GOP candidate for governor discusses turning point in life
Republican state Sen. Michael Williams of Cumming explained to the Coastal Republican Women's Club on Wednesday how personal tragedy helped him become a resilient campaigner. Williams, who is running for governor, said his father returned from Vietnam with emotional problems. At 7 years old, Williams would learn from his mother about his father's condition. He'd later hear that his father one time contemplated killing the family and himself. That news, he said, "forever changed my life." Williams told the group that when he was 14, his father committed suicide. Williams said he now considers himself a "fearless conservative, according to a report by The Brunswick News.
State hurt by shortage of mental health professionals
A new study is out that gives lawmakers more to think about as they ponder how to help rural Georgia. The advocacy group Voices for Georgia's Children says in a new report that Georgia has a severe shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists, Georgia Health News reported this week. The problem is "exacerbated outside of metro Atlanta and in rural areas," said Erica Sitkoff, the group's executive director. The report shows that 76 of Georgia's 159 counties did not have a licensed psychologist in 2015, and that 52 counties did not have a licensed social worker. It points out that one of the most tragic consequences of this shortage is the potential for more youth suicides.
Legislation could address law enforcement pay
Savannahnow.com is reporting that legislation will be introduced soon dealing with law enforcement recruitment and retention. The Compensation of Police and Sheriffs Task Force has recommended amending state requirements to mandate that local governments perform wage and compensation evaluations at least every five years. The task force has recommended that $7 million in state grant funding be available to help cover the costs of increased compensation. State Sen. Greg Kirk, R-Americus, a task force co-chairman, said fine money would be used to cover the grants.
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