LAND USE
Bill would require notice of flood plain changes
The flooded streets and damaged homes resulting from recent storms should serve as a wake-up call to Georgia. Development often alters hydrology and may bring new areas into the flood plain — areas previously considered dry. At any given moment, the flood plain maps for our communities may become obsolete due to new construction. And even when the map is changed, there is no guarantee that affected homeowners will know that their property is suddenly at risk of flooding, since there are no notification requirements.
One solution to this problem is House Bill 169, sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter. This legislation would require the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to notify property owners whose land is affected by changes to the flood plain map. If the Legislature can pass HB 169, then Georgia’s homeowners will have the benefit of the most up-to-date information on flooding risks in their area. This is imperative when deciding whether to purchase flood insurance.
Danny Orrock, Georgia Watch
PUBLIC SAFETY
Firefighters appreciated for service, compassion
On Aug. 6, several calls went out to 911. One of our co-workers was in distress and desperately needed help. Within minutes, the firefighters of Station No. 2 in College Park arrived, with an ambulance and fully qualified crew.
This was not the first time Station No. 2 has come to our aid. Over the last 11-plus years, they’ve tended to lacerations, falls, allergic reactions, seizures, medication interactions and even simple blood pressure checks. Whether our employees seek treatment at their station house, or a call for assistance brings them to us, these fellows are professional and compassionate every visit.
I want to thank them for all they did for Anton Lewis that day, and for their knowledge, compassion and level of care he received in his time of need. Aug. 6 ended sadly for all of us. Our co-worker and friend, Anton Lewis died that day. He is missed. Lou Kirasic, Zodiac Services Americas LLC
GOVERNMENT
Legislature hasn’t helped job situation
How can we stop the hypocrisy and double-dealing in our state government, which claims Georgia is a business-friendly state with a qualified labor source but outsources functions and jobs to other states? Rep. Buddy Carter (“Why send our jobs out of state?” Opinion, Sept. 17 ) says “some critics” believe this outsourcing probably would not have happened if the Legislature had been more involved and a special session was called.
That is nonsense. Our Legislature passed bills to benefit powerful interests and offered unbudgeted tax credits for businesses to hire employees receiving unemployment benefits. Many of these plans would require more government employees to be laid off. While the Legislature pandered to special interests, our governor was left to deal with the revenue and budget dilemma.
Another thing: We need to stop state agencies from paying outside consultants to perform functions that should be within the expertise of employees already on our payroll. Without jobs and job growth, our state is not going to be a good place to live.
Tony Gardner, Cumming
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