Q. Regarding the Aug. 8 article about six people qualifying to run for an open Atlanta Public Schools board seat, how long are members elected for? And what are the qualifications to be a board member?
-- Marilyn Blanton, Atlanta
A. Each member of the nine-member board has a four-year term. Six board members represent geographical districts and three are from at-large districts. Board members must live within the district they are representing, and cannot sit on the board of any other local or state board of education or be a teacher in the public school system, APS officials told Q&A on the News. The District 2 special election is set for Nov. 8.
Q. If, as several judges have ruled, it is unconstitutional for the government to require that people purchase health insurance, how is it that Georgia (and many other states) can require that people purchase auto insurance?
-- Cuyler Brooks, Lilburn
A. Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens has stated on many occasions that he believes the individual mandate to purchase health insurance is unconstitutional. Georgia does mandate that an individual purchase automobile liability insurance in order to exercise the privilege of driving a car on the state's roads. However, an individual may opt out of the requirement by choosing not to drive a car on public roads, according to the commissioner's office.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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