James Jan-Feb 2024 web - Flipbook - Page 7
In December the U.S. House of Representatives passed a
resolution condemning anti-Semitism, which saw a sharp
uptick as tensions arose when war broke out after Hamas
terrorists attacked Israel. The final tally was 311 in favor, 14
opposed, and 92 voting “present,” including three Georgia
Democrats: Reps. Hank Johnson of Lithonia, Lucy McBath of Marietta and Nikema Williams of Atlanta. Democrats in opposition (or sitting out the vote) said voicing
support for the Jewish people was just an attempt to be
divisive. Those three Georgia representatives, who have
caused divisions within their own party, are Drifting . . .
The battle over a proposed titanium mine adjacent to the
Okefenokee Swamp in south Georgia continues, with the
latest round of action taking place in board rooms of major companies around the state. Opponents of the mine
are drawing up shareholder proposals to send to executives of companies like Home Depot, Sherwin-Williams
and material manufacturer Chemours seeking promises
not to buy raw materials from the Twin Pines mine. They
hope that will weaken the mining company’s case as it
continues to seek the permits it needs to begin construction. The latest salvo has the mine’s future Drifting . . .
Atlanta has officially made it in the foody scene. The
Michelin Guide has made its rounds of the city, honoring a
smattering of Atlanta restaurants and awarding five a coveted Michelin Star. Atlas, Bacchanalia, Hayakawa, Lazy
Betty and Mujo all received a star apiece, putting them
among the most celebrated restaurants nationwide (or
even worldwide). Forty-five restaurants total were included
in the guide under various categories. Congratulations to
the winners— and good luck getting a table! RISING . . .
Some observers thought Savannah Mayor Van Johnson
could be at risk of an upset heading into his re-election bid. Instead, he and his allies pulled off an election
night sweep. Johnson defeated Kesha Gibson-Carter, his
former nemesis on the City Council, by 57 percent— and
five incumbent Johnson supporters on the Council easily won re-election. That sets Johnson up with political
control over his second term and as a potential contender for higher office down the road. The Savannah Democrat’s political star is RISING . . .
Controversy swirls around Chatham District Attorney
Shalena Cook Jones after ethics complaints were filed
against her alleging she had not filed campaign contribution or financial disclosure forms since her 2020
election. The latest violations come after a federal judge
reprimanded the DA for attempting to evade a deposition in a sexual discrimination lawsuit in which she is a
defendant. Not to mention that a whopping 25 assistant
district attorneys have left Cook Jones’ office during her
tenure. Even with all that baggage, Cook Jones says she
plans to run for re-election in 2024. But her odds of winning are Sinking . . .
Elections for the state’s five-member Public Service
Commission have been on hold for over a year following lawsuits alleging that its statewide election system
diluted black voting strength in violation of the federal
Voting Rights Act. However, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court
of Appeals has upheld Georgia’s current system, agreeing with the state’s argument that a statewide PSC is
needed to avoid conflicts between districts that would
go against the interests of the state as a whole. That
clears the way to finally hold elections in 2024 and has
the utility oversight PSC RISING . . .
Constituents of the City of South Fulton were confused
when they found Mayor Khalid Kamau’s office closed
“in solidarity with the people of Palestine.” Kamau said
in a social media post he was closing the office for a day
to push for “the establishment of a Palestinian nation.”
The mayor, who calls himself a “Christian Socialist,” is no
stranger to controversy. His City Council called for his resignation after he was caught recording private meetings,
and he was arrested for criminal trespassing in a separate
incident. Kamau’s reputation continues Sinking . . .
Gov. Brian Kemp’s office undergoes staff changes with
Chief of Staff Trey Kilpatrick moving on to become Georgia Power’s senior vice president of external affairs starting in mid-January. Lauren Curry, formerly Kemp’s deputy
chief of staff, steps up to become the first permanent chief
of staff for a governor in Georgia history. Brad Bohannon,
director of government affairs and policy, fills Curry’s
current position. Kudos to all three, but especially Curry as
her record-setting promotion has her ship RISING . . .
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