Hot Topics in Georgia Politics

Nathan Deal once again finds himself in the media's cross hairs over financial issues. Today's frenzy is over the revelation that Deal's son-in-law's recent bankruptcy is actually the second time he has sought financial relief from the courts. This brings to light an important question: Should elected officials be accountable for the actions of all family members - including in-laws?

I fully recognize the connection between Deal and his son-in-law's bankruptcy in this case. Deal personally lent financial support to his daughter and son-in-law for a business venture. That venture failed. However, had the Deal children borrowed money from a bank, rather than Dad, would the bank be judged on the couple's failed business?

Deal has assured the public he will not file bankruptcy personally and intends to pay all his financial obligations. His own home is up for sale and in jeopardy of foreclosure.

Deal's situation is familiar to many Georgians who find themselves in financial predicaments they never anticipated or expected. Whether that commiseration will translate to votes for or against Deal will not become evident until November 2.

Name Change for Medical College of Georgia

As college expenses continue to rise for Georgia's parents and the HOPE scholarship teeters on the brink of jeopardy, Georgia's Board of Regents has deemed this the appropriate time to spend nearly $3 million to change the name of the Medical College of Georgia to Georgia's Health Sciences University.

I experienced a branding effort when the Tampa Tribune adopted "Life. Printed Daily." Rebranding is not an inexpensive endeavor. Everything from marquees to business cards and notepads has to be redesigned and reprinted. The proposed $2.9 million budget is intended to change signage and printed materials. It does not include costs for "communicating and promoting the new name," according to the college's website.

This year my incoming freshman daughter was hit with a $350 per semester increase over last year's tuition (compared to a $61 increase in 2009). The website further states that "Georgia's health sciences university" has been the college's tagline for 20 years. Perhaps tuition costs should be the Board's primary concern, and an expensive rebranding could have waited another year or two.

Let Every Vote Count - Including the Troops

On May 27, Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law House Bill 1073, which allows electronic requests and receipts of ballots by uniformed and overseas voters. The bill put the onus on the State Election Board to create rules and procedures to enact this measure.

Last Saturday, military personnel stationed overseas were to receive electronic notification that absentee ballots are now available for download from a secure website.

In a press release, Secretary of State Brian Kemp stated, "One ballot cast by a member of our military that is not counted due to slow mail service or a missed deadline is one too many."

Well said, but, while Georgia has taken a step in the right direction, it does not complete the process. While the issue of lost mail has been addressed in the delivery of the blank ballot, military personnel must still complete the ballot and mail it back to their home county's election office. The opportunity for lost or misdirected mail still exists in the return process.

Every American's vote should count, including all military personnel. The system should insure that the ballots not only go out securely but are returned securely.

Sources: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Nathan Deal Conference Call to Local Media

GHSU Naming Initiative

Georgia Secretary of State website