Hinesight discusses AYP at local schools

Georgia should log onto online learning

Georgia education headlines are too often made for wrong reasons. National test scores that disappoint, high schools that underperform and the recent Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal do nothing to recommend Georgia as forward-thinking and a place to create a business and raise a family. Embracing an aggressive plan to fast forward choices in education would seem like a no-brainer.

New Mexico is model for tax reform here

When it comes to the tax climate, Georgia ranks middle of the road or worse in several categories, according to the Tax Foundation. The state ranks 29th (50 being the worst) in the State Business Tax Climate Index, a judge of the state tax structure's promotion of economic growth, and has the 23rd highest top income tax rate at 6 percent. The middle of the road is better than the ditch, but why not strive for the fast lane?

State neads leadership

We don't know who will be the next governor of Georgia. But we do know he -- or she -- faces a mountain of challenges and a wide range of issues that require leadership.

Is our coast going, going, gone?

I met Ian Adleman when he, as a reporter for the Waterside News, was covering one of The Dolphin Project surveys. Being an old codger I am totally distrustful of anyone under the age of 40. Ian is one of those exceptions you run across every now and then that gives you hope. Now that is saying a lot for a displaced snow bird bumming a ride on my boat!

It's time for something completely different

If there's a characteristic American trait, it's moving ahead. Our great 19th-century chronicler, Alexis de Tocqueville, noted how Americans would leave their new homes - onto the next thing! - even before they had a chance to finish the roofs.

Is job market losing steam?

Just when you might have thought things were getting better, state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond goes and rains on the parade.

We must conserve Georgia's future, water

It's been one year since Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson ruled in a lawsuit filed by Alabama and Florida that the Army Corps of Engineers exceeded their authority in allowing water withdrawals from Lake Lanier to meet the water supply needs of metro Atlanta's 3.5 million residents. In his order, Judge Magnuson made it clear that the only way to meet the needs of the metro area is for Congress to authorize Lake Lanier for water supply. The judge stayed his ruling until 2012 to give Georgia time to seek that authorization.

Hinesight: What about rural trash collection?

Down with school vouchers

I am unalterably, unequivocally, and un-any other word you can conjure up opposed to school vouchers. I consider them somewhere south of Gov. George E. Perdue's beloved horse barn that got tanked earlier this year.

Meet the folks willing to help you

Many people, whether they admit it or not, have considered ways to serve others. To many, the desire to help fellow men, women and children is a continuous voice or vision, often brought on by a life-changing event.

Protect America's endangered coasts

Dave Rauschkolb took on the oil industry when it got personal – it threatened his beach and his business.

Arizona is only taking existing law seriously

The legal case against the Arizona immigration law is unassailable.

New laws are for your own good

This month, local and state authorities began enforcing a handful of new driving laws.

Hinesight discusses city raise revote

Arbor Day celebrates trees

This coming Friday, we will celebrate Georgia Arbor Day. If you love and appreciate trees like I do, then please join us in celebration of trees this week by planting a tree and increasing our community tree canopy.

Oppose proposed transportation funding bill

Editor, There is a new House bill going through the state at a very fast pace, and it's not even being discussed like any local gossip would. This is a very important issue for the entire state of Georgia. This bill proposes to take fuel tax off of your local SPLOST, ESPLOST and LOST revenue, which means a significant change in the operations of the county.

Make decisions with family in mind

Twelve years ago, I made a decision to follow my head, not my heart, and put my career first. I'd just completed my first post-college internship at the Abilene Reporter-News in Texas and, having impressed my supervisor, was offered full-time employment at the end of my three-month stint.