way, "My campaign is about stewardship. In one year we have got the city up and running, created a fully functioning public safety department and created and passed a balanced budget."
When asked about the missing $850,000, Zahner-Bailey skirted direct accountability and said, "Our governing charter clearly defines our role in issues such as these and this was the sole responsibility of our city manager. We have a strong city manager form of government in Milton and this was not something council should have been involved in, according to our governing charter."
The candidate would not disclose the amount of money her campaign has raised to date nor would she offer up a fundraising goal.
She depicted her two-time opponent this way: "He serves up rhetoric." "The real issue in this campaign is the risks we face. The risks of over-development, of special interests and of downgrading our quality of life are key issues facing our future.My mandate remains clear.My pledge to the citizens of Milton is to govern with consistent application of our land use plan and to restrict sewage facility growth."
Zahner-Bailey summed up the race this way, "What drives me is that we all have a common mission, which is to build a great city of Milton.We are at a critical point in our city's future and my pledge to protect our quality of life while finding long-term solutions for easing traffic and building more parks and recreation facilities for our residents are key factors in my relationship with our community."
Roger Santi ran against Zahner-Bailey last go around and got 1,000 votes to her 3,600. Gordon Hunter came in second with about 2,500. Gordon Hunter is now supporting Santi and has taken a position in his campaign organization.
Santi is a CPA with his own practice. He was appointed to the Atlanta Regional Commission district 12 by Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel and has served two years of a four-year term.
Santi says his name recognition is increasing steadily and he plans to campaign vigorously to defeat the incumbent. He partially blames her for the missing $850,000 and said, "While my opponent was focused on getting a salary increase for city council members the deadline came and went with no oversight. If I were there I would have pulled out all the key dates in the documents and made sure I had followed up on their implementation."
Santi also classified Zahner-Bailey as a "divisive force" inside City Council and said, "My opponent is the primary reason the Council's meetings go on until 2 a.m. She does most of the talking and attempts to wear everyone down to get her way. This approach may have served her community activist agenda well but it is [anathema] to building consensus and running a city government."
Referring to Zahner-Bailey as the "town bully," Santi pledged to bring order and process to the Council. "I am a unifying force that will bring different views and factions together to get the best solutions for our city." He cited his divorce mediation experience as his baseline for promising to do that.
Santi also outlined his financial analysis experience and said,"My financial knowledge will be a very important asset to making sure we have the appropriate fiduciary oversight as well as maximizing our ability to secure all available grants and funding. The challenger listed two of his key supporters as U.S. House Representative John Linder (R-GA/ 7th D) and Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley. "My support from the business community is very deep. Zahner-Bailey is the automatic "no" vote on most zoning requests. She wants to keep Milton just like it is now forever and simply ignore growth and progress. This is a short-sighted and simply not feasible. There has to be a responsible balance between controlled growth and resident quality of life." Santi concluded, "Many people in the business community are afraid of Julie Zahner-Bailey."
The Santi campaign has "so far raised several thousand dollars," said the candidate. "We anticipate raising $50-$60,000 and we are prepared to do what it takes to win this seat. The stakes are high and many of our supporters are very motivated to end her tenure." "I will knock on every door and talk to as many people as I can. We need a change."
ANALYSIS
This race has all the makings of an old fashioned humdinger with a knock down drag out atmosphere. This is the classic confrontation of business vs. community activism as it pitsthe longstanding public advocate against the upstart businessman and entrepreneur. Both of these candidates have intensity, both have an inspired base and both are very tough street fighters. Both are also highly intelligent and equally passionate in their beliefs. Zahner-Bailey has a huge edge in ground troops (volunteers) and Santi will have a tremendous advantage in funding.
This race is as much a referendum on Zahner-Bailey as it is about Santi.
HOW EACH CAN WIN
Zahner-Bailey needs to get her entire contingent of supporters out on Election Day. She will need 3,000 votes to win again. This is a tall order in an off year. However, this candidate is not to be under-estimated as she is a relentless campaigner and a tireless worker.
If and when Santi goes negative, Zahner-Bailey has to stay off the defensive. If she doesn't, Santi will gain the initiative.
Santi is for real. He has one losing campaign under his belt where he got his clock cleaned and he has learned from that first foray. Santi must raise all of $50,000 and use every penny of it to get his name recognition to an acceptable level and to continue to highlight his differences with his opponent.
The Santi campaign has a lot of negative fodder to toss out on Zahner-Bailey and they can't be shy about using it. It appears they aren't. His supporters want her out as much as they want him in. He has to get the business community out in droves as he paints her as an obstacle to progress and growth. He must inspire new voters who did not participate in 2006 to come out this time and punch his ticket.
CURRENT ASSESSMENT
Zahner-Bailey is vulnerable on the issue of the dysfunction within the Milton City Council. Although she is the incumbent and has a 12-year track record of selfless community service, she is the underdog in this race.
Santi will likely take this seat.
Due to requests that we have received regarding the Rivers Alive Volunteer Group, we have posted the following story below.
- Temura Bly; Accessmilton.com
History of Rivers Alive
Initiated by Curtis Farrar, a past DNR Board Member, the idea of a river cleanup event was conceived in the early 1990’s with the first cleanup being organized by the DNR Wildlife Division in 1992. This “statewide” cleanup focused attention on the Oconee, Ocmulgee, Satila, and Alapaha watersheds. In 1993, organization of the cleanup was divided among the various divisions within DNR: Wildlife Resources, Environmental Protection, Coastal, and Water Resources.
In the mid 90’s, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream became the lead program spearheading the annual river cleanup. It is important to note that throughout the 90’s other government and non-government organizations also conducted cleanup events at different times of the year, focusing on particular regions or watersheds within the state. However there was no collaboration between government and non-governmental entities.
In 1999, a significant change occurred – the various cleanup organizations throughout the state unified for the first time to form Rivers Alive. The rationale was that there would be many advantages to forming a single, unified cleanup up: the primary advantage being the solicitation of private donations from corporations to support our cleanup organizers and volunteers.
For the past 11 years, Rivers Alive has seen tremendous growth. Its success is a direct result of the event organizers from across the State who take the time to arrange a cleanup and Rivers Alive Advisory Board who put in countless hours assisting with the program to make it successful. Continued success of the Rivers Alive program is dependent on a strong volunteer base that is concerned about and prepared to take action to clean and protect their local waterways.
To find out more about these folks, please click here-> http://riversalive.com/ra_index.htm
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Making Milton Different: Our Equestrian Flavor.
Over the course of the next few months, Accessmilton.com will be profiling the various aspects of the equestrian world. As most know, Milton, Georgia is home to quite a few horses and their respective folk. The city even went so far as to incorporate a horse within the city seal and logo. The staff at Accessmilton.com are advocates of this wonderful part of our city and would like to encourage residents to learn more. With such fine facilities as ARH Farms and The Farm At Pamelot at our back door, very few can be so lucky. So start a new chapter in your life by experiencing the wonderment of these incredible animals today!
- Tim Enloe; Co-Founder; Magnolia Media, LLC
The Arabian horse was originally found in a desert-like environment. This flat-kneed, hot-blooded mammal stands between 14.2 and 15 horse hands tall. This animal has a beautiful mane of fine silky hair, as is the tail. The hooves are hard and well formed, also the hooves are well protected from diseases. This beautiful horse is a solid color. The Arabian horse has rounded ribs, that are short and strong, and a slightly concave back. The Arabian horse also has one less vertebrae than other horses which gives them a deep chest cavity and allows for great endurance. The Arabian horse's shoulders slightly slope more down than some other breeds. This horse is usually bred in the Arabian Peninsula (Middle East). The Arabian horse has been an influence to many different breeds of horses, although it does not have any influences itself. The Arabian horse is an amazing creature.
9/20-City of Milton will recognize Councilmember Julie Zahner Bailey with a Proclamation
(Accessmilton.com encourages information from incumbent and candidate supporters. If you have information that you would like to share, please email it to us at magnoliamedia@yahoo.com. )"This Thursday, September 20th, Mayor Lockwood will present a Proclamation recognizing Councilmember Julie Zahner Bailey’s efforts on behalf of Rivers Alive. Rivers Alive is Georgia's annual volunteer waterway cleanup event that targets all waterways in the State including streams, rivers, lakes, beaches, and wetlands. The mission of Rivers Alive is to create awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources. Julie has worked tirelessly for the past ten years with Rivers Alive to clean up the Milton and surrounding waterways.
This is a great honor for Julie and it would be tremendous if the Council chambers of City Hall could be filled with friends and supporters of Julie. The meeting starts at 7pm, the proclamation will be at the beginning. Also, the Sons of the American Revolution will be at the meeting for the Pledge of Allegiance and another proclamation, if you have not seen their presenting of the flag it is a moving sight."
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