http://www.gmanet.com/Feed.aspx?type=Rss20&method=Category&title=Viewpoints&descr=Viewpoints&criteria=ac57834d-55e3-dd11-8885-001635adf132ViewpointsFri, 24 May 2013 12:48:28 GMTen-ushttp://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=81469http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=81469 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:53:00 GMT The city of Brookhaven, after opening city hall and starting operations on Monday, December 17, 2012, reached the 100th day Tuesday, March 26, 2013—a historical milestone.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=81468http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=81468 Tue, 07 May 2013 18:38:00 GMTThis month, I am giving this space over to Susan Starr, wife of Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. Susan is the official ambassador for the Foundation and has been an enthusiastic participant in the “Heart and Soul” Bus Tour since its inception. Following the most recent bus tour, Susan reflected on the rehab of small downtowns that have no foundation money or big industry to help them bring back their downtowns. What she says is eloquent, from the heart, and better stated than I could ever hope to be.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=80446http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=80446 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:44:00 GMTWhen Adairsville Mayor Evan King got a call from City Manager Pat Crook saying the city had been hit bad by a tornado, he immediately realized that residents would be looking to their local elected officials to lead the response and long-term recovery efforts. So, he took time off from his full-time job to help his community cope with the crisis. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=80444http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=80444 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:28:00 GMTSince GMA started nearly 80 years ago, when then Atlanta Mayor James Key organized 56 cities to band together to fight to protect their revenue sources from state intrusion, cities have shown that they are stronger together as one voice than speaking individually. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=79442http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=79442 Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:32:00 GMTWhat are we doing as city officials to listen and learn from our taxpayers? Are we talking to the newspaper publisher on a regular basis to see what they need to be successful? What about the pharmacist? What about the attorneys? Most importantly, what about the average citizen that purchases water and sewer and want to live in a nice, peaceful neighborhood? ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78567http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78567 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:00:00 GMTAs Congress and the president wrestle with solving the so-called fiscal cliff crisis, one particular issue should be of serious concern to local and middle-class taxpayers. The suggestion to remove the tax-exempt status on municipal bonds isn't getting a lot of attention. But it should, because — if passed — it will not only raise taxes on middle-class families but slow local job growth and stymie the building of needed public infrastructure. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78566http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78566 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:51:00 GMTA cap on the exemption of tax-exempt interest would have the effect of increasing borrowing costs for state and local governments. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78565http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78565 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:53:00 GMTLast week, I wrote about the terrific partnership DOT has enjoyed with America's mayors. Readers might recall that throughout the past four years, DOT has also put a great deal of emphasis on regional partnerships where state, county and municipal leaders come together for a common purpose. Well, this morning I had the pleasure of acknowledging mayors and regional partnerships at the Georgia Municipal Association Mayors' Day Conference in Atlanta. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78561http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78561 Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:49:00 GMTThe key to not being overwhelmed by “change” is to understand, believe in and focus our energies on the future, but it's a balancing act. We must understand our past without wasting time and energy wishing for its return. We must deal with realities of the here and now. And just more than believing in a better future, we must create the vision for that future. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78041http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=78041 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:33:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal delivered his State of the State address on January 17, 2013. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=77600http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=77600 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:54:00 GMTA new year brings with it the opportunity to start fresh and new, to set goals and plans of action to achieve those goals. I know many of you have likely made resolutions for your personal and professional lives, and I wish you great success in your endeavors. However, I’d also like to challenge you to add a GMA resolution to your new year’s plans. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=77601http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=77601 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:00:00 GMTIn an election year that’s heavily focused on jobs and the economy, one of the few things both parties seem to agree on is that the nation’s community colleges have a key role to play in developing the higher-skilled workforce that’s needed to keep the U.S. competitive. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76282http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76282 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:49:00 GMTOne of the things I’m focusing on in my year as GMA president is our smaller cities, not at the expense of our larger cities, of course, but to acknowledge their unique role in creating the places people call home. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76285http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76285 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:02:00 GMT“Don’t let a good crisis go to waste,” artfully coined by Rahm Emmanuel while he was the White House Chief of Staff, has become an interesting point of discussion among crisis communications experts and enthusiasts. Is there such thing as a “good crisis?” ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76284http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=76284 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:00:00 GMTIn 2011, a number of fire service leaders came together for a three day workshop to discuss issues, concerns and problems that are facing or may face the Georgia fire services. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=75717http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=75717 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:27:00 GMTThere’s a saying that “nothing is as practical as a good theory.” I’d add to that “a good, simple theory.” So let me share with you a good, simple theory that has helped me endless times in my work with organizations and communities: Change = D x M x P. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=75715http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=75715 Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:18:00 GMTThe old adage says, “there is strength in numbers.” We have certainly found that to be true when it comes to our advocacy, but it is no less true when it comes to providing services and being more efficient. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=74693http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=74693 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:28:00 GMTThe key to a successful platform is when it lets others create something of value. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=74699http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=74699 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:42:00 GMTWhile Gallup and other pollsters have captured America’s increasingly ugly attitude about the way the nation is being governed, pundits and garden variety journalists eagerly careen to conclusions that fail to disentangle opinions about federal, state and local government. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=73829http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=73829 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:24:00 GMTNaturalist John Muir classified Georgia’s state tree, the live oak, as “the most magnificent planted tree I ever saw.” ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=73828http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=73828 Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:16:00 GMTThere are 248 miles between the city halls in Atlanta and Savannah. Along with distance, there are other factors that separate these two cities: There’s the climate, the history, culture, the flora and fauna. But what connects Savannah to Atlanta is stronger than any differences. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72614http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72614 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:15:00 GMTCities provide connections between people. Those people, once connected, spark creativity, innovation and problem solving in one another. That’s the “magic” of cities. And that is exactly what is needed to move our state forward. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72301http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72301 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:03:00 GMTGeorgia’s deepwater ports support 352,146 full- and part-time jobs across the state, up from 295,422 found in a 2009 study. Georgia ports now account for 8.3 percent of total state employment, or one out of 12 jobs. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72299http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=72299 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 18:02:00 GMTAs I write my final column to you, I’m reminded of this quote from James Allen, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71585http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71585 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:26:00 GMTToo often, people are reluctant to make changes for fear of failure, but, in hesitating, they fail their communities. If you want change to come to your city, you have to be willing to change yourself. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71587http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71587 Wed, 09 May 2012 15:20:00 GMTA critical component to enhancing Georgia’s appeal as an attractive state to live, work and play is connectivity.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71586http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=71586 Wed, 09 May 2012 13:10:00 GMTThe Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada provides many valuable services to public-sector finance professionals at the state and local level. Founded in 1906, GFOA has more than 17,000 members who look to it as the gold standard for identifying, developing and communicating leading practices in government management. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=70472http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=70472 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:45:00 GMTOver the last few years GMA has had to spend an inordinate about of time fighting legislation that would impose state level solutions to strictly local issues. This is a significant problem that promotes a “one-size-fits-all” mentality which limits your ability as a local official to address the needs of your city based on local circumstances, now and in the future. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=70473http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=70473 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:51:00 GMTIn the late 1970s, Columbus’ leaders began practicing what I call an “all-in” approach to civic projects. Looked at in one way, it was about public-private partnerships. But it was much bigger than that. It was about every sector doing its part on behalf of big projects – government, nonprofits, business, foundations – and taking responsibility for their success. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=69625http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=69625 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:00:00 GMTThe word leadership is a great term but it seems to have lost its ability to inspire and create passion for doing the right thing. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=69623http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=69623 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:59:00 GMTThe Georgia Grown program provides a powerful new branding tool as well as education, marketing and business connections to expand agribusinesses and the agricultural industry throughout Georgia. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68932http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68932 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:01:00 GMTAs we’ve grown in recent decades in our knowledge of urban economies, street-level planning, city design, the value of diversity, government finance and management, we’ve lost an essential leadership skill – the craft of city politics. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68846http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68846 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:35:00 GMTAsking “what if?” can be risky, but it can also lead to great things. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68545http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68545 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:54:00 GMTSenate Bill 313, the Broadband Investment Equity Act, makes it much more difficult for a city or county to implement a broadband, cable or telecom system, even if such a system is wanted by that jurisdiction’s residents and business interests. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68013http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=68013 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:01:00 GMTFrom reading their obituaries, I've learned three things about why what I call "super-civic leaders" are so succesful. They are strategic, they are willing to put in the time and they are authentic. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67965http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67965 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTGov. Nathan Deal delivered his State of the State Address on January 10, 2012. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67778http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67778 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:54:00 GMTThe greatest asset of GMA is the 70+ dedicated employees who come to work every day dedicated to serving cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67776http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67776 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:46:00 GMTAs Chairman of the House Governmental Affairs committee, I want to provide some insight from my perspective on working with city leaders in the legislative process and the importance of state and city government partnerships. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67772http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67772 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:39:00 GMTAs Chairman of the State and Local Governmental Operations Senate Committee I encourage you to communicate with your legislators in general and the committee members in particular. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67467http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67467 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:01:00 GMTIf you act intelligently and calmly and decisively a crisis can be your finest hour. But wilt under pressure, equivocate, and blame others, and it will be your worst nightmare.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67144http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=67144 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:15:00 GMTToday, after decades of inadequate and inefficient transportation investment, our future economic growth is threatened by crumbling infrastructure and inadequate capacity. We are now challenged to invest in our continued growth and prosperity by maintaining and expanding our state’s transportation network. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=66234http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=66234 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:20:00 GMTFrom its founding rooted in the Great Depression, through remarkable periods of growth …and the emergence and acceleration of technology … to the far-reaching global economic challenges of today, GMA’s institutional foundation has remained solid as a rock. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=66233http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=66233 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:17:00 GMTThe consequences of white-collar crime are equally damaging to, if not more damaging than, the consequences of conventional crime. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65790http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65790 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:01:00 GMTLong before beginning a change process you can strengthen your leadership ability simply by building more relationships. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65219http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65219 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:57:00 GMTLooking back on the past 10 years, the decade I spent at GMA has been one of the best times of my life. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65228http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65228 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:12:00 GMTAs the federal government continues to spin its wheels and state governments keep struggling with lean budgets, cities are starting to experiment with ideas about how to create local, self-sustaining economies. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65222http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=65222 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMTHealthy public sector leadership requires confirming a clear vision through greater civic communication and consensus-building, establishing priorities and policies aimed at achieving that vision, building the right team, aligning the organization and accounting for results. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=64429http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=64429 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:28:00 GMTGeorgia’s city and county leaders are quite capable of stepping up to the plate in order to make difficult decisions. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=64431http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=64431 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:00:00 GMTWhen trying to finish a job faster, adding more tasks to it wouldn’t seem the best approach. Yet, that’s exactly what the Georgia Department of Transportation is doing; and early results are promising. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63938http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63938 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:01:00 GMTAs the context of problems changes, your decision-making process must change with it.]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63451http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63451 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:36:00 GMTIt’s no mystery that funding for parks and recreation has been in danger for years. Across the nation, many state legislatures have significantly slashed designated park funds. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63450http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63450 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:33:00 GMTIn my 30-plus years in state government and a decade at GMA, I have seen the best and the worst in local government leaders, and I can honestly say that the best have far outweighed the worst. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63281http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=63281 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:48:00 GMTPhysicist Geoffrey West has found that simple, mathematical laws govern the properties of cities -- that wealth, crime rate, walking speed and many other aspects of a city can be deduced from a single number: the city's population. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62988http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62988 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:01:00 GMTEvery neighborhood and every community is filled with human, organizational and institutional assets that should be inventoried and harnessed before seeking outside help. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62248http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62248 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMTThere’s no doubt that cities are anchors for Georgia’s economy and powerhouses of opportunity. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62158http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=62158 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:01:00 GMTThe ability to solve problems is the most important power a civic leader can have. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=61715http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=61715 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:24:00 GMTTechnology presents local officials with some of their most challenging decisions—presenting an unstable mix of implementation risks, fluctuating costs and high citizen expectations. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=61662http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=61662 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 18:16:00 GMTThe narrative of cities isn’t about standing still, it is about actively defining our future; the future of not just our communities, but also of our state. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=60783http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=60783 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:47:00 GMTWe were showered with events and activities in April. As busy as we were, each activity leads to positive outcomes for GMA and cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=60781http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=60781 Tue, 03 May 2011 14:44:00 GMTThe current trend of budget cuts, furloughs, eliminating vacant positions and in some cases layoffs, has forced law enforcement agencies to look at more efficient ways to provide services to the communities they serve. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59369http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59369 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:39:00 GMTArticulating a vision for the future is what leadership is all about. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59360http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59360 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:43:00 GMTAs a former Major League Baseball all-star, I’ve long known the value of vision and preparation for the future. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59344http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=59344 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:08:00 GMTCivility and collaboration are two common themes in governance these days, and both are central to the relationship that exists between Georgia cities and counties ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=58397http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=58397 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:12:00 GMTGov. Deal has clearly articulated a range of issues that are important to cities. To successfully confront them will require the leadership, policy development and operational resources of cities and city officials. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=58396http://www.gmanet.com/Viewpoints.aspx?CNID=58396 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:04:00 GMTGMA’s risk management and employee benefit programs are sensitive to the needs of cities participating in the programs. In the tough economic climate facing cities, GMA’s risk management and employee benefit programs have stepped up to financially assist cities]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=55664http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=55664 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:30:00 GMTThe future of Georgia will be based on partnerships and the next governor should embrace cities as the centers of Georgia's economic vitality. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=55247http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=55247 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:30:00 GMTCities can make needed investments in Georgia's future by having a dedicated revenue source for funding local infrastructure projects. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=54816http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=54816 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:30:00 GMTCities are a link to the people of Georgia and the next Governor should tap into that and begin to define the state by the strength and vibrancy of Georgia's cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=54275http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=54275 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:30:00 GMTGeorgia's next Governor needs to build coalitions and provide the vision that will move Georgia beyond the partisan, regional and personal differences that have created gridlock in the state. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=53875http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=53875 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMTThe state needs to provide point of sale information to cities as well as giving cities more flexibility and control in creating economic development incentives for their communities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=53348http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=53348 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMTThe next Governor of Georgia needs to do three things; listen to and work with local officials, address the issue of "two Georgias" and most importantly, work across party lines. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=52847http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=52847 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMTFrom decisions about Georgia's schools to the collection of sales taxes, Georgia's next governor needs to actively collaborate with local leaders. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=52231http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=52231 Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:55:00 GMTWhen in comes to economic development, Georgia's next governor needs to focus on creating a strong relationship between the state and cities. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=50797http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=50797 Tue, 25 May 2010 14:36:00 GMTThe overriding need in the art of moving something from point A to point B boils down to one word with many applications - connectivity. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=49771http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=49771 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:36:00 GMTWe need to spend some time looking at Georgia’s cities and how they can best be positioned to help us move our economy forward. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=48446http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=48446 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:36:00 GMTNo other issue has the ability to affect so much of our economy and our natural environment and resources as does the water issue. ]]>http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=47475http://www.gmanet.com/2010Connection/Commentary.aspx?CNID=47475 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:36:00 GMTThe property tax is the ideal way to raise revenue for local government services. ]]>