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January 2009
Gwinnett cracks down on illegal immigration
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If you are as big of a fan of ScanGwinnett.com as I am, you will have undoubtedly noticed the use of the phrase “Hold for Immigration” on some of those admitted to the Gwinnett County Detention Center.
Some of the people being held for immigration include about 48 individuals who, combined, accounted for 42 separate violations from January 19, 2009 through January 24, in zip codes 30071, 30092 and 30093.
There were 28 driving or vehicle related arrests totaling 64 violations. The biggest violations were either not having a valid license or none at all (31 violations.) There were also 3 DUIs, and 3 with no insurance (1 did not have proof of insurance).
Aren’t you gonna feel safe driving to work now?
Speaking of safety… there were a number of real (sarcasm) winners (/sarcasm) in the same time frame. There were 6 different types of violent arrests (7 total violations) ranging from battery, assault, disorderly conduct and even cruelty to children.
There were nine violations of individuals who were arrested for either violation of probation or failure to appear.
One particular gentlemen you will all be interested in was arrested for all of the following: - False Identification Documents - Purchase/Possession of Alcohol (under 21) - DUI .02 under 21 yrs old - No Drivers License - Knowingly Driving with Suspended Registration - Driving on the wrong side of the road
(eye roll)
This is not 287g in action but it is a “surge” by ICE officials at the Gwinnett County Detention Center that will run through January. It may give us glimpse into what we may expect to see once 287g is up and running in full force.
I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to follow up with Sheriff Butch Conway and gather details to do my civic duty and provide you all with an update on where Gwinnett County is with the implementation of 287g.
If you will recall, last I wrote about the program there were a series of tasks on Gwinnett’s To-Do list before they could be accepted into the program. The application, staffing additions and changes to conditions at the detention center to name a few.
While there are still some To-Do’s left, Sheriff Conway informs me that they are waiting on the acceptance and the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding. Once that has taken place, the assigned deputies will receive about 4 to 5 weeks of training by ICE and the program will be underway.
They are projecting thousands of detainees once the program is up and running - this year.
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Where were you when…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Where were you when..” (fill in the blank with any historic or momentous event)?
Have you ever been in a conversation and someone asked that question? Growing up the most common event referenced in that conversation between the “adults” was the assassination of then President John F. Kennedy.
Other such events mentioned might be Woodstock, Elvis’ death, Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon and the birth of Woody Bass III. (I’m kidding!)
While most of those events didn’t even happen in my lifetime, I do have a few examples I can share from the last (coughs) years that I believe will be forever burned to memory.
Space Shuttle Challenger - It was 1986, I was in class at Walker Junior High School watching the launch live on TV and saw it explode shortly after take off. I lived in Orlando no more than about 45 minutes from Cape Canaveral at the time.
Operation Desert Storm - I was in class in college and my professor was asked to step out of the room, and about 5 minutes later she came in to inform us that the U.S. had just gone to war in the Middle East. She excused us all and we were invited to the library where TVs had been set up to watch the live news reports.
O. J. Simpson Trial - I was working in Marietta at the time, and quite literally the entire office was crammed into the break room, shoulder to shoulder, and watched as the final verdict was released.
9/11 - I was in the process of packing for a camping trip at Cloudland Canyon State Park and received a call saying that something bad had happened and to turn on the news. It was then I learned that the first commercial airliner had hit one of the Twin Towers in New York City. Shortly after, live on TV over the shoulder of the reporter, I witnessed the second airliner making its way to the Twin Towers.
These events are the sorts of horror you, unfortunately, can never forget. However, the events don’t always have to be a disaster or some other terrible event - they can also be very profound and historic.
This week we will have one such once in a lifetime opportunity to witness history in the making.
In honor of the Inauguration of the United States first African American President, Barack Obama, I thought this would be the perfect time for my readers to share their own stories of life changing events, share where you think you might be during the inauguration and discuss how this may (or may not) be another such life changing event.
So,“Where were you when…”
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Talking trash
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that my Gators have been crowned BCS National Champions once again I can finally relax and talk some trash.
Well you know I had to mention it, but that isn’t exactly the kinda trash I am referring to.
If you will recall a few weeks ago, I mentioned the extraordinary turnout at the Gwinnett Commissioners’ meeting in opposition to the proposed waste transfer station in Norcross off Beaver Ruin Road.
As far as I am aware, this is the third such facility proposed for Gwinnett since I moved here.
The first in Duluth and now two in Norcross - the other off Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Both the facility in Duluth and off Jimmy Carter Blvd. were of course denied by the commission. Maybe the third time’s the charm, right?
Don’t bet on it.
One of the biggest questions I have is “Why Gwinnett?”
I contacted Lee Tucker, the attorney representing Lancaster Enterprises, LLC, who is attempting to obtain approval for the latest waste transfer facility, to answer that very question.
In reply, he pointed out the need to support the amount of waste a county the size of Gwinnett can accumulate:
“Transfer stations are essential to a county such as ours and the health, safety and welfare of Gwinnett Residents. It is apparent to me that no one seems to want to be located next to a landfill or transfer station; however, these uses are necessary to the orderly functioning of a developed county such as ours with +/- 800,000 residents.”
I asked about whether there are more appropriate sites, for example the heavier industrial/factory sites like you would find near Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard in Atlanta or in more rural areas with less traffic, and he maintains that the Beaver Ruin site is “ideal for this use.”
Mr. Tucker also stated that the turnout at the commission meeting was not necessarily indicative of the will of the citizens since many of the participants may not be actual Gwinnett residents.
Valid point, however, I have to disagree. I think that the public has made it quite clear where they stand on these types of facilities in the past.
They don’t want it in Gwinnett, and if you believe past votes on the matter set any sort of precedence - neither do the commissioners.
This will come before the Board again in early February to allow incoming District 2 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter time to review the matter and make her decision.
This week I want you to play her consultant. Determine whether a facility of this nature is actually needed in Gwinnett. List the pros and cons should this proposal be approved or denied, and also make recommendations for alternative, and possibly more effective, solutions to the problem.
Go make your case.
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