Clayton.Talk

By Minister K

December 31, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Kim you have given us the formula. Attend the meetings and voice our opinions. My wife and I attend the commission meetings and are just shocked at the number of people that are not there. We moved here from another state five years ago. The apathy of the citizens is unbelieveable. The most disappointing thing we discovered was the lack of community support from the churches and their leadership. Jesus was a social worker not an investment guru. I suggest that the religious community stand up and open their doors for community engagement.

By Change Clayton

December 31, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Voting the Bums out will send the most clear and loud message that we are sick and tired of inept zoning, inept school board, inept judiciary (Magistrate Court and District Attorney) and inept law enforcement (Sheriff Victor Hill), State Representatives that slowly erode Rights of Citzens.

Becoming informed as to the importance of your vote is critical. Don’t vote a “Church Election Card” or accept a ride from a candidates campaign (esp. from those that also offer shopping trips to Southlake Mall after voting (Lee Scott).

Follow the money, understand who contributes to campaigns.

Understand how much eleceted officials have cost this County Property Owners (Victor Hill=$7 million law suit settlement & Bd. of Ed. responsible for 20% decrease in property values from ineptness and corruption=hundreds of millions of dollars lost in Governement Revenue and millions of dollars vaporized from our pockets as property owners).

Kimberly is spot on. Attend meetings, call, email & meet with Commissioners. Express your concerns and then follow up. Learn about zoning, how it works and be a local advocate for your neighborhood and surrounding area’s. ONE PERSON CAN STOP SUBSTANDARD GROWTH.

Organize a Neighborhood Watch, create a community newsletter or a phone calling tree with regular communications with neighbors. Introduce the Neighborhood to the Local Beat officer from Clayton County PD.

All these things will put YOU back in control. Our local government has shown itself inept at providing the most basic of services and decisions, get rid of them and take charge of YOUR destiny!

By Free Speech

December 31, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Join the Clayton County Grass Roots Conversation at www.give-em-the-boot.com

The forum is a bastion of Free Speech in Clayton County and a counter to mis-information be given Citizens of Clayton County. Anyone can read this site. Anyone that registers can p;ost to the site any opinion or insider information you may have.

www.give-em-the-boot.com

By TC

December 31, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

How residents can help make Clayton better in 2008? Vote based on qualifications. NOT SKIN COLOR! See what happened last time? Victor Hill,Jewel Scott, and so on. Of course the people that voted them in do not read these forums, so it falls on deaf ears.

By Jim A.

December 31, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I wish we could make Billboards of the heading “Make Clayton Great in 2008” But the only people who can afford billboards in this county are Lee Scott and Victor Hill

By TC

December 31, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Ever wonder where that money comes from for those billboards? Who has that kind of money in Clayton County? Only one place! Guess!

By Patrick O'Malley

January 1, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

The problems in Clayton County did not start with Victor Hill or Lee Scott. Nor will they end with them. Start with Bray, Griswell and Matthews. Now that you know that. Who gets the contracts for Clayton County? Who gets the contracts for Clayton County Board of education? Who runs the DA’s office? —not Scott. Can or will you follow the money? Or will “they” keep you distracted with “its the Blacks fault?”

By Patrick

January 1, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I read the “give em the boot” This is exactly the kind of political rhetoric they we can not engage in. It keeps us distracted from making intelligent choices. Whoever does the boot is a coward. It is clearly obvious that they do not know the issues. Perhaps that is why they have this not so subtle smear campaign. Where will this stop? Who will be next?

By WTF?

January 1, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

those who run (& many who post on) give-em-the-boot contributed to getting the Clayton News-Daily message boards shut down permanently for the same type of rhetoric.

By I know the Deal

January 1, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

I am an average Clayton County Resident. I make an average wage, live in an average home in an average neighborhood. I drive and average, have little debt to speak of and pay my bills on-time. I am content with my life BUT I pay an additional cost due to the School Board and the School System.

I cannot in good conscious send my child to a Clayton County School. I pay $1600 per year out of Property Taxes to the school system. I pay an additional $8600 for tuition per year (for the past 6 years) for my child to attend another school. Adding in gas and opportunity cost, I pay $12000-$13000 per year to keep my child out of Clayton County Schools. This is my choice and that I accept.

To pay for this, my family doesn’t take vacations (I sell back what little vacation time I get). You will so “Oh, it’s his choice”. Which is true. I am not complaining

BUT, I wish I could send my child to a public school that doesn’t include violence (over 3000 last year), wepaons, a school with a sufficient number of books, where good behavior is the norm and Teachers and Administrators word is Golden. A public school that my child can attend and Mom and & I don’t fear for my childs physical and moral well-being.

What is wrong with everybody? DOn’t you see it? Are you blind? Is everybody blind and see no evil, hear no evil? How can you be satisfied with this? What has happended to us as a people?

By Free Speach

January 1, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Patrick & WTF…Come join the conversation in www.give-em-the-boot.com

Everyone is welcome to join the dialogue. All voices are welcome as dissemination of thought, feeling and philosophy are conducive free thought.

If there is mis-information posted, I am sure the readers would appreciate factual information that you could provide. If feel rightous as to a candidate or local issue, please contribute to the conversation.

If there are other forums in Clayton County (that hasn’t been intimidated or pressured to shut-down) please tell Kimberly’s readers.

You speak of the New-Daily Forum I presume? If there were individual abusing the forum, the terms & conditions state the individual offender would be removed, not the entire forum. If you notice the forum was also closed for Henry Daily Herald and the Jackson-Progress Argus by News-Daily Editor Bonnie Pratt. Why shut down the forums for 3 newspapers in 3 different counties? There was great coversation in the News-Daily Forum, there was give and take of idea’s important to Clayton County. www.give-em-the boot.com is filling that void.

Please come and join the conversation.

By Tic Toc, Times Up! A new County Begins in 08

January 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Patrick,

Forget the past. We’re not there anymore and haven’t been for close to four years. The question you should help others answer is are Hill and Scott qualified to lead this County to where it needs to go. Do they have the background and influence for good across the county? What have they done for us and Clayton County while in office? And are we better off with them there or do they just occupy a position? In my opinion, both are problems and have done little to lead our county where it needs to go. They’ve had their chance to make due on their campaign promises. In fact, Hill has cost the taxpayers millions, lowered the morale of his staff, and has created chaos his whole term. His background will tell you all you need to know about whether he can measure up to the others running against him. He’s an infant compared to them and should not have even been elected in the first place.

And another thing. Those who voted for color last election without understanding and researching the candidates and with disregard of qualifications were the cowards. So were those who advocated them to do so. Let’s hope we have alot less of this at the polls this year.

What this county needs is dialogue and an exchange of ideas, debate, and fact finding for candidates who intend to run so voters can make informed decisions. I don’t frequent the website but occasionally, but why not start there? We all have one thing in common and that’s we agree that we want and need a better county because it’s gotten alot worse since 2004.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

January 1, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

A little food for thought to those who want to put forth the notion that “rhetoric” shut down the News-Daily forum.

The News-Daily makes a lot of its money as the legal organ for Clayton County. A lot of people have posted that Victor Hill, because of his actions being exposed on the News-Daily forum, threatened to yank the legal organ adversting from the News-Daily if they didn’t shut down the forum.

I don’t know. I would just ask what is a more likely reason the News-Daily shut down the forum, “rhetoric” or money?

By WWJD

January 1, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

The News-Daily shut down twice, the last time was because of money. The first time was because of invective. Rhetoric does not do justice to what all was written before the site was finally made off limits.

By Patrick

January 1, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Hill and Scott do not run Clayton County. They are not the leaders of this county. Stop trying to give them power that they do not have. He is the Sheriff She is the DA.

Again rhetoric to keep us distracted.

By TC

January 1, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

The DA and Hill do not do there job! The DA does not prosicute the scum in the county, and Hill does not serve summons as his job requires. BOTH are worthless and the cause of scum remaining on the street, and destroying the county.

By Patrick

January 2, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

The personal attacks are not serving any good. Let us have dialouge based on the issues.

By Taking Back Clayton

January 2, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

The problem with Clayton County is that it only has a few residents that care enough about it to try and do something. The rest don’t care or don’t care enough because many are only talking a good game. Why? Because voters have continued to allow and accept substandard and/or non-performance.

All Board meetings in the County at this time should be standing room only. Elected officials not doing their jobs should have been feeling pressure long ago. People don’t change when they see the light, they change when they feel the fire. Do you really think the school board would be in this mess if voters were involved? Twice in 5 years folks! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Board feels it is not accountable to those who put them there or has a responsibility to the children they are entrusted with. We learn from our mistakes? We wish. They and other elected individuals continue to sit.

As soon as the county learns that it is the voters that these underperforming individuals answer to, no changes will be made - even at the polls. 2008 is a must have, folks. We don’t have the luxary of making another mistake at the polls this time.

By Patrick

January 2, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Thank you Taking Back Clayton!

Your intellectual exchange is so welcome. You are right on time. When did people forget that there is power in numbers? Accountability is crucial if we are to as you say, “take back Clayton” Thank you Kim for posting the times and dates of all the county meetings that affect us. Lets see what happens? The first meeting of the year for the commission is tonight. my wife and I we will be there as usual.

By Laverne

January 2, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Will you get running water and electricity down there, this year?

LOL. I’m only kidding.

Hope things look up for you guys this year.

By Sir Laughsalot

January 2, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I checked out “give-em-the-boot” and all I can say is- Preach On Brother!!! Stay the course, you are not alone! Check out www.firethesheriff.com. Just remember, it will be a glorious day for one and all when these fools are voted out of office and have to find a real job.

By Tom

January 2, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

[quote]Forget the past. We’re not there anymore and haven’t been for close to four years.[/quote]

Forgetting the past will only serve in repeating it in the future. Clayton County will be repaying for the mistakes made in 2004 long after these people are voted out of office. It’s not who we think might become qualified for the job after being elected; It’s about the best qualified before being elected.

By Gregory

January 2, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

There are many problems in Georgia. Water: Build piplines from the Gulf and Atlantic to affected areas! Raise the educational standards in the entire state. Bring Unions into this state, salaries and benifits are insufficient. Georgia lacks a support system for folks who are downsized or laid off from their jobs. Clayton County needs a complete overhaul of the education system. The goal should be to be in the top ten in the nation not just Georgia!No more low income housing. Homeowners must live in their homes at least 6 months a year! If you decide to rent you must attend classes on neighborhood ethics. Things like no loud music or wild parties. Don’t litter on the streets. Not walking on peoples property! Ban the use of fireworks except in designated areas. Rezone Ste. Rd. 138 in Jonesboro for commercial development. Toughen all criminal laws starting with Youth and beyond. Come down on drunk or drug up people behind the wheel. You kill someone you get the chair! Elect people who have this kind of plan. Get the old clan out Black and White! Expand the transportation system. The most important thing is to follow the Bible!

By ClayCo Citizens are Worthless

January 2, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Kimberly Allen offered the dates and times of Commission Meetings. I attended this evening. There were 26 people in the audience 8 of which were County Emplyee’s there to answer any questions by the Commission. 18 audeince members were from the general citizenry. There are 271,240 people in the county. Doing the math, .00006636% of the County’s citizens attended the meeting, the first of the year.

How disgraceful! You say “Know the Issues”, Know our Government Officials”, “Pack the Room”, “Wall to Wall”, “Show ‘em we Mean Business”.

Y’all a bunch of Chumps. Ya got “CHUMP” written all over ya! You deserve what you get.

By Kimberly Allen

January 3, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

I arrived at the meeting around 7:15pm-7:20pm to find that it had already ended - that must’ve been the fastest meeting in history :-) Probably wasn’t a lot on the agenda due to the holidays.

Hopefully there was a low turnout due to the excessive cold or others arrived a little late to find the meeting had already ended.

There is always next Tuesday’s board of commission meeting at 7:00pm.

And hopefully many are planning to attend (and fill the public comments sheet to give BOE members an earful) at Monday’s Board of edcuation meeting at 7:00pm held at the Clayton County Public Schools Administrative Complex, 1058 Fifth Avenue, in Jonesboro, Georgia as well!

Have a great day Clayton!

By Patrick

January 3, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Thank you Kim for that sensible analysis of last night’s meeting. We too got there around 7:15 and the meeting was over. We are not worthless or chumps! We have challenges and we will meet them this year.

I know that person was angry and disappointed. But we have to get past the emotions. We must look at the glass half-filled. Kudos to those 18 citizens. Keep on coming!

By Kimberly Allen

January 3, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

ITA w/Patrick, not to sound preachy but I do hope Clayton residents will attend these meetings in the future and not give up because of a low turn out this time.

We really can’t afford to give up anyway, especially if you own property here or have a child in CCPS and I assume all of us fall into one of those 2 categories, if not both of them.

and this is just my opinion but all of us running to attend meetings when something goes wrong is what most politicians expect. They just wait out our initial shock & anger & eventually go back to whatever they were doing before, hoping we all forget. In my opinion, most depend on our apathy.

Showing up at meetings consistently and in large numbers, and keeping each other informed of stuff going on around us will show them that we are paying attention to what they are doing (or not doing) and we will hold them accountable for their actions come election time.

By Black Woman in Clayco

January 3, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure what attending meetings will do. elected officials already know what they’re gonna do, deals have already been made behind our backs. They only let us speak out at meetings publicly because they have no choice (is it the law?). At school board meetings, they don’t even let all public comments be spoken, they cut peeps off when the 30 minutes is up regardless, why? Because they don’t really want to hear what we have to say anyway. I have been to county commission meetings and you can tell by the expressions on some faces (in particular, Bell & Virginia Gray) that they don’t wanna hear it either.

Our only recourse is to yes pay attention to what they are doing or not doing, with that I agree, and vote them out in November if necessaary. and it seems like a lot of “voting out” will be necessary come November.

By Kim Allen

January 3, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Well I admit that I’ve seen (and have written about this in the past) county commissioners looking less than interested in what’s being said during public comments, even going so far as to hold comversations amongst themselves while the person is speaking.

But what is the alternative? where else can we find out what’s going on around us besides county meetings and observe our elected officials at work?

Let me also add that I do not think all politicians in this county are bad. Some are working really hard to make things better & thanks to them for their efforts.

By Taking Back Clayton

January 3, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

I showed too but it was over. I somewhat agree with “Black Woman in Clayco”. However, that doesn’t mean we as voters are handcuffed and can’t give our “two-cents” effectively. Our weakness is that we do not have a centralized infrastructure for voter representation/education in the County. Maybe we do but I don’t know about it or they keep quiet? The “give-em-the-boot” website and old News Daily forum is/was the only centralized resource I know of that allowed voters in the County to voice their opinions and seek information. Again, maybe I’m just not aware of others. But good or bad, it’s a start of something centralized that we need. And the new site is not subjected to political pressure by elected officials who do not like topics of discussion (like the News Daily). Now, how it becomes effectively moderated (not censored) is another topic but can be addressed later.

In order to become more unified as voters, we need a Champion or spokesperson. A Clayton County Voters Network or other advocate group could serve this purpose and can allow the County to speak with one voice. A helpful function of a group such as this would be to hold elected officials true to their measurable campaign promises. A 30% decrease in serious crimes for example. Prosecution stats also an example. School system test score improvements, etc. The key is MEASURABLE. Not just improve or make better.

We as voters should demand objective measures from our officials and then monitor their progress regularly (via the advocate group). Does anyone have inital campaign promises from all office holders in the County up for re-election? This would be a great start of assessing performance. Subjective evaluation and comments on these types of message boards usually stem from a perceived lack of performance but I think voters should have more measurable criteria when it comes to making informed decisions.

By Get Involved for 2008

January 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Hello everyone. My wife and I represent two concerned citizens of Clayton county. We do not have children but do own a home here and would like to see our community progress in the areas of education, safety, and quality of life. Is there any reference out there that can assist me with learning about “who” is in office and what they have or haven’t done? Also, a possible list of candidates running in Nov. Thanks for your help in advance.

By Synamon Baldwin

January 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

For two and a half years the Clayton County Wide Homeowners Association (CCWHOA)has been holding monthly town hall meetings. Every elected official in Clayton County has been invited to these meetings. The goal of the CCWHOA is to stamp out civic illiteracy in Clayton County. Civic education is the first step in understanding how to work with the local government effectively. At this time there is no other group that meets regularly to inform the citizens. Perhaps you do not know of CCWHOA for several reasons:

1)Black balling from some elected and appointed officials who want to silence or marginalize our effectiveness. We believe in 100% accountability from those who serve us. We can not be bought and we are not for sale.

2) AJC, Clayton Neighbor, and News-Daily’s overt exclusion, we can not get them to announce our monthly meetings or cover special events — we held four political forums in 2006.

We are constantly fighting a “divide and conquer strategy” that limits our effectiveness. There is power in unity and only through vast numbers can our voices be heard.

Want more information? Call 404.396.2706.

By WWJD

January 3, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Baldwin claims to be neutral now, but she was squarely in Victor Hill’s camp during the last election cycle. Why don’t you be honest, Cinnamon? What political office are you angling for?

By Synamon Baldwin

January 3, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

WWJD What Would Jesus Do,

First of all Jesus would speak and seek the truth.

For your information I was not involved in the 2004 politics of Clayton. I had never even heard of Victor Hill.

I was the victim of a near fatal accident living in Atlanta and did not have a clue about what was happening in Clayton County or its politics. Obviously, you are someone who does not know me or you would have that correct information.
There is no need for you to fear me runnning for anything in Clayton. I do not have the inclination, time or need.

I am 50 years old and I have always had my own “camp”. My validation does not come from other people and I do not have to ride anybody’s bus to get to my destiantion.

There are young people in this county who can lead and they deserve the opportunity. I will lend my support and knowledge for them!

I prefer to spend my time with my 8 year old grandson—those who know me are well aware of that. As a matter of fact I am sitting here in Detroit right now. My grandson has contributed to this email. He was my proof reader.

Save the nonsense.

By WWJD

January 3, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

So you were not the same Baldwin whose Homeowner’s Group paid for the full page ad in the News Daily during the last election cycle? The ad that urged readers to vote for Victor Hill, Wade Starr, Singleton, and Sandra Scott? Were you in Detroit then too? Did you grandson proofread that ad too?

By Synamon

January 4, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Civic literacy is so important. Again you have the facts wrong. What part do you not understand, when I tell you I was not involved in 2004 clayton politics.Victor Hill ran for office in 2004. The CCWHOA endorsed Wade Starr, Sonna Singleton, Sandra Scott, Mike Glanton and Michelle Thomas in 2006. Yes my 8 year old grandson did proof that ad too. You obviously are not smarter than an 8 year old.Or perhaps you have your own ad. You seem to have an ax to grind with Sheriff Hill.You are a coward or you would not hide behind WWJD.

By Cyd Cox

January 4, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

The CCWHOA has always been the main source political forums in this county.

The Clayton County Council of PTA’s will also be conducting political forums this election year. The Council will not be endorsing any one candidate, but we will help in educating voters. These forums will be open to the public.

By Taking Back Clayton

January 4, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Synamon Baldwin and Cyd Cox,

As the main source of political information/forums in the county, are there other methods used by CCWHOA to disseminate information to residents? Is there a website or other vehicle utilized for those that may not be able to attend meetings?

By Synamon Baldwin

January 4, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

We are a grassroots member generated group of homeowners. Our website is under construction and should be up and running this spring. Members are our lifeline. We communicate information to our members via email. As I stated in my earlier email we have been isolated by the media. You could get this information if they would print it. We depend on word of mouth, faxes, telephone,emails and snail mail.

By A Little Confused...

January 4, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

If I recall correctly (and I may be confused — so forgive me if I am), didn’t the homeowner’s group get involved in both the 2002 and 2004 races in addition to the 2006 races? Miss Cinnamin may have been living in Atlanta or Detroit then, but I am pretty sure that the group (I think started by the fellow from Gwinnett County and maybe Wade Starr) got involved in those races too.

Why should the voters of Clayton County listen to a group that seems to have an agenda — trying to help elect certain candidates, with the “forum” set up as just a sham? This group is not unbiased. In fact, I too remember the full page ad in 2006 which Miss Cinnamin seems to have just benignly neglected that WWJD addressed. Whether Miss Cinnamin was in Atlanta/Detroit in 2004 is not the issue; the issue was the ad paid for by her and Starr’s group group in 2006, endorsing their candidates.

These are my thoughts about this group. I understand that very few people out of 260,000 Clayton County residents even show up — and most of the attendees are their because they are already committed to their candidates. This is somewhat similar to Lee Scott having a “unbiased” forum at the Tara Center. Just curious…

By Synamon Baldwin

January 4, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Cyd Cox thank you for your words of support. If the Clayton county Council of PTAs is amenable, the CCWHOA would like to hold some political forums in partnership with the Council. Our Education Chair, Karolen Dowdell and I will reach out to you.

Kim, I hope that this is a turning point for this blog. We do not need another vent vehicle. Exchange of ideas, what works and what doesn’t in our communities, highlights of various community meetings, and so much more could be communicated to the citizens.

Until we get a more responsible media outlet in Clayton, you seem to be all that we have right now for voicing solutions and conveying ideas for a better Clayton County.

You have us talking.

Thank You!

By WHAT I HERE,,,,,

January 4, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I HERE FROM PEOPLE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN CLAYTONCOUNTY POLITICS,,,THIS GROUP IS ABOUT THERE CONDIDATES. THEY WANT ONLY THERE CANDIDATES TO GET A VICTORY. IT IS A FAKE ORGANIZATION WITH AX TO GRIND. THAT IS WHAT PEOPLE TELL ME.

By Vince

January 4, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Kim, you are doing a great job! I just read your bio and see that you went to Fordham! Great! Didn’t a fellow Italian by the name of Vince Lombardi play football there and later coach there before moving on to that meat-packing town called Green Bay?

I found out a few years ago when I moved to Clayton County that it is somewhat like turf politics (you know, Bed Sty, Fort Green, Clinton Hills, etc.) in NYC. The AJC likes Clayton County because it has an easy target by which it can show that it is engaging in the noble and high-minded venture of cleaning up a local government. That way it can stay away from trampling under foot the ritsy areas where the leading lights at the AJC may live…Buckhead, East Paces, East Cobb, Country Club of the South, East Andrews, et al. Never mind Clayton County, the proverbial dumping ground. No more projects in Atlanta? Who cares? Send the folks to Clayton County. Didn’t Dick Williams on a recent Sunday Morning News Show say that this is what Clayton County is for. Well, Kim, I am glad that you and your husband Stan can see the many good things about Clayton County. Although I sometimes miss the Big Apple, I still find a touch of the turbulent politics of the Big Apple down here in Clayco. I truly am proud to tell my Buckhead friends (and I do have Buckhead friends) that I am a “Clayco Thug.”

I hear of another political group on the rise in Clayco. It is “CIVIC,” an acronym for Clayton’s Informed Voters & Involved Citizens. I understand that they have an extensive email list. Actual forums are so 1970ish.

By Synamon Baldwin

January 4, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

A little confused you are very confused. You are so truly misinformed on every point. Someone has been feeding you lies and you have fallen for it. Otherwise you would not make such nonsensical statements. Call me, if you dare to hear the truth.

Regardless, I live and own property in Clayton County now. Yes I have the luxury of traveling around the world not just Atlanta and Detroit—but I pay taxes in Clayton County. I live in Clayton County. My community service and civic engagement take place in Clayton County. I intend to stay here.

Now my research shows that there was indeed a group under the auspices of Clayton County Honmeowners— that is not CCWHOA.

By Get Involved for 2008

January 4, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

How does one know who to vote out and who to keep in? Of course, responsible voters should get on the ground and do the leg work themselves (which I have determined is the best course of action), but what about those who are limited to voting just on race? Everyone needs to know the right direction to take before we pave the road of change.

By WTF?

January 4, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Although I am not a member of CCHOA, I have attended a few of their open forums with local politicians.

I did not feel like anyone was pushing an agenda (it was not an election year though). But then again I’m not easily influenced & nobody will get my vote based on what any organization promotes.

However, many in Clayton are uneducated on the issues & candidates & easily influenced & that’s why we got the problems we have now. So this organization may wield more power than it realizes (or maybe they do realize that).

and they have done a few good things, they stopped that commuter rail from taxing us up the wazoo last year for a train most of us don’t even want here.

My problem with this group is they are not diverse. I don’t know if other races are intentionally excluded, or they just choose not to be involved with CCHOA. They seem to only represent one group of people in Clayton.

I do not want to turn this conversation into a race war. All I’m saying is its going to take ALL OF US, white black latino & everyone else who want to live better, to come together & make it happen.

That is the only way in my opinion that Clayton will ever be “great”.

But yes thanks to Kimberly Allen for bringing up issues that get us to talk to one other. This is an outlet missing in Clayton that is sorely needed & definitely appreciated by this resident.

By Just Curious Again...

January 4, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Miss Cinammin, You still did not address the fact that your/Starr’s group took out a full page ad in the News Daily, endorsing certain candidates in 2006. You want to address that or still observe the passover…just keep on passing over it?

By Just Curious Some More...

January 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Miss Cinammin, Is CCHOA a registered political action committee? Just Curious.

By Still curious...

January 4, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Miss Cinnamin, Has the cat got your tongue or has Wade told you not to respond? It is about time that the so-called “county-wide” (why not just call it “nationwide” because it is really “clique-wide”) group be exposed for what it is…a political tool for the few. It is good that legitimate journals do not fall for the group’s manipulative ways.

By Kimberly Allen

January 4, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I hope this blog will assist in being a turning point for Clayton in general and I am happy it is an outlet for us residents to talk and help make Clayton the best it can be.

I would very much like to find out more information from and about The Clayton County Council of PTA’s and “CIVIC” (Clayton’s Informed Voters & Involved Citizens). We need all of the outlets we can get, please email me at kallenis@aol.com w/more info.

Vince YES Lombardi is my fellow alumni! But I attended the Manhattan campus instead of the Bronx. Nice to see another NYer in the house :-) As far as GA vs. NY politics I can only sum it up by saying that sometimes I feel like we’ve jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire!

By Synamon Baldwin

January 4, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Just curious… I have respectfully submitted my name to this blog. I would appreciate it if you would spell my name correctly. That having been said, No we are not a registered political action committee. Pehaps if you were a member or attended our meetings you would know that. Read my blog from today at 9:23 am you would see that I stated exactly who the CCWHOA endorsed in 2006.

We are not a throw a rock, hide a hand organization. I will tell you like I told the previous poster. I do not need the validation of others. The CCWHOA is not anyone’s group. We are homeowners committed to civic literacy so that we can make the kind of decisions that enhance our quality of living in Clayton. We hold all elected and appointed officials accountable.

WTF, On the issue of diversity, We do not exclude anyone. Our White, Indian and Native American members may take exception to you not recognizing their diversity in the CCWHOA. We have reached out to the Asian, Hispanic, and Latino community with no response. And we will continue to do so. But then I do not see those groups represented at other community meetings either. Is it because they are excluded by the CCBOC or the CCBOE? I do not believe so. It is a matter of culture for some.

We can not force other races join us in our fight to stamp ut civic illiteracy. Homeowners have become members of CCWHOA for either of two reasons, they believe in our mission and leadership or they have their own personal agenda. That is regardless of their race. We are reflective of the demograpics of the county.

By t williams

January 4, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

SYNAMON

SYNAMON

SYNAMON

inquiring minds recall being at a meeting of yourn where you gyrated and raised your hands in protest at the racist (yourn word) treatment Sheriff Victor Hill was getting from the community and media.

FAULTY MEMORY

inquiring minds were there when you screamed about yourn group of homeowners* going to run this county!

CAKE, AND EAT IT TOO

inquiring minds want to know if this is yourn New Years attempt at a nicer-kinder Cinnamon or, is your grandson the brains of the homeowners assoc. you represent?

By Synamon

January 4, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

TC you are another coward and a liar. Throw a rock and hide a hand. Spin it anyway you want. Intelligent minds already know what you are and who you are.

Kim this is the kind of blogging that I hope we can avoid. The integrity of the clayton talk blog must be protected. When people like TC lie and continue to disrespect those of us who want to have serious diaogue, it deludes the value of the exhange. His “you gyrated and raised hands in protest of racist…” comment was very offensive to me as a woman, and it is a lie.

I will not respond to the goading and ignorance of the likes of TC anymore. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to communicate with like minds. Our number is listed in your blog and nayone woh wants to know more about CCWHOA should feel free to give us a call.

Thank you.

By Synamon Baldwin

January 4, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

My apologies please to TC. My previous email should have referenced T Williams.

By t williams

January 4, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I was there, Synamon. I heard you. I also heard you talk negatively about Mike Edmondson. I’ll let the readers guess why you did.

Kimberly, I urge you not to be sucked into ANYONE’S faction in Clayton County.

I also am amused at how quickly people want to trample on First Amendment freedoms when they get called on the truth. The factions of Clayton County would love it if inquiring minds would shut up but, inquiring minds have been in Clayton County for going on thirty years now and, inquring minds want positive change not just rearranging of the deckchairs on the Titanic.

Here’s another question for you, Synamon …. how did you and your education chair decide to support Sandra Scott for the school board? Sandra Scott was the ONLY school board candidate your group endorsed. Was it because your homeowners assoc.* shared her anger at that football coach? What was the reason, Synamon?

inquiring minds want to know!