By Elliott Brack,
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
MARCH 19, 2019 | Yes, we know. We’ve virtually omitted several subjects on which we could have been writing lately in favor of comments of different kinds about the transit question. We’ve done this since we think the transit question is the most important vote that Gwinnett has taken in the last 30 years.
And yes, much of it has been one-sided. However, let me also point out that we have had virtually no one, except Debra Houston, to write an “anti” article. We would have gladly printed such thoughts, but really, they didn’t arrive in our mailbox.
We’ve had some offhand comments against the transit question, but no other thoughtful comment. We’re proud of Debra for her views, and appreciate her being tough-skinned in catching the devil from some about her thoughts.
All this, you might call, the First Amendment in action in GwinnettForum.
WHILE THE Gwinnett County Republican Party has been officially silent on the transit question for Gwinnett, we need to commend three elected Republicans for their leadership.
Charlotte Nash, the chairman of the county commission, has been most proficient in her negotiations with the MARTA board, and in her leadership on the county commission, to call for this transit vote. She, perhaps more than anyone else in Gwinnett, recognizes the need for this new phase of transit service in the county, and has worked long and hard to make sure that it could be voted on by the people of Gwinnett in good conscience and with great terms for the county.
While we would have been more pleased to see it voted on during the General Election (“Trust the people; always trust the people,” as Lincoln said.) Ms. Nash did not want the transit question to get overlooked with all the hoopla of a General Election, so chose to hold an election where transit would be the focused subject. We can only hope today, as the people of the county vote on it, that sufficient people will understand the consequences, and will turn out, so that it will pass handily.
The other two GOP office holders to come out publicly in favor of the big transit question have been Sheriff Butch Conway and District Attorney Danny Porter. Both of these office-holders could have ducked the question, one way or another. But both stood up firmly, and recognized the need for leadership on this question, and came out strong for the referendum. Perhaps they were trying to deflect criticism from the Gwinnett Republican leaders, who were so silent on the measure.
Let us not fail to recognize several non-elected residents, School Supt. Alvin Wilbanks for his endorsement, as well as that of Chairman Tom Andersen and President Dan Kaufman of the Gwinnett Chamber. Gwinnett Medical Center Hospital President Philip Wolfe also spoke out, as did many others. We thank them all.
For sure, commendations to all. It is a feather in each of your caps to see you stand up so straight on this matter, especially so if you choose to seek another term in office.
OK, HERE’S OUT PREDICTION. We’ll know tonight, but I suggest the transit question will pass with 62 percent. That’s a high projection, I realize.
Here’s our reasoning: since we last voted in 1991, about half those who were then opposed to MARTA have died……and many others have moved out of the county. So, I’m counting on the diversity in the county, its new voters, for the Democratic Party’s leadership, and for up-to-date Republicans, to all join forces for transit. And while anticipating 62 percent, you-betcha, I’ll take 50.l percent!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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