Elliott Brack’s Perspective
BRACK: Congratulations to the only 3 people who so far have been elected
By Elliott Brack | Though Gwinnett residents may be tired of all the 2018 politicking, the November election is still before us. It’s not over yet, since so far we have mostly nominated political candidates for the General Election more than three months away.
There’s been much hullabaloo in the recent primary and its runoff, but so far locally the only persons to be elected who had competition are three new Gwinnett Judges.
BRACK: May Gwinnettians have big turnout in the runoff election on Tuesday
By Elliott Brack | Next Tuesday, July 24, Gwinnett and Georgia voters will return to the polls for runoff primaries of the two major political parties and in non-partisan races. Runoffs are required under current voting rules when no candidate wins 50 percent of the vote, plus one, that is, a majority of the votes cast.
We urge Gwinnett residents, if you have not early voted, to return to the polls on Tuesday and select your candidate in the runoff. Here’s why….
BRACK: Local news at 11 p.m. not important to us any more
By Elliott Brack | Do you still watch the 11 o’clock so-called local news? Pity. It’s not vital to us any more, and not part of our lives, except for the rare occasion when severe weather is approaching.
We stopped watching the so-called “late news” 10-15 years ago. We just got tired of all the “cheap news,” that is, the blood-and-guts of the most recent shooting, or car accident, or robbery.
BRACK: Candidate suggests that insurance be required of all gun owners
Many of the 78 candidates GwinnettForum has interviewed so far this year in our offices have been asked the question, “What can be done about school shootings?” So far, we’ve heard no overall innovative solution. Mostly, the candidates are as perplexed as most people are on how to stop these horrible incidents.
BRACK: Never thought about visiting Casablanca in distant Morocco
JULY 10, 2018 | Yes, travel of any kind, either international or to visit the Varsity, is something that I enjoy. But somehow, I had never thought I might be interested in the city of Casablanca, in darkest Africa.
Yes, we’ve enjoyed that movie, one of the best ever, a propaganda piece released in 1942 before the United State entered World War II on African soil. And yes, Casablanca the city sounds exotic, but it also reeks of sand and a third-world underbelly that doesn’t have a deep appeal.
BRACK: Here’s where to recycle fluorescent tubes, other products
By Elliott Brack | Many of our everyday products we use around the house will not be recycled for a lot of reasons. Many are hazardous products that don’t need to be in the landfill. Others are materials that no longer is financially viable for recycling, such as the way the recycled glass market has deteriorated.
BRACK: Here are GwinnettForum endorsements in the July 24 runoff primaries
JULY 3, 2018 | GwinnettForum urges registered votes to return to the voting booths on July 24 in the runoff of the two parties to determine the nominations for the General Election.
Even registered voters who did not vote in the May primary are eligible to vote in the runoff. However, if you voted in the primary, you must vote in the same party’s runoff on July 24.
BRACK: Think big on transit: Extend heavy rail lines to Infinite Energy Arena
By Elliott Brack | Gwinnettians can expect a decision by the County Commission soon on whether there will be a question on the ballot about public transportation, that is, MARTA, on the November ballot.
We hope there is. The commission could also postpone the vote, so that the county might vote instead later on whether it should join the new Atlanta-region Transit Link Authority, being called The ATL.
BRACK: Here’s a glimmer of hope which might improve Washington politics
By Elliott Brack | When something is in disarray, any little speck of hope is important.
Certainly our current Congress, the 115th gathering, is in “disarray.” Each of the two parties has fringe elements that keep the mainline party leadership unable to convince the majority of their parties that real action is needed.
Gwinnett Forum | Aug. 23, 2024
“Never tell anyone that you’re writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course, or quitting smoking. They’ll encourage you to death.”
– Comic Artist Lynn Johnston (“For Better or Worse”) (1947 – ).
Recent deaths
DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL
The family-friendly event, Duluth Fall Festival, will take place on September 28-29. This is the 41st year, and the Festival has consistently been voted one of the top festivals in the entire area, including “Best Large Festival in the Southeast’” by national publications.
There will be more than 300 arts, crafts and food booths, a huge parade, entertainment at two venues, a 5K road race, and much more. If you would like more information, are interested in volunteering, etc., go to the Festival website:
Continuing objectives
Gwinnett Forum publisher Elliott Brack suggests that Gwinnett County needs a long-range list of continuing objectives for improving the county. His list:
- Move statewide non-partisan judge and school board elections to the General Election.
- Adoption of the 2023 Transit Plan for Gwinnett.
- More creative efforts to support the arts in Gwinnett.
- Advancement and expansion of city historical societies.
- Require establishments that serve alcoholic beverages to halt sales of such products at 1 a.m., and close by 2 a.m.
- Require the Georgia Legislature to meet only once every two years.
- 21st century salary for the Gwinnett County Commission members.
- Remove chewing gum on sidewalks at entrances of post offices and other governmental buildings.
- Eliminate single-use plastic packaging and straws in Gwinnett and require instead the use of paper products.
- Condos instead of apartments for Gwinnett.
Interested in Gwinnett history?
Now re-printed in its third edition, Gwinnett: A Little Above Atlanta, the award-winning history of Gwinnett County, is once again available for purchase. It sold out of its first two printings. The book won the 2010 Award of Excellence in Documenting Georgia History from the Georgia Historical Records Advisory Board. The book is available at Old Town Antiques at 93 Main Street in Lilburn.
- The history of Gwinnett is also available as an e-book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble for $9.95.
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