Georgia County Government - October 2008 - (Page 12) MATTERS continued from page 11 something deemed “newsworthy” to fi lm. That is certainly understandable since the metro area encompasses some 20 counties and about 200 cities. The Internet provides another mode of news dissemination, from which many people get information, but to equate the blogs and other places where political news is posted as a substitute for traditional journalism does not serve our public well. Voters must have good, accurate information in order to make informed decisions. An argument in the past has been that voting is too difficult and takes too much time. While perhaps this has been true in the past, the State of Georgia has worked to make voting easier. Many people really like the early voting process, but even voting on primary election day didn’t involve long lines since only 20 percent of the voters actually vote. November 2008 will certainly see a lot more turnout, since votes will be cast for President—but still, voters may vote during the week before without the long lines. While the general election vote is certainly important, in many counties the local officials and state legislators are actually chosen in the primary—not the general election. So, why is the turnout so low and what can be done about it? The question isn’t easily answered. It certainly starts with citizens realizing their civic responsibility to cast votes, but before they can vote they have to understand the issues and the choices they have because seldom is anyone’s “perfect” candidate in the race. It is equally challenging for those serving or seeking elective office. Generally, those in office understand the situation that exists and the tools they have to remedy problems, but challengers to incumbents often do not fully understand what they can actually do. Therefore, promises get made that cannot be fulfi lled. We don’t purport to have the answers, but for our society to continue to enjoy the benefits of our representative form of government, we should all begin seeking answers and solutions. ■ “#1 in Renewable Fuel Production in Georgia; a #7 in Agricultural Production” P is located in southwest G ocated Georgia. “Where Industry and Agriculture Meet” finds true meaning and perspective in Mitchell County. Friendly people, cooperative local governments, choice industrial sites, plant financing, available manpower, low taxes, excellent transportation facilities, low commercial utility rates all combine to make Mitchell County a big plus in anyone’s economic considerations. Mitchell County Board of Commissioners BENJAMIN HAYWARD, Chairman REGGIE BOSTICK, Vice Chairman ALTON “Buddy” SNIPES EUGENE “Bo” CURLES KEITH JONES BENNETT W. ADAMS, County Administrator ROBERT C. RICHARDSON, JR., County Attorney SHELIA H. CANNON, Clerk P.O. BOX 187 TELEPHONE 229 / 336-2000 FAX 229 / 336-2003 CAMILLA, GEORGIA 31730 12 GEORGIA COUNTY 392096_MitchellCounty.indd 1 GOVERNMENT 7/18/08 6:13:10 PM 351133_Moreland.indd 1 11/7/07 10:44:14 AM http://www.mitchellcountyga.net http://www.maai.net
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