Urban Pro Weekly - Nov. 1, 2012 by UPW - Urban Pro Weekly

Photo by Vincent Hobbs

Charles Lyons

U W

Injustice, law and politics in Augusta

rban Pro NEWS • COMMENTARY

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ENTERTAINMENT

The CSRA’s

FREE WEEKLY

Newspaper VOL.2 NO.9

NOVEMBER 1 - 7, 2012

CITYCLASSICREMIX It’s All About The Pageantry • Photos by Vincent Hobbs

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UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

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GHSU to celebrate Nat’l Allied Health Professions Week

Trowell Builders & Associates Designers • Builders • Planners

Sanctuary Multi-Purpose Buildings Renovations

“Serving with Dignity and Integrity”

706-724-1885 723 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901

P.O. Box 211886 Augusta, Ga 30917 1.800.546.2685 • Fax 706.738.6328 email: tbamakedreams@aol.com

Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

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Students and faculty in the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Allied Health Sciences will celebrate National Allied Health Professions Week Nov. 4-10. “Allied health professionals are essential members of the increasingly complex health care team,” said Dean Andrew Balas. “Their diverse skills will continue to be in high demand as the population ages.” Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver will issue a proclamation for the week at his office Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Balas and allied health students will attend. Allied health professions boast some of the fastest growing occupations in the country. In Georgia, they are expected to account for more than 430,000 jobs by 2016. Of the top 30 occupations from all industries projected to grow the fastest in the next 10 years nationwide, half are allied health professions. For information, visit www.georgiahealth.edu/alliedhealth or call the College of Allied Health Sciences at 706-721-2621.

Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

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Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options.

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?”

 NO

Paid for by Murphy Middle School PTA

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UrbanProWeekly LLC Mailing Address: 3529 Monte Carlo Drive Augusta, Georgia 30906

Publisher Ben Hasan 706-394-9411 Managing Editor Frederick Benjamin Sr. 706-836-2018

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Sales & Marketing Phone: 706-394-9411 New Media Consultant Director of Photography Vincent Hobbs

email: Ben Hasan bzhasan54@yahoo.com Frederick Benjamin Sr. editor@urbanproweekly.com Vincent Hobbs photos@urbanproweekly.com

Swag majors

Cheering for the Albany State Golden Rams

An off-the-field strategy session

(At Right) Dancing for victory!

At HBCU Football Classics,

It’s All About the Show! Augusta City Classic Albany State vs Benedict 10.27.12 Laney Stadium

Photos by Vincent Hobbs

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

Steppin’ through the line.

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

Charles H.S. Lyons A career in law; a passion for fairness UPW: Where were you born and where did you spend your high school years? LYONS: I was born in Athens, Georgia, and my family moved to Augusta when I entered third grade. I graduated from Westside High School here in Augusta. UPW: Did you always plan on being a lawyer or was it something that else that drew you to the profession? LYONS: I did not always plan on being an attorney. That decision was made after several years in college of attempting to find what I believed I could be fairly good at. UPW: Where did you study law and why did you decide to become a trial lawyer? LYONS: I graduated from the University of South Carolina, School of Law. I thought that being a lawyer meant going to court. So early in my practice I was trying cases. UPW: We often hear that young defense attorneys straight out of law school are very idealistic but that after a few years of experience tend to modify their expectations of the criminal justice system. Did that happen to you? LYONS: As with most young lawyers, I believed that I could win every case. I believed that the criminal justice system was a just system. Unfortunately it isn’t. Just as people are treated differently based upon their social status in the community, the same treatment can exist in the administration of justice. UPW: What would be your single most important piece of advice to a young person who was contemplating a career in law? LYONS: Young people entering the legal profession should realize that practicing law can be challenging. The profession comes with a great deal of mental and emotional stress. If you don’t handle stress well, this certainly is not the job for you. UPW: In this digital age, most professions have had to make adjustments. Has the advent of the information explosion changed the way you practice law from, say, 15 years ago? LYONS: The access to information from your smart phone, laptop, or tablet can reduce or completely eliminate time wasted searching through hardcopy books or documents. You can do research anywhere you can access and internet connection. UPW: What are the challenges faced by African American attorneys practicing in the CSRA? LYONS: The lack of business opportunities both in the private and governmental sectors. There is legal work here, both private and governmental in which African American attorneys never get the opportunity to participate in. For the most part, merit has nothing to do with it. It appears that the connected attorneys get these opportunities.

Charles H.S. Lyons III: “I believed that the criminal justice system was a just system. Unfortunately it isn’t.” Photo by Vincent Hobbs UPW: The recent failure to place African Americans on the Juvenile Court bench has some people calling for a separation of the Juvenile Court from the Superior Court system. How do you feel about that failure in diversity and the prospect of a separate Juvenile court system? LYONS: In Georgia, Juvenile Court judges are selected by the majority of Superior Court Judges in that judicial circuit. That is the law in Georgia. We are not in a position to change the selection process. Nor are we in the position presently on the state level to change the process of selection. This issue will have to be addressed by thoughtful reflection, and not by inadvertent reaction. I believe having differing insights increase the likelihood of problem solving. UPW: You have been a key player in the Richard Roundtree Sheriff’s campaign. Have you been active in other campaigns and why do you feel it was necessary to get involved in the Roundtree campaign? LYONS: This was the first time that I had an active role in a political campaign. I have been involved in other campaigns but not like the

Roundtree campaign. I had not planned on being involved in the campaign on the level that I eventually was involved. The campaign is bigger than Richard Roundtree. That is something Richard always said. Richmond County is a Democratic County. There is no reason why genuine Democrats should not be elected. The game had to end in Richmond County where candidates just say that they are Democrats and expect actual Democrats to vote for them, although they are in the flesh, Republicans. These DemoRepublicans had to be called out. The community had to be made aware that these people were not Democrats. How could you ask for the trust of Democrats in the Democratic Primary when you were just pretending to be a Democrat? Especially where your voting record clearly indicated that you were in fact a Republican. It had to be done and I found myself doing it. We knew that Richard Roundtree winning the Democratic Nomination for Sheriff would awaken African Americans in Richmond County. We wanted to dispel the notion that African Americans did not vote and that they would not return to the polls to vote in a runoff. It was a team effort. I am particularly proud that two other African American attorneys,

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From his downtown law offices at 336 Telfair Street in Augusta, Charles Lyons defends those accused of crimes. He is also involved in politics. Photo by Vincent Hobbs Harold Jones and Randy Frail’s roles were critical in Roundtree’s victory. It was a team effort. I say that modestly, but truthfully. Each one of us brought something different to the table. Harold’s campaign knowledge and strategy was crucial. If I am not mistaken, Harold wrote all the ads that we ran. Randy focused on fundraising as well as strategy. We all did countless hours of legal research. Richard is a great candidate. He’s smart. He knows law enforcement inside and out. I can tell you, he is the most qualified person running for Sheriff in Richmond County hands down. I ended up being the one to challenge the opposition on their positions. The four of us dealt with every critical issue in this campaign. The main thing was that Richard trusted our advice and thankfully, most of our advice was right. I speak about these attorneys because I believe that African American Attorneys in this town are so underappreciated.

And I will never forget the hard work of the ten or so ever faithful volunteers that have given their hearts and souls to this campaign. The people who consistently braved the one hundred plus degree days to knock on doors and hold signs and do everything that had to be done to get this campaign to this point. I wish I could name them all here. They deserve so much praise. UPW: Have you ever been approached to run for political office and would you ever consider entering politics as a candidate? LYONS: I have been asked countless times when I was going to run for office. I was definitely interested early in my career but not committed. Since my participation in Roundtree’s campaign, I have been asked about running quite a few times. I have learned now that you can’t rule anything out.

Charles H.S. Lyons, III has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1985, and a member of the State Bar of South Carolina since 1986. Charles H.S. Lyons, III is a 1985 graduate of the University of South Carolina, School of Law. Charles Lyons Law Firm was established in Augusta, Georgia in 1994. The Law Office of Charles H.S. Lyons, III primarily practices in the area of criminal defense, personal injury, and worker’s compensation. The law firm also engages in civil litigation.

Harold V. Jones II ATTORNEY AT LAW

Criminal Law • Divorce • Personal Injury • Employment Law

SHEPARD, PLUNKETT, HAMILTON & BOUDREAUX, LLP 429 Walker Street Upper Level Augusta, GA 30901

Phone 706-722-6200 Fax 706 722-4817 hjones@shepardplunkett.com

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

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UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

WRITE-IN

District Supervisor

For Brier Creek Soil and (Vote for One) Water Conservation District Supervisor

Vote NO JOHNNY R. STEVENS (Vote for One)

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(Incumbent)

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Charter School PROPOSED Amendment (Incumbent)

WRITE-IN

CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

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CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS -1-

-1Provides for improving student achievement and parental Provides for improving student involvement through more achievement and parental public charter school options. involvement through more public charter options. House Resolution No. school 1162 Act No. 762 House Resolution No. 1162 Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364 Act No. 762

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Ga. L. 2012, p. 1364

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allowthe state or local approval of public charter “Shall Constitution of Georgia be amended schools uponor thelocal request of local to allow state approval of public charter communities?” schools upon the request of local communities?”

YES



NO Paid for by The Richmond County Council of PTAs

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DONNIE SMITH

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PERSONAL

Quick Way Flower Shop 1335 Druid Park Avenue Augusta, Georgia 30904

More than just a flower shop Church Décor Special Sentiments Wedding Ensembles

Seasonal Arrangements Conventions and meetings Funeral Arrangements

West Augusta resident for 21 years Member Harmony Baptist Church Attends St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

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Vote NO

ENDORSEMENTS

Augusta Firefighters Association • Carpenter’s Association of Augusta Homebuilder’s Asso. of Augusta

Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options.

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?”

 NO

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Paid for by Hephzibah Elementary School PTA

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Paid for by Deer Chase Elementary School PTA

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

The Computer Guy

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

8 HIGHER EDUCATION

Paine to sponsor Harlem Renaissance conference AUGUSTA Paine College’s School of Arts and Sciences will host its 15th Annual Conference on the Harlem Renaissance. The conference will take place on November 7, 2012 and conclude November 9, 2012, at the Double Tree Hotel (2651 Perimeter Pkwy, Augusta, GA) and Paine College Campus. The conference is open to the public at a fee of $35 per day to include attendance to lecture sessions, lunch, and additional refreshments. This year’s conference participants will witness a special tribute to Evelyn G. Etheridge, founder of the Conference by Paine College’s Sigma Omicron Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society Members. As an instructor of Honors Composition and Black Literature, Professor Etheridge brought passion, vigor and a no-nonsense approach to teaching. She earned several Teacher of the Year awards for her dedication and enthusiasm. The keynote speaker for the Conference will be Daniel Omotosho Black, author of Twelve Gates to the City and Perfect Peace. Upon graduation from Clark College (Magna Cum Laude in 1988), he was granted a full graduate fellowship to Temple University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in African-American Studies. As a tenured Associate Professor, he now aims to provide an example of young African Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. A book signing and reception with the artists will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2012 at 7 pm at Paine House, located on 1238 Beman Street,

Augusta, Ga. Also during the Conference, an Artist Talk, Exhibition, and Reception, featuring the works of Paine College Art Professor Nancy Bookhart Artist is slated for Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 5 pm at the Doubletree Hotel. The School of Arts and Sciences consists of three departments

that offer the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. These departments include the Department of Humanities, Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Technology, and Department of Social Sciences. For specific questions about conference attendance, contact the

Office of Dean Emily Allen-Williams (School of Arts and Sciences) at 706-821-8326. For more information on Paine College, please visit: http://www. paine.edu/ Or contact the Office of Communications & Marketing at (706) 821-8322, (803) 524-3195, or Lsuggs@paine.edu.

Working Together to Move Augusta Forward

VOTE

HAROLD V. JONES II

District 9 Commissioner QUALIFICATIONS: Former Solicitor General Former Chairman of the Greater Augusta Arts Council Lifetime member NAACP Member, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

9 UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

MARION WILLIAMS “Leadership that you can depend on” A leader that you can count on to speak for you in Augusta! Super District 9 Commissioner Can I have your Vote? A certified Augusta-Richmond County Commissioner for 8 years Served 2 consecutive years as Mayor Pro Tem Paid for by the committee to elect Marion Williams

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options.

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?”

 NO

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Paid for by Barton Chapel Elementary School PTA

-1-

Paid for by Diamond Lakes Elementary School PTA

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ELECT

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Probate Judge FAIR AND IMPARTIAL Former Municipal Court Judge Former City of Augusta Staff Attorney Solicitor Richmond County Magistrate Court Founding Chairman: Augusta Land Bank Auth. Former Board of Director: The United Way and the Senior Citizens Council Board Member: Augusta Historic Preservation Auth. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Harry James

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

5th Annual Business Expo

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

U W Forum Blacks caught up in Colorado pot laws rban Pro

By Art Way A report released today by the Marijuana Arrest Research Project revealed the extent of marijuana prohibition in Colorado and its devastating costs to our communities. In the last 25 years, 210,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession. More than half of these arrests took place from 2001-2010. Marijuana possession arrests in Colorado rose sharply over the past 25 years -from 4,000 in 1986 to 10,500 in 2010. Despite the increased show of force over the last decade, Colorado’s crackdown has not decreased use or availability -- the stated goals of prohibition. Young adults bear the brunt of marijuana enforcement measures. Eightysix percent of those arrested were age 34 or younger, 79 percent were 29 or younger, and 69 percent were 24 or younger. Science has now conclu-

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sively debunked the theory that marijuana is a gateway to other drugs, but these numbers show that marijuana arrests are indeed a gateway into the criminal justice system for many otherwise law-abiding young people. The resources invested by Colorado to maintain this approach comes at a stern cost to taxpayers. Reports estimate that Colorado spends $40 to $60 million on marijuana prohibition every year, Colorado -- like many other states across the country -- funnels disproportionately high numbers of blacks and Latinos into the criminal justice system, and even jail in certain jurisdictions. Black people are arrested at three times the rate of whites, while Latinos are arrested at 1.5 times the rate of whites. Even in Colorado counties where the black population is less than 5 percent, the arrest rate was double that of whites. The mostly young, poor adults who

receive the label of drug offender understand all too well why many are now referring to the war on drugs as “the new Jim Crow.” Marijuana possession arrests create easily-accessible criminal records, which can be found on the Internet by employers, landlords, schools, credit agencies, licensing boards and banks. As a result, the consequence of being labeled a drug offender is a lifelong barrier to employment, housing and education for those who already have a tough road ahead. California NAACP President Alice Huffman describes the hypocrisy of marijuana prohibition well: “Our recent history is filled with elected officials (including our current president), business leaders and others who have admitted using marijuana and was nonetheless able to lead productive lives. How many would have been able to do so if they were subjected to current law

enforcement practices?” These very practices distract and divert limited law enforcement resources from combating serious, violent crime. Many law enforcement professionals agree that marijuana prohibition is detrimental to overall public safety and that it destroys the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Marijuana prohibition is counterproductive to the health and public safety of our communities, fuels a massive, violent underground economy, wastes billions of dollars in scarce law enforcement resources, and makes criminals out of millions of otherwise law-abiding citizens. It’s time to bring marijuana out of the shadows and under the rule of law -- and Colorado is suited to lead the way. Art Way is the Colorado Manager of the Drug Policy Alliance. This piece first appeared on the Drug Policy Alliance Blog.

READERS’ FORUM:

Charter School Amendment - A bad idea By Stenson Willard

In the months leading towards the November 6TH elections Gov. Nathan Deal paved the way for House Resolution 1162 to be on the ballot. This potentially devastating amendment has been persuasively worded to appear as something beneficial to our local educational community. In deceptive jargon, the amendment proposes to “give more educational options to families” by allowing charter schools to be established without the approval of the local educational board. This allows for-profit organizations to usher in charter schools that would directly “compete” with local schools for children attendance and the slim pool of tax dollars barely available to local schools already. This would, in essence, privatize the local educational system. Charter schools would become the schools of prestige, while public schools become

the place for special needs and low income children not meeting the “standard” of private charter school criteria. According to other opposition towards the amendment, the fear is that these charter schools would cater their curriculum towards student types other than low-income or special need children, conversely creating a dual-educational system segregated and protected by law. A state panel located in Atlanta would decide what schools come to your local community even if the local school board objects. In a recent debate by panelist opposing and supporting HR 1162, the Augusta Chronicle quoted Lucy C. Laney Comprehensive High School principal Tonia Mason saying, “It’s not about charter schools, it’s about who chooses to approve those applications.” Mason’s opposition to the amendment is clear. Charter schools have a place in education when the local school boards have input on how the finances are used,

according to sources from the Richmond County Retired Educators Association. National for-profit charter management companies are not accountable for student achievement. These companies are secretive with how they utilize taxpayers’ resources unlike transparent public schools. Yet, it is these companies that push the amendment. Questions have never been answered about how the state can afford to fund new state charter schools, considering budget reductions that plague schools already. The ongoing budget cuts hurt educators and pupils. Important programs such as art, music and physical education would disappear. Many local school districts are already ushered to the edge of bankruptcy, and any more revenue-loss would be crushing. We should be outraged at the thought of people suggesting that there are no good options in public education for our children. People who suggest that the problems in public education can

only be fixed by taking from its funding and giving it to newer “better more competitive” schools with discriminatory practices are not the kind of people who should be representing our children.. That notion makes no sense. Unfortunately this is not so unexpected since Medicare, Social Security and Education are the last three taxpayer strong-holds that for-profit companies continue to salivate over since the decline of our nations’ manufacturing, and outsourcing of, pretty much, everything else.. As a result of this legislation there will be a large population of children unable to meet the criteria of these for-profit schools and will inevitably be “pushed out” of the educational process’ with no hope of furthering their education. This would make entering the collegiate level of education nearly impossible, and render a generation of children Continued on page 13

LETTERS

Reader urges support for Kellie McIntyre I fully support the candidacy of Kellie Kenner McIntyre for Richmond County State Court Solicitor-General and urge all eligible citizens to vote for her in the general election on November 6th. As many voters may know, the Solicitor’s office is charged with prosecuting criminal offenses such as domestic violence, DUI and theft. These are kind of crimes that touch the lives of almost every family at one time or another. It’s vital that this office has strong leadership to ensure it is being run effectively. Mrs. McIntyre has both the extensive professional experience and knowledge of community to pro-

vide just such leadership. A native Augustan and trained social worker, Mrs. McIntyre began her career in Fulton County’s court system as a victim’s advocate and social services coordinator. So she knows first-hand the devastating impact ineffective prosecution can have on families. As a SolicitorGeneral with a background in social work and family courts, I fully expect Mrs. McIntyre to bring special focus on youth offenders and domestic violence cases, which unfortunately remain severe problems in our community. After earning a law degree and working as a staff attorney for the Fulton

County courts, Mrs. McIntyre returned to Augusta and assumed a position as an Assistant Solicitor-General in the Richmond County State Court. Upon her return, she also immediately become involved in her local community, serving as a commission member on the Augusta Regional Airport Aviation Commission an a board member for the Augusta African-American Historical Society and Richmond/Burke County Training Authority. As a former prospector in the office she is now pursuing to lead, Mrs. McIntyre has a keen awareness of the problems that need to be addressed in

that office and will work to improve its efficiency, promote sentencing fairness and alternatives, and steward a more service-oriented professionalism among the staff attorneys. I have known Mrs. McIntyre her entire life and have always admired her tenacity, honesty and integrity. Along with her experience and stellar credentials, I fully expect her to bring those personal characteristics to the Solicitor’s office on behalf of the people of Richmond County. Tracy E. Williams, Jr.

“Choose Wisely” The purpose of this writing is to bring awareness and knowledge to the residents of Cherry Tree housing complex. As you probably know by now, it is pretty much a done deal that residents of Cherry Tree will be relocated due to the decisions made by others to demolish the housing complex and replace it with a mix-use development complex. Whether you agree with that decision is not relevant at this point, as you do not have any say in that process. But what is relevant is the decision that you will be required to make as to where you will live in the future. You will have to make a choice between moving to other existing public housing and accepting a voucher for private rental housing. It is very important that you “choose wisely”. In order to do that you must be knowledgeable about this process and fully understand the choices that are before you. Regardless of your feelings on having to move, an opportunity exists to better the living arrangements for you and your family, and maybe more importantly, to change the mindset that can come with living in public housing. It is so important that you begin immediately understanding the options that you have so that you can make a decision that will best benefit you and your family. Let me begin with a best case “projected timeline” for Cherry Tree Crossing demolition and future development. In December 2012 an application for demolition will be submitted to Housing and Urban Development (HUD). By spring of 2013 it is expected that the application will be approved. At that point 90-day vacate letters will be sent to residents of Cherry Tree. By the summer of 2013 residents will begin to move. By the fall of 2015 construction will begin on the new development at Cherry Tree. So between now and the summer of 2013 there are a number of things that you must look at very closely in your decision making process. If you choose to move into another public housing complex it will work pretty much the same as it currently works at Cherry Tree. However, you don’t have the authority to decide which housing complex you will move into. If you have children you may have to transfer schools. If you rely on public transporta-

from Alvin D. Mason, Commissioner District 4

tion you may be moved to an area that has a limited bus line or no bus transportation at all. If you choose to accept a voucher for private rental housing, it can be a little more complicated so you really have to “choose wisely”. A voucher pays for a portion of the rent and it is stated that you can move anywhere in Augusta-Richmond-County that will accept Section 8. The reality is that only certain areas of town are going to accept Section 8 vouchers for rent. In other words the likelihood of you moving to West Augusta with a Section 8 voucher is slim to none. East and parts of South Augusta are the primary areas where these voucher rentals are accepted. Let’s say you qualify for a voucher for $750.00 and so you got out looking for private housing with that voucher. Clearly you will not be able to afford housing in West Augusta. However, it is possible to find housing in East or South Augusta for that amount or a little more. If the private rental is more than the voucher then you are required to make up the difference. So using our previous example, if you find a private rental that will accept a Section 8 voucher and you have been approved for $750.00 but the private rental costs $1,000.00 then you are responsible for the difference $250.00 every month. You will also be responsible for any rental deposits that are required as well as any deposits for your utilities, water, gas, electric, phone, and cable. In addition, if you rely solely on public transportation be sure to find a private rental that is on or near the bus line as the bus does not run in the majority of South Augusta. Also be aware that with private rental housing you are responsible for the upkeep of the property. This includes keeping your yard clean, cutting your own grass, bushes, and taking out your garbage. Much of the maintenance that needs to be done inside of the private rental will be your responsibility as well. If your toilet is not working properly there is not a maintenance man who is going to come in right away and fix it. Depending on the private rental contract that may be something that you are responsible for, or there may be a significant delay in getting to you to get it repaired from the homeowner or

Charter School Amendment from page 12 strapped under a glass ceiling with prohibitive expectations. This would put us back into pre-civil right levels of discrimination, sharpened by classism and buried in educational processes involving our children. As a community we must oppose this amendment. Following is a list of organizations who oppose Amendment 1: Georgia Association of Educational Leaders; Georgia Association of Educators; Georgia Association of School Psychologists; Georgia Music Educators Asso.; Georgia Parent Teacher Association; Georgia Retired Educators Asso.; Georgia School Boards Asso.; Georgia School Superintendents Asso.; League of Women Voters of GA; Legislative Black Caucus of GA; NAACP GA State Conference; Prof. Asso. of Georgia Educators; Southern

Education Foundation. According to www.legis.ga.gov, Georgia State Schools Superintendent Dr. John Barge, a Republican, has announced his opposition to the measure, saying, “I cannot support the creation of a new and costly state bureaucracy that takes away local control of schools and unnecessarily duplicates the good work already being done by local districts, the Georgia Department of Education, and the state Board of Education. What’s more, this constitutional amendment would direct taxpayer dollars into the pockets of outof-state, for-profit charter school companies whose schools perform no better than traditional public schools and locally approved charter schools (and worse, in some cases).”

rental agent. I mention these things not to scare you from private rental but to prepare you for what you will have to deal with in the private sector. If you are prepared then there will be a better chance of success. Many neighborhoods in the private sector have covenants or Neighborhood Associations which spell out certain things that you can and cannot do in the neighborhood. This is important to know when seeking private rental. Some of the biggest complaints about section 8 rentals are that they play loud music, cars are parked on the grass, beer bottles and other debris is thrown in the yard, and grass is not kept up. In addition, there is a feeling among many that crime rises when Section 8 residents move in. This does not apply to all that use Section 8. But a few make it bad for the many. If you have school aged children it will be important to check out the school that they will go to as a result of your move. They may have to attend a different school than where they currently attend. This could cause some adjustment issues for the kids or it could be just what they needed to excel. Please take advantage of the Relocation Education Assistance that is offered by the Augusta Housing Authority. Do not be afraid to ask questions. This is your move! It could literally change the course of your life and your children’s lives! Cherry Tree is going to be demol-

ished. It is just a matter of time. But what we also need to demolish is the mindset and thought process that some accept as a result of living in public housing. When given the opportunity, take advantage of it. I am a product of public housing, and Section 8. It made a big difference in my life. Not only did I get an opportunity to move out of the public housing complex into private housing, but I also began to think and act differently and I became a productive part of society instead of a victim of my circumstance. That is why I am writing this editorial to give back and show you that there is real hope, no matter the motives of others. All that I ask is that you be mindful and get educated now on the relocation process. Make sure during your counseling with the housing authority that you address some of the issues that I have spoken about and that you get a clear understanding of what is expected of you in this process. It is likely that I will see some of you out in the district that I represent. I will assist you where I can. But at the end of the day you have to be prepared to be accountable and responsible for you and your family members’ actions. Personal responsibility is a major key to a successful move regardless of the decision that you make. Remember “choose wisely”. Alvin D. Mason Augusta-RichmondCounty Commissioner District 4

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An Open Letter to: Cherry Tree Crossing Residents

UrbanProWeekly • NOVEMBER 1-7, 2012

Augusta Tech receives new fire truck as gift The North Jenkins County Volunteer Fire Department recently donated a fire truck to the Augusta Technical College Foundation for use in the Fire Sciences Technology Program. The gift was spearheaded by Millen’s own Mike Lane who led the organization of the North Jenkins County Volunteer Fire Department. His passion for this field of work continues to show as he often brings gifts to many people. Augusta Tech’s Fire Science Technology program responds to the needs of fire departments to provide critical educational opportunities to employees who either strive for advancement or have assumed greater roles and responsibilities. The fire truck being donated to the college is a 1979 Ford Emergency One Pumper in great condition. Volunteers drove the truck to Augusta Technical College and presented it to Jerry Asbach, the department chair. “This is an incredible gift that will serve as a hands-on tool for the students in their training. We are very excited and grateful for this donation,” Asbach said. Science Technology and the Emergency Medical Technology programs are supported by many employees of the fire and emergency medical workforce in the counties served by the program. They help in training, serve on advisory boards and in various other capacities. Those interested in these programs or any of the 100 or more programs offered, can visit www.augustatech.edu or at any of our locations. Augusta Tech is locat-

ed in Augusta, Grovetown, Thomson, and Waynesboro. The Fire Science Technology program is housed on the Augusta campus at 3200 Augusta Tech Drive. Spring Semester starts January 8, Augusta Tech gets new fire engine for student program. 2013.

Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options.

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow state or local approval of public charter schools upon the request of local communities?”

 NO

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Vote NO

Charter School Amendment

-1-

Provides for improving student achievement and parental involvement through more public charter school options. Randolph Frails

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