Government for its Citizens
Conflict of Interest: Selective Silence and the Public’s Right to Know – Part 26*
LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: This particular article speaks to the decision-making outgrowth of leaders with known conflicts of interest, and related conflict of interest issues. This is an ongoing series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials and their employees.…
Read MoreRemembering Hurricane Helene By Representative James Burchett (176th District)
As we recognize the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, I have been reflecting on the tremendous damage and loss we endured. Our land and property will never fully recover in our lifetime, and my prayers continue to be with the families who lost loved ones during the storm. Even in the midst of over $5…
Read MoreLanier County to Hold Called Meeting on Property Tax Digest, Oct. 8 – Invites Public Input | Condado de Lanier celebrará reunión especial sobre el Digest de Impuestos a la Propiedad el 8 de octubre – Invita a la participación pública
Public Notice of Lanier County Commissioners’ Called Meeting October 8 By Carol A. Gasser Moore | LAKELAND, Ga. — The Lanier County Board of Commissioners has announced a special meeting for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., to review the county’s property tax digest and five-year history of assessments and valuations. The session will…
Read MoreConflict of Interest Watch: How the Pentagon’s new reporter “pledge” could reshape transparency in Georgia—especially South Georgia – Part 25 | Vigilancia de Conflictos de Interés: Cómo la nueva “promesa” para reporteros del Pentágono podría remodelar la transparencia en Georgia—especialmente en el sur del estado
LANIER COUNTY NEWS SPECIAL REPORT EDITOR’S NOTE: This particular article speaks to the decision making outgrowth of leaders with known conflicts of interest. This is an ongoing series examining ethics and governance in Lanier County. The series spotlights potential and actual conflicts of interest involving elected officials and their employees. By Carol A. Gasser Moore…
Read MoreBetrayed by Trust: Housing Funds Stolen from the Vulnerable | Traición a la confianza: fondos destinados a los más vulnerables robados |
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | PALATKA, Fla. — In a case that strikes at the heart of public trust, a former Palatka Housing Authority (PHA) employee has admitted to diverting more than $155,000 in federal housing funds into a shell company he secretly controlled. The plea of Thomas B. Hoffman, 45, came on September…
Read MoreSavvy Senior Financial Wellness Event Coming to Lanier Technical College on Oct. 22 | Evento de Bienestar Financiero “Savvy Senior” llegará a Lanier Technical College el 22 de octubre
CUMMING, Ga. — Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger will host a financial empowerment seminar for older adults on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at the Lanier Technical College Conference Center in Cumming. The half-day event, branded “Savvy Senior: Empower Your Financial Wellness Journey,” runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is free and open to…
Read MoreGeoff Duncan Outlines Small Business Plan During Macon Campaign Stop |
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | MACON, Ga. — Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, now running for governor as a Democrat, brought his campaign to Macon on Friday, September 19, where he highlighted proposals aimed at boosting small business growth and making Georgia more affordable for working families. Speaking at Anderson’s Diner, Duncan outlined…
Read MoreKeeping our Communities Strong and Prosperous, By Representative James Burchett (176th District)
As your State Representative, I am committed to working with our communities to address the challenges we face, from our neighborhoods here at home to the broader issues affecting our nation. I believe in a Georgia that stands as a beacon of opportunity and a place where our values are upheld. At the heart…
Read MoreAn Update from Congressman Austin Scott
September 22, 2025 Dear Georgian, Last week, the House of Representatives passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government funded and operational until November 21st, while Congress continues to work through the remaining appropriation bills. This legislation is a clean CR without political gamesmanship and most importantly avoids a government shutdown at the end…
Read MoreNew DOJ Proposal Aims to Outlaw “Chemical or Surgical Mutilation” of Children — What Georgia Residents Should Know
By Carol A. Gasser Moore | WASHINGTON D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice officially sent a legislative proposal to Congress titled the Victims of Chemical or Surgical Mutilation Act (VCSMA). Spearheaded by Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), the bill aims to prohibit healthcare providers—like doctors, clinics, or hospitals—from offering…
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