Home > Gwinnett > Rick Badie / My Opinion > Archives > 2007 > September > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.US“Perdue on water, litter, growth”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Whenever I cover a big shindig, I tend to skirt the glad-handing movers and shakers and seek out that one person who appears timid, as out-of-place with the posturing as me.
Meet Mick Gallagher, a Brookwood High senior.
I met him at the eighth annual Governor’s Environmental Address, held Wednesday at the Gwinnett Center off Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. He was selected by the school sponsor of Quest, an academic club for brainiacs, to represent his school.
Gallagher considered it an honor. The operatives in attendance were a who’s who list - county commissioners, city leaders, law enforcement officers, teachers - and several more students like Gallagher.
“I don’t know what to expect,” he told me before lunch. “But [Gov. Sonny Perdue] seems like a pretty cool guy.”
The cool guy started off with a joke, then eased into what he’d come to discuss - issues that he said are near and dear to his heart. Initially, he touched on something that resonated in ways he may not even realize. He mentioned the “problems of prosperity and the problems of growth” and the way they intertwine to tax local leaders and planners.
“I can’t think of a county that has been challenged more than Gwinnett,” he said. “I wish we’d done as good of a job over Georgia as you have done here.”
I liked the way Perdue segued into his next subject, veering from his scripted speech. He talked about “the war,” how -despite media reports - “it’s proceeding better than we read about.”
Only he wasn’t talking about the war in Iraq.
“It’s the war on litter,”proclaimed Perdue. “And we’re winning.
“We’re winning because of communities like this that understand it’s not just a slogan. It’s getting the job done.”
Then he talked about a partnership between the state and the Pepsi Bottling Group regarding Georgia’s new anti-litter campaign: “Litter: It Costs You.” PBG’s delivery trucks will display that message with a picture of the state’s anti-litter mascot, “General Buster the Brown Trasher.”
“Litter is everyone’s job,” Perdue said.
So is water conservation.
Georgia, Perdue said, needs a statewide comprehensive water plan. He encouraged the audience to attend public hearings on the proposed plan, which will be held across the state Oct. 15-19. The final plan is to be presented to the Legislature in January.
Perdue said he wants to work with people in this county to keep Georgia clean, abundant and beautiful. He will be long gone from office, but there will always be county leaders to rise to the challenge.
Like Gallagher, the Brookwood student.
“It could be me someday,” he said, “being a leader.”
To read Perdue’s prepared speech, click here.
Rick Badie’s column appears on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact him at 770-263-3875 or e-mail: rbadie@ajc.com.
Comments
By Paul
September 27, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I think the great Tonto put it best when he said to the Lone Ranger: “what’s this WE, kemo sabe?” All of the tired “leadership” rhetoric aside, whilst out and about on our normal weekend trash pickup runs we have yet to observe anyone else actually lifting the first finger to help. Talk is both cheap and abundant, particularly around election time, but we at the bottom of the food chain appear to be bearing the brunt of this one as well. Color me surprised.
By Well then
September 27, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Don’t recall seeing Purdue out on the lake when we took the trash barge out for Spring & Fall clean-ups. Like Paul said, talk is cheap!
By ed
September 27, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
is this going on the sonny do list?? what a waste of oxygen this fat a$$ is
By Jessica
September 27, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Since when is Gwinnett County a model for GA? No wonder our state is such a dump. What the govt. should do is let normal non-littering citizens attach a camera to the front of their car and capture all of these people littering and their tag number and let the govt send them a fine, then if they do it again they get 80 hrs of community service picking up litter. I see countless people everyday going to and from work that throw their cigarette butts out their car windows, some while even driving over the river that we get our water from. Of course these idiots don’t even think they are doing anything wrong. Ugh!
By Sagegirl
September 27, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the “mandatory” water ban is doing much good. Or, at least no one seems to take it seriously. Everyday this week I’ve counted a minimum of six office buildings running their sprinklers in Smyrna and this is just a one-mile stretch of street. The landscapes are old and established with no new plantings. I can only wonder how many others businesses haven’t bothered to turn off their sprinklers or just chose to violate the law. What a waste!
By Tray
September 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I don’t care for anything Perdue says. That arrogant pompous pr*ck won’t let me get alcohol on Sunday, but it’s ok for me to drive to a restaurant, drink, and then drive home. WOW THAT’S A SMART ONE RIGHT THERE!! I wonder if he does anything on Sunday’s that’s against the good book, like plowing his fields or milking his cows? More than likely, he’s at home getting hammered on Sunday afternoons after his “i got to show at church to make people believe I’m good” ordeal. He’s probably the biggest closet drinker in the state!
On top of that, Sonny has never been seen by me picking up litter…and I’ve done it all over this state and South Carolina for volunteer groups cleaning up neighborhoods. Sonny needs to go, and now. Actually, he needs to go away yesterday!
You know what, I should run for office. Vote Tray!! I’ll actually do something good instead of sitting on my fat butt talking about it!
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Tray is a jerk. Governor Perdue is a good man and the Bible is his road map, just as Jesus said it should be. Alcohol sales on Sunday would fly in the face of Christian values and like it or not, we are a Christian state with a good, honest, Republican Christian Governor who is true to our values and protects them with fervor. Governor Perdue is a model American and a good Christian.
By Road Scholar
September 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Alexis?
Have you ever thought (should I stop there?) about the fact that all persons are not Christians? Or at least what you define “Christian” to be? Others may not find buying liquor/beer/wine on Sunday a problem like you do. If sales were legal, then all could chose their own decision and actions, and act according to their beliefs.
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Road Scholar, It is offensive to all true Christians for a store to sell alcoholic beverages on the Sabbath. It is even more offensive for anyone who would seek to make such a purchase on the Holy day of the week to call themselves a Christian. People who indulge in alcohol are lacking a strong sense of morality and a true religious compass and they are to be pitied and prayed for; not catered to by giving in to their evil desires to buy spirits on Sunday.
By dave
September 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
How about MANDITORY recycling….statewide?! How about banning ALL WATERING of LAWNS until the current drought is officially declared over (again…statewide)….nope not gonna happen. I’ve lived in 8 different states over the past 12 years. Georgia BY FAR is the worst when it comes to being “environmentally” friendly…there are no state subsidies (really a tax rebate) for installing solar (even NC has that)….people care more about having a sod lawn and puttiong chemicals and pesticides all over their property then they do about having good clean drinking water…..in the end….you’ll get what you pay for. It will cost many more billions to “clean up and fix” the problems…..instead of passing laws to try and start correcting them now….but that’s OK….I’m leaving GA soon…I’ll enjoy reading about it in the future….when everyone pays more for water, for dirty power, and to clean up the garbage….
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Dave, you sound like a hippie. I hate hippies. Liberals and hippies and Al Gore — always whining and complaining about the environment…ooh save the trees, blah blah blah. Get a life.
By dave
September 27, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Alexis….you sound like a “Talibangelical”…those who want to have the country and state run by jesus freaks…you know….that guy that we kill others in the name of??? no wonder GA is the laughing stock of the nation. The rest of the country voted democrat….you all voted talibangelical….instead of trying to teach kids to read, write, and count….you all voted to teach the bible in public school…as “history”…..ya..right! Hey Alexis…we’re not laughing “with you”….we’re laughing “AT” you…..
By dave
September 27, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Alexis…what about Jewish or Hindu citizens….why can they not purchase alcohol on Sunday? A jew’s sabbith is on Saturday/ Why should the state be able to restrict “THEIR” beliefs?????!!!
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Dave, my faith is strong in Jesus and in our President. President Bush walks the path that God laid out for him and he is bringing democracy and liberty to countries that have long suffered cruelty under evil men. I voted and will continue to vote for those who stand up for Christian principles and what is right. As for the Jews, Hindus and the like, they are free to practice their religon, but America is a Christian country and we should not be forced to live in an amoral society that embraces evil just because the few heathen cultures that have come into our country would ask us to.
By dave
September 27, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Can you please quote the part of the constitution where it states that this is a christian country?…you are really no better then the taliban…actually worse….those like you have casued the death of millions….millions of innocent iraqi’s that are “collateral” damage to your illegal war. Anyway….see ya later..I have to go escort some teens into the local abortion clinic :-)
By jc_atl
September 27, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
Who says Jesus didn’t drink wine on Sundays? One of you bible thumpers point that out for us, how’s about?
Perdue is an embarrassment. Gwinnett is the most screwed up county in metro Atlanta with traffic, congestion, over-development, illegal immigrants, etc. I only go there when I’m passing through to get to Athens or the Carolinas - not a place I’d want to spend any time.
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Gwinnett has it’s nice spots. I live in Duluth, at Sugarloaf Country Club. Beautiful area, gorgeous homes, PGA golf course. Gwinnett isn’t all bad. Governor Perdue is a good, honest, Christian man and should be respected for that. As for wine on Sundays, even if Jesus did drink, are you comparing yourself to Jesus? That is blasphemous!
By jc_atl
September 27, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
Alexis, please quote the verse in the Bible that forbids alcohol on Sundays. I’m going to the Falcons game and I really need to know whether to drink or not. I always take advice from random strangers on the internet who believe in mythical beings.
By Alexis
September 27, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
jc, you are a heathen for even mentioning that you would consider drinking alcohol, let alone doing it on Sunday. Among many Bible versus that can be cited, I will give you Ephesians 5:18 “be not drunk with wine … but filled with the Spirit”
By KIM
September 27, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Gwinnett County, like the rest of the state, needs to take a serious look at the environmental needs (not just at water and what beautiful green space to purchase in order to protect us and provide enjoyment), but it also must look at the destruction of the woodlands. While developers may contribute much indirectly to the tax base, the price the environment pays is so much higher. Commissioners, please consider a serious overhaul of land use, buffers, the retention of woodlands, and stop the rape of the land.
By dave
September 27, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Good law on the books here in Gawga Alexis….I can go an drink like a fish at a bar on sunday….any bar or resteraunt that serves booze….then go drive home…instead of drinking at home…you’re wrong…you CAN drink and buy booze on Sunday…just gotta do it at a bar!
Still waiting for the part in the constitution that says this is a christian nation….. :-)
Religion is the root of ALL EVIL in this world….you yourself are EVIL Alexis…you want to FORCE your religion on all others….well guess what….your religion is full of hate, fear, and is for WEAK people…people that believe in a myth, a fable, and a story…sad that so many like you live your life based on a story written back when they didn’t even know why it rained…i almost feel sad for how weak and lost you are…
By TCBinATL
September 27, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately, developers tend to be far more influential ($$$) with GA leaders than environmental groups, and too few people care enough to force the issue to the politicos.
But wouldn’t it be nice if, instead of random trash cans here and there, recycling receptacles were in place on street corners in pedestrian areas (like downtown), at Marta stations, at the airport, at stadiums/arenas, you get the picture. I’m pretty sure that even folks would pick up the general idea, even with our 2nd to last educational system, and I’m quite confident that we’d slow the growth of our landfills.
Oh, sorry…I dozed off there for a minute.
By DD
September 27, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Never liked Sonny until I learned Roy Barnes represents the interests of Wal-Mart and not Georgia communities.
We got the right man, Sonny not Roy, in the mansion.
By wdcox
September 28, 2007 6:16 AM | Link to this
Georgia is not a Christian state. It is a state where you can BE a Christian or NOT. There is a vast difference between the two. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia IS a Moslem state. See the difference now?
By embarassed
September 28, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Alexis, As a Christian (and I hope you don’t mind that I will let my Lord and Savior define what a “true” Christian is, not you)I find your piety embarassing, and in fact sad. A modern-day Pharasee, anyone? Most egregiously, you boast of your “hate” of hippies. Hate is not a Christian virtue, at least not in my Bible. Second, Saturday is the Biblical Sabbath. Third, your hatred of alcohol is a little hard to reconcile with Jesus who actually produced wine from water.
By Alexis
September 28, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
The wine Jesus produced from water was not fermented. It was, as was the custom, an unfermented product. It had no intoxicating affects. The Lord will judge you, embarassed, and will know that your heart is not that of a true Christian. Hippies are evil. They are the enemy of everything good and right. They are satanic, evil people who would rather see harm come to their fellow man than to a tree. They, along with all liberals who condone homosexual behavior, amoral corruption of our children and the degredation of society, deserve no respect from anyone. They are evil, evil people just as much so as terrorists and non-Christians. They need to embrace the Lord and walk away from their evil ways.
By monkeyboy
September 28, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Is it just me, or is anyone starting to think that Alexis is really a “hippie liberal” with a truly great sense of ironic humor?
That’s the only way my brain can reconcile her logic.
And if I’m right, bravo, Alexis, for your brilliance and wit. I have been truly entertained today. Thank you.
By Paul
September 28, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Sorry, but we make wine at home, with some of our versions fashioned directly after ancient Hebraic tradition. These are quite well established, going back several thousand years, which of course includes Christ’s native beliefs and customs. Alas, it is virtually impossible for “grape juice” to remain such for more than a few days (the harvest is not every day all year long) without benefit of preservatives that have only been available in the last century or so. Fermentation is symbolic of good things coming from death, etc., etc. His instructions were quite clear that we are not to drink too much, which would not be a problem if it were mere fruit juice. A little is recommended to represent the joy of the spirit (great word) - some modern sects have declared none at all, thus depriving followers of a prescribed earthly benefit.
By Sandy_G
September 28, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Gwinnett County’s unrestricted, undirected, uncontrolled, unmanaged growth is a bloated, enormous chicken coming home to roost that will collapse the whole coop.
One of the key problems with the type of development that Gwinnett’s “leaders” have foisted on the county is that the development was not required to be energy efficient, environmentally-friendly or water conserving. When you clearcut a piece of property and build and/or pave over a large percentage of it, then rainwater doesn’t have the opportunity to soak in, it just runs off or evaporates and a lot of it is lost.
People trying to grow grass on lawns in a development like this will expend thousands of gallons of water fruitlessly to try to keep grass alive as it bakes in the summer sun. If the county would require that some old growth trees be left in these developments, the resulting shade would protect the lawns, resulting in less watering and shade the roofs of the houses resulting in less use of electricity for cooling. If Gwinnett county required a limit on how much impervious surface can be installed per lot, it would result in more rainwater returning to the water table. They have made a small start with the stormwater tax which is based on the amount of impervious surface, but they need to do more.
Gwinnett’s natural resources are not limitless and if we don’t look at development with an eye towards how much energy use, water use and pollution each development brings with it and start developing some solutions (as many other municipalities are doing), we are going to end up like California with rolling blackouts in electricity and water shortages.
It’s interesting to note that in the subdivision I live in, very, very few people water their lawns, yet all of the lawns are nice and green. The reason? Large, old growth trees. The afternoon shade they provide protected the grass and shrubs from the baking sun and the large expanses of forested green space and natural streams running through the neighborhood provide a cooling effect and a chance for more of the rainwater to soak into the soil instead of just running into the storm drains.
Not all neighborhoods can be built this way (mine is 30 years old), but builders can use driveway surfaces that allow rainwater to penetrate the soil, the county could limit the percentage of each lot that can be covered by house and pavement and could offer incentives to developers who build “green” houses and neighborhoods, including those that leave old growth trees in place.
If our county leaders would have the courage and vision to be proactive in this area and start acting now, they could prevent what will eventually happen down the road when we finally reach capacity with what our water supply can support in the way of development. In other words, we can build stupid and fast or we can slow down a little bit and build smarter and be able to build and develop longer into the future.
By Paul
September 28, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Just an FYI - That sounds wonderful and simple on the surface, but overlooked is the fact that developers have the right to build what is legally permitted upon properties that they own. County leaders can only “make” them adhere to what is legal.
By Sandy_G
September 28, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Paul, Yes, developers can build what is legal, but the county can put ordinances in place that give developers incentives to do things differently. Money is one incentive and so is time.
For instance, in the City of Atlanta, a developer may cut down old growth trees for a new development also, but, they are required to bring in an arborist to look at the size, health and type of the tree and then they are required to pay a fee to the City of Atlanta for each healthy large tree they remove. Basically, they can cut down every single tree on their lot, but it will cost them. Private homeowners have the same restrictions. They are allowed to cut down diseased trees or one healthy tree per year on their property. If they exceed that, they must pay a fee. The fees can be up to several thousand dollars per tree depending on the size and type of the tree.
The result? Developers in the City of Atlanta cut down as few trees as possible and build homes around the trees whenever they can in order to minimize the fees they must pay.
County ordinances can be written in such a way that if a developer agrees to use paving materials that allow water to penetrate to the soil below, he can pave a higher percentage of the lot. These are all county ordinances that can be written into the County Code if someone in authority would just take the incentive to at least study it and look at how other municipalities are doing this or have already done it and how it has worked.
For instance, if a developer builds housing that is “green” that includes green materials and extra insulation or other items that conserve energy or puts in xeriscaping (landscaping that requires very little water), then perhaps you could write an ordinance that allows the development to be “fast-tracked” through the approval process.
There are tons of ways to write ordinances that control and manage development without restricting development to the point that it stops completely.
If the current trend of development continues without any change, then very soon, Gwinnett will be completely developed and we will be seriously constricted as to any new development because we have reached the limits on our water supply and electrical grid.
By J
September 28, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Alexis, If hippies were in charge of everything, this world would be a better place. You are the epitomy of why I can’t stand religious zealots. A truly religious person would love and respect the earth, but obviously you have a very warped sense of religion.
By Paul
September 28, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Using Atlanta as a model isn’t a terribly great incentive, but what the heck. Lest you’ve not noticed, we’re already quite overbuilt. In any event, then, perhaps in addition to “just write an ordinance” (sorry again - I’m married to a recovering attorney, and it simply ain’t that easy) apathy is the root cause. For example, last night we attended the first public meeting for a new county park that was pitifully attended. No big surprise there, but anyway, have you had a face-to-face between your commissioner and your fellow concerned neighbors yet?
By Gandalf, the White
September 28, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Alexis, you ignorant slut! What in the word of God makes you think you can judge other people..the bible also talks about the chance of a rich man (or his w*******) getting to heaven..a camel through the eye of a needle? Oh and Jesus turned water into Wine sister! For the wedding ceromony! Not Unfermented wine…well, see the first line!
By Michael H. Smith
September 28, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Oh Sandy_G everything you had to say just makes too much sense. Can you dumb it down so the smart politicians can understand what you’re saying.
By Gone from Gwinnett
September 29, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Pretty dog on simple. GWINNETT county is RUINED. WE allowed the politicians to let the place get over populated, crime, litter, let builders ruin the lakes and streams before enactment of federal laws. And oh yeah does anyone in their right mind think Lanier can handle everything? No way. Go to coves in some these man made lakes they are bone dry full of silt.
My advice to all is get out while you can.
Oh sorry for the rant but the same goes for Fulton and DeKalb.
By Paul
September 29, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
What’s this “WE” kemo sabe? What have you done to help fix it - other than the “leaving” suggestion?