October, 2008

A Note from Mike

Hello, Everyone:

Fall is a busy season, but I wanted to take a few minutes to get this newsletter out to you. On the Commission, we've been working on several projects that will affect District 3 residents. First, we will hold the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hamilton Mill Library on October 21st at 3PM. The new library will be at 3690 Braselton Highway in Dacula, next to the new Duncan Creek Park. If you're in the Hamilton Mill area, feel free to stop by and participate in the ceremonies.

We also recently approved an agreement with the Evermore CID at the state DOT that will provide for realigning the intersection of Old Highway 78 and Walton Court. This project, along with the removal of the reversible lanes and widening of US 78 will improve the traffic flow along the busy corridor.

The Commission has begun to review the proposed 2030 Unified Plan, which will guide development policies in the county for the next 20 years. We'll hold a public hearing on November 18th on that plan. In December, I'll participate in the Board's annual retreat, where commissioners discuss the upcoming year, and share ideas for improving the county in the future. For example, last year, I proposed a "Paws for Seniors" program, which has now been implemented as you can see in the article below.

While I appreciate all the support you provided in the Primary Election back in July, I still must face a Democratic candidate in the November election. I know many of you kept my yard sign from the Primary, and now is the time to put it back out in your yard. If you need a sign, you can use my volunteer form on my website to let me know, and we'll get one out to you as soon as possible. The county is going to face some challenges in the next four years, and I will do my best to represent you, focusing on the key county responsibilities of public safety, transportation, parks and recreation and growth management.

Record turnouts are expected for the election. Below, I've provided some information on how to avoid long lines on election day, including absentee ballots and advance voting. Remember, your vote counts.

I am always interested in the opinions of District 3 residents. If you have any concerns you think I should know about, come by one of my "Meetings with Mike," (see the schedule below), contact me by email at mike .beaudreau@gwinnettcounty.com, or call my office at 770-822-7003. I hope to hear from you soon.

Mike

With Long Lines at the Polls, Think About Voting Early

Just in case you haven’t been paying attention, there is an election coming up on November 4th.  In addition to choosing a President, voters will have the opportunity to choose a Georgia Senator, State Representatives and Senators, County Commissioners and local offices.  Here in Gwinnett, I am up for reelection in Commission District 3. In addition, voters will have the opportunity to decide on constitutional amendments affecting development and tax allocation districts.  Gwinnett voters will decide whether to renew the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

I’m not going to tell you how to vote.  Instead, I encourage you to examine the candidates and the issues, and make an informed decision when you enter the voting booth. Instead, I would like to remind you of some things that can make voting easier for you this year.

Secretary of State Karen Handel has estimated that 80-85% of registered voters will go to the polls this year.  That means up to four million Georgians will cast a ballot across the state.  It also means that there is a good chance of long lines and delays on Election Day.  One way to avoid the problem is to vote early.  Gwinnett voters can go the county’s Election Headquarters at the corner of SR 20 and Gwinnett Drive from 9AM-4:30 PM, Monday-Friday through October 31.  For the week of October 27th, there will also be four satellite offices open for voters, including the Centerville Community Center and the Dacula Activity Building. 

Whether you vote early or decide to wait until Election Day, don’t forget to bring some sort of photo ID to the polls. If you forget your ID, you will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, and will need to bring ID to the elections office in order for your vote to count.  If you prefer, you can request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you by going to the county’s website and completing the online application.  Absentee ballots must be returned by 7 PM on Election Day.

Residents of Lawrenceville and Loganville have the opportunity to vote twice this year: on the national and state races, and for city elections.  Keep in mind that you will need to go to the Rock Gym precinct on Main Street in Loganville or City Hall in Lawrenceville to vote in the city elections, in addition to your regular polling place.

Here’s another tip:  You can print out a sample ballot prior to going to the polls.  In Gwinnett, you can print a customized ballot that contains only the races you will vote in based on your address by going to the county website. Making your choice using the sample ballot will save time for everyone, and you can bring the ballot in with you when you vote.

Animal Shelter Announces Paws for Seniors

My wife and I love animals.  We have adopted several abandoned cats that have become part of our family, and we support efforts to rescue unwanted pets and find them good homes.  That’s why I’m proud of the improvements Gwinnett County has made over the last few years with our animal shelter and its programs.

Last year, the shelter moved from cramped quarters on Hi-Hope Road to a beautiful new facility at 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, near Briscoe Field. The new shelter is twice as large as the old one, and offers more room to hold dogs, cats and even horses. The new shelter was paid for through SPLOST funding.

The shelter has made it easier for residents to adopt pets by increasing the number of hours it is open.  You can find a new pet or come to look for your lost pet from 10AM – 8PM on Tuesday and Thursday, and 10AM -4PM on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Last fall, I proposed that the county’s Animal Welfare and Senior Services departments work together to make it easier for seniors to adopt pets.  There are two benefits to this program: seniors have a better quality of life when they own a pet, and the adoption of pets by seniors will reduce the number of unwanted animals at the shelter.

The new “Paws for Seniors” program went into effect on May 1st.  It allows any senior citizen 55 and older to adopt a pet from the shelter by paying only a reduced $30 veterinarian charge, which covers having the animal microchipped for identification, spayed or neutered, and brought up to date with vaccinations.  This program can reduce the cost of adopting an animal by up to two thirds.

Each year, the shelter takes in about 15,000 stray or abandoned animals.  About a third of them are returned to their owners, adopted or taken by animal rescue organizations. The adoption of a pet from the shelter can literally save its life.

If you qualify for the Paws for Seniors program—or even if you don’t—I encourage you to stop by the animal shelter and consider adopting a pet.  You can see some of the dogs and cats that are currently available by visiting www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com, and you can get any questions you have answered by calling 770-339-3200.

Meetings with Mike Fall Schedule

Despite the hectic fall season, "Meetings with Mike" continue on the second Saturday of each month, providing an opportunity for District 3 residents to have a private discussion with their commissioner in his office. If you have a have a question about or an issue with the county or its government, you are welcome to share it with Mike.

In November, Mike will have office hours from 10 AM until noon on the 8th. In December, Meetings with Mike will be held on the 13th. Meetings don't require appointments, and are first-come first served.

Note: Dates for Meetings with Mike may change. Check www.MikeBeaudreau.com for late revisions.

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