SEPT 1 - 14, 2011 VOL. 01 NO. 17

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT GOVERNMENT

Annual United Way cardboard boat race Sept. 17

City officials discuss legality of restricting some temporary signage

Kroger approved to build on southside

Georgia Constitution leaves Griffin blight tax without teeth

Local artist's work reflects upon a post-9/11 world

SHEILA MARSHALL

Griffin residents will soon have not only a newly-constructed Kroger store, but one that serves as a prototype for future expansion of its services to customers.

Upon opening in October 2012, the 123,600-square-foot Kroger Marketplace will offer numerous amenities such as a pharmacy and bank with drive-thru windows, an on-site jeweler, health clinic, digital copy center and Starbucks coffee shop.

According to Robby Boggs, development manager of the Sofran Group, which negotiated the criteria for necessary rezoning with city of Griffin officials, these features are indicative of other future locations.

At this time, construction is underway to construct a similar facility in Milledgeville, which will become only the second of the new prototype stores in Georgia. Griffin represents the third.

“There will also be a larger presence for their products –

kiosks – for products such as Boar’s Head and Nathan’s, where customers can go to not only purchase these products, but have food prepared for them on-site,” Boggs said. “That’s another benefit of having this kind of additional space.”

The numerous additional services the Kroger Marketplace will offer is also the primary reason the Safron Group sought rezoning approval to make the move possible.

“A lot of times, the existing location will not accommodate the larger footprint,” Boggs explained.

While Kroger leases its current location on North Expressway from Equity One, it will own the new structure to be located in Phase II of the Safron Groups development located near Lowe’s on Georgia Highway 16.

“Obviously, from an economical stand point, Kroger prefers to own its own property and this will be a Kroger-owned store,” he said.

cONTINUEd, KROGER, pG 2 »

SHEILA MARSHALL

Although the Griffin Board of commissioners in 2009 voted to approve a blight tax of seven percent, which was recently increased to 15 percent, the measure does nothing to address many substandard structures.

According to Griffin director of Planning and development Frederick Gardner, a 2008 study resulted in a full 27 percent of residential structures surveyed being classified as either deteriorated or dilapidated.

However, that survey only included unoccupied residential structures. If all residential structures had been surveyed, that number would have undoubtedly been higher.

“When we did the evaluation to determine which residential structures are dilapidated, we deliberately left out the occupied substandard homes,” said commissioner cynthia Reid-Ward. “The reason is because if we did evaluate occupied homes, if they were blighted or substandard, the city would have to evict the people living in those residences and they would be homeless.”

Occupied substandard properties untouchable

cONTINUEd, bliGht, pG 2 »

SHEILA MARSHALL

despite numerous ordinances regulating commercial signage in the city of Griffin, officials say there is nothing to restrict businesses that opt to hire individuals to display hand-held signs.

“That's why it's become so popular, not just in Griffin, but everywhere,” said carol Rainwater, Griffin's senior code enforcement officer. “The city cannot charge them or require them to move.”She said she has received complaints of local businesses using employees, sometimes in costume, to stand near roadways displaying a sign.

“Our sign ordinances are extremely strict, and we do enforce it, but as long as there is nothing vulgar or slanderous on

cONTINUEd, siGns, pG 2 »

Jim Quick places a UGA flag, the finishing touch, to the University of Georgia Griffin Campus boat that will compete in the 2011 United Way Annual Cardboard Boat Race on Sept. 17 at Lake Dundee.

The four candidates for Sheriff answer

our questions PG 7

EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN AT THE COURTHOUSE ANNEX

HUNDREDS IN SAVINGS AT LOCAL BUSINESSES - SEE THE GRIPON INSERT!

your views on saggy pants, people dancing with signs, new hot dog shops, and more

*ALSO, OUR NEW POLL REGARDING CITY BUS ROUTES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF 'THE GRIPE' PG 4

JESSICA GREGORY The four candidates running for the Spalding county Sheriff position answered 15 questions in front of a packed room at The Griffin Regional Welcome center on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The forum, sponsored by The

Farm Bureau and the Griffin-Spalding county chamber of commerce lasted until roughly 8:30. citizens were given the opportunity to submit questions in advance; there were no questions taken from the floor.

cONTINUEd, FORUM, pG 6 »

Candidates address major issues at forum

JESSICA GREGORY

The Griffin-Spalding county United Way will be “launching” its 2012 community campaign on Saturday, September 17 at 9 a.m. at dundee Lake Park with a cardboard boat race. This will be the fourth year United Way has hosted the race.

“Our United Way is really excited about this family event and looks forward to involving people from throughout our community. Individuals and teams are encouraged to enter the race,” said Krista Payne, 2011/2012 Pacesetter chair.

Local businesses and organizations including United

Bank, caterpillar and University of Georgia Griffin campus have participated each year with creative boat designs.

There is still time to register to participate, says Griffin-Spalding United Way director, denise Quick. To register, visit www.gscunitedway.org. Ω

JESSICA GREGORY

“The canvas knows your secrets,” says Griffin artist LaMont Sudduth while describing his artistic process.

Sudduth is an abstract expressionist artist hesitant to label his work with the “isms” of art history, but says if he has to belong to a school of art, it would be “a collective expression of post 9/11 art.”

“In today's post 9/11 world, a moment is needed to breath and reflect . Through my works encouraging deep thought and famous quotes are brought to life through the tension of color

cONTINUEd, EXhibit, pG 8 »

JENNA HOWARD

Governor deal has signed off on new congressional maps proposed by the Georgia Legislature, but many suspect that the redistricting will be challenged in federal court. A newly-created district 14 will be placed near Gainesville and has caused several changes to other districts and corresponding representation.

Redistricting occurs every ten years and is based off of changes in population growth reported by census Bureau. Georgia’s population increased over 18% to include 9.7 million residents. The redistricting process can be very important to legislators because any small changes may result in losing one’s seat. currently, Georgia is one of the nine states required by the Voting Rights Act of

Boggs added that its current location also did not provide the space required for expansion and renovation, which he also said would have come at a high price to other local businesses.

“They would have had to wait for those leases held by neighboring businesses to expire and then run them off,” he said. “So at that point, your literally running other businesses off.”

despite the improved offerings of the Kroger Marketplace and the addition of approximately 70 new jobs to the local community, some have expressed concern that yet again, another business seeking to enter or expand in

Griffin has chosen to overlook existing commercial property, such as the old Wal-Mart building.

“Kroger would have no interest in moving to the old Wal-Mart building. There’s a reason Wal-Mart moved out in the first place,” Boggs said. “Kroger is going to choose a location that best suits its needs; this location does that.”

He went on to say he does not anticipate Kroger’s relocation to Highway 16 will result in additional thousands of feet of empty commercial space in Griffin.

“Equity is publicly listed – they’re a huge player. They have shareholders, so they’ll want to find another tenant as quickly as

possible,” he said. “That will be up to Equity One and I’m sure no one will be more motivated than them to find a new tenant for that space.”

In addition to the necessity of Kroger securing a location suitable to its needs, Griffin director of Planning and development Frederick Gardiner said there is one significant impediment to a business utilizing the old Wal-Mart building.

“Wal-Mart owns it; Wal-Mart is very proprietary. They’re not going to let someone in who is going to be a competitor,” Gardiner said. “That’s why you tend to see those properties sit vacant for extended periods of time.” Ω

TOP STORIES 2 September 1 - 14, 2011

county: Spalding county officials announced it will be receiving a $500,000 commu-nity development Block Grant for improvements to its sewer system.

Local business: HK Logistics on Tuesday broke ground for a 160,000-square-foot distribu-tion center to be located in the Green Valley Industrial Park.

city: Three candidates have qualified for seats on the Grif-fin Board of commissioners, with Joanne Todd and doug Hollberg qualifying to seek reelection to their current seats, representing district 4 and at-large respectively. Additionally, Joe Ward also qualified to seek election to the at-large seat.

city: Three Rivers Regional commission Transportation Planning Manager Anthony dukes has requested city officials consider a study to de-termine the need for additional bus routes. dukes said the cost of the study – $30,000 – could be shared by the county.

city: commissioners approved the second and final reading for a call of a special election to ratify Sunday sales of alcohol. The referendum will be held in conjunction with the city's regular municipal election to be held Nov. 8, 2011.

State: The Georgia Legislature has redrawn several of Geor-gia’s districts and added a 14th district in order to keep up with the state’s growing population.

State: The transportation sales tax vote has been pushed to Nov. of next year. The tax will be voted on in the form of a T-SPLOST referendum.

National: Both the death toll and cost of damage from Hur-ricane Irene continues to grow after hitting the Northeast. Grif-fin Power has deployed seven personnel members and five pieces of heavy equipment to aid North carolina.

National: A federal appeals court announced on Tuesday that athletic groups can charge for Internet broadcasts of high school football.

World: Libya’s leader, Gaddafi, has fled to Algeria with his family. He stated last week that he will not give up his seat as Libya’s president.

Grippits

« Kroger, cont.

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Reid-Ward acknowledged that the issue of occupied substandard residences is, indeed, a problem locally, but said officials lack the means to affect change.

“We know there are several occupied houses that are substandard, but we really don't have the legal authority to determine who should have to move out,” she said. “That's the biggest issue – the occupied houses, but we don't have the authority to make those residences part of this (blight tax) program.”

“The simple fact is we have a lot of property that is substandard.

For the most part, they're rental properties,” said city Attorney drew Whalen. “I think most of our landlords are very responsible, at least where major issues are concerned, but most of the occupied dilapidated properties are rentals.”

Whalen said this aspect of the problem was discussed prior to the establishment of 2009's community Redevelopment Incentive Tax, but says lawmakers were stymied in their efforts by none other than the Georgia constitution.

“Our power to adopt that ordinance comes from the constitution, but there is an article that addresses the issue of occupied residences,” Whalen said. “The constitutional provision I'm referencing is Article 9, Section II, Paragraph

7d, which refers to structures occupied as a primary residence.”

Specifically, subsection 1 states a municipality may specify “ascertainable standards” to be applied in determining whether property is being maintained in a blighted condition. However, it continues, “The ordinance shall provide that property shall not be subject to official identification as maintained in a blighted condition and shall not be subject to increased taxation if the property is a dwelling house which is being used as the primary residence of one or more persons.”

due to this provision, the city of Griffin could face legal challenges as to the constitutionality of designating occupied residential structures as blighted.

However, the result is an ordinance that leaves numerous residential structures outside the bounds of mandated improvement or demolition.

For those properties that are owner-occupied, Reid-Ward said there are typically programs each summer that seek to improve their living conditions.

“Ever summer, there are several organizations such as Square Foot Ministries and Habitat For Humanity, even churches, that try to come in and help, mostly seniors, those over 65-years-old,” she said. “But those programs are subject to state or federal grant money or charitable donations, and with the way the economy is right now, that money just isn't there.” Ω

« blight, cont.

the signs, there's nothing we can do,” she said.

This is not due to officials overlooking the matter, but rather it is considered a protected form of free speech.

“They must stay off the right-of-way, but otherwise, they can do it,” she said of what she deems a potentially dangerous distraction to drivers. “If they are obstructing traffic, that would be a police issue.”

Griffin city Attorney drew Whalen said he believes the lack of local ordinances seeking to restrict such signage reflects on prior court cases involving attempts to hinder picketing as a form of protest.

“The courts basically said it is legal for people to carry picket signs on public sidewalks,” he said. “I think because of that sort of court case, municipalities haven't created ordinances against these types of signs.”

However, Whalen said he does believe it legally possible to restrict such forms of advertisement.

“If you really had a legitimate legal issue with it, I think we could attempt to restrict and regulate it based on time, place and manner, if it was an actual distraction.” Ω

« signs, cont.Freedom of speech to some, unsightly distraction to others

14 911 6 7

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Georgia gained a 14th congressional district near the Gainesville area, causing small changes that may have big political impact.

Parties fight for power via Congressional redistricting

cONTINUEd, REdistRictinG, pG 7 »

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About Wendell...• Lifelong resident of Spalding County.• Served in the United States Army.• Married 34 years to Vickie Brooks Beam. Has 1 son, 3 grandchildren.

Professional Background...• 37 years of service with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Department

serving the citizens of Spalding County.• Currently Major in charge of the Uniform Patrol & Communications

Division of the Spalding County Sheriff’s Department - holding this position for 30 years.

• Instructor through the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.• Instructor for the Hunter’s Safety Course, the Home Protection

Course and the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Course in Spalding.

Beam’s Platform...• Professionalism, Honesty, Integrity and Dedication.• More involvement in Youth Programs concerning safety, drugs and

citizenship within our community and school system.• More involvement with Adult Programs concerning The Neighborhood Watch Program, safety in and out of the home and other related crime protection programs.

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DIRT MCGIRT

communications have come a long way since the days of smoke signals, carrier pigeons and yelling loudly. It is now possible to send a text message to someone in the next county, video chat with a goat herder in Afghanistan or even e-mail an astronaut. While these technological advances have made it possible for friends and families to stay connected no matter where they are, they have

also made it simpler for people to invade each other’s privacy and be generally annoying. No where is this technological abuse more evident than on the popular social networking site Facebook.

While the Facebook concept itself is harmless and has made an Ivy League nerd richer than Scrooge Mcduck, people have found ways to abuse the website. One of the most common abuses is Facebook stalking. This usually involves following a former love interest’s activities or the opportunity to “get to know” an ex’s new suitor. As with most forms of stalking, this rarely results in romance and most commonly leads to restraining orders.

Another common misuse of Facebook involves the excessive sharing of personal information. While an excellent forum to inform acquaintances of major events in one’s life, not all details need to be shared. Sharing what one had for breakfast, the diagnosis of a venereal disease or describing your infant's stool are not pieces of information that people really care about. In fact this actually makes people avoid real world social interactions.

Another particularly annoying Facebook habit involves posting song lyrics that one feels really capture that particular point in their lives. despite the perceived relevance to one’s life, it is highly doubtful that others will see the connection and even more unlikely that the artist had them in mind in the recording studio that day. As with posting useless information, posting pointless links and random song lyrics has been directly linked to decreases in real life social interaction.

centuries ago people annoyed each other by sending smoke signals at all hours of the night the same way that today’s Facebook sharer posts constant status updates about their daily routine. In the future it is inevitable that people will face restraining orders for sending abusive holograms or ruin all chances of a date by sending drunken telepathic messages from the future. While annoying each other is human nature, with a little thought as to whether or not your information is important or appropriate you can limit your own contribution to this problem and reduce the risk of social isolation. Ω

Saggy pants is a public decency issueTo the editor: I just came across this and although I may be too late to get in on the poll I'm offering another opinion.

Yes, I'm in favor of what I consider a public decency issue. Too many of today's youth have already been raised in a world of challenging authority and having a lack of respect. challenge can be good when placed correctly but they seem to think most any rules, regulations are stepping on their misguided rights of expression.

I like how it tells me more instantly what an individual is about (even grown men have been seen this way not just teens) but at the very same time I'll use an over used term "I'm offended by it". It angers me to

see somebody willfully exposing under garments and especially more than that. If they stayed home then I'd say do whatever, it's home where it belongs, but out in public even schools such as two- year colleges and more then I say enough of this is enough, passing an ordinance now wouldn't have been soon enough.

I'm fully behind the Mayor.Thanks for the article and poll,J. Storm

YES!! I totally agree with this! I get so tired of seeing guys underwear hanging out in public.Barry Elder

Spalding county should make a law against pants sagging to where underwear is shown. If I drive down Meriwether one more time and see a handful off underwear and butt cheeks I may hop the curb and put a GMc Suburban imprint on someone. Many counties have laws against this and have done very well with promoting a good image around their towns. Its not that hard to keep your pants up and trust me no one wants to see your backside. - Matthew Middleton

In spite of how bad saggy pants look, I don't think it is something that should be legislated. I do believe private businesses and government buildings can set standards of dressing, however, and bar people not meeting those standards. - James Black

VIEWPOINTS4 September 1 - 14, 2011

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»»» WHAT YOU'RE SAYING

Letters to the editor concerning any subject relevant to Griffin citizens are encouraged and welcomed, as are cheers & jeers. Any comments or letters must be signed and should be emailed to jessica@the-grip.net or posted to P.O. Box 2251, Griffin, Georgia 30224.

SATIRE: How to avoid social leprosy Valid Concerns & Helpful Solutions: A semi-regular column devoted to addressing issues, tackling problems and giving all-around good advice to the leaders and citizenry of the greater Griffin-Spalding County area.

“GET A GRIP”: POLL OF THE WEEKEach week at www.the-grip.net a “Get A Grip” poll will be posted. The results and any related content will be published in the consecutive print edition of The Grip. Visit www.the-grip.net to vote today!

Current Poll:

Letters on this subject are encouraged and should be emailed to jessica@the-grip.net or posted to PO Box 2251, Griffin, GA 30224.

VOTE NOW AT WWW.THE-GRIP.NET

Last Week’s Poll Results:Surrounding local governments are passing ordinances against "saggy pants," and Griffin Mayor Joanne Todd mentioned following suit at the last commissioners' meeting. Would you be in favor of such an ordinance?

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THE GRIPE: the-grip.net/the-gripe What Griffin really needs is a title pawn and gold buying store. I have ridden up and down Taylor Street trying to sell my spare gold and pawn my car title and cant find anywhere to do either. It is so much more convenient in clayton county where every shopping center on Tara Blvd. has at least four of each. Are we really going to let Jonesboro move into the 21st century and leave us behind?

What we don’t have in he way of title pawn and gold buying stores, we make up for with thrift shops, churches, and karate studios. Griffin must be chock full of God-fearing, butt-kicking, hand-me-down clothes wearing people.

DUSTY TAKLEI can, at times, allow worry to enter into my thought life. And, after life-changing events like September 11, 2001, I think we all began to carry a level of worry in our hearts. Worry is a four-letter word. It can rob us of living a life filled with peace and the abundance we are meant to live. Fear of the unknown can cause it. And, sometimes, it’s just our circumstances that lead to worry.

When it comes to worry, I think we have two boxes: the “God box” and the “Me box." There are things we have control over and things we do not. Those things we have control over go into the “Me box.” Everything else….those things we cannot control…..go into the “God box”. Here’s the kicker: the “God box” should be much larger than the “Me box”. As a matter of fact, it should reach heights of biblical proportions. Get it? Biblical proportions? Anyway, back to worry.

I am really good at putting my “stuff” in the God box only to take it back out when I feel I’ve waited long enough. Oh, please tell me I’m not the only one. My worry has caused me do some really drastic things….and also reach some pretty ridiculous conclusions. Heard of WebMd dot com? Been there? don’t go. I’ve turned headaches into brain tumors with only two weeks left to live.

Then, there are my children. I do not go to bed most nights without checking in on them just one more time. And, I actually look to see that their little tummies are pumping up and down. can any other moms out there admit to similar obsessions? Yes, yes, I see that hand.

Let’s not stop there. It would be wrong to omit the time that I called the emergency flight services to track my husband while he was flying home….then I had our local control tower contact Kris upon his approach into our home airport. The message the controller gave him? “Mr. Takle, you better call your wife as soon as you land. You’re in trouble, captain.”

Okay, so he wasn’t in trouble. But, when I could no longer track his flight (as I always do), I, well, you know……I worried.

Matthew 6:34 say "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today”. I have to be honest. This doesn’t make me feel any better. But this does: 6 don't worry about anything; instead, pray

about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Here, Paul is prescribing prayer, good thoughts, and gratitude as the cure for worry. You see, when we pray and count our blessings, it puts our

worries into perspective. If you can do something about it, get busy. If not, go to the God of peace in prayer. Put that mess in His box. And, leave it there. Even if He doesn’t give you the details about how He is going to help you. Because, those details would probably just make you worry.

Besides, can all of your worries add a single moment to your life? I didn’t think so. Ω

A: In my college days, I resorted once or twice to a product called No-doz to keep me awake for cramming or for working on a night shift. It was basically caffeine. It did the trick, but I felt awful the next day. I felt a little better if the cramming succeeded.

The energy drink you are citing contains about the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee. If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, that would keep you awake for a bit. I would prefer the coffee because I could use a flavored creamer.

The real mechanism for revving your metabolism, however, lies in other ingredients. They are loaded with B vitamins that really make your intracellular engines purr.

The energy drink has one and a half times the amount of niacin that you need daily. Niacin, or vitamin B3, is used by your body to turn carbohydrates into energy. One of its forms, nicotinic acid, is also used to help bring your cholesterol under control. When taken in large doses, it causes flushing of the skin, rapid heart rate, and a massive “hot flash.” Sometimes people experience itching of the skin with the flushing. In short, you may feel like you are going to explode in flames. Fortunately, the “flush” is usually over in 30 minutes to an hour.

If you are taking two of these daily, you are getting a substantial amount of niacin. It is water-soluble, like vitamin c, so it leaves you via the kidneys fairly

rapidly. Large doses, however can harm your liver, so I would avoid more than one every 12 hours, and limit to one per day when you can.

Vitamin B6 is necessary for numerous chemical reactions in the body. The energy drink contains 20 times the daily requirement. Vitamin B12 also helps convert glucose to energy, and this drink packs more than 80 times what you need during the day.

As a precaution, if you are taking a daily vitamin, discontinue it if you are using the energy drinks because the daily vitamin will likely have heavy doses of B-complex. This will give you a double whammy.

You mentioned sleep deprivation, which is maybe a larger threat to your health. Interruption of your circadian rhythms may keep you from doing your best work as you meet your deadline.

So, the energy drink probably won’t hurt you, but try not to do two in the same day. They really can be hard on your liver. And, too many shots will tie you in knots. Ω

September 1 - 14, 2011 5 LIFESTYLEPET OF THE WEEK: Kissy

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Taking too many energy shots can 'tie you in knots'Q: My work is deadline driven, so I sometimes find myself in front of a computer for long hours, even overnight when I am pressed. I have used those 5-hour energy drinks, maybe two per day, to stay awake. I know that going without sleep is not good, but is there any harm in the energy drinks?

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What are your qualifications for the position of Spalding County Sheriff?

Beam: I am a life long resident of Spalding county; I served 2 years in the United States Army; I have been continuously employed with the Spalding county Sheriff’s department for 37 years and have worked for 8 sheriffs attaining the position of chief deputy under one Sheriff. I have held a position in the management of the Sheriff’s department continuously since 1981 (30 years). As part of my management duties during this time I prepare a yearly budget. currently I am the supervisor of the Uniform Patrol division, The communications division, The School Resource Officers, and The School crossing Safety Guards. I am currently supervising 50 plus employees. I am a certified Peace Officer in the State of Georgia. I am an instructor through the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training council. This allows me to instruct law enforcement classes at Regional Police Academies and the Spalding county Sheriff’s department. I am also a certified firearms Instructor through the council. I am a dedicated and loyal part of the Spalding county Sheriff’s department. I have been allowed to remain an active member of the management area of the Sheriff’s department under four sheriffs. I have worked hard and will continue to do so to carry out the duties of the Sheriff’s department because Spalding county is my home and the home of my family and friends.

Duncan: I have 25 years of experience with Spalding county Sheriff’s dept. For 18 years, I’ve been in administrative or leadership positions. I have over 1,100 hours of law enforcement certification and training classes. I have worked in 3 of the 5 divisions of the Spalding county Sheriff’s dept. during my career. I am knowledgeable of all the divisions within the sheriff’s department and work well with the personnel. I am a life long resident of Spalding county and very community oriented. I am easy to talk with, a good listener, and respect others opinions. When elected, my number one priority will be to make Spalding county a safer place for everyone in the community, especially for our children and senior citizens.

Head: I have 22 years of law enforcement with the U.S. Marshals Service. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in

Business Management from Tift college at Mercer. I was deputy in charge of the Newnan division of the Northern district of Georgia. I have received countless hours of basic and advanced law enforcement training at “FLETc” the Federal Law Enforcement Training center at Glynco, Georgia. I have attended numerous fugitive task force and gang seminars. I have received NcIc and GcIc training. I have received weapons training, Taser training, pepper spray training, sexual harassment training and much more. I was communication officer, OSHA officer, motor vehicle officer and had many other duties as assigned for the Atlanta Office.

Jinks: The Sheriff’s position is an administrative position. I have over 30 years of managerial experience. I retired from delta Airlines where I organized and managed up to 50 people at once. I have had a contracting business for almost 15 years. This

entails great organizational skill to find the best subcontractor at a reasonable price and to time each stage of construction properly. I have own a heating and air business for many years, where I have scheduled and managed several jobs per day. I care about my reputation as a business man. I have always stood behind my word. I’m a strong leader and I have earned respect from my employees and my customers. I am experience in balancing large budgets and managing and motivating employees. Law enforcement experience is not a requirement of the Sheriff’s office although I have worked with the Sheriff’s department, a Federal Marshall and the FBI in apprehending suspects.

If elected, what direction do you intend to take the SCSO?

Beam: The Spalding county Sheriff’s department has made

many advances in recent years with radio equipment, computers, finger printing processing equipment, and vehicles. I will work to continue improving in these areas to provide the employees with the best equipment possible to provide better services to the citizens. I am a firm believer in training the employees. Proper and regular training results in better employees. As an instructor I will actively participate in the training of the employees. I also want to get the department involved in a proactive way regarding youth groups, the elderly and general safety in and out of the home.

Duncan: As sheriff, I plan to move the ScSO forward by providing our citizens with deputies who are highly trained and motivated in their specific areas of responsibility and I plan on enhancing their awareness of community service. There are people in our community, such

as our children, young adults and senior citizens that can benefit greatly from some of the resources we have to offer at the ScSO. I plan on reactivating our Jr. deputy Program and updating our Neighborhood Watch Program, which can allow our citizens to take a more active role in keeping their neighborhoods safer.

Head: I would like to help make our Spalding county Sheriff’s Office a more professional and well trained agency. This can be done with technology upgrades, training, physical fitness training, updating policy and procedures, and reinventing our local drug and fugitive task force. We need to conduct weekly staff meetings so that we can keep the lines of communication between the employees and staff open. We need to set a good example for the public by treating everyone

GOVERNMENT6 September 1 - 14, 2011

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Special Section: Printed forum for Sept. 20 special election for sheriff

FORUM, cONTINUEd FROM PG 1The candidates answered questions regarding changes in operation at the ScSO, budgeting, challenges, improving the quality of life at the ScSO, improving the community, major disaster preparedness, and leadership qualities.

When asked what three things each candidate could improve immediately at the ScSO if elected, each candidate had different answers. Head responded to make the department more professional, provide more training, and update policies and procedures.

Jinks highlighted the cutting the budget, upping morale, and looking at increasing pay structure. Beam's three were instilling professionalism, good work ethics and stability.

duncan responded by promising that if elected, he would pull the five divisions of the ScSO back together. He said people are currently "walking around on eggshells, scared to speak to each other." duncan said he would also adopt new Standard Operating Procedures and make the office more community-friendly.

"We had selected about 20 questions out of about 30 submissions," said cliff Bowden, a Farm Bureau representative and moderator for the forum.

While answering the 15th question, Head paused in the middle of his answer and told the audience he was tired and needed a break. The audience concurred and the forum moved into closing statements.

Kitchen drawer Illustrated taped the forum in its entirety, which can be viewed on their website at www.kitchendrawer.net. Ω

Joel Jinks, 51cEO, Full Service Heating and cooling, Inc; cEO, Mid-GA Grading and construction, Inc; Partner, J&d Homebuilders, LLc

Contact information:jinks4sheriff@gmail.comwww.jinks4sheriff.comwww.facebook.com/Jinks4Sheriff

Tony Head, 57Retired, criminal Investigator deputy of United States Marshals Service

Contact information:tichead2001@yahoo.comFacebook: Tony Head for Sheriff of Spalding County

Keith Duncan, 48captain, Warrant division and court Services of Spalding county Sheriff's Office

Contact information:Duncan4Sheriff@aol.comwww.duncan4sheriff.comFacebook: Keith Duncan for Spalding County Sheriff

Wendell Beam, 61Major, Uniform Patrol division and communications division of Spalding county Sheriff's Office

Contact information:wendellbeam@yahoo.comwww.beam4sheriff.com/www.facebook.com/Beam4Sheriff

The Grip also asked each candidate to respond to five questions. Candidates and their answers are listed in here alphabetical order. Answers are reproduced here and were not edited for grammar, punctuation, or space.

cONTINUEd, shERiFF, pG 7 »

in a professional and polite manner whenever possible.

Jinks: The Sheriff department will be a service oriented department to serve and protect Spalding county in the best way possible.

What would be your first change(s) after taking office? Beam: during the first weeks of my administration I will work to establish good communication avenues with all employees. I will have regular meetings with supervisors. I will strive to instill professionalism at every level which should raise the moral of the employees. Duncan: Upon taking office as sheriff of Spalding county, one of my first objectives will be to bring the five divisions of the ScSO together and working toward a common goal. Also, I will work to establish stronger bonds with other local law enforcement agencies. There is no doubt that by working together and combining resources in some areas, we can greatly enhance our ability to protect our citizens.

Head: The first change will be the addition and state certification of a chief deputy. A chief deputy that I can trust and has the best interest of the Sheriff’s Office and the public’s safety at heart. A chief deputy who will help me take the Sheriff’s Office into the twenty first century.

Jinks: First, I plan to reduce wasteful spending and use our money to the best advantage for the county citizens. The daily procedures for record keeping, ticketing and background checks will be updated to the best technology afforded moving the department into the 21st century. All property will be inventoried and accounted for. complacency will not be tolerated. All employees will have stricter standards and will work for the tax payers of this county to the expectations of a tax paying Sheriff.

If elected, do you intend to implement extensive personnel changes?

Beam: No. The department has many well trained, knowledgeable, and dedicated employees currently on staff. I will work to keep staff changes to a minimum. I will review

the current assignments and if a change is justified an improvement will then be considered. during times of an administration change, at the Sheriff’s department, rumors are wide spread. I have not made any promises nor am I under any obligation to bring any outside people on staff.

Duncan: We have some great deputies at the ScSO. I think everyone has the potential to be great with good leadership, support and an understanding of what is expected of them. Most importantly, a persons character and team effort is determined by a positive attitude and a willingness to be the best. As sheriff, I would expect my deputies to be leaders and motivated by pride in themselves and their work. I would not accept anything less.

Head: There will be some personnel changes. I want to ensure the Sheriff’s employees that I will treat them fairly. I will not make any major change without doing my due diligence, which will involve me evaluating each Spalding county Sheriff’s employee with my staff and making the proper determination from the facts.

What do you view as the greatest law enforcement challenge Spalding County faces?

Beam: Spalding county, like many other counties, has more than its share of crimes. drug and drug related crimes are numerous in our county. I intend to work with our drug unit as well as the Griffin Police department’s drug unit and other agencies to reduce our counties drug offenses. People who commit drug offenses commonly commit other crimes such as assaults, rape, burglary, robbery, and theft. An intense effort to rid the county and city of drug violators should result in a reduction in many other crimes.

Duncan: One of our greatest challenges is the ever increasing problem with gangs and drugs in Spalding county. Many of our citizens may not be aware that drug and gang activity in Spalding county this is a major problem and directly impacts other criminal activity. These problems need immediate attention by law enforcement. I plan on addressing this issue and putting in all of my resources towards this challenge.

Head: I believe that the biggest challenge facing the Spalding county Sheriff’s Office is two fold. The first is the low morale of the employees and second is a low confidence level by the public in the Sheriff’s Office. I believe that with my LEAdERSHIP I can bring both to an all time high.

Jinks: The greatest challenge facing the office is the quality of life for our citizens. The Sheriff’s department works for the tax payers. They are paid to serve and to protect citizens. drugs use is a critical problem hurting the lives of our citizens. It leads to other crimes such as theft and personal violence. I would like all law enforcement and the community to work together and to be involved in the quality of life for each member that lives in this county. The department and the community must work together to eliminate drugs from the lives of our friends and neighbors. It has to begin with all law enforcement engaging with the lives of the citizens and caring about the future of Spalding county. It is time to raise our standards and not to expect less than the best for our community. We don’t have to conform to the rest of the world. We can make Spalding county the best county in America. Ω

GOVERNMENT September 1 - 14, 2011 7

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« sheriff, cont.

1965 to receive federal approval, by the Justice department or a federal court in Washington, if there are changes in voting or elections laws. If these changes fail to represent minorities under the law, it may face a court challenge. Every redistricting map the Georgia Legislature has produced since 1965 has crossed this hurdle.

district 3, which includes Spalding county, has been redrawn to also include parts of Fayette county, boosting additional Republican voters in the district. Westmoreland will lose some of Henry county and douglas county, but coweta, Meriwether, Spalding, Harris, Head, Troup, Lamar, Pike, and Upson county are all still included in district 3.

Representative Scott Brown (GA-13) will serve more of Henry county as well as portions of cobb, clayton, douglas, Fulton, and dekalb.

Other changes include ousting John Barrow, the only white democrat currently serving the 12th district, out of Savannah’s chatham county. There are 13 representatives currently serving Georgia in the United States House of Representatives, eight of which are Republican, all white males. On the democratic side, all five are African-American males except for John Barrow.

Savannah has been a democratic stronghold for Barrow as well as his county of residence. The new map replaces Barrow in the Augusta area with a

more Republican-leaning constituency. The implications for this redrawing could force Barrow to lose his democratic seat to a more conservative representative. It will also be one of the main issues brought up if a court challenge is presented.

Jim Galloway, a political columnist who writes for the Atlanta Journal constitution, believes the new congressional map will be challenged in court. “I know there will be a court challenge. The question is, whether a district that is not majority minority (a majority black or a majority Hispanic) is required to some protection,” he told denis O’Hayer of WABE News. In other words: are white democrats protected under the Voting Rights Act – if minorities are a substantial part of their vote?

This is the first time that Republicans have had complete control over the redistricting process from start to finish. The main goal for politicians, regardless of political party, is to consolidate their political

control, said Galloway: “the goal, of course, is to get to a state with 10 Republican members of congress and four democrats all of whom, all on one side are white and all on one side are black, and that is a disturbing feature of Southern politics at this point.”

Majority Whip Edward Lindsey defends the Georgia Legislature and maintains that new congressional maps comply with the Voting Rights Act. “The new map creates 49 African American “majority-minority” districts, which are the same number that exist at the present time,” Lindsey says. He also notes that there will be a newly created Hispanic

majority-minority district for the first time.

The congressional maps have been approved by both chambers of the Georgia Legislature and signed by Governor deal. The maps will be sent to the federal government and examined by the Justice department, and arguments regarding their legality have already been presented in a Special Session at the Georgia capitol on August 30. The maps could take months to be approved, especially if more changes are need in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act, and won’t become effective until 2013. Ω

« redisctricting, cont.Georgia's new congressional maps expected to be challenged by federal court

SHEILA MARSHALL

To some, Pike county is considered off the beaten path, but for fine art photography enthusiasts, September marks the time to beat a path to the rural community for the Slow Exposures Photography Festival.

Marking its ninth anniversary, Slow Exposures will continue its tradition of demonstrating the beauty of Southern culture as it presents the work of more than 50 artists from Sept. 16-25 at the historic R.F. Strickland Building in concord.

From its inaugural year, with an estimated attendance of 350, Slow Exposures has grown in popularity each year, welcoming almost 1,000 people to Pike county in 2010.

“It has grown through word

of mouth – people who have come to see the show and from people around the county and internationally who have written stories about it,” said chris curry, who chairs the event's organizing committee.

While many larger cities struggle to find support for arts-related events, Slow Exposures organizers have experienced not only overwhelming local support, but from across the country.“I think what makes our show special is that we're unique, we're genuine, we're authentic. It's the real thing and I think that's what people discover. There's just no pretension here. Some amazing things happen here. It's really the authenticity and genuineness of the people here. People from across the country have said they've been overwhelmed by the hospitality. That Southern hospitality is very real down here and it works.”

Slow Exposures offers much more than gracious Southern hospitality, however. It offers“What we discovered is there's a high level of real artistic sense and talent in this area,” curry said.Photographers interested in having their work exhibited in Slow Exposures must submit the work to a blind jury. curry said organizers have even worked to make this process part of what continues to make the event fresh and new each year.

“We have different jurors each year, so that maintains a fresh perspective,” she said. “This year, when the photographs

were being considered, one of the jurors was sitting in New York city while the second was sitting in an airport in Africa – he was there shooting for National Geographic. We always try to pair a native Southerner with someone outside the region to try to create creative tension.”

The selected works of both established and up-and-coming photographers are used to remind attendants to “slow down and allow the images to surprise, educate, reacquaint and challenge their perception of the rural South.

Slow Exposures opens to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 16, with the opening reception and John Bennette's satellite show from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Whiskey

Bonding Barn.

The main exhibit hours continue from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23; from 11 a.m. To 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 17 and 24; and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 18 and 25.Another highlight of the exhibit is the student photography contest.

The 2011 them is “Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic, and entries will be accepted through Sept. 2. All photographs must be taken within Pike county and prizes ranging from $10 to $100 will be awarded for first through third place winners.

For additional information on the student contest or ticketed events, please visit www.slowexposures.org. Ω

September 1 - 14, 2011 8 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Slow Exposures continues to place the richness of Southern culture on a national stage

Vacation Motor Hotel by David Boyd, 2011 Show Photo

filled iconic form, expedited with metallic paints and charcoal. I believe the black line speaks clearly and is a carrier of universal language and strength no matter how curvilinear, straight, or whether used as random spatter,” writes Sudduth on his blog, nuanau.blogspot.com.

Much of Sudduth’s work deals with what he calls “daily Wars,” which can be anything from personal, environmental, and economic battles. “The presence of war is in our daily lives,” he says. Marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001, Sudduth and several other Griffin artists will hold an art exhibit at The cavern in Griffin on September 10 called “Urban Art/Life Wars.” Joining Sudduth’s art will be Jason Torres’ installation pieces, Gunnar Backman, a Swedish fretless guitarist as well as pre-recorded music by Shane Killingsworth.

Sudduth’s pieces included in this show will present the viewer with themes of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. Several of his pieces include paintings of nude women. “I use the female as a carrier for some of the themes. I love working with the human form, so sometimes I go back to that. One thing that’s constant is the beauty of a woman, but it goes deeper than that when you really look at the piece. I don’t think of it as exploiting, I’m giving them a voice, because they are speaking,” says Sudduth.

Each piece is meant to encourage the viewer to see daily themes and issues in a different light. “We become calloused over time, or we compromise and even deny [the issue]. This show doesn’t follow up with a resolve, for each piece has to be dealt with on an individual basis first, as each work can be approached differently from each viewer,” says Sudduth.

The Urban Art/Life Wars sxhibit and concert will be held at The cavern, 312 E. Solomon Street in Griffin at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 Ω

« exhibit, cont.

"glyph" by LaMonth Sudduthcharcoal, latex