Well done Mike.....Looking forward to more information on the airport in the coming months!

Mike, Thanks so much for the informational blog...so many of us do not get involved in our community and are usually the first to complain when something goes wrong. Congratulations on getting involved and stepping up to make our community voices heard. You have Marvin and I support completely..Go get them Mike!!

The fact that our County Commissioner's Lynette Howard, Shirley Lassiter & Mike Beadreau are in favor of pushing this airport project forward when a overwhelming percentage od Gwinnett County Citizens are strongly against the privatazation of Briscoe Field is amazing! I have attended these public meetings and the response from thye citizens of Gwinnett is a absolutely no we do not want airport expansion!

Cliff, I attended two of the trash plan meetings, where the citizens were also overwhelmingly opposed. Komissar Beaudreau's response? "I'm glad everybody is on board with this."

I've said this elsewhere--this county begs for a newspaper with a true investigative reporting staff that would follow the money trail on all these deals. The police/sheriff/DA won't interfere unless it's simply shoved in their faces publicly, and then will do their best to bury it anyway.

No expansion and no privatazation! We have fought it before and need to fight it again. Glad to hear the 2 of 3 Commission Members are against it. When is the vote and/or decision to be?

Enjoyed reading your blog. Looking forward to reading more in the future.

As a member of the Snellville City Council, I won't have any direct involvement in the airport issue, but I can provide a bit of political perspective. As a conservative, and supporter of free enterprise, I originally found "privatization" appealing. Such a transition would provide an opportunity for private enterprise to flourish and would potentially remove a financial albatross from around the county's neck. (Since the airport had benefited from Federal funds, its operational options are limited, and hence, so too are its opportunities to achieve financial viability. However, upon further investigation, I've learned that the airport may not be a financial loser. I haven't seen the precise figures yet, but from what I understand, the airport actually earns a small profit. If it's privatized, there's a good chance the county will lose that income, and also some control over expansion (which will also require Federal approval).
The political perspective here is that thorough research needs to be done before taking a position, and all elected officials should serve the best interests of the citizens. Privatization appears to offer little benefit to the citizens of Gwinnett County, unless it's accompanied by commercialization. And that appears to be something a majority of residents in the area don't want. This isn't an "airport issue", it's a community issue. I hope all the candidates for District 3 understand that.

Hi Dave: I appreciate your comments. I have never had one of the supporters of commercialization answer the question of why taxpayers in Gwinnett County should be responsible for paying the operating expenses of a commercial airport in the event of Propeller’s bankruptcy. Supporters only talk about the infusion of private capital, but fail to the address the issue of taxpayer responsibility. Both Commissioner Beaudreau and the Chief of Staff for US Senator Woodall, when asked why taxpayers should feel comfortable being forced to be on standby to provide a bailout in the event of bankruptcy, given that this FAA program has a 100% failure rate, responded by saying, “Just because it has not worked in the past does not mean it cannot work now.” How many taxpayers, even those who live far away from Briscoe, want to assume this risk in the worst economy in our lifetime? Taxpayers are tired of bailouts and stimulus plans that only benefit a few, while the taxpayers are stuck with the tab.

Interesting column, it’s a shame that "some rumblings from the "establishment" suggest they are not happy with my involvement."

One would think they would want to encourage development of candidates for both current and future opportunities. Look forward to reading the upcoming postings and good luck, the information you share could be enlightening.

Hey Dave, perhaps we can get together to discuss the issues.

I still say that the City of Lawrenceville should have tried to bid on the airport and secure there own destiny , they could make it work !

Mike I am not in District 3 but I will support your campaign and I thank you. If any proponent of Commercialization of Briscoe Field felt, honest to God felt, that their family and their standard of living for their family was in danger from some issue, they would fight it. Now maybe they think that we are all over reacting to this situation and they believe, honestly believe, that our way of life is not in danger at all. Okay if that is true, someone please put forth the data and information that proves that statement to be true. We have not heard anything but Propeller Investment’s pipe dreams of riches for everyone with absolutely no impact on those living in this area- except money falling from the skies. Now I know there are those of you who KNOW that commercializing Briscoe will severely impact life quality for Lawrenceville, Dacula, and many other citizens of this county but feel we are expendable. That is purely despicable – in the name of money – we are expendable. Good luck Mike.

Mike...there you go with the "...establishment" nonsense. It's unimpressive and disappointing to be honest.

Also, I was curious about your claim that you were undecided prior to the meeting at 12Stone. Are you certain about that?

In addition, I'm having a hard time believing your claim that Commissioner Beaudreau never responded to you. That is completely opposite of Mike's values, standards and how he has conducted himself as Commissioner.

Hi Floyd: You wrote:
"In addition, I'm having a hard time believing your claim that Commissioner Beaudreau never responded to you. That is completely opposite of Mike's values, standards and how he has conducted himself as Commissioner."

Many members of my organization have found it very difficult to get a response from the BOC, including Mike. I understand that they are only part-time commissioners and they can get inundated with emails, but for you to say you have a hard time believing Mike Korom's claim is surprising. I have thousands of pages of documents from open records requests that show that most emails and letters to commissioners are never answered.

Sabrina...it's not surprising at all. Commissioner Beaudreau has conducted himself in a manner that is pretty much in direct contradiction to Korom's claim. For instance, saturday hours. Answer honestly...how many elected leaders do you know that have sacrificed their personal weekend time specifically to address needs of citizens that couldn't be heard during normal hours?

I'm glad that you remembered that this is a part time position. But I don't think you have fully integrated that into your thinking on the matter. "Thousands of pages"...that a part time guy is supposed to respond to? In this day of ease of communictions if say 100 people ask him the same question or make the same statement...does he send a canned response that semi-answers the question or does he do the best anyone could to respond personally to what he can? You also don't take into consideration that he can take information from emails and letters to determine sentiment on an issue. Lets say on some issue he gets over 500 emails asking him to vote in favor of something...and he does. He just answered the requests of 500 people. I also ask you to consider that some of what you claim to be unanswered perhaps were answered in forums, articles, phone calls, etc.

The real bottom line here is that Commissioner Beaudreau has distinguished himself in being a public servant during his Commissionership and even beforehand in other areas.

Floyd, I appreciate your 'honsty'. However, by your statement,'are you sure' you imply that at minimum I'm being disingenuous and at maximum I'm lying. The same goes for your 'establishment nonsense' statement. You then go further to say, 'you find it hard to believe'...

So, your a Mike Beaudreau. I respect that. But to question my integrity does little to help your/his cause. I don't need to defend my integrity. I believe others will do so. I stand by my post in ALL respects.

I have a suggestion, why don't you and I have a cup of coffee together. I think you may come away with a different opinion of me.

Sabrina....actually...it's been a pretty darn good day. I notice that you were unable to answer any of my points explaining why I'm on Commissioner Beaudreau's side on the non-response issue.

I didn't even give you the toughie....how you were able to take "thousands" of pages, read all of them, categorize them (probably in multiple ways) and then assemble them to show a lifeline for each email to show it wasn't replied to. Above that, you would have also had to verify phone records from multiple numbers to continue to prove a particular email wasn't replied to by phone. You also would have had to have general transcripts of forums, meetings, ribbon cuttings, etc...as well as have copied of newsletters, fliers, etc...

Not saying you didn't do all that but I am an analyst's analyst. I could do that if my life depended on it but since, thankfully, it doesn't I wouldn't touch it. If you have, successful or not, I tip my cap to you.

Baseball starts for us tomorrow and the rain will hold off long enough to get in a good first team practice. All is once again right with the world. I hope your weekend is as enjoyable as ours will be.

I get it. Your a Mike Beaudreau supporter. Do you want to have coffee with 'the other Mike'? I'd really like to discuss the issues with you.

Floyd: I think you need a hobby. I'm sure you mean well and want to help Beaudreau, but your comments are probably having the opposite effect.

While the matter of “airport privatization” in Gwinnett is headline-grabbing and passion-stirring, it is but a litmus test for something far more important – core ideology. Forget about semantics and marketing phraseology for a moment and ponder the very nuts and bolts of what’s going on with respect to Briscoe. The governmental establishment (define that any way you wish, but it is impossible in affluent Gwinnett suburbia to deny that “governmental establishment” is predominantly Republican) is meddling with the will of the people, is seeking to affect in an overarching, collectivist way the rights and privileges of countless landowners, business owners, homeowners, etc. Benign intent or not, the machine of government is attempting to assert centralized power at the expense (literally) of the citizenry, and most certainly to the peril of those citizens living on either end of the runway(s). This issue, therefore, makes a useful proxy for a person’s core ideology. Simply put, a true conservative rises to fight when a governmental body attempts to exact control over the individual. Mike Korom passes this test of conservatism, not because of what he has said, but because of what he has lived.

Floyd it would do no good to answer any of your questions, you would not believe anything said by someone who does not think highly of Mr. Beaudreau. Obviously Floyd is going to bombard this blog with his Beaudreau propaganda and try to discourage any who might be interested in what Mike Korom has to say. Very effective - sorta like the domination of the BOC by his idol. You learned well.

Todd Miller - a big thumbs up!

Floyd , It sounds like you feel threatened by anyone who doesnt soak in your opinion of your candidate, you learn well grasshopper.

Mike K is bringing the possibly of fresh ears to the table and he is reaching out to those of differing viewpoints, because he seems to understand you don't have to agree completely to find the consul useful. The campaign should offer contrasts that will improve District 3 in November.

Actually this appears to be a good contrast between the incumbent Mike B and the subject of this article Mike K. Mike B represents his positions with passion, no problem there, until it reaches a level that appears to effectively blind him to possible alternatives, a trait Floyd may share with Mike B.

It's time to open up the communications lines to the BOC and while the incumbent has done some good along the way, he has done some REAL damage as well with his inability at times to really LISTEN, even within his own meetings. Those get togethers are great if both parties can communicate, but if you're there to dictate or tell opposition they're ALWAYS wrong, OVER time, those alternate views that could be combined with your own positions to obtain a better result STOP being offered. Soon the pool where ideas are drawn shrinks to the point of being TOO like minded and this is where the train leaves the rail. For those who wish to dig deeper I'll refer you to the Grand Jury Report that derailed a couple of other commissioners. The biggest issue listed was lack of communication within county departments and commissioners. Then in the July/August timeframe Mike B states publicly that the county staff were being insubordinate with regard to airport RFP directives. Having been in the Grand Jury process itself as Mike B had, one could believe that would be the LAST thing to be put out for public consumption, even if you had a really bad day.

Floyd, I realize that it's hard to be objective since you are so invested, but it appears that I have actually observed him in action in many more formats, far more consistently than you have since 2004. I have acknowledged he has benefited District 3 and some other regions while in office in many zoning matters and in some budget issues. You asked for a reply, it was given and we won't agree, but that's not absurd. Indeed "alternatives simply aren't" is an example of the tunnel vision we have suffered from since 2006.

I'm referring to FAR more than just a single election, but how business will be conducted afterward for years. It was not stated that he only holds meetings to tell those who hold differing positions their WRONG, but on many occasions that's EXACTLY what unfolds rather than capturing a point (educating himself) or educating residents in the exchange, in the same matter as an habitual speeder doesn't always speed. ( winning the "debate" but losing the topic matter if you will)

The focus of this blog section is Mike K's bid for the District 3 seat and its useful to compare the two candidates. However, Mr B as he has operated in office is not always a "proven conservative" as you assert by any real definition one would commonly find, but it is one of his talking points. Perhaps you could open a blog topic on Mr B so an appropriate debate can be had on the policies he has supported while in office, in his own section, so voters could compare and educate themselves. As to some voters in Gwinnett, we too have come to know Mr.B and agree with you that Gwinnett Residents are fortunate to have HAD him as Commissioner - there can be common ground in all matters and in the South,that should be easy enough to understand. ...

Well spoken and classy rebuttals on both sides. Mud slinging and witch hunting politics soil the integrity of the best political system on this planet. Well done and get 'em Mike! (Mike K. obviously lol)

Floyd - "he hasn't served a solid second in public office". I'm not sure why you think this is relevant? I find career politicians to be very self serving and historically in Gwinnett, we have seen the ill effects of such with people tied to private industries like the building industry like Bannister, Hill, Kennerly to name a few. These "experienced" politicians bring forth such personal agendas that they over shadow the concerns and desires of the real people living in Gwinnett. Mr Korom has no affiliations with land developers, the building industry, etc. He is a successful, concerned Christian citizen wIth a bachelors degree in business. Allow me to point out that Charlotte Nash has a degree in accounting and worked for the county for 27 years, Shirley Lassiter started her career as a teacher, Lynnette Howard is a chemist, and John Heard is an engineer. With that being said, Mr Beaudreau is an accounts manager for Ricoh Corp. How does that make him any more qualified than Mr. Korom or any or the other afore mentioned existing commissioners? Last I knew, selling copiers wasn't a prepatory position for a career in politics. And before you get defensive, I'm not in any way saying he isn't qualified. I'm merely pointing out that many local elected officials didn't set out their life plan intending on being a part time commissioner for our county. Mr Korom is is no different. I think it's refreshing to see such a candidate and he is completely qualified for the position.

Floyd , I seen you yawning , so go back to sleep , miky B will tuck you in and tell you the bedtime story of how the land sale that kennerly made to avoid a county lawsuit stunk at the time and made him so mad , he voted against it . ask him gently what stunk about it , and which of the actions he might take . A - get in the political fetal position and protect my personal status or B - protect and serve the taxpayers of gwinnett county by coming forward with the information about the stunk story . then he can kiss you on the head and tell you ,its only make believe .

HAHAHAHAHA Kevin...that's almost funny. Your maximum contribution to the debate seems to be roughly equivalent to a sack of hair. I'll have fun with this after I have some baseball practice and enjoy a great meal my wife made.

Awwwww ... Bless your heart ! your contribution is a bit like a paid political ad . At least my sack of hair doesnt stink as much as whats in your sack .

Hi all,
First of all, I'd like to thank Mike Korom for taking the time to introduce himself and field questions from District 3 residents (Mr. Korom's blog is posted on the Dacula, Loganville and Snellville Patch sites). For those of you who have asked or may be wondering, the other candidates for District 3 (Beaudreau and Oberholtzer) have been invited to blog on Patch as well and, if they choose to participate, their blogs will also be posted on the Patch sites in District 3.

I want to know more about Mr Korom , and possibly a democrat condender .Im not sure why a staunch supporter of the other guy would jump in a meet and greet and hijack the blogs purpose , Im proud of the ones who called him out on it !

Hi Kevin: Actually, I think we learned something important about Mike Korom by the way he handled this with so much class. We also learned a little about Mike Beaudreau's campaign manager, which may tell us a lot about his candidate...

Thanks sabrina for that insight , I have been around long enough to know that in a local election you check out all the candidates and vote for the one that will listen and do for the good of all citizens in Gwinnett ,not just a few groups but all . I would like to guage Mr Koroms opinon of how much the conflicts of interest between the chamber of commerce and Gwinnett county Government is affecting decisions such as Coolray field , Garbage , Airport , and planning and zoning issues . etc .

Hi Kevin: Good point. We have many documents that reflect the relationship between the BOC and the Chamber of Commerce, particularly on the airport issue. I, too, look forward to learning more about Mike Korom's positions on the issues you cited.

Floyd , I dont have a candidate at this point , but if i wanted to see a kids show i would watch your guy dissing the public on saturdays !

I saw the video , it was quite a revelation of arrogance . the concept of the meetings are great and my hat is off to him on that , but the tone from him was awful ,he turned that positive into a negative . I would fire my campaign manager for that one . When you work for the public you will have people who dont quite agree with everything you do or say , does that give you the right to diss on them ,absolutly not . I dont expect sabrina to respond unless she wants to , my comments are for the bloggers in general.

Kevin...fire what campaign manager? You only have one during a campaign.

Not just about Mike but I'd encourage you to do more investigating than a small video shows. Sometimes they tell the whole truth for certain...but not always.

I'm trying to remember the substance of the video...but just don't remember at the moment. I will rewatch it in the next day or so.

First of all I want to thank Kristi Reed and the Patches (Dacula, Snellville, and Grayson) for offering a terrific medium for sharing ideas.
Secondly, in reference to Kevin’s posts and as I stated in my blog, I will be offering my views on local issues. These issues will include transportation, taxation, cell phone towers, zoning, trash plan, Coolray Field, education, and much more. While world and national views normally don’t have a direct line to local issues, I will be sharing some of them because I believe it’s important for voters get a clear picture of Mike Korom.
Thirdly, I would ask that everyone commenting please do so with courtesy. I know some of our topics can become emotional. Passion is a wonderful ingredient. Disrespect and condescension are not. Floyd, I respect your passion and support for the ‘other Mike’. While I don’t agree with him on certain key issues, I do respect the fact that he was willing to make the commitment necessary to be a county commissioner. For the record I voted for him twice. If it weren’t for the differences on these issues I wouldn’t be in the race. These issues have come to light in his last term.

Lastly, it appears as though support is growing for our campaign. While at the Young Republicans event yesterday, my campaign manager had several people approach him and ask to meet with me. I plan to do so. This week holds a busy agenda as I will be meeting with another local mayor, business groups, an HOA, and individual D3 citizens.
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE READING THIS TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ABOUT THE PATCH. IT’S A WONDERFUL MEANS OF SHARING LOCAL EVENTS AND NEWS!

Mike Korom,

We look forward to your positions and measured response style on these issues, as well any others that may come to light. Thank you for throwing your hat in the ring.

Mr K, just like McDonalds,"I'm loving it! If you have never personally met B, let me tell you about Mikey. A knock at the door & upon opening it, a dear friend stood before me with a tiny pale boyish looking man. My friend knows I desire GOOD CITIZENSHIP for all. He was here to introduce me to the boy/man who was running for elections.I looked him up & down, stuck out my hand for him to shake (it was a limp wrist & weak shake...hmmm). Next, I looked him in the eye & asked directly,'WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR YOU?" I meant just that, WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR HIM. Being involved with teaching interview techniques to pageant girls & job hunters,I just knew this boy who was running for a high office, in a great country, with all likely hood would have crafted two or possibly three answers to this mainstay candidate question...RIGHT! I never send a pageant girl into interview without her knowing how to answer, "WHY SHOULD WE VOTE FOR YOU FOR MISS SO AND SO HIGH SCHOOL? Be Prepared is the Girl Scout Motto. Hey MIKIE YOU WERE NOT PREPARED THEN AND YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO LEAD NOW! He looked at me, he looked at my friend, he looked in the air, he looked back at me & I kid you not, he said (these were his exact words) 'Because he told you too!" (Meaning, because my friend brought him to my front door.) I laughed at him & said again,"NO, really why should I vote for you?" He did not have an answer then & he doesn't have one now! Floyd U R Desperate 2 keep your boy in!Educate YOURSELF & VOTE!

Baby F, You ARE what is wrong with politics in this country. You are arrogant and can not even see it. TO everyone else reading & responding here, they can see your rude manner in that your call everyone a liar that does not agree with you or makes your Baby Mikey look into the mirror. Ask Baby Mikey if he remembers before you whine &call others names like a tattle tail. The man he was with was his advertising supply man with the initials B. K. As a person with a degree in Jourmalism from UGA with a major interest in Public Relations,we learned how to handle bad press & how to promote a client or candidate. Baby F back to college for you. I can only believe you are a "plant" of an opposing candidate & your job it is to make Baby Mikie look like a looser. I am not desperate but your camp is because your way of handling your public it to call them liars, fools, & badger them. THIS is what is wrong with America. Once someone get into office, they forget the job is to represent the voters. If they have someone like Baby F, as their right hand man, telling them their are doing great & to keep it up, they refuse to see the reality of their actions towards their voters. It is the emperor wearing no clothes all over again. What we are seeing here is a "YES MAN" of the worst kind. Baby F's rules are, if they disagree with you or your candidate, do not answer the issue simply disrespect the person. Sounds just like the same arrogance of Baby M at appearances. Educate Yourself & VOTE!

Good job Cynthia !

Mr K, I bow to another voter trying to make the citizens of this worrisome county and failing country aware of their need to become involved. Some wade into the political water by commenting only to be berated and so they retreat. Baby F cuts to the quick and removed anyone speaking against his baby. I for one don't want my county run by Baby Mikey & his "YES MAN" Hatchet Baby F. We have better, we can do better, we must do better. I offer any candidate to come & meet with me & share their vision for our county & to explain their views. Yet, I will not allow any of them to bring their handlers with them. ONE ON ONE. First impressions are lasting. I saw baby Mikey in his raw state. I met him when he was green but make no mistake about it...what I saw was the "man." Now you are seeing & hearing a "man" not able to handle the load of the job & being handled by a poor team that "DOES NOT GET IT!" When I see this type of obvious lack of support from those who put someone in office & yet they still go against the people that put them in office I can only consider one thing. My 98 year old wise GRAMPS used to say in situations like this, "There must be some money floating around somewhere!" I hope this is not the case. Di we have another Kennerly in the making! Has Kennerly donated to this campaign? At this level, fellow citizens have the most control over their lives. Either way it does not look good for the good people of District 3. Educate Yourself and VOTE!

Mike Korom - this discussion will do more for your campaign that anything I know.

Ms Bev, Like I said, Baby F is doing more harm than good as he is showing the voters what Baby Mikey considers quality team members that he has chosen to surround himself with. I appreciate Baby F calming down in his response for that is the correct representation image one would want to present to the voting public. I, Baby F, DO NOT NEED your approval to validate my meeting with Baby Mikey! (I posted my feelings about my meeting with him months ago) You on the other had discount anything, meeting, or person that does not fit into your views. Your lack of ability to see outside the box is a weakness that will not serve you or our current commissioner well. I went to school with the Kennerly Brothers. I have know them when they were building in the summer, later when they were building and milking the county. He has not been cleared of the overpayment of land to his family by county taxpayers only that the suit brought was not legal. Politics make strange bedfellows. I feel you are no different than the Generals Aid in the movie THE GENERALS DAUGHTER. Totally committed to Baby Mikey even to the point of not seeing reality anymore.The Patch is for all voices and YOU WILL NOT SILENCE ANY OF THEM as you believe you have the right to only because you call yourself a Baby Mikey team member. If more would speak out our country & this community would become great again! The fact that you have been added to committees since BM election speaks so loud! EDUCATE YOURSELF & VOTE!

Ever wonder why a person,company, or organization might donate to all of the candidate running for office?Easy, that way no matter who wins, they still have a hook in the candidate through their donation. Sorry people but that is the way it works. Lets face it, we are always nicer to people that support us than to people that hate us ....see what I mean. Baby F stated, "I wonder if you took the time to see how many county boards I've served on since Commissioner Beaudreau was sworn in...volunteer or paid." WOW what a way to say look at me NOW I AM A BIG MAN &since I'm on all the boards now they all have access to Baby Mikey...surely you did not mean to say that! And lets face it, at this point I am shocked that Baby Mikey has not taped your mouth or shall I say broken your typing fingers! I appreciate your zeal for the political arena but after watching Baby Mikey in his recent venues, I am even more assured that my initial "take" on Baby Mikey was absolutely correct. Men are only men until they become an elected official. Some have great minds but poor communication skills. Some have great communications skills but frightening minds..ie King OB, some have great ideas & the ability to communicate & lead but not enough money to run. The very worse one is the woman OR MAN who is better than all the above candidates but does not have the backing of the Republican Guard. An incumbent has name recognition& the RG will not back anyone else at this point. EDUCATE YOURSELF & VOTE!

Hi all,
I have three questions for everyone participating in this discussion:
1.) What traits are you looking for in a county commission candidate?
2.) What local issues are most important to you?
3.) If you could ask the candidates one question, what would it be?

Nice Post Kristi...btw...is this the record for reply postings @Dacula? Just wondering

Because I'm involved in a campaign I'll only answer #1. The other two answers could be assumed to be from the campaign. I hope everyone understands.

Traits - Demonstrated Integrity. Can be in politics but doesn't have to be. Would prefer both. The reason is simple. If I can't trust you what you say doesn't matter a hill of beans.

Hi Floyd - no, this isn't a record. If I am not mistaken, I believe Brian Crawford holds the distinction of having the most comments on one of his blog posts. Still, this is a lively debate for sure.

Baby F, PLEASE STOP before baby Mikey just runs BACK into the ring & snatches his hat back & is never seen again inside Gwinnett again! I am laughing so hard that my dog came in to check on me! No 1.YOU brought up the committees! I care not! No 2. According to you...ALERT the PO PO, Call the News Media, Stop the Presses because there is a man going around the city parading as Baby Mikey. He came knocking on my door. If he did-you leave his campaign. If he did not-I get an exclusive meeting.ASK HIM! LOL No 3. Maybe baby Mikey "EARNED" it in the past but from the look of this blog the citizens took a chance on him & L O S T! Many are able to admit their mistakes, some can not, They belittle anyone that dares to approach their position. He had his chance & blew it, plain & simple. As I taught my children; say your sorry, ask for forgiveness & TAKE YOUR LUMPS & MOVE ON! Baby Mikey tried politics & some here say he is turning his back on the very people that put him in office. I read that he is arrogant & will not listen to the voters. Now,I read your comments & YOUR COMMENTS alone are enough for me to look else where to new leadership. There is no sin in trying your hand in politics. If he was good, this blog would have stopped! Maybe everyone just loves to hear you go ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON AND ON WITH WHA WHA WHA... BUT I hope you will all read my latest blog titled, ARE YOU THE HATED RICH?" Baby F, ready to stop OR R U THIRSTY FOR MORE?

Cynthia, I've got to ask with all your use of Baby this and baby that, are you a high school girl? Are the Pagents you referr to the ones you are in? really you sound like a 12 year old.

Mr T, The Patch allows for a limited number of characters per post. RU new to the PATCH- I assume. Please go to the SEARCH BOX & enter the name Cynthia Montgomery. I blog for the Dacula Patch, the Barrow Patch, & the Oconee Patch. I have worked for the Gwinnett Daily Post & the older Winder News. I know that the average reader has an eighth grade education & so I write to the average reader's IQ. No disrespect at all, just using my education to reach the vast population of the viewing readers. So it may seem like I am young in mind & that is intended. I use the educator's list of 500 most used words most of the time. I look for a simple word so that more readers will stay engaged. I was taught, do not use a 14 letter word when a 5 letter word will do! I am please that I have many high school & middle school followers on the Patch. I hear from their parent all the time. Last weekend, at a party, a grandmother asked if I write for a paper & I said I blog. She replied, "My granddaughter says, " You really hand it out, you lay it on the line!" I take that as a compliment as I want the young to learn about their government & about voting, hence the MISS MEMORIAL DAY ORGANIZATION & Pageant. I value my politics & my citizenship greatly. I choose to give each poster or person a NICKNAME to spice up the exchange & allow people to come back at anytime &
catch up quickly. I give my name because I realize that some will agree with me & some won't- Such is life! Mr T-4 spaces!

For your consideration, I invite the commenters here to read and contemplate "The Virtual Megaphone" http://loganville.patch.com/blog_posts/political-commentary-meets-the-virtual-megaphone While the discussion here is certainly lively, it has deteriorated to the point that I don't think it's serving either candidate particularly well.

I agee with you Dave.

Kristi, thank you for gathering us in. I hope you can get the candidates together and offer them a video debate like the Dacula Commission Debate. Here are my questions.

1. TRAITS Leadership Abilities, Intelligence, Honesty, Ability to work well with others. Knowledge of area, Sense of Humor. Dedication, and ability to handle stress ( are you fit & healthy)?

2. ISSUES Airport, Transportation Issues, Education, How will you keep Dacula in the Forefront.

3. QUESTION What personal qualities do you believe you posses that make you the right candidate for the job and in reverse what negative personality traits do you battle with in your life?
4. With the prices of gas going up what will you do when gas prices hit the next gas tax level which will trigger an additional 5 cents added to the gas prices according to the county laws?

1 ) Traits , Leadership skills focused on value to Gwinnett as a whole , Ethical partnerships with business leaders through transparency . Knowledge and vision of a stronger Gwinnett through community relations , Problem solving skills , diplomacy .good customer service.

2) Issues: Take a stand on the Airport pro or con , if you cannot take a stand, vow to abstain from the vote.
Dacula lack of sewer service , explain why and how we plan to address this issue .
Transportation , Do you think TSPLOST will be a boom or bust for Gwinnett county if approved , if not , will it be disasterous ?

3 )Question : With all the park land and green space gwinnett county has , why cant we supplement our water supply with the vast amount of artisian water veins below them ?

I had wondered about a Cover it live event where voters could submit questions by email and the candidates could all answer by email too. I'm not saying in place of a live debate, but in addition to. That way people who don't make it out to a debate still get the opportunity to ask all the candidate - three right now but that could change by qualifying.

Kristi, DO you have a location in mind. I might be able to talk with a business that is in a central location for the debate? Or are you thinking more along the line of a giving them the questions and they come in and you film them? Thank you so much for allowing the citizens of our county a real look at the candidates in a venue that allows all to see them and their ability to handle themselves. Each person should have that opportunity and the voters should also be able to see and judge for themselves who they see as the best candidate to lead us through the next years as Gwinnett and Dacula experience growth and change. Thanks Again PATCH!!!

For the record, I welcome and am looking forward to the debate forums.

As for Kristi's questions there seems to be two common themes, integrity and leadership skills.
As for integrity, here's my favorite Bible verse on the subject. "The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him". Prov. 20:7
As I have said before, I can't speak to my own integrity, only others can.
(Cont.)

.

(cont.)
I can offer some examples of some leadership skils in my life.

1. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. (1981)
2. I was the captain of my college basketball team that logged 78 wins in four season and was a four year letterman.
3. While with Matco Tools at age 28, I lead a sales district from number 146 (out of 152) to number 8 nationally in our first year. The next year we finished number 2. I was promoted to a regional position the next year.
4. Most recently, with American Tire Distributors, a $2.5 billion national company, I was the number one equipment sales rep for 10 consecutive years out of 70+ reps.
5. Also, I've been the President of the Apalachee Farms HOA for the past three years.
6. To be clear, my highlight of leadership has come by raising my two sons. My oldest is 26 and recently married. He works with me in the equipment business. My youngest son is 21, a junior at Reinhardt University on a basketball scholarship. I raised them as a single father. I love them dearly.

MISTER MIKE, More Please. Being in sales myself, I know that you only get to the top of the wipe boards with hard work, smarts, playing well with others, and being able to overcome a client's objections. Sound a bit like politics! I am very impressed that you raised your sons and that you HAVE a favorite Bible verse. Some seem to forget that we are living in His world not ours. Please give us more information about yourself. Also I ask you to remember when having to deal with people that, NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED!" Good luck to you. I look forward to hearing you at the upcoming debates when Kristi pulls it all together. I believe in the political system with all its faults and weaknesses. It has lost its shine but just one good candidate can take it to the top again. We always talk about career politicians needing to step down and that we need to put in term limits yet, the voters seem to fail to realize that THEY can limit their leader's terms with their own votes. It seems Mike Beaudreau has become a career politician in the eyes of his voters. Thank you for remaining logical, professional, and calm as the rage went on. Cynthia

The issues this county faces are many and Briscoe Fieldale is but one of noted importance. To keep the corruption of commissioners to a managable level I support the following; Three commissioners elected at large voted on by the entire county. Three commissioners created from three voting districts. One Chair Person elected county wide. This provides the taxpayer an opportunity to stop corruption. The Three district commissioners would be elected every two years and the three county wide commissioners on a alternating cycle every two years. The Chair Person every three years. The other issues i am concerned about are; a mass transportation system that riders pay less than 1/3 of the cost. A system with more county employees. I am concerned about the prison over crowding that taxpayers fund and can be stopped by deportation. I am concerned about county vehicles being driven home and used for personal transportation at tax payer expense. I am concernd that our water cost-bills will go up over 50% in the next three years. oncerned about a school system spending more money for administration and assests than teaching our childred the skill sets to be productive citizens. Every student is not college material but people can make a family providing income with their hands as did my farther. We need a watchdog not a money seeking politician with self interest. We do not need a politician who makes statements of self importance that are not true.

Ran out of space, Hope we can find the right person to lead us. Best of luck in run for office.

Mr M. As the mother of two with teaching certificates, I could not agree with you more that not everyone is cut out for college. It is a sad world that expects each child to be a college graduate. First, one must love the challenge of learning. For many college is just the beginning of their formal training. I know one person with 4 degrees! He still loves learning. For many finally getting out of high school is a welcome relief after a weary and worrisome couple of years. Secondly, look around and notice that many jobs DO NOT require not PSY 101 and GEO 208 which are mandatory in a four year college. I go throughout my day coming in contact with many careers that do not require a sheep skin for success. Thirdly, I believe that our creator, in his wisdom, made many types of minds. I can not creative a fine work of art. I can not fix a broken engine in my car. I can not run a machine necessary to produce a product. I can not tackle a 345 pound lineman. I can not deliver a baby. And I can not fish on the ocean for thousands of people's food needs. I can do what God has given me specific talents and desire for. It is time that we realize that to produce strong citizens each should be able to ply his or her trade with a sense of pride and that means a change in the way we dish out the funds at schools. Money for teachers over more admin! I hope you will be at the debate with your comments to see how each candidate responds to your desires for a strong community.

I am looking forward to the campaign. This is what I know of our current commissioners. There is an appearance surrounding them of crony capitalism starting first and foremost with the forced use by Gwinnet citizens of certain chosen waste management companies. Mike Beaudreau voted in favor of doing this despite the vast majority of citizens being against it.

This is not something that someone with a conservative background does unless he has the deep seeded undying need to placate the left. I have seen little in the way of taking measures in reducing the size and scope of local government by this commission, but rather an extension of their reach.

I am glad to see that Mr. Beaudreau is being challenged and look forward to doing what I can to defeat him. This county needs new blood. What it doesn't need is the continuance of the same old tired GOP establishment here at the local level. We need someone who will stand up for Conservative principles, who is not afraid to explain them articulately, and is not afraid to fight for them. Conservatism well explained and implemented is a winning ticket every time it is tried.

All too often in this political atmosphere conservatives are afraid to be conservatives while the liberals proclaim their statist agenda with more and more boldness. We should not shy away from the debate.

I hope you are that man Mr. Korom. From what I can tell, you might just be.

Larry, thank you for your response and support.

I just received word that M. Beaudreau, J. Olberholtzer, and I will be speaking at the monthly Tea Party meeting this Thursday evening at 7:30. It's at the Flying Machine in Lawrenceville which is at the airport. What a great way for citizens to see each of us, our positions and styles and evaluate the candidates! Rep. Rob Woodall will be speaking as well.

If you are on Facebook you can search me by name and 'friend' me.

Also, I'm in the process of writing my second blog. Time permitting, I will post it either today or tomorrow. These are wonderfully busy times!

I humbly welcome your help on my campaign. Spread the word!

Baby F, Since you ARE in the "inner circle" please explain exactly how Baby M came to his decisions on the airport and the trash issues. With so many of those he is representing against these two issues that have such a direct impact on our lives, why did he vote against us? I own rental property, I may have a home sitting empty for various reasons & do not need to have trash pick up for a few months. I am charged for a service that I am not using.If you are moving & your house has not sold yet ,one still has to pay for pickup yet no one is living in the house! I look forward to seeing each of the candidates at the summer debate. We will be able to judge each man's views on where he wants to take our county. I hope each person will also join the 'TAKE 5' Project. "TAKE 5," ask each republican to identify 5 people they know that have not been voting. You are asked to get them registered or get them to the polls if they are registered. Look for the citizen whom has ben saying, as an excuse for his own citizenship laziness,"Well my vote won't count or my vote will just get cancelled out!" and take them to the polls in your car. We are in this sad shape because they choose to opt out. Our country is controlled by voters! If you are not pleased with the economy, you can correct that mistake this election, we need all citizens at the polls this November. Please begin to look for your 5 people! Obama's buses will be rolling to get his votes in! Educate Yourself & Vote!

Cinthia...for someone who claims to have journalism experience you sure do little other than just assume. Of course after your debacle of failing to conduct even a minute of google research (or better yet just asking me) regarding committee assignment I think every reader here knows that already.

At the risk of stating the obvious...let me educate you yet again. I have not been involved in any political campaign since 2008. I also conversed a metric ton less with Commissioner Beaudreau in the last 4 years than I did in the previous 4. Of course being heavily involved in the 2004 campaign some of that drop off is to be expected but because of my work hours, community service and involvement with youth baseball I really didn't have all that much direct interaction with him. Inner circle? Sorry to pull a Clinton but it depends on the definition. It did, however, give me a different observation position and frankly I liked what I saw. That's why I'm supporting him again and happy to do so.

Regarding getting people to vote...I could not agree with you more. I've had the opportunity to be in a nation where our type of freedoms simply don't exist. We are in lockstep on that issue for sure and for certain.

Good luck Mr Korom. I look forward to hearing more about your campaign.

Cynthia - you go girl!

I too have had a negative personal experience with Beaudreau. His condescending email response to me several years ago guaranteed that I would not vote for him again. (Maybe he has since stopped replying because he can't help but be his normal arrogant self - and I was certain to let him know that his response cost any future vote from me........I say future because I voted for him originally) But whether he responds to emails or not, the videos of his Saturday meetings are out there so everyone can still see how patronizing he is to someone that disagrees with or questions his position.

The Dish, Thank you for your supportive comments. I get paid to prepare people for public appearances & job interviews. I know the value of a good first impression. You never get a second change at a first impression! In that light, I simply repeat Baby Mikey made a poor impression on me as he did on you! The PATCH brings all to light now days through this venue.
Baby F, 1, Now the truth is coming out. In 2004, when you WERE with the Baby Mikey Campaign, the cost of gas in February was $1.70 a gallon! Gas prices have changed & so has Baby Mikey's politics. He began wanting to serve the people of his district, now he listens to those with money, according to his voters. 2. To "check you out" assumes that I believe your one vote is more important than my one vote because you are on a board. Your "reasoning" that all should 'Check You Out" implies arrogance, a corner stone of the Baby Mikey campaign. You present yourself as a Baby Mikey "insider" & yet have no insight at all as to his negative votes on the trash & airport issues. Since we are in the US of A, we are allowed to agree to disagree in this country. I look forward to hearing each candidate at the Summer Debate! We will announce the specifics after the qualifying time period has ended. I look forward to meeting you at the event and hope you will have some great questions for the candidate. 3. I am glad you are supportive of the TAKE 5 Project. Whom will you take to the polls? Better yet, Bring 5 to the debates!

Are we talking about this same Mike?
Gary’s Grading and Pipeline Inc.(http://loganville.patch.com/articles/road-closure-on-oak-grove-road-and-lane-shift-on-state-route-20-to-begin-this-week) gave a nice $1000 campaign donation to Gwinnett County Commissioner Mike Beaudreau on March 15, 2012. Couldn't Mike ask this Contracted Company to get in gear and at least show up to work on the project? The project cost almost $11 Million. Surely there has to be some back and forth discussion between these 2.

Marietta knows Gary's Grading all too well. Well enough to ban them from ever submitting proposals again. http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/16521133/article-Water-board-votes-to-oust-Gary%E2%80%99s-Grading?instance=home_news_bullets

bids not proposals sorry

Floyd where are you ,Damage control awaits you.

So I'm new to all this investigative freelancing of Elected Officials thing.
Like I said, I assume it's not illegal to receive campaign donations from anyone, don't know the official law on it. As I pour over just one of the BOC 2012 campaign contributors (I plan to review them all) we'll call this one ehhh, Mike. It seems that the majority of the companies and people that donate to the Commissioner are engineers, contractors, that have been awarded very large dollar contracts from the County. Does this just seem shady on the surface, but is perfectly legal? I understand that no entity is allowed to contact the Board when an open bid is submitted. That would be dif. for the public to prove. To me, John Q. Public, it seems like a thank you donation. Maybe it's just the way the system works. Anyone know the laws? I'm not saying any of them have broken laws or ethics. Just curious what the law is.