As of Friday, June 1, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
The Citizen Poll is a weekly compilation of reader comments on subjects of local interest. The Citizen publishes as many comments as space allows. Comments, which may be edited for space or content, are published anonymously on Sunday. The Citizen Poll is not a forum for comments in favor of or in opposition to candidates for elective office. To submit a comment, call 770-483-7108, ext. 402, emailpoll@rockdalecitizen.com or complete the online form.
"Congratulations to all of the Citizen staffers who won awards from the Georgia Associated Press Association! Congratulations to Michelle Floyd, Crystal Tatum, Barbara Knowles, Aimee Jones and to Erin Evans! A big congratulations goes out to Erin Evans for winning the 2011 Photo of the Year! Keep up the good work!"
"Congratulations to the Conyers Police Department for regaining their certification! Chief Wilson and all the dedicated officers should be very proud of all their hard work and the city can feel a bit safer knowing their police department is one of the best in the nation! Job well done."
"Yesterday I saw Greg Gutfield taking about how the media always gives Obama a pass and works to discredit anything that makes him look bad. He gave several examples and it would have been funny if it wasn't so frightening that the mainstream media slants the news and openly supports Obama. He called it the 'never mind theory.' For example, Romney put his dog on the roof of his car but Obama ate a dog. Never mind then. Romney is a Mormon, what about Obama's history with Rev. Wright, never mind. What about Romney's history at Bain Capital, Obama has never worked at a private company or created a job, never mind then. Romney is rich but what about millionaire Democrats like John Kerry who made his money marrying rich women, Ted and John Kennedy who got their money from their father's bootlegging business, Rockefeller who inherited it but Romney worked in business for 25 years and earned his money, never mind then. Food for thought!"
"Rockdale Property Assessors needs to update their website. The information is all at least six months old and does not reflect recent foreclosures or purchases. What is the timetable on adding updates?
"Thanks a lot! You moved here because you heard about available jobs, low cost housing, good schools, Southern hospitality and good weather. You bought homes with 100 percent financing, six months no mortgage payments, and way more home than you knew you could afford. Now you're gone, heavens know where! Homes are empty and deteriorating, yards look like landfills and whole neighborhoods appear abandoned. We who have been here for years are stuck! Our homes are worth 50 percent of what they were before you came. I don't blame you entirely the mortgage companies and builders saw dollar signs when you came to town. But you knew better, of course you did! Thanks a lot!"
"Very disappointed that during Mr. Fowler's and the student speakers' remarks at graduation, that they didn't mention that Heritage has a state wrestling champion. They mentioned how well football, baseball, soccer and band did this year but did not mention anything about wrestling. This was only the 2nd state wrestling championship in the history of Heritage High School. Yes, football, baseball, and soccer may have made it to the playoffs but none of them brought home a championship. Mr. Fowler, you missed a great opportunity to recognize this accomplishment for your school."
"Beware of parking at Longhorn's in Conyers. We parked right underneath the Monastery Sign (which can be seen from the interstate) and the lights shining down on the truck were like the sun itself, extremely well lit. Having said that, I did my due diligence to park safely, I guess Longhorn's didn't feel it was necessary to install any type of camera system in their parking area to keep 'us' the customer's safe. There is a certain amount of responsibility that should be taken by the establishment to keep their clients and their property safe while you are there, even the PD agrees with that, a camera system is a deterrent, it may not stop the crime but it sure might help to assist the PD, I guess we just weren't important enough. We only realized the truck was vandalized after we got home, smooth criminals! When we called the Longhorn back to ask if they had any type of camera system to help identify the criminals, the manager on duty would not even come to the phone, showed absolutely no concern and advised 'they are not responsible and to call CPD.' ... I am sure our truck was not the only one and I am terribly sorry for any other victims, forget what was stolen, the repairs only will be costly. Conyers beware!
"With a mini-series on the Hatfields and McCoys feud coming up, I asked my high school-aged kids if they'd be interested in watching it with me. Their reply, 'Who's that?' What are they learning in school now?"
----"I have a job. I work, my employer pays me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem). What I do have a problem with is the re-distribution of a portion of my earned income (i.e., taxes the government takes away from me) to people who don't have to pass a urine test. So, here is my question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to receive Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8; up to $2,200/month), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or any other social welfare financial assistance because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with subsidizing a higher standard of living for someone who is or may be doing drugs while I work. Can you imagine the potential reduction in waste of taxpayer dollars for each state if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? Maybe the program can be called, 'Urine or You're Out!' Also, an afterthought, all politicians should have to pass a urine test too! They should also have to pass an intelligence test, a criminal background, a credit check, a common sense test and an understanding the constitution test! Remember November is coming!"
"Again Jeff Meadors is inconsistent on telling the truth about what happened to state funding of public schools in Georgia. For the past 12 years the Republican Party and governor have been busy cutting funding from public schools and passing to private and religious schools through various laws. The Atlanta Journal on Sunday, May 27, 2012 about a special law that allows anyone to contribute money to a private school and deduct the donation from the taxes they owe. This has been a major drain on the taxes collected and then they use the scholarship money they donated to educate their children in private or religious schools -- and you the taxpayer are paying and supporting this. They also are using charter schools to move state money from the public schools and giving it directly to the private charter schools. Why is the school board raising your taxes? Blame it on the Republican Party in the Georgia Dome. Thanks Sonny Purdue and Nathan Deal. It is not the Democrats raising your taxes."
More like this story
- Rockdale Citizen Poll for Oct. 28, 2012 ( October 26, 2012 )
- Rockdale Citizen Poll - 04-23-11 ( September 3, 2011 )
- Rockdale Citizen Poll - 03-19-11 ( September 3, 2011 )
- Rockdale Citizen Poll - 04-09-11 ( September 3, 2011 )
- Rockdale Citizen Poll - 05-14-11 ( September 3, 2011 )
Comments
rjcjr49 11 months, 3 weeks ago
This is probably only a minor thing. But we on the north side of Rockdale had to drive five miles out of our way for the bridge to be replaced over Yellow River for nine months. It's great to have it open, but . Is anyone else bothered by the ten foot by three in. deep dip in the new roadway north of the bridge. I hope the county employee that passed the inspection arn't the same ones getting the $1,000.00 bonuses. When did the practice of giving public employees bonuses. I sure hope that the sheriffs deputies use their for Weight watchers. If there's one with a BMI below 50 I'd be surprised.
1ayk 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Do not worry about the weight of the sheriff's folks. According to ZO Ferguson will slim them down. Just look at many of the Fulton County's Sheriff's staff that he worked and managed with. Talk about BMI.
Sundance 11 months, 3 weeks ago
I agree with the post above regarding drug testing for welfare recipients. Also, In case any politician is reading this, I will vote against ANY tax increases and against any politicians who I think will raise taxes for any reasons as long as SNAP is advertising on the radio and the EBT cards exist in their current state. These programs are a slap in the face to hard-working tax payers. I am forced to pay over 30% of my income on taxes.(income and property combined) I need to see my taxes go down. That is the bottom line. The current administration federally and locally want more of my check. They are not happy with a third of my check. I think they want it all. We have to shut this down. Gingrich had some good ideas regarding this. So did Cain. But we got stuck with Romney.
maryinga 11 months, 2 weeks ago
When they try to pass the testing on residents taking (yes taking) government help they scream that it is against their private rights! Really!! As tax paying citizens, we must demand to have this done.....maybe in the elected people too!!
Zo 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Why you won't allow this to be posted: You folks are HYPOCRITES and its stuff like this, you all applauding Conyers Police for simple gold accreditation. But soon to be Sheriff Ferguson assuring Rockdale Sheriff’s Department will have National Accreditation. From Wigington to everyone else knocking it and the Accreditation don’t mean anything so call it what you want you all are HYPOCRITES. Review the video and comments: http://bocwatch.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=816 I hope this get posted
Rob 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Once again Zo (or is it really you Oz?), you show up and display your complete ignorance. What are you even talking about? The CPD is a joke and I think most intelligent people know that. With the exception of a few, I don't see many people celebrating this re-accreditation. The CPD is an embarrassment and should have been dismantled years ago. Politics is the only reason they even still exist. So I guess we agree on that point. Why in the world are you championing Ferguson? Is it because he's black? And your the one that's always calling us "racist"? Ferguson is nothing more than a puppet for Oden. He has no chance! Now if you wanted to get behind Levitt, I would gladly join you. There is obviously a problem with Law Enforcement in this town. But just coming on here and spewing your nonsense is not going to help anyone or anything. Ferguson probably cringes when he sees he has supporters like yourself! You make no sense Zo.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Levett, a memeber of More Of the Same Partners, he's a joke and being used as a pawn. Look at the video he looked so out of place. As time goes on he might be ready to go back to Stone Mountain and be chief. You know thats the department he went to back in the day when he took Rockdale citizen's money by getting the training here, but went to Stone Mountain to work. Also, buddy lack education and it shows in his work. Ask Wigington to share his evals that constantly talked about grammer and spelling. Also, I think Ferguson was the ONLY one thinking of bring Conyers PD in the sheriff's dept.I see you trying to tie Oden haters to Ferguson. The only thing they have in common both are "BLACK".
http://bocwatch.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=816 I hope this get posted
AJK 11 months, 1 week ago
Zo, in the video you've linked, is that you asking a question at the 1:12:55 mark?
Clark 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Wait a minute...you are blasting the Citizen because they aren't lauding Ferguson because he's only promised to achieve something, while the CPD has actually achieved something? WHAT!?
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Get him in office & it will come a reality!!!
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Yeah, that's what the current president said, too.
1ayk 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Is Conyers simple award as simple as Chairman oh, and CEO Oden, getting the Minority Business' "Chairman of the Year" award?! They left the "minority" part out of the headlnes. You had to read the article.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Your point?
1ayk 11 months, 2 weeks ago
CPD award is simple? I say Oden's award from people of his own color is simple.Means nothing to the others who he is also supposed to represent, And, getting certifications CALEA, ACA, and NCCHP aren't as easy as it sounds. It takes money, cooperation, and buy in by the staff and contracted vendors. Changes in existing policy and procedures to meet the standards' requirements. Changes in contract proposals (RFPs) when bids go out. The Commission approving funds,etc. And, the way this county is being run basicly by two instead of three, the money will be tight as revenues decline due to their inability to lead properly. Accredidatons are good but, you have to have a dedicated staff just to maintain the required inspections, documentation, reports, etc. That means additional personnel and costs. But, being the whiz you are you seem to believe Mr. Ferguson will achieve this in no time with no problems or resistance. I disagree. Talk is cheap.
INJUSTICE_FOR_ALL 11 months, 3 weeks ago
WELL SAID> politicians with brains never seem to get elected. the only country you can have children,no job or house and the gov. will take care of you. OBAMA CHANGE, thats all i have in my pocket left, thanks.
happygirl 11 months, 3 weeks ago
To all the posters who have vented so much about RCPS and the County Office being "over staffed"....some of us have been cut, so, are you happy now?
Freedom1 11 months, 2 weeks ago
No, I'm not happy, The venting was over the bloated staffing at the upper levels. But the sad reality is the State and Local Boards of Ed took short term money they can't replace, and over spent. Many of us in the private sector took pay cuts, with some losing their jobs. Our healthcare costs skyrocketed, mine going up 38% just this year in January. The economy has hit most of us, and no one enjoys seeing anyone lose their job. Unfortunately, until the Board of Ed and other government offices can plan on fiscal realities, more of this is going to happen, to private as well as public employees. It hurts.
Freedom1 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Regarding the State Education Budget cuts. This is not a partisan issue, although I'm sure it will be used as political fodder on both sides. In 2009, Georgia took $1,860,364.770.00 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Funds for education. EVERYONE knew those funds expired in 2010. It's all been spent now, and there is no offsetting revenue to replace those Federal funds. We were set up to fail if the Stimulus didn't work, which it didn't, so now we find ourselves in worse shape that before. Even so, before the Stimulus, the State's Education Budget in 2008 was 55.1% of the State budget. Here in 2012, it's still 54.5% of the budget. Has the dollars in the budget decreased, yep, but that ain't Democrats or Republicans, it's both and none. The economy, despite all the hipe, stinks. Healthcare costs for these same two years were 20.1% in 2008 and is now $22.% of the state budget. This isn't rocket science, the education budget was propped up in a false reality, and now we're back to earth.
As far as funneling money into school choice programs, I have a fundamental issue with State run schools. But understand, ALL CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PUBLIC, whether privately managed or not. And providing money for scholarships for children to attend private schools, is not a bad thing. If the "public" schools can compete, let 'em. This is a complicated issue, and one I'm still studying, but giving parents a choice is not a bad thing in my opinion. Public Education is a bottomless pit for money, the more they have, the more they need, and we still can't quite seem to make the grade except in scripted tests that cuts every child into a cookie-cutter mold of mediocracy that's touted as achievement. Time for some new ideas.
http://www.recovery.gov/news/featured/documents/education%20dept.%20arra%20programs%20and%20jobs.pdf http://opb.georgia.gov/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/26/42/163051780bib_afy07-fy08.pdf
1ayk 11 months, 2 weeks ago
If you are a rich democrat, you have earned it. If you are a rich republican you stole, deceived others, took advantage, tricked ect. and are the enemy of everyone.
John 11 months, 2 weeks ago
1ayk, If you are employed by someone other than a government agency, the owner is more than likely a republican - you need to thank them.
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
You...of all people...have the audacity to ask someone - anyone - "What's your point?"? I've reading your meanderings for weeks and the ONLY point you seem to make is that you don't like Wiggington, and that a (totally unqualified) person that you like should be the Sheriff. Colored-coded politics does not work. Electing someone by putting color over qualification is a disaster in the making. Everywhere it's been tried, it's failed. We even see this on a National level when Atty Gen Eric Holder refused to indict lawbreakers because " They are MY peoples"...direct quote. Voting for color IS racism, there is no denying it.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Emo, that's your perspective it's failed. Moreover, I've posted All of Ferguson's education and progression through the ranks, so it's beyond color. The color part is your issue because you can't accept this Black Man is over qualified especially compared to the More Of The Same Partners (Wigington & Levett). Continue to whine & be bitter, because Emo Im here to stay. And it's not just Wigington im against it's Levett too who happens to be Black. Again, what's your point? FYI, I'm a conservative & supported Van Ness.
Clark 11 months, 2 weeks ago
The difference is Wigington has actually done a good job across administrations and has managed to resist the political takeover of the Sheriff's department by Chairman Oden (the Rockdale County charter says he SHALL be known as Chairman, not CEO, deal with it). As far as Levitt, he's too inexperienced compared to Wigington. If Wigintgon weren't running, then Levitt may be a good choice though of course, I can't speculate until that eventuality, and I can examine all the candidates.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Why not ask Levett to suspend his campaign? By the looks of the video (http://bocwatch.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=816) you can tell clearly he's not ready.
Per ClaytonBigsby in the Citizen poll he suggested, ":I'd encourage every Republican to be a "Democrat for a day" on the date of the primary election" (see link below). In other words, play cowards for a day flip & vote for Levett over Ferguson. This way it ensures Wigington a victory, because he doesn't have to face Ferguson. http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2012/may/11/rockdale-citizen-poll-may-13/#c32369
Ferguson must be what the people want & need, but the virtual community will do whatever to impede results.
musical_traveler 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Zo is a conservative? Are you saying you are so far left, you're right?
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
I was on the left, but realized my values were with the right. Sorry, Blacks do exist in the conservative party.
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
So...Zo...you're a "conservative". Does that mean you're a registered Republican? If so, why are you pushing democrat candidates? It sounds more like the chameleon party, just changing to fit the current argument. From all of your rantings, sounds like you lean quie a bit to the left, to me, anyway. One of the main traits of a conservative is looking at reality, and the facts. Any one can talk in parables, with the "coulda, shoulda, and maybes". Tell us who did you vote for for president? McCain? I'll say one thing, your rantings are good entertainment, anyway!
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Voting along party line is just as bad as voting based on race. I look at who's qualified and based on the sheriff's race Ferguson, Dem, is the most qualified (sorry). But at the same time I have notice in this paper the comments are more so based on race and that's why I comment. Out of line with comments, Black or white left or right I will address it.
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Ok Zo...now, back to the question. If you are a conservative, then are you a registered Republican? It's really a simple question. It's not even multiple choice. It's a simple "yes or no" question. You've a 50percent chance to get it correct. It's so easy, a caveman could do it. Waiting patiently on your answer. Sincerely, Elmo.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Emo you must work for the Rockdale Citizen, because it's odd how it takes hours for my stuff to be posted (if it even get posted), but it takes 15 secs for your stuff to be posted. I can answer your dichotomous variable, yes. And your point? And also, I don't plan to cross over for the primary election like the rest of you cowards (virtual hoods). I bet this don't get posted either.
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
LOL...no, I don't work for the paper. I think it's my "virtual hood"...it scares my computer into running faster!.....LOL.
Zo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Per you emo, "As a retired and former member of the media, I can assure you it's getting you nowhere fast." http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/users/Elmo/comments/
Now I see why the Citizen paper was running nervous when the Alcoy principal wanted names of those commenting. That also explain your comments post so quickly. The trail lead back to the paper. http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2012/apr/26/nesbitt-forum-criticized-as-campaigning/#c30676
Emo, is it even ethical how you use your inside track as media to push your rethoric in this paper?
Clark 11 months, 2 weeks ago
I didn't realize that the Rockdale Citizen was the only media in the world that one could work for...
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Zo, I don't push any rhetoric anywhere, I merely respond to you, and give my OPINION. So far, and many others agree, you are the nonsensical one who is constantly pushing the race card, not me. I talk in human, person-to-person terms, no matter what the ethnicity. MLK said to judge by character, not by color, and that's exactly what I do. My background in media has nothing to do with this board, except enable me to see through bullfeathers. If any posts on a forum meet the criteria of "campaigning", then yours certainly do. You slam Wiggington on a regular basis, but do you see him whining about it? No, you don't. People are entitled to their opinions, whether you agree with them or not.
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Zo, no matter what I do, you insist on making a fool of yourself. You read things that are not even printed. I left the media (radio) in 1979. Now, go ahead and put your foot back in your mouth.
AWOL 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Zo sticks by his first thought on something as if it is absolute fact. The first thing that comes to his mind is true no matter what the real facts are. It explains his choice for sherrif and everything else he says. Here is how it works: "his posts get on quicker than mine... therefore, he has an inside track". His car is nicer than mine and he is white...therefore, he's a racist".There is a large portion of of our country who act this way which explains why Obama was elected and why many people melted down over Treyvon Martin. All decisions made without good information based solely on emotion and community peer pressure. .
musical_traveler 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Would that be his left foot, or his right foot?
Elmo 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Both!
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