Columns

I must confess that there have been days when I wasn’t sure if Rep. Bobby Franklin’s elevator stopped on every floor. The Cobb County Republican can think up some pretty goofy stuff — even for a member of the Georgia General Assembly — that makes you wonder if he needs a day job or if he is just pulling our leg. Last year Franklin’s claim to fame was his valiant effort to have … [Read more...] about Feb. 26, 2007: This Proud Georgian Thinks Pledge of Allegiance to State is a Great Idea

If the first two months are any indication, it is going to be a very interesting year. I haven’t really hit my stride yet, and already my mailbox is overflowing. Either I have been remarkably adept at pushing hot buttons or it is just too cold to go outside and play Cowpersons and Native Americans. The Woman Who Shares My Name says I get a lot of mail because I am provocative. … [Read more...] about Feb. 19, 2007: My Mailbox Says It Is Going To Be a Very Interesting Year

Before this session of the Legislature began, State School Superintendent Kathy Cox told me she hoped legislators would work with her and her staff to get the department’s views on proposed legislation affecting public education in Georgia. That seems fair. Lawmakers know to talk with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources, for example, before … [Read more...] about Feb. 5, 2007: Legislative Effort To Cut School Calendar Deserves An “F”

Bobby Kahn, the just-retired chairman of the state Democratic Party, has made a serious personal charge against Republican Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson and, of this writing, hasn’t backed up his accusation. Kahn says that the Speaker had an “inappropriate relationship” with an Atlanta Gas Light Company lobbyist while cosponsoring a bill that would have financed a $300 … [Read more...] about Jan. 29, 2007: State Democratic Honcho Needs To Put Up Or Shut Up