GwinnettForum | Number 20.34 | May 19, 2020
BLOOMING: Magnolia trees are blooming all over the South as highlighted by this blossom snapped over the weekend by Cynthia Bledsoe of Charleston in her neighborhood. Spring air is filled with sweet smells from jasmine flowers, gardenias, magnolias and more.
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Forum Urges Nomination of These Persons in June Primary Election
SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett County Public Library
UPCOMING: Eight Drop Boxes for Ballots Now In Place around the County
NOTABLE: Animal Welfare Now Offering Pet Adoptions Online with Appointment
RECOMMENDED: Lidl grocery store In Peachtree Corners:
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Little Richard Sold More than 30 Million Records Worldwide
MYSTERY: Like a castle
Forum urges nomination of these people in June primaries
(Editor’s Note: Because of the length of these endorsements, some regular features will not appear today, but will return in the Friday edition. —eeb)
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
May 19, 2020 | Today we present the result of spending time and getting to know 91 candidates in the upcoming primary and non-partisan elections. We are proud to endorse this list of candidates.
We do not endorse in any races where we have not spoken personally to the candidate. We have not talked with unopposed primary candidates. If these candidates have opposition in the General Election, we will invite them to talk with us before November. In a few races, we do not find candidates worthy of election, and will not endorse in that race.
All the candidates we have met have been asked to answer six general questions in 100 words or less. Their answers will continue to appear in GwinnettForum until the primary (see box at right). We recommend these responses to you to read, which are presented directly from the candidates in their own words without any editing on our part. Please compare the answers from the candidates before casting your vote.
Then in November for the General Election, we will select from those nominated which candidate we think best for the various offices. We invite you to read below our recommendations in the June 9 primaries.
Federal candidates:
For the U.S. Senate:
Tomlinson
Democrats: This year the hard-charging, two-term former mayor of Columbus, Teresa Tomlinson, 55, a litigation attorney, is our choice and heads-and-shoulders above other candidates, to challenge Sen. David Perdue for the Senate. She understands the role of government is to address systemic and economic changes, believes in government, and knows how to run it. She will keep a steady hand, and seek to make sure that the voting rights act applies to all 50 states.
Haston
Congress, 4th District:
Democrats: We were impressed with the candidacy of William Haston, 34, of Decatur, an operations contractor with North Point Ministries, and urge his nomination.
For Congress, 7th District:
Bourdeaux
Democrats: In 2018, Carolyn Bourdeaux came within 300 votes of winning this seat, and will be a strong nominee to win this office in November. Up against five candidates, we feel she is the best choice in the race, bringing progressive views, tenacity and forthrightness to the race. We feel Carolyn Bourdeaux, 49, of Suwanee, a college professor at Georgia State, should get this nomination.
Unterman
Republicans: There are several good candidates among the seven seeking this slot. We’ll go with proven experience and urge the nomination of State Senator Renee Unterman, 66, of Buford, for this position. She is a fighter all the way, and is a solid, experienced candidate for the office.
For Congress, 10th District: no recommendations.
Statewide candidates:
For Public Service Commission, District 4:
Noel
Democrats: A person already involved in energy efficiency, John Noel, 46, an environmentalist of Augusta, is our choice for this regulation role. He has previously served one term in the legislature. He wants to bring accountability to the PSC, feeling right now it is mainly serving the entities it regulates, not the people of Georgia.
Local Gwinnett County races:
For Chairman, Gwinnett County Commission
Lee Thompson
Democrats: Far above the other four candidates in this race is Lee Thompson Jr., 63, of Lawrenceville. He has years of service in the community, as a private attorney, and as someone who has represented several cities as their attorney. He is also a former state legislator. His best qualities are integrity, understanding of local government, and respected high standing in the county. He will be a solid successor to the years of responsible leadership that Charlotte Nash has given.
Neaton
Republicans: Of the three candidates in this field, we feel Marcia Neaton, 60, of Lawrenceville, an accountant, has the background of being a former commission member and is the best choice for this nomination.
For County Commission, District 1:
McClain
Republicans: There are two candidates running for this post. Our choice to win this nomination is Laurie McClain, 56, of Lawrenceville, a local certified public accountant.
For County Commission, District 3:
Moye
Democrats: Two of five candidates stand out in this race. Jasper Watkins III ran unsuccessfully for this job in 2016, and got 48 percent of the vote. He is a credible candidate. However, our choice in this race is John Henry Moye, 53, of Loganville, a policy director of the Urban League. He brings a background of understanding how government works. His leadership in civil rights and public policy give him unusual qualifications to be his party nominee for this post.
DeReimer
Republicans: We endorse the candidacy of Matt DeReimer, 35, of Dacula, a graphic designer, for this post. A former police officer, he seeks to bring the district together in common spirit without embarrassing the community, while improving services to the district.
For Gwinnett School Board, Post 1:
Democrats: no recommendation.
For Gwinnett School Board, Post 5:
Radloff
Democrats: Louise Radloff, 84, of Norcross, has served this board since 1972, and is the longest-serving and most formidable school board member in Georgia. We readily and happily endorse her. She has no General Election opponent, so will return to office with a victory.
For District Attorney:
Person
Democrats: Respected by his peers, and an experienced criminal trial lawyer, Wesley “Wes” Person, 55, of Loganville is the best choice for this nomination. He sees the need for reform in this field, wants to end the cash bail system, and will focus on reducing Gwinnett’s gang problems.
For Sheriff of Gwinnett County:
Clemons
Democrats: Four persons seek this nomination, in a field of especially highly qualified candidates. Any one of them would make a credible nominee. Our choice for this nomination is Curtis Clemons, 54, of Dacula, who retired in 2019 as assistant chief of the Gwinnett Police Department.
Solis
Republicans: Two candidates are running for this nomination, with Louis Solis, 59, also of Dacula, is our pick for the Republicans. He has been the chief deputy to Sheriff Butch Conway, and says that he would continue the 287-G program if elected.
For Tax Commissioner of Gwinnett County:
McIvor
Democrats: Three candidates seek to unseat Republican Richard Steel for this position. We feel the person who has the best qualifications for this nomination is Maureen McIvor, 50, of Peachtree Corners, a public administrator at a health care software company. Her business acumen and education put her ahead for this administrative post.
Gwinnett legislative candidates
State Senate races:
Senate District 9:
Merritt
Democrats: Three people seek this nomination. Our selection is Nikki Merritt, 47, of Grayson, an AT&T employee, who has the drive, intelligence and determination to be an effective senator.
Senate District 41:
Beverly Jones
Democrats: Five people seek this slot. Three candidates did not choose to talk to GwinnettForum. We talked with two candidates and feel that Beverly R. Jones will make the best person to succeed the respected Steve Henson in this position. Ms. Jones, 60, is a Stone Mountain behavior counselor and has governmental experience of serving three terms on the Stone Mountain City Council.
Senate District 45:
Matielyn Jones
Democrats: Three people seek this elected office. The best candidate to represent this area is Matielyn Jones, 38, who lives in Buford and is a talent and learning projects manager of Habitat for Humanity. She feels the need for more compassion in politics and wants to tackle the bail bond program. She asks to address what our state spends on homelessness compared to spending on mass incarceration.
Baker
Republicans: Three people seek this nomination. We believe Sammy Baker, 61, of Lawrenceville, a pest control company owner, will make a good nominee. He wants to shrink the size of government, go to zero-based accounting and approves of term limits.
Senate District 48:
Au
Democrats: Michelle Au of Duluth is best to win this nomination. She is a 41year old native Chinese American who is a medical doctor and anesthesiologist at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She wants to address changes needed in the health care field to make access more affordable for more people. She says: “A doctor helps people fix problems, so entering the race is a natural extension of this for me.”
Georgia House races
House District 93:
Kendrick
Democrats: After serving 10 years as a state representative, we encourage the re-nomination of Dar’Shun Kendrick, 37 of Lithonia, a private securities attorney. She has served this district well and deserves this nomination.
House District 99:
Lim
Democrats: This district has two young Democratic candidates, Jorge Granados, 27, and Marvin Lim, 35, both of Norcross, vying for this nomination. With no Republican candidate, the winner of the primary will become the next representative. Our choice for the post is Marvin Lim, a Yale-trained attorney who seeks to represent this heavily foreign-born district.
House District 103:
Schmidt
Republicans: Three Republicans and one Democrat seek this seat. Donald Schmidt, 22, of Dacula is the youngest candidate seeking office this year in Gwinnett County. He is our favorite for this seat. He is a computer science and information technology specialist who seeks to eliminate education’s Common Core, who has worked in the office of two governors.
House District 104:
Hemingway
Democrats: Two persons seek this nomination, so that the winner can face Republican Rep. Chuck Efstration in November. The two contenders, both from Dacula, are Nakita Hemingway, 44, a Realtor, and Andrea Stephenson, 69, a consultant in epidemiology and a travel agent. We endorse the candidacy of Nakita Hemingway, who says she didn’t want to run, but “something found me.” She seeks to change the unchecked balance of governmental power, particularly in zoning and land rights use.
House District 106:
Mitchell
Democrats: Two Democrats are seeking to unseat veteran Rep. Republican Brett Harrell in this race. They are Emily Leslie, 36, of Lilburn, an adviser on foreign affairs, and Rebecca Mitchell, 38, of Snellville, a veterinarian with a Ph. D. who is a big data analyst in research at Emory. Our choice for this post is Rebecca Mitchell, who we feel has unique skills in math modeling which can bring a critical voice to legislative understanding and decisions.
Non-partisan judicial candidates
For the Georgia Supreme Court
Bethel
Justice of the Supreme Court (Bethel seat): We urge the election of the current judgeship, Charlie Bethel, 44, of Dalton to this position. He is a former litigation attorney. He had previously served as a Dalton City Councilman and State Senator, who was appointed to the court by Gov. Nathan Deal. He is proving to be a fine justice, and should continue in office.
Moroz
Justice of the Supreme Court (Warren seat): For this position, we urge the election of the challenger, H.R. Moroz, 61, of Albany, to unseat the current judge, Sarah Warren, 38, of Atlanta. She was appointed to the high court by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2018. We base our endorsement on Mr. Moroz’s long experience. He is a prosecutor in the Albany District Attorney’s office, and practiced previously in Gwinnett. He is also a retired Infantry lieutenant colonel. We feel Ms. Warren lacks sufficient experience and time as an attorney to sit in the higher court.
For Gwinnett Superior Court
Rich
Judge of Superior Court (Rich seat): We endorse the incumbent judge, Randy Rich, 53, of Suwanee, to this position. He has 16 years of experience on the court.
Judge of Superior Court (Schrader seat): Four women seek to unseat Judge Kathy Schrader for this position. However, looking at the background of all these challengers, we feel none can hold a candle to what Judge
Schraeder
Kathy Schrader, 58, of Duluth, has achieved while on the bench. She is completing her second term on the court, and is seen as an accomplished jurist by the bar association poll. She has been active with both the Drug Court and the Parent-Accountability Court, which particularly has been a great addition for helping payers of child support learn to be more stable. We urge the re-election of Kathy Schrader.
For Gwinnett State Court
Bratton
Judge of State Court (Bratton seat): For this position, we urge the re-election of Shawn Bratton, 48, of Suwanee, as a state court judge. He has nine years of experience on this bench, and has served with distinction, with a 99 percent non-reversal rating.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Gwinnett County Public Library
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. The award-winning Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) system was formed in 1996 after the dissolution of the Gwinnett-Forsyth Regional Library. For more than 20 years, GCPL has provided resources and services that enrich and inspire our community. The Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials, and programming for people of all ages. In 2018, more than five million items were checked out at GCPL. GCPL was recognized as a Top Workplace by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in 2017 and 2018.
- For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit www.gwinnettpl.org.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net
Eight drop boxes for ballots now in place around county
Eight official ballot drop boxes are now in place across Gwinnett County to provide eligible voters with a new way to return absentee/advance by mail ballots for the June 9 Presidential Preference Primary, General Primary and Nonpartisan Election.
No postage is necessary on ballots placed in the drop boxes. The secure drop boxes are monitored by video and available 24/7 at these locations:
- Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford;
- Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Old Auburn Ave., Dacula;
- George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee;
- Lenora Park Gym, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville;
- Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross;
- Mountain Park Aquatic Center,1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain;
- Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth; and
- Voter Registrations and Elections Beauty P. Baldwin Building, 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville
Voting by mail is an option for all voters and not just those who will be out of town. Voters may request an absentee/advance by mail ballot for the June 9 Presidential Preference Primary, General Primary and Nonpartisan election now through Friday, June 5. Voters can complete the application form online at GwinnettElections.com or call the Voter Registrations and Elections Office at 678-226-7210 to request an application.
A completed application must first be received before an absentee/advance ballot is issued. Once county election officials verify the signature on the application, the voter will be sent a ballot for the June 9 election.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office mailed absentee ballot applications to all active registered voters this spring. The State Election Board since adopted an emergency rule allowing for the placement of secure ballot drop boxes for use by voters to turn in completed absentee ballots.
Animal Welfare now offers pet adoptions online
After closing to the public in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement will now offer online adoption and foster applications at GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com .
In compliance with social distancing guidelines and safety recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Animal Control Association, the shelter is offering potential pet parents who have completed the online application a one-hour meet-and-greet appointment with up to three available pets of their choosing. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to follow CDC prevention recommendations, including face coverings; gloves will be provided upon arrival. The shelter is located at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville.
Pets can usually go home on the day of adoption. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Available pets and the adoption or foster application can be found at GwinnettAnimalWelfare.com or on Facebook at @GwinnettAnimalShelter.
The shelter is available by appointment only for owner and stray surrenders.
Lidl grocery store in Peachtree Corners
From Cindy Evans, Duluth: Lidl has European roots since 1973. We visited the new retail store in Peachtree Corners and wore masks and practiced social distancing. We were impressed with their bakery selection and their wide selection of food of every kind, from nuts and fresh meats, cereals and drinks, produce, hard goods and wine. And they had plenty of toilet paper. The prices seemed friendly. The staff was friendly, all wearing masks and ensuring proper distances. They pride themselves on freshness, high quality and being hassle free. Looks like a great contribution to the area. The new location is at 5270 Peachtree Parkway, the former Earth Fare. They also have a location in Snellville. They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. More details at www.lidl.com.
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Send to: elliott@brack.net
Little Richard sold more than 30 million records worldwide
(Continued from previous issue)
In September 1955 Little Richard met Blackwell for a recording session, in New Orleans, La., where he attempted several typical blues numbers with studio musicians. Blackwell was puzzled by the discrepancy between Little Richard’s flamboyant appearance—his six-inch-high pompadour, eyeliner, and loud clothes—and his low-key singing. The frustrated producer called a lunch break, during which Little Richard began clowning around at the piano, energetically singing and shouting. Blackwell instructed Little Richard to repeat this performance once the session resumed, which resulted in the song Tutti Frutti.
In 1956 Tutti Frutti made it to number two on the rhythm-and-blues chart and, surprisingly, number 17 on the pop chart. The song’s explosive rhythm, powerful vocals, and crazy humor set the pattern for an eighteen-month run of hits. Slippin’ and Slidin’ (Peepin’ and Hidin’), Long Tall Sally, Ready Teddy, Rip It Up, Lucille, Keep a Knockin’ were all crossover successes, and his live shows and movie appearances established Little Richard as the wildest of the rock pioneers.
In 1957, in the middle of a tour of Australia, Little Richard walked away from rock and roll.
Troubled by his excessive lifestyle and embittered by song-royalty conflicts with his record company, he left show business to enter the seminary. A short-lived evangelical career met with limited success, and in 1962 he returned to rock music, touring Great Britain and Germany with the Beatles, who idolized him and performed their own versions of many of his songs.
Further hit recordings eluded Little Richard, but throughout the 1960s and 1970s he regained momentum as a live performer, starring on rock-and-roll-revival bills, selling out shows in Las Vegas, Nev., and making television appearances. Following a period of drug abuse, he turned again to the church and became a preacher and Bible salesman. In 1984 the publication of a startlingly frank biography of him prompted yet another musical comeback.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Little Richard sold more than 30 million records worldwide and received numerous honors. He was among the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993, and was credited as an inspiration by a roster of luminaries that included Elvis, Mick Jagger, and Prince. But few were so generous with their praise as Little Richard himself, whose penchant for self-promotion was legendary. “I’m not conceited,” he explained to television personality Arsenio Hall in 1990. “I’m convinced.”
Though he announced his retirement from live performing in 2002, Little Richard would return to the stage time and again, sometimes with the help of a cane. He remained a compelling personality in his later years, whether on stage or off, and continued making television appearances well into his seventies. Little Richard died of bone cancer on May 9, 2020, at a family home in Tullahoma, Tenn.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to http://georgiaencyclopedia.org
Like a castle
Today’s Mystery Photo kind of looks like a castle, but is it? Tell us where it’s located by sending to elliott@brack.net, including your hometown.
The most recent Mystery Photo was quickly solved by lots of people. In first was David Will of Lawrenceville: “Today’s mystery photo shows the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company’s textile mill located at Sweetwater Creek State Park. As I recall, the mill was destroyed in the Civil War.” The photo came from Jerry Colley of Alpharetta.
Among others getting the identification correct were Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Raleigh Perry, Buford; George Graf of Palmyra, Va.; and Stewart A. Woodard, Lawrenceville. Lou Camerio, Lilburn, said: “This is the Manchester Mill ruins at Sweetwater State Park in Douglas County. The result is of some of Sherman’s handiwork during his visit.”
Jim Savadelis, Duluth: “Located in Douglas County the mill opened in 1849 and employed about 100 people. The building was burned by Union Troops under Gen. William T. Sherman on July 2, 1864. It was never rebuilt and its remains are still standing. The mill is currently under renovation hoping for completion in October. The mill has been used in various films including The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part-1.The mill is an engineering feat. Built mostly by slave labor, it involved the construction of a large millrace to channel water from Sweetwater Creek through a 45,000-pound, 16-foot-long wheel that powered the mill’s operations. Each of the five floors specialized in part of the process of making yarn or osnaburg cloth.”
Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex. wrote: “Originally known by locals as the Sweetwater Factory, Colonel James Rogers of Milledgeville and Charles James McDonald of Cobb County began construction of the water-powered mill in 1846, and started operations on December 21, 1849. The mill used the rushing waters of Sweetwater Creek to power a cotton mill that supported the entire factory town of Sweetwater, established shortly after the cotton mill opened and started producing cotton, yarn and fabric. The massive 48×120 foot five-story red brick factory was said to be taller than any building in Atlanta. Made up entirely of local materials, the bricks were formed on the site and burned on the banks of the creek, and the foundation stones quarried downstream.”
GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday.
Meet our team
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Managing editor: Betsy Brack
- Roving photographer: Frank Sharp
- Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
- Contributing columnist: Debra Houston
- Contributing columnist: George Wilson
More
- Location: We are located in Suite 225, 40 Technology Park, Peachtree Corners, Ga. 30092.
- Work with us: If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
© 2020, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.
Follow Us