James Jan-Feb 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 4
P U B L I S H E R ’ S M ES SAG E
Wel c om e to 2 0 24 . . . an d musings on vita l Georgia issues
A
s James enters its 20th year
with this Legislative Issue, a
highlight of the 160th General Assembly will be Gov. Brian Kemp pushing
for passage of his budget along with
his other priorities. The Republicans
that dominate both legislative chambers also have their agendas, as
do the Democrats. And sometimes
there’s bipartisan consensus. But we
give readers an additional perspective through columns by first-term
legislators writing on their personal
observations: one by Republican Rep.
Matt Reeves and the other by Democrat Rep. Tanya Miller.
One of the governor’s controversial priorities is tort reform. We
present two opposing arguments by
prominent lawyers— one by Tom and
Jon Pope and the other by Jacob E.
Daly. Another bone of contention involves healthcare and Georgia’s complex Certificate of Need law. Again,
we publish two divergent views:
one by Monty Veazey of the Georgia
Alliance of Community Hospitals
and the other by Chris Denson of the
Georgia Public Policy Foundation.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler
Harper has a legislative priority, and
it has serious national security implications. His column alerts us to this
threat, while staff writer Baker Owens writes about the state of Georgia’s largest industry and columnist
Alex Bradford reminds readers that,
as the needs of rural Georgia have
grown, the Farm Bureau promotes
sound agricultural policies while
expanding services for its members.
As for coverage of other legislative issues, politics and business
4
JAMES
information, our sister company
James Magazine Online (formerly
InsiderAdvantage Georgia) employ
writers (including me) working from
an office across from the Capitol.
We’ll especially report on happenings and inside information throughout the General Assembly session.
Subscribe to our daily online business and political news service at
jamesmagazinega.com
Georgia’s energy policy a national model
Ever since I began my journalism
career, I’ve been interested in energy
policy and particularly the importance of electrical reliability. After all,
it is a vital commodity. Without it, civilized life fails, and suffering begins.
That’s why I discuss with Georgia
Power’s new CEO Kim Greene the
company’s focus on maintaining
permanent power and diversifying
energy sources. Her answers underscore that Georgia Power’s approach
avoids the pitfalls of other states that
suffer from rolling electrical blackouts
and other problems. She outlines
the company’s smart approach that
translates into providing reliable and
environmentally responsible energy,
especially with Plant Vogtle’s two
new nuclear units coming online.
Putnam County, education… and politics
James often features regions and
in this issue it’s Putnam County, located halfway between Atlanta and
Augusta and home to Lakes Oconee
and Sinclair. Who better than local
journalist Billy Hobbs to provide
readers a glimpse on happenings in
this beautiful county (with its great
Cuscowilla golf course!) that he well
knows? We also regularly highlight
companies that have a positive
impact on Georgia’s economy and
well-being, so check out the “CEO
Spotlight” on the Southeast Georgia
Health System that serves coastal
Brunswick and St. Marys.
Since education topics are always covered in James, we feature
two outstanding University System
of Georgia institutions. Middle Georgia State University’s Aviation School
Dean Adon Clark writes about a
world-class workforce pipeline that
is developing. Staff writer Cindy Morley looks back on Augusta University’s growth and success attained
under the tenure of soon-to-retire
President Dr. Brooks Keel.
As for politics, every day leading
up to the November 5th presidential
election will be a long roller coaster
ride. Unlike a normal election cycle,
the variables/unknowns this time
are almost limitless. Find out why
columnist and pollster Matt Towery
calls it the “twilight zone” election.
Georgia will be right in the middle
of an epic Republican vs. Democrat
presidential battle, which will also
impact turnout for local, state and
congressional elections.
Space doesn’t permit me to recommend other interesting articles.
However, a final note. Our James
team especially appreciates the support of our growing readership and
advertisers. We wish all a happy and
prosperous 2024!
PHIL KENT CEO & PUBLISHER
JANUA RY/F E B RUA RY 2024