FW: Perry McGuire for Court Of Appeals

 

 

From: Perry McGuire [mailto:postmaster@listservant.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 11:01 AM
To: lunsford_j@bellsouth.net
Subject: Perry McGuire for Court Of Appeals

 

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Please make checks payable to: Perry McGuire for Court of Appeals P.O. Box 672433 Marietta, Georgia 30006   Trusted Judgment, Proven Leadership Perry's Website – Find out more about Perry's dynamic campaign! Read Perry's Autobiography! MORE IMPORTANT ENDORSEMENTS!!! Dear Fellow Georgians – This week, we've been honored with several important new endorsements, including U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, several state lawmakers, and sheriffs, as well as a number of prominent community leaders. We're demonstrating a strong momentum going into the final days of this campaign, and I am counting on your help to put us over the top and into victory! I want to share a special news story that ran this week in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. One of Georgia's most prominent columnists and conservatives, Jim Wooten, endorsed me and gave voice to a number of important issues raised in this campaign. Most importantly, he and I share the view that Georgia voters have a right to know about the judicial candidates for whom they vote! Here is The Atlanta Journal-Constitution column, as it appeared on Wednesday, Oct. 28: McGuire Best Pick for Court of Appeals October 28, 2008 By: Jim Wooten Atlanta Journal-Constitution Two suspected conservatives are among the seven running for the Georgia Court of Appeals. It is possible that there are others. But with the interpretation many judicial candidates have chosen to apply a U.S. Supreme Court opinion that gives them more freedom in campaign speech than the old school wants, voters will not know before casting ballots on Nov. 4. One can say with some certainty that Perry McGuire "holds rule-of-law, strict constructionist judicial views" and, furthermore, "believes that judges should interpret the law, not create them from the bench." One can say that with some certainty because he says it of himself. While the Georgia Court of Appeals does not address constitutional disputes — that's the purview of the state Supreme Court — it is important to salt the judicial mines with those who express McGuire's view. The other suspected conservative in the race is Mike Sheffield, a Gwinnett County lawyer who had a heartbreak loss for the Court of Appeals in 2004 when he first made the runoff by 382 votes before a challenge to the results forced a rerun. He lost. Whether he is or not, Sheffield is amply experienced with about 300 jury trials and 65 appeals as a prosecutor, public defender and private-practice lawyer. If you're just looking for somebody who can do the job, throw a dart. They're all capable. Vote for long names, vote for short names. Vote the alphabet. Each of them has something to offer. McGuire, a former Republican state senator from Carrollton, also served as a corporate counsel for Chick-fil-A before becoming a partner in a business and corporate law firm in Cobb County. While trial lawyers tend to support Democrats and therefore find reason to oppose McGuire, for other Georgians having a strict constructionist with expertise in business law on the Court of Appeals would be useful. Most incumbents have trial-related backgrounds, either as judges or as prosecutors. McGuire, it's worth noting, has been endorsed by an assortment of legislative leaders who are themselves conservative, including Congressman Lynn Westmoreland of Grantville, Georgia Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson of Savannah, and a number of others. Candidates clearly are allowed to state their personal views on disputed public policy issues, obviously without making promises or implying commitment to rule one way or another on issues to come before the court. Most judicial candidates either declare or imply that they are ethically bound to silence on such issues, an interpretation of the 2002 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Republican Party of Minnesota v. White that is at odds with the majority opinion. Elections are required under the state constitution and, as such, voters should be given responses beyond those lawyers and judges think proper. In Minnesota before the Supreme Court decision, voters were only allowed to ask approved questions. Candidates could offer opinions on cameras in the courtroom, how to reduce caseloads, what they thought about administrative costs, and how women and minorities could be treated more fairly. The Minnesota decision caused many lawyers and judges great angst. In Georgia, a self-selected group composed mostly of lawyers formed a group calling itself the Georgia Committee for Ethical Judicial Campaign and invited candidates to take a pledge that they would not make misleading statements in judicial campaigns. It's a pledge I wouldn't sign on a dare, not because I'd be inclined to misleading utterances but because liberals and conservatives tend to see the world differently. Self-styled groups have biases that aren't evident. What a group of conservatives and what a group of liberals think is misleading are often entirely different. No candidate for judicial office should ever surrender to an unelected and non-official group the right to declare which speech is acceptable and which is not in an election. Most of the seven candidates in this race have unwisely signed the pledge giving outsiders authority over their campaigns. The two suspected conservatives haven't. McGuire has said, as have others, that he'll rule strictly on the law as written and not on the basis of personal beliefs or on the outcome he might have advocated as a legislator. A judge on the Court of Appeals "must be impartial and fair, but most importantly must honor the law as written," he said. "We play the role of an umpire, applying the rules, not making them." The seven running for the open seat on the Court of Appeals are all qualified. It's hard for voters to distinguish one from another. A runoff is certain. Perry McGuire should be one of those left standing. Can You Help? Please have your friends added to our e-mail list: Subscribe Here Please add your name to our endorsements: Endorse Perry Here Can you volunteer? Voluteer for Perry Here Now is the time to reach the maximum number of voters – please let us help you volunteer your time, and thank you for your financial help at this critical moment.   Perry McGuire   Paid for by Perry McGuire for Georgia Court of Appeals

We are located at: Perry McGuire for Georgia Court of Appeals | 4545 Highway 166 | Douglasville, Georgia 30135 Your privacy is extremely important to us. We will never sell or distribute your email to any third party. If you have questions or comments, email info@perrymcguire.com.

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lunsford reception

You are cordially invited to a Fundraising reception Honoring:

 

State Representative John Lunsford

With Special Guest Speaker

Governor Sonny Perdue

The Governor of Georgia

With other special Guests and Hosts

 

 

 

October 28^th

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Eagles Landing Country Club

100 Eagle's Landing Way,

Stockbridge, GA 30281   770.389.2000

 

 

Donations Accepted and Appreciated but not required:

Light Refreshments and hors d`oeuvres to be served.

Directions: I75 south from Atlanta to Eagles landing parkway turn left (east) go to second light turn right on country club drive Eagles landing country club is on right  reception is in the clubhouse

 

us senator in mcdonough

Join Us for Breakfast with Senator Saxby Chambliss  September 20, 2008    8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

US Senator Saxby Chambliss  Senator Chambliss is coming on Saturday, August 20, 2008 for citizens of Henry County. You will be able to talk with your US Senator about issues of concern to you.    Date:  Saturday, September 20, 2008 Time:  8:00 to 9:00 a.m.  (Doors open at 7:35 a.m)  Location: Moose Lodge #2170                 91 Hunter's Chase                 McDonough, GA  30253   Directions:  I-75 to exit 216. Hwy 155 w.  Go west 1.5 miles.  Lodge is on right. Cost:  $5 cash per person for a Full Breakfast Buffet, including drinks. THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISER       Reservations are not required.  Questions? Contact henrygopevent@yahoo.com.

 

fundraiser invite this thursday

You Are Cordially Invited to a Reception Honoring
Representative John Lunsford
with Special Invited Guest
Congressman Lynn Westmoreland
At the 191 Club
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
R.S.V.P. (770) 883-6597
rsvp@ambassador-consulting.com

191 Club
191 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Tursday, August 7th, 2008

6:30-8:30 p.m.
Directions:
From North of Atlanta
Take 75/85 South
Exit at 249A (Courtland St./GSU)
Merge onto Courtland St. NE
Turn right at Andrew Young International Blvd. NE
Turn left at Peachtree St. NE/Peachtree St. NW
From South of Atlanta/I-20
Take 75/85 North
Exit at 248C (Freedom Pkwy.)
Keep left at fork toward World Congress Center
Merge onto Fort St.
Turn left onto Andrew Young Intl. Blvd.
Turn left onto Peachtree St.
Congressman Westmoreland is not asking for donations
from corporations or from individual’s own funds in excess
of $2,300 or from multi-candidate political action
committees in excess of $5,000 per election.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect John Lunsford

Please come if you can

Thanks

John lunsford

education overview lunsford

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's Weekly Capitol Update

Education Overview of Session

May 5, 2008

 

Since qualifying time is past, and I was fortunate enough not to get an opponent I wanted to start in a series of press releases about what occurred this year in the general assembly by subject matter. Over the next few weeks or months I will update each department of the state as to changes made or improvements. Much of the information will be gleaned from others who either chair the respective committees such as Jan Jones education appropriations, or state agency’s themselves. Many have called this year the session without substance but I think after reading you may view differently. I wanted to let people know we are their staunch advocate and partner in creating a brighter future for their children.  I wanted to let them know what I know – The House of Representatives was relentless throughout the budgeting process in assuring our schools and our children are taken into account.

 

 

We succeeded in creating a budget that meets the educational needs of Georgia’s public school students. Together, we crafted a strong and sound state education budget that will directly benefit our states future. 

           

Even more, we accomplished it in spite of a softening economy; revised revenue projections ($245 million less); and competing needs.  

 

K-12 Education

 

·         Held firm on a 2.5% pay raise for teachers ($160 million).  This pay raise is in addition to 3% salary increases awarded to more than half of teachers through normal progression on the teacher salary schedule. Georgia consistently ranks #1 in highest average teacher salary in the Southeast – and this pay raise will ensure that Georgia maintains this ranking. Also note that according to the John Locke Foundation, Georgia ranks #2 nationally in average teacher salary when adjusted for cost of living, pension contribution and teacher experience.

 

·         Added $50 million for austerity restoration. This funding equates to an additional $31 per student. The General Assembly was able to reduce the remaining austerity reduction from $143 million to $93 million. The remaining austerity represents 1% of the total QBE budget.  Total spending on education exceeded the inflation rate.

 

·         Fully funded the per student funding formula for 1.23% growth of public school students ($200 million).  Note: The per student funding formula (QBE) for new student growth has been and continues to be fully funded (with no austerity reductions).

 

·         Added 2,500 slots in the Georgia Virtual School ($1.8 million).  Students will have 6,500 class slots offered through this state program so they can take 75 Advanced Placement and other courses online that are not offered or not convenient at their local school.  Public and non-public school students are eligible.

 

·         Fully funded growth in Equalization grants.  This grant program serves 134 school systems each year to level out funding for less wealthy systems.  The $110 million was split between the FY09 and Amended FY08 budgets.

 

·         Continued to fund $100 classroom cards for teachers to purchase classroom supplies the week of the sales tax holiday.  Added classroom cards for new teachers and new media centers.  The total cost comes to $11 million.

 

·         Fully funded bonds to pay for school construction and renovation ($300 million).  It was split between the Amended FY08 and FY09 budgets.

 

·         Funded a new Mentor Teacher program to provide $500 stipends for those who mentor new teachers ($200,000).

 

·         Created 11 new math mentor positions to work with schools struggling with math. Schools will be selected to receive services based on low math test scores and achievement ($1.3 million).

 

Pre-K

 

·         Funded a 1% increase for operations for public and private Pre-K providers ($700,000).  This is only the third operational funding increase since Pre-K was created 15 years ago.  Last year’s 2.35% operations increase was the second.  

 

·         Added 1,000 Pre-K slots ($6.4 million). Currently, 56% of all four year olds attend Pre-K, which is funded through the lottery.  Total children attending lottery – 79,000.

 

Lunchroom workers, Bus Drivers and Custodians Retirement

 

·         Increased retirement benefits.  Means a $0.50 higher rate raising it from $14.25 to                                                $14.75 per month per year of service ($2.7 million).

 

NOTE: The attached spreadsheet lists school systems alphabetically.  The figures show the actual funds your school system(s) will receive because of initiatives we placed into the budget.  I encourage you to share this information with your neighbors.

 

System	Earnings	Restoration	(Bonds)
Butts	943,959	100,946
Henry	12,514,169	1,177,563	17,430,347
Newton	14,181,450	552,456	8,490,605
Fayette		700,066
Spalding	7,078,716	317,643
Lamar	728,791	71,219	1,518,723
Rockdale	2,591,698	458,149
Clayton	26,822,320	1,489,941	5,465,428
Fulton		2,459,012	21,522,719
Coweta	3,754,230	631,356

 

 

 

 

.  I am honored to be your Representative. I will keep you informed through weekly updates. Your opinions and concerns are important to me and I consider it an honor to serve you at the state capitol and in our district. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7573 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 401, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov

 

 

Final Final wrapup lunsford

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's Weekly Capitol Update

Final Wrap up of session

April 22, 2008

 

In coffee shops, diners, and community meetings, much has been debated about the 2008 Georgia General Assembly session that concluded two week ago.  Some have criticized, some have ballyhooed, some jumped for joy, while others registered indifference.  The reality is that it was a successful session. The question that always begs to be answered is did we get everything done?  (The answer is no we didn’t)   But we did a lot and here are some highlights.  

 

Let’s start first with the fact that we passed a balanced Fiscal Year 2009 budget and amended the 2008 budget in a time when revenue projections for the state have been downsized.  We returned $50 million in austerity cuts to education and we gave teachers, state employees, and law enforcement officers pay increases.  We also funded eight new or expanded libraries, funded Georgia’s first dental school, and additional new community health centers.  Close to 50 hospitals received increased funding for indigent care and set aside $10 million for land conservation.

 

One of the most important bills passed was Senate Bill 342, a bill designed to help alleviate future water problems by developing and expediting the building of additional water reservoirs. 

 

We protected our children by passing Senate Bill 1, a bill that prohibits sex offenders from photographing minor children without parent or guardian consent.  We also passed a bill, S.B. 474, which would provide greater protection for children from sexual predators using the internet to try and lure our children.  We also cracked down on habitual drunk drivers by making their fourth DUI conviction  a felony with the necessary penalties.

 

We helped protect our 2^nd Amendment rights by allowing Georgians licensed to carry concealed weapons in parks, historic sites, recreation areas, wildlife management areas and prohibiting employers from searching employee vehicles and conditioning employment on regulation of firearms.  This was done through House Bill 89.

 

We passed a major reform of our medical care system by passing S.B. 433.  The Certificate of Need reforms relaxed outdated regulations that limited health care options available to Georgia citizens by increasing access and competition.  The bill also allowed for a new state-of-the-art cancer hospital to open within 25 miles of the Atlanta airport.

 

We continued our  effort of bringing transparency to our state government by passing S.B. 300 creating a free, publicly accessible website providing information on state expenditures.  With our efforts to reform the Department of Transportation, we passed two bills that will make them more accountable to the citizens of Georgia.  The first bill, House Bill 1189, will require the Department of Transportation to report on a Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan.  The second bill, S.B. 417, will require DOT to develop and publish benchmarks to provide a time frame for the completion of transportation projects. 

 

We passed House Bill 948 which continues the popular back-to-school sales tax holiday set for July 31 through August 3 and the energy efficient products sales tax holiday set for October 2-5. 

 

We passed H.B. 1019, ( lunsford)  a bill that allows communities to fund new road construction using the newly created Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank.

 

 We created a law in H.B. 1159 9 (lunsford) that will give families a $2,000 tax credit for adopting a child in the Georgia foster care system. We allowed home school or private school children to qualify for the HOPE scholarship as well as military or GED recipients

And many many more issues of local or state wide importance.

 

With these remarkable legislative initiatives passing the General Assembly, with too little fanfare in our media, I think many of us would say that this session was a success.

 

 

In conclusion, it has been my privilege to serve as your state representative carrying your needs and beliefs to our state’s capital.  I am honored to be your public servant. I will keep you informed through weekly updates. Your opinions and concerns are important to me and I consider it an honor to serve you at the state capitol and in our district. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7573 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 401, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov

 

 

 

legislative wrapup lunsford

Under the Gold Dome

State Representative John Lunsford's Weekly Capitol Update

 

April 18, 2008

 

The Georgia General Assembly concluded the business of the state at midnight on Friday, April 4.  Day 40 if viewed from afar would resemble chaos, but up close, was a fairly well orchestrated attempt to pass meaningful legislation.  I will be the first to admit, some very good legislation didn’t make it.  The reasons are many but the reality of the General Assembly is consensus.  It takes a majority to pass legislation in the House and in the Senate and sometimes those bodies, filled with independent thinking men and women, fail to reach a consensus.  But often they do.

 

Some of the highlights from the last day of the session included some very important legislation.  Much of the day was filled with agrees and disagrees, the process where we agree to the modifications or amendments that the Senate has placed on the legislation.  There also was legislation that managed to be debated on the last day after going through the required vetting at the committee level.

 

One of the more important bills debated allowed for more construction of Public Water supply reservoirs.  Senate Bill 342 funds up to 20% of the cost of obtaining permits for and constructing improvements to any dam that was originally constructed or financially assisted by the Natural Resource Conservation Service.  The bill also funds up to 40% of the cost of obtaining a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The bill passed 111-59.

 

We also passed S.B. 406, a bill that strengthens our penalties for dealing in pirated recorded materials.  The bill increases the penalties for reproducing or distributing recorded materials with the first offense of a minimum fine of $500 and up to $25,000.  The second offense would set a minimum fine of $1,000 and requires a minimum of 48 hours of prison, with the third and subsequent offenses with fines at a minimum of $2,000 up to $250,000 and a prison term of two to five years with at least six days served.  The bill passed 143-9.

 

One bill that passed shows the methodical process of passing meaningful legislation is Senate Bill 433.  This bill basically became the culmination of four years of work on the certificate of need (CON) issues for medical providers.  The bill is a compromise measure agreed to by most of the stakeholders and worked out by the legislators who had authored and carried CON legislation.  S.B. 433 includes the unanimous and majority recommendations of the Commission on the Efficacy of Certificate of Need, in addition to, the allowance for a destination cancer hospital within 25 miles of the Atlanta airport.  The bill passed overwhelmingly by a margin of 138-17.

 

We also passed S.B. 474, a bill that will provide greater protection for children with regard to the use of the internet.  The bill establishes parental controls over internet access to children and enhanced the penalties for failing to report certain information      to the Cyber Tip line at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The bill passed 153-1. 

 

We passed a bill that will allow our outdoorsmen and women by lowering the fee for hunting and fishing license renewal so that Georgia residents receive the same financial benefit as non-residents who purchase temporary licenses.  The bill, S.B. 382 passed 162-1.

Last week the Governor signed into law three very important bills each having been worked on for a number of years (CON certificate of need for medical care), (State transportation infrastructure bank) and  a (state wide reservoir plan) .

 

In the Next few weeks, I will provide a recap of the legislative highlights from this year’s Georgia General Assembly. Including what the Governor signs into law and what he veto’s   I will keep you informed through weekly updates. Your opinions and concerns are important to me and I consider it an honor to serve you at the state capitol and in our district. If you would like to reach me, please call me at (404) 656-7573 or write me at: State Rep. John Lunsford, 401, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA  30334 or e-mail me at    john.lunsford@house.ga.gov