I enjoy your blog. Thank you for your effort, and keep it up!

Re Jekyll:

Your statement above is premised on the notion that it is acceptable and “good” for the State to use taxmoney to purchase an asset and to control it in perpetuity, as long as the State manages the income produced by the asset in accordance with the highly subjective idea of what is best

“for the sole purpose of beautifying, improving, developing, enlarging, maintaining, administering, managing, and promoting Jekyll Island State Park at the lowest rates reasonable and possible for the benefit of the people of the State of Georgia”

I am sure that as an attorney you can appreciate the fact that the above passage is just about as clear as the Jekyll mud, and that no two persons will have the same interpretations of that sentence. Yet you presume to know what is “reasonable” and “beneficial” for everyone else in the State who has been forced through taxation into funding Jekyll. But your ideal utilizes force, which is the ultimate and defining tool of the State.

I believe that the most moral and efficient solution to the controversy over Jekyll would be through the simple excercise of freedom: Sell Jekyll. Sell it outright. Fee simple. Let it be at least subject to the same legal restrictions as any other piece of earth. Return the proceeds from the sale to the taxpayers from whence they were taken. (yes this has practical problems but they should be dealt with and overcome by the State) Only then will the property be put to its highest and best use. Only then will the property become less of a political football to be kicked about by State politicians. Only then will Jekyll truly be subject to the long term stewardship that comes with the real ownership of something.

The people do not own Jekyll Island, in my opinion. The State owns it. The State is not the same thing as “the people”, it is a certain finite group of folks. The State is predominately a collection of persons that are only temporary owners of Jekyll- they have a shorter time horizon, one which is dictated by the election process. They must tend to make use of the resource “now” as opposed to later- because there may not be any “later”, if one loses his power through the political process. This inevitably tends to result in short-sighted management, as opposed to the longer view that comes with real ownership.

Now the practical side of selling off Jekyll warrants a whole nother long discussion– how much, how soon, what terms, etc etc.

Comments?

ps legal question: Why was a letter of condemnation used in the purchase of Jekyll by the State?

VOTE ANNA WILLIAMS BULLARD!!!

I have been a friend to the Bullards and Williams family for about 7 years. I have watched Naoh and Anna raise three beautiful girls and be advocates for change in Toombs County. As I have read the blog, listened to debates, and watched the election closely, I have been reminded of something worth mentioning about Mrs Bullard. Many bloggers have mentioned the fact that Anna has a child who was diagnosed with autism, but there has been no mention of the actual action she took after discovering the news.

Like any parents who find out that their child is autistic, the Bullards knew it wasn’t going to be an easy road. But instead of denying the facts or sulking with self pity, they both stood strong together and started taking the necessary action to aid in their child’s welfare. For months they did tons of research on autism, visited many doctors and specialists, and looked for effective educational programs. Shortly after, they discovered a successful education program for autistic children, ABA therapy (Applied Behavioral Analysis). Since Savannah was the closest place that offered ABA training for autistic children, for a year Mrs. Bullard and her three daughters lived in Savannah during the week and drove back on the weekends. This was quite a sacrifice for the Bullards, but they wanted what was best for their little girl. While Ava was going through the program is was remarkable how quickly she advanced. First, she began talking, something that she might not be able to do without proper training, and then she began socializing with others, something that autistic children struggle with the most. Her improvement was astonishing.

Because they saw how effective ABA therepy was for Ava, they decided to try and bring it into the Toombs County System. This was not an easy task. Mrs. Bullard had to go to many different people in order for this to happen. I believe that it was during this process, that she saw a need for someone to give parents a voice in the school system. But before the ABA training was able to come into play into the system, Mrs. Bullard took action herself to help other parents with autistic children. She started an Autistic Awareness group in Toombs County. It has been meeting once a month for about a year now. She has helped many parents who thought there was no hope for their child.

I personally attended the first Autistic Awareness meeting held by Mrs. Bullard. One of my autistic student’s mom was present. After hearing Anna’s testimony, the mom was able to relate to her story in many ways and was in tears. They were tears of hope, not tears of sadness, but of HOPE. Tears she had not cried in quite some time. Warmed by these mothers’ thoughts, I was moved myself, and knew that helping children in anyway possible was what I wanted to do with my life.

This story proves that Mrs. Bullard won’t just stop at helping her own children, but all children in the Toombs County System. It proves that she has endured hardships, found answers, and brought them back to her community. This story proves that Mrs. Bullard is determined to make Toombs County the best it can be. I have heard her say quite often that the Toombs County System should have the advantages that bigger cities schools, such as in Savannah and Atlanta, offer students. I agree whole heartedly.

I am in contact with the Bullards quite often, and I can say that all three of her girls are extremely unique, respectful, and a pleasure to be around. Even at young ages, it is obvious that these girls are “gifted” in many different ways. As a teacher, when children are this successful, we know that we can point fingers at the success of the parents.

I have spoken with Mrs. Bullard concerning some issues at our school, and she is always quick to listen and then quick to think of ways to improve situations. She has told me numerous times that she wants our voices as teachers, staff, and parents to be heard. Aren’t we the ones who are involved in the lives of these students?

Mrs. Bullard’s actions has not only made a difference within the community, but it has personally changed my outlook on being a teacher and one day a mom. This is a woman of influence. A woman and mom who would not only serve well on our school board, but one who would be a good influence to others in the community. Even though she is young, she is bold and committed to Toombs County. This scripture comes to mind when thinking about Mrs. Bullard. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12)

As of now there are no moms or women on the Toombs County School Board, only men. To an average person this might not be a big deal, but to an educator it is, simply because the majority of teachers and staff in the Toombs County schools are women and moms. And usually, it is the moms who come to PTO meetings, conferences, school lunches, and other school related functions. It is then obvious that there should be at least one Mom who has a strong voice and who can help make important decisions that effect our entire school system. What a better mom than Mrs. Anna Bullard. Go and vote Tuesday, December 2nd for Anna Bullard as your School Board Representative.

VOTE ANNA WILLIAMS BULLARD!!!