Will Costa, a long time political activist and small business owner, filed today to be a candidate in the March 15 special election to replace Charles Bannister as Chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission. Having decades of political experience, Costa has earned the trust and respect not only of the Libertarian Party of GA, who endorsed his candidacy on Monday night, but also the thousands in Gwinnett who have stood by him and with him in the past, and come out ahead.
Costa is well-versed in the political process, with a good understanding of what it will take to lead Gwinnett through tough economic times.
“There are two things I know and know very well, economics and civic leadership," said Costa, the Libertarian candidate for Labor Commissioner in the November general election. "Gwinnett is projected to see a reduction in revenue and an increase in operating expenses both are a direct result of many elected officials inability or unwillingness to understand the most basic principals of public servitude.”
Costa is well known by many in Gwinnett, as well as much of Metro Atlanta, for his family-owned fresh pasta company that was started in 1983. Costa at a very young age has helped to manage and develop the company. Costa is a graduate of Georgia State University and lives with his family in the Lilburn area.
“I have seen my share of tough economic times, and I have always managed to turn things around. I have made getting the most out of limited resources more of an art form, including leading others on how to do the same," explained Costa, who qualified for the race this morning. "Many times county officials think that leadership is telling people what to do and or just doing it for them.”
Costa asserted that many times County Officials are unwilling to let the cities execute their responsibilities. Costa has identified overlapping services as major sources waste as well as areas where the public is underserved.
“My approach to tackling the budget woes will include working with the cities to streamline services to the people” said Costa. He also added that “the old style of efficient management of duplicate services is not enough we must review the County City relationship!”
Some of Costa’s top priorities, in addition to the budget, will be to reduce gang activity associated with illegal drugs, welfare abuse, illegal immigration and zoning abuse. Costa sees opportunities to improve Gwinnet’s economy by utilizing our logistics infrastructure to attract more commerce.
To learn more about Will Costa's campaign for Chairman of the Gwinnett County Commission, please visit WillCosta.org.
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Thursday, December 9, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Public Invited to SPLOST Review
Gwinnett residents are invited to attend a semi-annual SPLOST Citizen Review Committee meeting to be held Friday, Oct. 29 at 9 a.m. at the new Lawrenceville Police Headquarters located at 300 Jackson Street. Police Chief Randy Johnson will lead a tour of the SPLOST-funded facility following the meeting.
The Joint Citizen Review Committee was formed in 2005. Government officials discuss the progress of current SPLOST-funded projects and provide an independent auditor’s report showing how much money came in and how it was spent.
By state law, local governments must use revenue from the voter-approved sales tax to build specific capital improvements. The funds cannot pay for staff or operating expenses. Gwinnett has had a series of successful SPLOST programs since 1985.
The current SPLOST program runs from April 2009 to March 2014. Officials predict it will raise about $730 million for transportation, parks and recreation, city projects, public safety, courthouse facilities and libraries.
Review committee member Kathryn Willis said, “Our role is to be an oversight committee rather than a decision-making body. We hear about sales tax collections and the status of projects at these meetings and return to our communities to share that information. We recognize that more people are tuned into how their local governments are spending money these days, so we’re inviting anyone who’s interested to attend.”
Gwinnett Treasury Director Rhonda Etheridge said the county’s latest SPLOST-funded projects include the Sugarloaf Parkway extension, Alexander and Rhodes Jordan Parks, the Police Headquarters Annex/E-911 Center and the Hamilton Mill Library.
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The Joint Citizen Review Committee was formed in 2005. Government officials discuss the progress of current SPLOST-funded projects and provide an independent auditor’s report showing how much money came in and how it was spent.
By state law, local governments must use revenue from the voter-approved sales tax to build specific capital improvements. The funds cannot pay for staff or operating expenses. Gwinnett has had a series of successful SPLOST programs since 1985.
The current SPLOST program runs from April 2009 to March 2014. Officials predict it will raise about $730 million for transportation, parks and recreation, city projects, public safety, courthouse facilities and libraries.
Review committee member Kathryn Willis said, “Our role is to be an oversight committee rather than a decision-making body. We hear about sales tax collections and the status of projects at these meetings and return to our communities to share that information. We recognize that more people are tuned into how their local governments are spending money these days, so we’re inviting anyone who’s interested to attend.”
Gwinnett Treasury Director Rhonda Etheridge said the county’s latest SPLOST-funded projects include the Sugarloaf Parkway extension, Alexander and Rhodes Jordan Parks, the Police Headquarters Annex/E-911 Center and the Hamilton Mill Library.
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Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Historic Bus Tour of Gwinnett Set for November 6th
What Gwinnett municipality was originally named Trip? What local city has an entire district listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Come and discover the answers to these questions and other historic tidbits about Gwinnett.
The Gwinnett History Museum, part of the new History & Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, is sponsoring its annual historic bus tour. You are invited to participate in this event on Saturday, November 6, 2010. The bus pulls out at 8:30 am from the Lawrenceville Female Seminary and will travel to the cities and towns of Norcross, Centerville, Grayson and more. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!
Participants will enjoy the comfort of a motor coach bus and be led by knowledgeable tour guides as they ride through the county. Take a step back in time and learn about important events and notable people.
GEHC History & Culture Program Manager Catherine Long states, “This is a great adventure for history buffs who desire to learn more about Gwinnett County’s unique past.”
This full day program costs $15 a person. The tour will end at approximately 4:00 PM. Participants are asked to bring extra money for lunch at a local restaurant during a stop in Norcross. Seats are still available – call 770.822.5178 to make your reservation today.
For more information about this event and the History and Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.
The Gwinnett History Museum, part of the new History & Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, is sponsoring its annual historic bus tour. You are invited to participate in this event on Saturday, November 6, 2010. The bus pulls out at 8:30 am from the Lawrenceville Female Seminary and will travel to the cities and towns of Norcross, Centerville, Grayson and more. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!
Participants will enjoy the comfort of a motor coach bus and be led by knowledgeable tour guides as they ride through the county. Take a step back in time and learn about important events and notable people.
GEHC History & Culture Program Manager Catherine Long states, “This is a great adventure for history buffs who desire to learn more about Gwinnett County’s unique past.”
This full day program costs $15 a person. The tour will end at approximately 4:00 PM. Participants are asked to bring extra money for lunch at a local restaurant during a stop in Norcross. Seats are still available – call 770.822.5178 to make your reservation today.
For more information about this event and the History and Culture Program of the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
George Pierce Park Gets Greenway Link
Construction will begin soon on another piece of the Ivy Creek Greenway trail. Currently one section of the Greenway is already complete and extends from the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center to the Mall of Georgia.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved trail construction within George Pierce Park that will connect the city’s Suwanee Creek Greenway to the existing multi-use trails in the county park. There will be a trailhead near the adult softball parking lot with benches and signage, almost a mile of paved, multi-purpose trail with retaining walls, and 1,850 feet of boardwalk with scenic overlooks. New concrete steps near the lower parking area for the soccer fields will connect to an existing gravel trail.
District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “I’m excited that we are able to move forward with another phase of this long-planned recreation project with funding from the 2005 SPLOST program. This trail is an excellent example of coordination between the city and the County to connect greenways that our citizens will enjoy using.”
JD James, Inc., submitted the low bid for the trail project at $1.02 million.
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Commissioners on Tuesday approved trail construction within George Pierce Park that will connect the city’s Suwanee Creek Greenway to the existing multi-use trails in the county park. There will be a trailhead near the adult softball parking lot with benches and signage, almost a mile of paved, multi-purpose trail with retaining walls, and 1,850 feet of boardwalk with scenic overlooks. New concrete steps near the lower parking area for the soccer fields will connect to an existing gravel trail.
District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “I’m excited that we are able to move forward with another phase of this long-planned recreation project with funding from the 2005 SPLOST program. This trail is an excellent example of coordination between the city and the County to connect greenways that our citizens will enjoy using.”
JD James, Inc., submitted the low bid for the trail project at $1.02 million.
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Community News You Can Use
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Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Gwinnett 2011 Budget Process is Underway
Six Gwinnett residents will serve on the Chairman’s budget review committee to help set priorities and seek ways to prioritize spending in county government operations and capital improvement plans. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister announced the six members on Tuesday, saying he increased the number from two in previous years in response to rising public interest.
The committee members are: Sam Brownlee, retired Fulton County Administrator; attorney Dan King of King and Spalding; attorney Michael Levengood of McKenna Long and Aldridge; Laurie McClain, a CPA with McClain & Company, PC; Southern Company’s Herman Pennamon; and Wayne Sikes, Gwinnett Hospital System board member. Both Brownlee and Sikes are veterans of the budget review committee while the four newest members all served on the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee for the future of Gwinnett.
Each County department and agency will present its business plan including needed financial resources to Bannister, his review committee and designated County staff on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The County will videotape those presentations and make them available to the public on its government access cable TV channel and on demand anytime through the website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.
“We intend to present a preliminary budget to the Board on Nov. 16, and I will publish my proposed 2011 budget by Dec.1,” Bannister said. The Board traditionally adopts the final budget in early January.
Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos noted that the 2011 process will continue to provide a great opportunity to align resources with prioritized services. Decreases in revenues for the County continue to be anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The County’s 2010 budget totals $1.56 billion after revisions that were due to a $31 million revenue shortfall.
“As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we'll mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations,” said Bannister. “We must maintain existing assets before we can expand services.”
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The committee members are: Sam Brownlee, retired Fulton County Administrator; attorney Dan King of King and Spalding; attorney Michael Levengood of McKenna Long and Aldridge; Laurie McClain, a CPA with McClain & Company, PC; Southern Company’s Herman Pennamon; and Wayne Sikes, Gwinnett Hospital System board member. Both Brownlee and Sikes are veterans of the budget review committee while the four newest members all served on the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee for the future of Gwinnett.
Each County department and agency will present its business plan including needed financial resources to Bannister, his review committee and designated County staff on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The County will videotape those presentations and make them available to the public on its government access cable TV channel and on demand anytime through the website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.
“We intend to present a preliminary budget to the Board on Nov. 16, and I will publish my proposed 2011 budget by Dec.1,” Bannister said. The Board traditionally adopts the final budget in early January.
Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos noted that the 2011 process will continue to provide a great opportunity to align resources with prioritized services. Decreases in revenues for the County continue to be anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The County’s 2010 budget totals $1.56 billion after revisions that were due to a $31 million revenue shortfall.
“As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we'll mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations,” said Bannister. “We must maintain existing assets before we can expand services.”
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Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
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Friday, September 10, 2010
GEHC Selected to Participate in Whole Foods Market 5% Day
Shoppers at John’s Creek/Duluth Store Will Support GEHC on September 14th
Did you know that you can make a difference at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) when you purchase your cereal, produce and other groceries at Whole Foods Market in John’s Creek/Duluth?
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been selected to participate in Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day Giving Program.
By shopping at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, five percent of the store’s total pre-tax sales for the day will go to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
“All of us at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center are so excited to partner with Whole Foods Market. This very generous donation will assist the Center in promoting environmental education and sharing knowledge of sustainability,” said Jason West, Director of Development for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
Through its education programs, the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center reaches more than 40,000 students in its efforts to inspire and engage them in solving tomorrow’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices and new technologies.
“Whole Foods Market 5% Day is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in the local community. Our focus is to support innovative groups that strive to make the world a better place,” said Kubeshni Moodley, Marketing Team Leader at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market.
“Our friends at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center share our vision of a better world and work to educate the public about ways they can make a difference in the environment, “added Moodley.
West encourages all GEHC supporters and friends to shop at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on September 14th. Program specialists from GEHC will be at the store with activities for families.
“I want the GEHC to be well represented that day, so invite all of your neighbors and friends to shop. The more shoppers, the more of a donation to environmental awareness,” said West.
For directions to the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/StoreLocations.php?storeabbr=DUL
The store is located at 5495 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097. Store hours are 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.
About the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation. The Center provides an opportunity for more than 40,000 students and 25,000 community members annually to participate in interpretive, hands-on field studies and community based educational programming. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for its various educational programs and exhibits.
Did you know that you can make a difference at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) when you purchase your cereal, produce and other groceries at Whole Foods Market in John’s Creek/Duluth?
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been selected to participate in Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day Giving Program.
By shopping at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, five percent of the store’s total pre-tax sales for the day will go to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
“All of us at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center are so excited to partner with Whole Foods Market. This very generous donation will assist the Center in promoting environmental education and sharing knowledge of sustainability,” said Jason West, Director of Development for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
Through its education programs, the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center reaches more than 40,000 students in its efforts to inspire and engage them in solving tomorrow’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices and new technologies.
“Whole Foods Market 5% Day is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in the local community. Our focus is to support innovative groups that strive to make the world a better place,” said Kubeshni Moodley, Marketing Team Leader at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market.
“Our friends at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center share our vision of a better world and work to educate the public about ways they can make a difference in the environment, “added Moodley.
West encourages all GEHC supporters and friends to shop at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on September 14th. Program specialists from GEHC will be at the store with activities for families.
“I want the GEHC to be well represented that day, so invite all of your neighbors and friends to shop. The more shoppers, the more of a donation to environmental awareness,” said West.
For directions to the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/StoreLocations.php?storeabbr=DUL
The store is located at 5495 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097. Store hours are 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.
About the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation. The Center provides an opportunity for more than 40,000 students and 25,000 community members annually to participate in interpretive, hands-on field studies and community based educational programming. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for its various educational programs and exhibits.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
County Establishes Commute Resource Program
Gwinnett officials held a press conference for Department of Transportation’s GC Smart Commute program on Aug. 24. The program provides a resource for Gwinnett residents to view live traffic feeds of heavily-traveled intersections and corridors to plan their daily commute. Speakers included Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Director Brian Allen.
Live feeds show real-time traffic looped for 12 heavily-used intersections and corridors in Gwinnett County during peak hours of commuter traffic; 16 intersections are shown during off-peak hours. GC Smart Commute is currently available for citizens 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett through Gwinnett government access cable channels, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Chairman Bannister said, “This program is a great resource for Gwinnett commuters and is a step in the right direction toward reducing traffic jams and congestion in the county.”
Cameras were installed to monitor arterial and corridor traffic flow for real-time adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center. Approximately 100 cameras are currently operating with a total of 145 expected to be operating within the next year.
The Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) and Traffic Control Center enhancements were funded through the 2001 and 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Gwinnett County installs, maintains and operates all cameras.
Residents can share ideas about GC Smart Commute by calling 770.822.7400 or e-mailing dotcommunityrelations@gwinnettcounty.com.
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Live feeds show real-time traffic looped for 12 heavily-used intersections and corridors in Gwinnett County during peak hours of commuter traffic; 16 intersections are shown during off-peak hours. GC Smart Commute is currently available for citizens 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett through Gwinnett government access cable channels, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Chairman Bannister said, “This program is a great resource for Gwinnett commuters and is a step in the right direction toward reducing traffic jams and congestion in the county.”
Cameras were installed to monitor arterial and corridor traffic flow for real-time adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center. Approximately 100 cameras are currently operating with a total of 145 expected to be operating within the next year.
The Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) and Traffic Control Center enhancements were funded through the 2001 and 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Gwinnett County installs, maintains and operates all cameras.
Residents can share ideas about GC Smart Commute by calling 770.822.7400 or e-mailing dotcommunityrelations@gwinnettcounty.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
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Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
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