Brian Vanderhoff's North Fulton Real Estate Blog: December 2007

More than 3 million people will have to wait until February to get their tax refunds because of Congress' late fix to the alternative minimum tax, the IRS said Thursday.

Congress put a one-year freeze on growth of the alternative minimum tax last week, shielding many middle- and upper-middle income taxpayers from first exposure to the tax. But Congress' late action means the IRS won't be able to start processing five AMT-related forms until February, delaying potential refunds for those people until that month.

Between 3 million and 4 million people filed in January of last year using those forms, with many of those people expecting a refund, the IRS said.

The average refund in 2007 was $2,324, the agency said.

Labels: IRS, Tax Refund, Taxes

Iowa could make or break a Democratic candidate on Thursday. The question is, who?

While the state has long played a key role in choosing the Democratic presidential nominee, it has unparalleled influence this year, even after several larger states moved up their contests to try and muscle in. Those efforts have done little more than compress the calendar into a five-week sprint that ends with the multistate primary Feb. 5 -- strengthening Iowa's position as the leadoff caucus state rather than diminishing it.

Even New Hampshire, which holds the first primary of the season, has seen its once-mighty position diminished somewhat by Iowa's outsized role this time.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards are locked in a tight three-way contest in Iowa just days before voters attend their precinct caucuses on Thursday. And while all three have strong organizations in other early states, the best laid plans in those places could come apart depending on what happens in Iowa.

Only Obama and Clinton have raised enough campaign cash to be sure of being competitive through Feb. 5 and beyond. Edwards has agreed to accept federal matching funds, which will constrain the amount of money he is allowed to spend in each state.

Trailing in the polls, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd have also concentrated nearly all their resources in Iowa in hopes of scoring an upset.

The impact of unexpected news events, such as the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, may further complicate a fluid situation.

Here's a look at what to expect in the next several weeks:

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IOWA -- Jan 3 (45 pledged delegates)

All six major Democratic candidates will blitz the state before next Thursday's caucuses. Hundreds of staff and volunteers from each campaign will flood likely caucus goers with mail, visits and phone calls. The television airwaves have been saturated for weeks with advertising.

Clinton, who has struggled in Iowa despite leading the field in national and most other state polls, has the most riding on the outcome here. A win could fuel a wave of momentum for the former first lady, while a loss, particularly to Obama, would shatter the notion of inevitability she has tried to project.

The New York senator is barnstorming the state and has deployed dozens of surrogates including her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Her closing argument -- "It's time to pick a president" -- underscores her central message: A candidate like Obama may inspire and move voters, but Clinton is the best prepared to actually do the job.

Obama and Edwards are competing to be the strongest "anti-Clinton" candidate in the field. Both are promising to bring fundamental change to Washington.

Edwards' base of support lies with caucus goers who were with him when he ran for president in 2004. Obama and Clinton are competing for newcomers -- hers are mostly older and female, his are younger and male.

Spending by outside groups has added a new dimension to the contest. EMILY'S List, AFSCME and the American Federation of Teachers are coordinating to boost Clinton through mail, TV and phone banks, while Edwards is receiving assistance from labor-backed groups headed by his 2004 campaign manager.

Obama has called on Edwards to ask the groups to cease their work in Iowa, and privately Obama's advisers fret that he is being hurt by the influx of spending on the other candidates' behalf.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Jan. 8 (22 pledged delegates)

The candidates are reinforcing their organizations in New Hampshire to prepare for whatever verdict Iowa delivers.

The Clinton campaign, which had long counted on the state to be its firewall in the event of a less-than-stellar Iowa showing, has scrambled as her lead here has all but evaporated. The situation was further roiled when a prominent New Hampshire supporter, Bill Shaheen, stepped down as a campaign co-chairman after raising concerns about Obama's teenage drug use.

But Clinton has strong ties to the state thanks to her husband's 1992 and 1996 campaigns. Her organization numbers several hundred staff and volunteers in New Hampshire, methodically working phones and canvassing.

Obama strategists say the key to victory in the state lies with independents who can vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary and who polls show strongly oppose the Iraq war. The campaign is counting on a strong showing among these voters but is targeting traditional Democrats as well, making about 20,000 calls a night.

The Edwards campaign says it has four times the staff in New Hampshire that he had in 2004, when he finished a disappointing fourth. The campaign says its volunteers have knocked on 235,000 doors in the state, where 220,000 people voted in the primary four years ago.

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MICHIGAN -- Jan. 15 (128 pledged delegates; national party says the state will lose them all)

The Democratic candidates have agreed not to compete in Michigan because the state moved the date of its primary in violation of party rules. The Democratic National Committee has penalized the state by stripping all its delegates, but the eventual nominee may choose to restore the delegates prior to the convention next August.

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NEVADA -- Jan. 19 (25 pledged delegates)

Nevada will be the first state with delegates at stake after the New Hampshire primary and could play an important role if the race is still competitive coming out of Northeast.

While party leaders estimate only about 40,000 voters will take part in Nevada's caucuses, all the major candidates have spent considerable resources here in hopes of securing a win among a Western, heavily Hispanic electorate.

The campaigns are all counting on momentum and strong organization to fuel their efforts here. The candidates are basing their organization on an Iowa caucus model, building relationships precinct by precinct.

Richardson has spent more time here than any other candidate, hoping to parlay his Hispanic heritage and proximity as governor of neighboring New Mexico into a strong showing.

All the campaigns are vigorously competing for the backing of the Culinary Union, which represents some 60,000 service workers along the Las Vegas strip. The union will announce an endorsement in early January.

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SOUTH CAROLINA -- Jan. 26 (45 pledged delegates)

The three top-tier candidates have grounds to lay claim to South Carolina -- Obama and Clinton because of their popularity among black voters, Edwards because he was born in the state and won its primary four years ago.

Clinton and Obama have strong organizations in the state and have begun sustained television advertising recently. Both have made a concerted effort to woo black voters, who were 50 percent of primary voters in the state last time; they've run ads on black radio and sought endorsements from community leaders and black legislators.

Edwards has run television ads here since November and has made more campaign visits than Obama or Clinton. Polls show him running a distant third but slowly gaining ground.

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FLORIDA -- Jan. 29 (185 pledged delegates, may be lost)

Like Michigan, Florida has been penalized for moving its primary in violation of party rules. The national party has stripped the state of its delegates, and the candidates have pledged not to campaign in the state, although they have made several fundraising visits.

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MEGA TUESDAY -- Feb. 5 (At least 20 states and 2,075 pledged delegates)

Contests from Connecticut to California on this day could end up determining the Democratic nominee.

Clinton has seen her lead diminish somewhat in California, whose 441 delegates represent the day's largest prize. But the campaign is running generally strong there and is targeting absentee voters who can begin casting ballots Jan. 8.

The campaign is also building organizations in states holding caucuses on Feb. 5, including Minnesota, Colorado and Kansas.

Obama has bolstered efforts in California, and polls show him running strong in Georgia and Missouri. He's strongest in his home state of Illinois, while Clinton is dominant in her home state of New York and in nearby New Jersey.

Labels: Barack Obama, Democratic, Hilary Clinton, John Edwards

Sales of previously owned homes inched up in November but that didn't change the overall bleak picture for an ailing housing industry that has been suffering through a painful slump.

The National Association of Realtors reported Monday that sales of existing single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses rose 0.4 percent in November from October, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5 million units. Over the last 12 months, however, existing home sales have plunged 20 percent, underscoring the troubles in the housing sector.

Economists were calling for sales to either move up slightly or hold steady for November.

Home prices continued to sink.

The median price of a home sold last month was $210,200. That marked a 3.3 percent drop from a year ago. It was the fifth biggest annual decline on record. The median price is where half sell for more and half sell for less.

Sales were mixed across different regions of the country.

Existing home sales jumped 10.3 percent in November from October in the West. They were flat in the Midwest. However, they fell by 2 percent in the South and by 3.3 percent in the Northeast.

The inventory of unsold homes in November was 4.27 million homes. At the current sales pace it would take 10.3 months to exhaust that overhang.

"Inventory is still high and further reduction in prices may be required in some areas to induce buyers back into the market," said the association's chief economist, Lawrence Yun.

A dip in 30-year mortgage rates in November probably helped give nationwide existing home sales the small boost last month, the association suggested. Yun thought the small increase could be taken as a sign that the market might be stabilizing. That said, previous signs of stabilization earlier in the year have been dashed. A credit crunch which took a turn for the worse in the summer has aggravated housing problems.

The housing market has been suffering through a severe slump following five years of record-breaking activity from 2001 through 2005. Sales turned weak as did home prices. The boom-to-bust situation has increased dangers to the economy as a whole and has been especially hard on some homeowners.

Foreclosures have soared to record highs and probably will keep rising. A drop in home prices left some people stuck with balances on their home mortgages that eclipsed the worth of their home. Other home buyers were clobbered as low introductory rates on their mortgages jumped to much higher rates, which they couldn't afford.

Problems in housing are expected to persist well into 2008 -- a major election year.

The housing and mortgage meltdowns have raised the odds that the country will fall into a recession. And, the situation has given Democrats and Republicans-- including those who want to be the next president -- plenty of opportunities to spread blame around.

The economy's growth is expected to have slowed sharply to a pace of just 1.5 percent or less in the final three months of this year. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently warned that the economy is "getting close to stall speed." The big worry is that housing and credit troubles will force individuals to cut back on spending and businesses to cut back on hiring and capital investment, throwing the economy into a tailspin.

To help bolster the economy, the Federal Reserve has sliced a key interest rate three times this year. Its latest rate cut, on Dec. 11, dropped the Fed's key rate to 4.25 percent, a two-year low. Many economists are predicting the Fed will lower rates again when it meets in late January.

On Friday the government reported that new-home sales plunged by 9 percent in November to a pace of 647,000, the lowest in more than 12 years.

The new-home numbers are thought to give a more current account of the health of the housing market because they are recorded when a contract is signed. The existing home figures lag behind because they are based on contract closings, many of which reflect deals negotiated months earlier.

Labels: Alpharetta, Home Sales, homes sellers, Increased Home Sales, Johns Creek, milton, Roswell

Tom Brady was as giddy as the quarterback of an unbeaten and perhaps unbeatable team should be. Had Bill Belichick spotted him slapping the backs of his New England teammates, the dour coach might have scoffed.

After all, a perfect 16-0 regular season won't mean much if the Patriots don't win their next three games and another Super Bowl.

"We've been dealing with being undefeated all season," Brady said Saturday night after the thrilling 38-35 victory over the New York Giants in a game worthy of the NFL's championship showcase. "It was kind of a strange game. It really doesn't mean much to either team, but it means a lot."

New England became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win every game on the schedule, and that one was only 14-0. This victory required a Brady-engineered comeback from a 12-point deficit and smashed the Patriots' league mark for consecutive victories.

"Going undefeated during the regular season is a remarkable achievement," 1972 Dolphins coach Don Shula said. "I know firsthand how difficult it is to win every game, and just as we did in 1972, the Patriots have done a great job concentrating on each week's opponent and not letting any other distractions interrupt that focus. If they go on to complete an undefeated season, I will be the first to congratulate Coach Belichick and the Patriot organization."

Validation of the Patriots' inexorable march through the season can only come by adding a Super Bowl championship. Do that, and there'll be no challenge to their spot at the top.

"Hats off to us," said record-setting receiver Randy Moss, who caught Brady's 65-yard bomb for the go-ahead score that set two major records. "I know a lot of people didn't think we were going to do it. A lot of people didn't want us to do it.

"In this game of football, it's hard to go 16-and-0. As a football player and a fan of the game, my hat's off to this organization."

In gaining their 19th straight win over two seasons, the Patriots went on top on Brady's 50th touchdown pass of the year and Moss' 23rd TD reception. It came with 11:06 remaining.

Brady beat Peyton Manning's mark of 49 touchdown passes and Moss broke Jerry Rice's record of 22 TD receptions. And the Patriots finished with an incredible 589 points for the season, another single-season record.

Once the victory was clinched, Belichick was barely more animated than usual. He shared hugs with players and assistant coaches on the sideline, but there was no thought of carrying him off on the Patriots' shoulders or dumping Gatorade all over him.

That will have to wait for three more wins -- if they come.

"It's a great feeling," Belichick admitted. "Now is the time to take a day or two and appreciate what this team has done, but at the same time we have our biggest game of the year coming up. Pretty soon we need to turn the page and move on."

Who knows, the Patriots might even find the Giants on one of the next pages, especially if Eli Manning again resembles his vaunted older brother.

"We didn't win the game, but if you saw everybody in the locker room, everybody was excited," Manning said. "I never saw a locker room so upbeat after a loss because we played so well, did some good things and hung in there in a game where we didn't have to play. We wanted to. We wanted to come out and play well, and we did that."

The Giants (10-6), already guaranteed a playoff game against Tampa Bay next weekend and with little to play for except spoiling New England's perfect ride, led 28-16 in the third quarter. It was the Patriots' largest deficit all year as the Giants showed no fear and plenty of versatility, scoring the most points New England allowed in a game during this remarkable run.

Manning threw for four touchdowns and Domenik Hixon, in his first game as New York's primary kick returner, went 74 yards for a score 11 seconds after Brady and Moss tied their respective records.

Not to worry. These Patriots are unflappable, and they matched their comebacks in wins over Dallas, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Baltimore earlier in the season. A 73-yard drive ended with Laurence Maroney's 6-yard run to make it 28-23 with 4:00 to go in the third period.

Then came the most familiar of scenes: Brady dropping back, winding up and hitting a wide-open Moss in stride for a touchdown. The final go-ahead TD in their perfect year.

"What I'm most proud of is playing a playoff team on the road that was playing extremely hard," Brady said. "We found a way to come back and win. We did the same thing at Dallas. We did the same thing at Indy. We've been in some tough games.

"Everyone is going to enjoy this one. It happens once every 35 years."

Although many are eager to hail these Patriots as the NFL's all-time best, such acclaim won't come unless they win two playoff games and their fourth Super Bowl this decade. And for those who might deny such greatness considering the "Spygate" scandal, well, 19-0 would speak pretty loudly.

Certainly louder than any postgame celebrations at Giants Stadium, the same building where they were caught videotaping New York Jets assistant coaches in Week 1, a rules violation that cost Belichick and the franchise $750,000 in fines and a 2008 first-round draft choice. That made Belichick even more close-mouthed and dour than usual, and his team followed his lead -- right to 16-0.

The Giants opened the game as if they were, well, the Patriots, driving 74 yards, sparked by a 52-yard completion on which Plaxico Burress outleapt Ellis Hobbs for Manning's jump-ball throw. Brandon Jacobs broke Tedy Bruschi's tackle to score on a 7-yard reception for a 7-0 lead.

Naturally, the Patriots, the highest-scoring team in NFL history, struck back. After Stephen Gostkowski's 37-yard field goal, New England went on top -- and surpassed Minnesota's league mark of 556 points -- on the record-tying 4-yard TD pass from Brady to Moss, who soared above rookie Aaron Ross for the score.

The 10-7 lead lasted all of 11 seconds. The usually staid Patriots gathered around Moss as he did a dance in the end zone, prompting a 15-yard excessive celebration penalty. Belichick argued the call with referee Mike Carey, perhaps sensing how costly it might be.

It was as Hixon sped 74 yards untouched to lift the Giants back in front.

"There is nothing but positives," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "I told the players in playing this game everything would be positives, there would be no negatives and that is how I feel.

"I don't know any better way to be prepared for the playoffs than to go against a team that was 15-0."

Gostkowski kicked two more field goals as the Patriots grabbed a 16-14 lead with 1:59 left in the half.

That's when Manning, coming off several rough games, was at his best, leading a quick 85-yard drive that included a rare scramble for 11 yards just before he found Kevin Boss in the middle of the end zone with 13 seconds remaining. The 21-16 deficit was only the second time New England has trailed at halftime this season; the other was to the older Manning and the Colts.

But with such a potent offense, the Patriots never are out of any game. Once they got the lead, they closed it out with another touchdown drive, Maroney scoring from the 5. Manning hit Burress again from 3 yards with 1:04 to go, but New England recovered the onside kick.

"We're down 10 or 11 (actually 12) in the third quarter, the crowd was into it, and we found a way to win," Brady said. "That's the way it's going to be down the stretch ... just hope we can continue to play this kind of football."

Notes: Brady finished 32-for-42 for 356 yards, while Manning was 22-for-32 for 251 yards and the only interception. ... The other teams to go unbeaten in a season were the 1934 and 1942 Chicago Bears; both lost in the NFL title game. ... New England also set a league mark with 75 touchdowns. ... The Giants lost center Shaun O'Hara, backup safety Craig Dahl and linebacker Kawika Mitchell, all with knee injuries, and cornerback Sam Madison with an abdominal strain.

Labels: Football, Patriots, Perfect Season, Tom Brady

Chris Redman gave the Atlanta Falcons a feel-good
finish to an otherwise ugly season.

Redman set a career high with four touchdown passes, including
two to Alge Crumpler, and the Falcons rode three fourth-quarter
touchdowns to a 44-41 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday that
should give Seattle cause for concern about its defense in the
playoffs.

Seattle, the NFC West champion, allowed the woeful Falcons to
best their previous scoring high by 17 points. The Seahawks had to
wait to learn whom they'll play next week.

The Falcons ended a six-game losing streak, giving interim coach
Emmitt Thomas his first win in three tries. Redman, the third starting quarterback for Atlanta in the post-Michael Vick era, also threw touchdown passes to Joe Horn and Roddy White. He was 17-of-27 for 251 yards with no interceptions.

Warrick Dunn rushed for 70 yards with a 5-yard scoring run and Morten Andersen kicked three field goals for Atlanta.

Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris, who rushed for 91 yards, had
touchdown runs for Seattle. Crumpler's first touchdown catch, a 55-yarder on the first play of the fourth quarter, tied the game at 27-27.

Atlanta (4-12) then made Seattle (10-6) pay for two fourth-quarter turnovers by backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, who played the second half.

Wallace fumbled when hit by Jonathan Babineaux. Defensive tackle
Montavious Stanley recovered to set up a 7-yard touchdown pass from
Redman to Crumpler.

On the first play of Seattle's next possession, Wallace was intercepted by Chris Crocker, who returned the ball 18 yards to the Seahawks' 10. On first down, Roddy White's touchdown catch gave the Falcons a 41-27 lead.


Wallace recovered to throw touchdown passes of 45 and 13 yards
to Nate Burleson .Andersen answered with a 32-yard field goal after the first touchdown pass to Burleson. Burleson's second scoring catch came with 54 seconds left.


White recovered Josh Brown's onside kick to end Seattle's
comeback.Matt Hasselbeck completed 15 of 25 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He was pulled to start the second half
even though the game was tied at 17.


Wallace was 17-of-22 for 206 yards with two touchdowns, one
interception and a fumble.

Labels: Atlanta Falcons, Football, Michael Vick

Carroll County lawmaker feel Georgia's gun laws are too restrictive. They believe Georgians should be allowed to carry concealed weapons in more places than they can now.

Labels: Atlanta, Gun Laws

A rainy end to 2007 spared north Georgia from setting a new record for the driest year ever. Atlanta finally edged over the 1954 record breaking rainfall deficit on Sunday, but is still dealing with exceptional drought conditions. Click on video for more information. Julia Harding reports. SideBar

Labels: Drought, Rain, water, Water Ban

Plant your right foot in the 21st century and your left foot in yesteryear when you journey to Alpharetta, Georgia, to celebrate the holiday season. Perfectly perched between the bustle of Atlanta and the serenity of the North Georgia mountains, the city of Alpharetta will transport you with ease from a comforting Dickensian Christmas scene straight into the most modern of restaurants for gourmet dining and into top-of-the-line spas for soothing body treatments. You might even win an amazing shopping spree.

In the spirit of the season, the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will surprise one lucky shopper with an Awesome Alpharetta Holiday Gift Extravaganza at the city’s top retailers. Last year’s winner received more than $1,500 in gift certificates and merchandise. “Now that’s spreading holiday cheer,” says Alpharetta CVB President Janet Rodgers. During the months of November and December, register at the Alpharetta Welcome Center on Main Street, or go to www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com where you can register until December 27 and learn details about the drawing, which will be held on December 30, 2007. Participating in the holiday promotion, says Rodgers, “provides the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway during the most festive season of the year.”


Come early in the season so that Alpharetta’s myriad of retailers – from national chain stores to independent one-of-a-kind shops – can assist you in finding the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday list. The city is home to a regional mall and small local malls, in addition to a stunning array of boutiques and uniques. Atlanta regional malls are a short drive to the south, North Point Mall is located in the heart of Alpharetta, and the North Georgia Premium Outlets Mall is a short drive to the north.

Try These Local Retailers for a Taste of Trendy and Traditional:

TURNING HOMES INTO CASTLES

Trendy - MAC (Mainstreet Art Company). Contemporary gifts, modern jewelry, original art. Downtown Alpharetta. www.mainstreetartco.com

Traditional - Queen of Hearts Antique Mall. 130 dealers. Main Street.

THOSE LITTLE EXTRAS

Trendy - Parsons of Alpharetta. Stocks those Brighton accessories you love. North Point Parkway. www.parsonsgifts.com/LadiesAccessories.Brighton

Traditional - The Cannery. Accessories for your home and for you, too. Love country chic decor? Find it here. Downtown Alpharetta.

WELL, HELLO DOLLIES

Trendy - American Girl Boutique and Bistro. Yes, this is the home of those charming dolls that little girls love. Eat brunch, lunch or dinner at the Bistro. North Point Mall. www.northpointmall.com

Traditional - Jack & Jill Children’s Boutique. Dress your little Jack or Jill in top-of-the-line duds. Main Street. www.upthehill.com

CLOTHES MAKE THE WOMAN (AND MAN)

Trendy - Galerie. Designer apparel for women and men. Buy PeaceLoveMom clothing here. Main Street.

Traditional - Ann Taylor. Classic women’s clothes. North Point Mall (see above) and North Georgia Premium Outlets on Georgia 400 north of Alpharetta.

KISS THE COOK

Trendy – The Publix Apron’s Cooking School. Learn to create “Edible Ornaments” and “Pastabilities” everyone will love. http://www.publix.com/aprons/schools/CookingSchools.do

Traditional – Kroger Cooking School; Whole Foods Market Salud! Cooking and Lifestyle School. Cook your way into everyone’s heart. http://www.kroger.com/mykroger/atl/cookingschool.htm; www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

When you grow weary after a day of making gift decisions and toting shopping bags full of holiday prizes, indulge yourself with a Swedish massage, salt glow exfoliation or a makeup application at one of several Alpharetta spas. Then, before you snuggle in for the night at one of Alpharetta’s first-class hotels – ask about special holiday rates – satisfy your appetite with your cuisine of choice because Alpharetta has it all -- from gourmet specialties to Southern cooking and family favorites. No need to drive into Atlanta to dine because unbeatable choices abound in Alpharetta.

For more information call the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau toll-free (800) 294-0923, locally (678) 297-0102; or visit. www.AwesomeAlpharetta.com.

The Alpharetta CVB would like to extend a tremendous thank you to all the merchants participating in the holiday giveaway: Armistead, Clayton CameraCraft Photography, Courtyard Marriott, Couture Consigner, Doubletree Hotel Atlanta/Alpharetta/Windward, Embassy Suites Hotel-Northpoint, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Galerie, Hampton Inn & Suites Alpharetta, Hilton Garden Inn North Point, Holiday Inn Express Alpharetta, Homewood Suites, Hyatt Place Alpharetta/Windward, Loafing Leprechaun, Mainstreet Art Company, The Original Pancake House, Publix, The Reading Tree, Residence Inn by Marriott Alpharetta North Point Mall, Sage Woodfire Tavern, Smokejack BBQ, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Village Tavern, Vino 100.

Labels: Alpharetta, North Fulton, Trendy

WASHINGTON -- Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve, suggested Sunday that a tax break or other government financial help for homeowners facing the mortgage crunch would be the best political fix for the economy.

He cautioned against meddling with home prices or interest rates to address the housing problem.

Greenspan did not specifically call for a tax cut. Instead, he called for the government to apply money to the severe housing market slump. Such a cash infusion would typically come through a tax break or a new government spending program.

"Cash is available and we should use that in larger amounts, as is necessary, to solve the problems of the stress of this," Greenspan said during an appearance on ABC's "This Week."

Separately, Greenspan said he is concerned about signs of a resurgence of inflation.

"Core inflation is up. Wholesale prices had their highest increase I think in a generation. That raises the specter of stagflation again," said Greenspan, referring to a simultaneous stagnant economy and upward pressure on prices.

He said the Federal Reserve should "do what it has to do to suppress the inflation rates that I see emerging, not immediately, but clearly over the intermediate and longer term period."

Greenspan said a large number of people are in major financial stress, even when they've tried exceptionally hard to make their monthly mortgage payment. But some political solutions would only prolong their agony, he said.

"It's far less damaging to the economy to create a short-term fiscal problem, which we would, than to try to fix the prices of homes or interest rates. If you do that, it'll drag this process out indefinitely," said Greenspan, referring to his preference for a cash infusion to help homeowners.

Greenspan ran the central bank for more than 18 years. He has been criticized by some for keeping interest rates too low for too long after the 2001 recession.

He said -- as he did earlier in the week in another interview -- that he agrees with some experts who see prospects for a recession at about 50-50.

"Whether it's above or below (50 percent) is really extraordinarily difficult to tell," Greenspan said.

Greenspan said the key lesson the economy has provided lawmakers over the last 20 years is that inflation must be suppressed for sustained economic growth to occur

Labels: Financial Aid, Greenspan, Homeowners, Mortgage Rates

Atlanta Motor Speedway will be busier than ever in 2008 hosting several new large events in addition to an already full schedule. Highlighting the 2008 event schedule is the return of two Sprint Cup races in March and October, as well as several first-time events at AMS. Below is a schedule of the major events taking place this year. Updated calendar information can be found at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

February 16 – 17: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

March 7: Georgia Power Qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the American Commercial Lines 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race
The world's top drivers converge on the fastest NASCAR track on the circuit for a full weekend of speed and pageantry.
2007 Pole Winner: Ryan Newman, 193.124 mph
2007 Craftsman Truck Winner: Mike Skinner, 105.739 mph

March 8: Nicorette 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race
Three hundred miles of grueling, side by side stock car racing. Immediately following the NASCAR action, the stars of tomorrow will compete in Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous "Thunder Ring" quarter-mile oval.
2007 Nicorette 300 Winner: Jeff Burton, 191.080 mph

March 9: Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race
Defending NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway to defend his Atlanta Motor Speedway season sweep of 2007. Johnson won the spring and fall races on his way to a second straight series title. He brings a two race win streak to the track known for its high speeds and close racing action.
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson, 152.915 mph

March 14 – 16: Great American Auction
Automobile dealers from all over Atlanta fill the massive infield of Atlanta Motor Speedway for a weekend of the best automotive deals available. New and used vehicles will be available for sale prices and by auction. Buyers will be allowed to drive their new purchase on the famous high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway.

March 29: Classic Auto Auction & Car Corral
Cars and trucks from all eras will be available to the highest bidder. Classics, customs, restorations and show room vehicles from all over the southeast will venture through the auction line. This event is the east coast version of the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions seen on ESPN and Speed TV.


April 18 – 20: Southeastern RV SuperShow and Outdoor Camping Extravaganza
The southeast's largest display of RV's including motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, van campers and toy haulers. Hundreds of units from almost every manufacturer will be available for shopping and comparing. Plus, hundreds of camping vendors, cooking seminars, camping seminars, camping club displays, live entertainment, race car rides and much more. For more information, please visit www.garvshows.com.

May 2 – 3: Mopar Southern Classic
The North Georgia Mopar Club annual car show invades the speedway infield for two days of Mopar muscle. Drag racing, huge swap meet, car show, dyno-competition and vendor display area. For more information, please visit www.northgeorgiamoparclub.com.

May 3: Major League of Monster Trucks
Sixteen of the nation's most prolific monster trucks will compete in high speed races in which these vehicular monsters destroy everything in their path. The race course will be one of the largest areas ever created in monster truck competition with the entire speedway ball field utilized for racing and car crushing action. Some of the monster trucks expected to compete include Bigfoot, Gunslinger, T-Maxx, War Wizard, Madusa, Samson, Avenger and others. Pre-event pit party, driver autographs and more will be offered to fans purchasing tickets. For more information, please visit www.majorleagueofmonstertrucks.com.

May 3 – 4: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

May 30: Street Warriorz National Tour
The Atlanta Motor Speedway drag strip cranks up with the second annual Street Warriorz National Tour. The night includes live music, a huge car show, stereo contest, Street Warriorz bikini contest, plus hundreds of fast cars, cool paint jobs and much more. For more information, please visit www.streetwarriorz.com.

June 5 – August 7: (each Thursday Night): Thursday Thunder Racing Series
Tomorrow's NASCAR stars compete weekly in Legends, Bandoleros and Thunder Roadsters. Family oriented fun in a kid-friendly environment which includes autograph sessions, a rock climbing wall, clowns, face painters, carnival games and more. Nightly special events include church leaders competing in the Faster Pastor race, trivia games, a backwards race, mascot race, trailer race and more. Kids are admitted for just $1 while adults pay only $5.

June 6: Drag Racing & Car Show
Atlanta Motor Speedway opens up for drag racing and a car show. Grudge racing is encouraged on the drag strip where racers compete in heads up racing action. Any car or truck is eligible for competition. Must be 16 years of age to compete (with completed parental consent form) and must wear a helmet. Take the racing off of the streets and into a safe environment at the speedway.

June 13 – 15: 2nd Annual NAPA Southern National Goodguys Rod & Custom Show
The nation's number one producer of car shows brings thousands of hot rods, customs and classic autos and trucks to fill the entire Atlanta Motor Speedway infield. Vehicles produced prior to 1972 will enhance the experience creating an 'American Graffiti' atmosphere. Hundreds of vendors will be displaying in the NASCAR garages. There will also be a model car contest for the adults and a build and take home area for kids. Live entertainment and a full weekend of family fun can be found at the GoodGuys Rod and Custom Show. For more information, please visit www.good-guys.com.

June 20 – August 29: (each Friday Night) Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine Car Show
Local competitors power up for weekly drag racing among several divisions. Everything from full blown dragsters to grandma's grocery-getter will compete in side by side, heads up drag racing along the speedway's pit road eighth-mile drag strip. The Show-N-Shine Car Show offers the not-so-adrenaline powered a chance to show off their rides in the comforts of the NASCAR garage. Race fan car show along pit road, race fan participation and special events make for a great evening at the speedway.

June 28 – 29: DukesFest '08 and a Hazzard County Fair
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the popular 80's television show, "The Dukes of Hazzard" at the annual reunion of the series stars. Join John Schneider (Bo Duke), Tom Wopat (Luke Duke), Catherine Bach (Daisy Duke) and others for autograph sessions, photo sessions and fun. New to the show this year is the Hazzard County Fair, which will include a carnival midway, petting zoo, county fair games, live entertainment, a demo derby, lawn mower races and the Hollywood Stunt Show finale on Sunday. This will be a full weekend of fun and excitement as DukesFest comes home to the area where it was originally filmed. For more information, please visit www.dukesfest.com.

July 3: Thursday Thunder Fireworks Display
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Atlanta area will coincide with Thursday Thunder championship racing.

July 4: Castrol GTX Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine Car Show July 4th Fireworks
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Atlanta area will coincide with the speedway's popular Friday night drag racing event.

July 26 – 27: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

September 20 – 21: 19th Annual NOPI Nationals
The nation's largest compact car show celebrates its 19th birthday this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Nearly 7,000 show vehicles will be on display throughout the speedway infield with hundreds of vendor displays and fan interactives available. National championship competitions will be held in drifting, hydraulics, stereo, swimsuit and burn-out events. National recording acts will also perform live each day of the event. For more information, please visit www.nopinationals.com.

September 28: March of Dimes "Ride to the Speedway'
The annual ride includes a large display of vendors, live entertainment, food and beverage along with the opportunity to ride the high banks of Atlanta Motor Speedway on your motorcycle. Tethered balloon rides, helicopter rides and a motorcycle show will also be available. All proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

October 3 – 5: Super Chevy Weekend
The fastest cars in drag racing will be on hand for an awesome display of power on the pit road drag strip. Nitro funny cars, jet dragsters, alcohol burning rail cars along with some of the fastest cars in the southeast will be competing in three full days of racing at the speedway. The show also brings along some of the nation's leading vendors of high performance parts, hottest display cars and more. Fun for all ages. For more information, please visit www.superchevyshow.com.

October 11: Classic Auto Auction & Car Corral
Cars and trucks from all eras will be available to the highest bidder. Classics, customs, restorations and show room vehicles from all over the southeast will venture through the auction line. This event is the east coast version of the famous Barrett-Jackson Auto Auctions seen on ESPN and Speed TV.

October 24: NASCAR Sprint Cup Qualifying
The world's top drivers converge for the second time in 2008 on the fastest track on the NASCAR circuit for a full weekend of speed and pageantry.
2007 Pole Winner: Greg Biffle, 192.453 mph

October 25: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
One hundred thirty-five laps of grueling, wheel to wheel, fender crunching truck racing. Plus, the stars of tomorrow will compete in Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadsters on Atlanta Motor Speedway's famous "Thunder Ring" quarter-mile oval.
2007 Winner: Kyle Busch, 127.381

October 26: Pep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race
Race Number seven in the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship is a make-or-break event for the best drivers in the world. The 500 mile showdown in Atlanta is a turning point in the final run for the points title.
2007 Winner: Jimmie Johnson 135.26

November 15 – 16: Eastman Gun Show
The southeast's leader in collectible firearms shows moves their popular event to the Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Hundreds of dealers from all over the southeast will display various military, hunting and sporting firearms.

Labels: 2008, AMS, Atlamta, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Nascar, Roush Fenway Racing, Track Schedule

Billboards may be sprouting up left and right in North Fulton after Fulton County narrowly agreed last week to allow 74 soaring signs -- but the cities are vowing keep the outdoor advertisements from going up.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve a proposal that would issue sign permits for 31 billboards in Johns Creek, 15 in Milton, 23 in Sandy Springs, three in Alpharetta and two in south Fulton at its meeting Dec. 5.

The say they did so because they faced a great likelihood of paying damages of $6 million or more, perhaps a lot more.

The history of billboards in the county dates back to 2005, when the Alpharetta-based outdoor advertising company Galberaith and Associates, along with others, challenged the county's sign ordinance in court. Georgia Supreme Court found portions of the county's ordinance unconstitutional earlier this year.

Mediation between the county and companies to settle the case led to the proposal, which would require the county to issue backdated permits instead of paying damages. The county no longer has authority to issue permits within the cities, so the permits would be backdated to the date the companies applied for them, before Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs were incorporated.

"[The billboard companies] were just saying, 'we won't go after you period, and we will indemnify you against anybody else suing you on this issue, if you will issue backdated permits,'" said Commissioner Lynne Riley.

County Attorney Gerry Clark recommended approval of the proposal.

"For Fulton County, it makes economic sense [to approve it]," he said.

Commission chairman John Eaves agreed with Clark, saying the county will see significant savings if it would just issue the permits.

But the county will not issue the permits unless the court approves the proposal.

"I will not ask my constituents to support something that we don't yet know is legal," said Riley.

After the meeting, Riley said that the city attorney could not assure her that backdated permits were supported by law, so there was no way she was going to support it.

Further, Clark told commissioners if the county had declined the deal and companies were awarded damages by the court, the county would have the option to appeal.

"What happened yesterday touches off an incredible amount of litigation, all of which I feel is completely unnecessary because the county could have said, 'Thanks, but no thanks' and then let a court tell us if this is something we have to do," Riley said.

Commissioners Emma Darnell, Robb Pitts and Lynne Riley voted to deny the proposal, while commissioners Eaves, Nancy Boxill, Bill Edwards and Tom Lowe voted to approve the measure.

"I am very disappointed that my colleagues thought it was the most responsible thing to do," Riley said.

However, Lowe said the court has told the county some of its attempts to block billboards was not legal and noted the court told the county to make a deal.

"This was a court-ordered mediation. The meaning was clear. We were going to lose, the court told us so. If we did not make this agreement, then our best legal advice was that we faced paying damages of $6 million. But I think that was a very conservative figure. I think it would have been more like $20 million."

There are nine companies involved in the litigation, and to think that their damages if upheld would be less than $1 million apiece would not be likely, he said.

"To me, [the decision] was a no-brainer from a fiscal point of view. Politically, it is always easier to give folks what they want, but I couldn't in good conscience do it," Lowe said.

Asked if he say any similarity in this case and the library case in which eight women accused the county of discrimination and won what eventually was an $18 million judgement, Lowe said yes. He pointed out that before the trial the case could have been settled for $600,000, and even after the judgment came in could have been settled for a third of the final judgment. But the majority of the commissioners insisted on appealing to the Supreme Court.

After hearing the vote, Johns Creek immediately filed a motion to intervene in the case. According to the city, only Johns Creek has the power to issue sign permits within its borders.

The city also filed the motion because the agreement between Fulton County and the billboard companies "compromises the city's rights because it contains illegal provisions that both parties are asking the judge to give legal status."

Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker said Fulton County has no right to approve the permits within the city's jurisdiction.

"Once again, a majority of Fulton County commissioners chose to throw their citizens to the wolves and abdicate their responsibility to preserve the community's quality of life by failing to deal with their past mistakes," said Bodker.

Bodker said the issue could have been avoided if the commissioners made the necessary changes to the county's sign ordinance that would render it constitutional.

"Instead, they chose to sit on their hands," said Bodker. "Now, as they've done with so many other issues, they have tossed this into our [city's] lap and said 'you deal with it."

Milton Interim City Manager Chris Lagerbloom said Milton officials were not surprised by the Fulton County Commission's move, which was likened to "throwing the North Fulton cities under the bus" by some at City Hall.

"We anticipated it," he said. "And I've already asked the city attorney to file the motion to intervene."

City Attorney Mark Scott said Milton's strategy to combat the billboard vote was to file a three-step motion. First, a temporary restraining order that could keep the billboards out until a permanent judgment is rendered. Second, a permanent injunction against the billboard permits. Third, a declaratory judgment against the vote that would, Scott hopes, result in a judge ruling Fulton County doesn't have the power to give sign permits in the city limits of Milton.

The city attorney said this case with Fulton County is interesting in that it doesn't necessarily challenge the constitutionality of an existing ordinance, as is the norm with billboard court cases.

"This is challenging Fulton County's ability to issue permits retroactively," he said.

And depending on the outcome, Scott said Milton residents could wake up one day and find 672-square-foot billboards up and down Ga. 9. This is in a town where the sign ordinance limits maximum sign size at 120 square feet.

"Worst case scenario is that the companies get the permits and erect the signs immediately," he said. "Then we have to approach it from a code enforcement perspective. That's a nightmare."

Labels: Billboards, Fulton, milton

For those who pass through the Old Alabama Road and Medlock Bridge Road intersection, prepare to dodge a few orange cones and barrels.

In an effort to ease some of the traffic congestion, the Ga. Department of Transportation (GDOT) will make improvements at the heavily-traveled intersection.

The construction, which began Dec. 10, will include various lane closures starting after 9 a.m. daily and ending at 3:30 p.m. to accommodate the paving process. The project, which will cost $106,389, is expected to be completed by Dec. 17.

GDOT crews started grading portions of the intersection in November to add another left turn lane from Old Alabama to Medlock Bridge.

Bryant Poole, district 7 engineer, said drivers should expect delays but also realize the project is a temporary fix in an attempt to provide some relief at the intersection.

"We realize this is not fixing the overall issue of the congested area as a whole, but we are trying to assist at this intersection until we can do further intersection upgrades in other areas, which will be happening soon," said Poole.

GDOT received numerous requests to make safety enhancements to the turning movements at the intersection. GDOT worked with Johns Creek city staff and its residents to coordinate safety enhancements.

In addition to the dual left turn lane, the project includes construction of a concrete pedestrian island on Old Alabama Road.

Katina Lear, communications specialist for GDOT, said there were several concerns from the community about congestion in the area, prompting GDOT to take action.

"We just want the community to know that we hear what they're saying and that we wanted to go ahead and remedy the situation the best we could with the resources we have at the time," said Lear.

According to GDOT, the Old Alabama and Medlock Bridge intersection improvements are not to be confused with the larger proposed Old Alabama widening project, which is in the preliminary stages of design and development.

"I believe these improvements help, but I ask the public to be patient with us as we try to find other solutions, such as intersection improvements at Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road, which [should] break ground early next year in the hopes of providing further traffic relief in this busy area," said Poole.

Labels: DOT, Johns Creek, Old Alabama

Evel Knievel, the red-white-and-blue-spangled motorcycle daredevil whose jumps over crazy obstacles including Greyhound buses, live sharks and Idaho’s Snake River Canyon made him an international icon in the 1970s, died Friday. He was 69.

Knievel’s death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs.

Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills.

Longtime friend and promoter Billy Rundel said Knievel had trouble breathing at his Clearwater condominium and died before an ambulance could get him to a hospital.

“It’s been coming for years, but you just don’t expect it.

Superman just doesn’t die, right?” Rundel said.

Immortalized in the Washington’s Smithsonian Institution as “America’s Legendary Daredevil,” Knievel was best known for a failed 1974 attempt to jump Snake River Canyon on a rocket-powered cycle and a spectacular crash at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. He suffered nearly 40 broken bones before he retired in 1980.

“I think he lived 20 years longer than most people would have” after so many injuries, said his son Kelly Knievel, 47. “I think he willed himself into an extra five or six years.”

Though Knievel dropped off the pop culture radar in the ‘80s, the image of the high-flying motorcyclist clad in patriotic, star-studded colors was never erased from public consciousness. He always had fans and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

His death came just two days after it was announced that he and rapper Kanye West had settled a federal lawsuit over the use of Knievel’s trademarked image in a popular West music video.

Knievel made a good living selling his autographs and endorsing products. Thousands came to Butte, Mont., every year as his legend was celebrated during the “Evel Knievel Days” festival, which Rundel organizes.

“They started out watching me bust my ass, and I became part of their lives,” Knievel said. “People wanted to associate with a winner, not a loser. They wanted to associate with someone who kept trying to be a winner.”

For the tall, thin daredevil, the limelight was always comfortable, the gab glib. To Knievel, there always were mountains to climb, feats to conquer.

“No king or prince has lived a better life,” he said in a May 2006 interview with The Associated Press. “You’re looking at a guy who’s really done it all. And there are things I wish I had done better, not only for me but for the ones I loved.”

He had a knack for outrageous yarns: “Made $60 million, spent 61. ...Lost $250,000 at blackjack once. ... Had $3 million in the bank, though.”

He began his daredevil career in 1965 when he formed a troupe called Evel Knievel’s Motorcycle Daredevils, a touring show in which he performed stunts such as riding through fire walls, jumping over live rattlesnakes and mountain lions and being towed at 200 mph behind dragster race cars.

In 1966 he began touring alone, barnstorming the West and doing everything from driving the trucks, erecting the ramps and promoting the shows. In the beginning he charged $500 for a jump over two cars parked between ramps.

He steadily increased the length of the jumps until, on New Year’s Day 1968, he was nearly killed when he jumped 151 feet across the fountains in front of Caesar’s Palace. He cleared the fountains but the crash landing put him in the hospital in a coma for a month.

His son, Robbie, successfully completed the same jump in April 1989.

In the years after the Caesar’s crash, the fee for Evel’s performances increased to $1 million for his jump over 13 buses at Wembley Stadium in London—the crash landing broke his pelvis—to more than $6 million for the Sept. 8, 1974, attempt to clear the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in a rocket-powered “Skycycle.” The money came from ticket sales, paid sponsors and ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.”

The parachute malfunctioned and deployed after takeoff. Strong winds blew the cycle into the canyon, landing him close to the swirling river below.

On Oct. 25, 1975, he jumped 14 Greyhound buses at Kings Island in Ohio.

Knievel decided to retire after a jump in the winter of 1976 in which he was again seriously injured. He suffered a concussion and broke both arms in an attempt to jump a tank full of live sharks in the Chicago Amphitheater. He continued to do smaller exhibitions around the country with his son, Robbie.

Many of his records have been broken by daredevil motorcyclist Bubba Blackwell.

Knievel also dabbled in movies and TV, starring as himself in “Viva Knievel” and with Lindsay Wagner in an episode of the 1980s TV series “Bionic Woman.” George Hamilton and Sam Elliott each played Knievel in movies about his life.

Evel Knievel toys accounted for more than $300 million in sales for Ideal and other companies in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Born Robert Craig Knievel in the copper mining town of Butte on Oct. 17, 1938, Knievel was raised by his grandparents. He traced his career choice back to the time he saw Joey Chitwood’s Auto Daredevil Show at age 8.

“The phrase one-of-a-kind is often used, but it probably applies best to Bobby Knievel,” said U.S. Rep. Pat Williams, D-Mont., who grew up with Knievel. “He was an amazing athlete... He was sharp as a tack, one of the smartest people I’ve ever known and finally, as the world knows, no one had more guts than Bobby. He was simply unafraid of anything.”

Outstanding in track and field, ski jumping and ice hockey at Butte High School, Knievel went on to win the Northern Rocky Mountain Ski Association Class A Men’s ski jumping championship in 1957 and played with the Charlotte Clippers of the Eastern Hockey League in 1959.

He also formed the Butte Bombers semiprofessional hockey team, acting as owner, manager, coach and player.

Knievel also worked in the Montana copper mines, served in the Army, ran his own hunting guide service, sold insurance and ran Honda motorcycle dealerships. As a motorcycle dealer, he drummed up business by offering $100 off the price of a motorcycle to customers who could beat him at arm wrestling.

At various times and in different interviews, Knievel claimed to have been a swindler, a card thief, a safe cracker, a holdup man.

Evel Knievel married hometown girlfriend, Linda Joan Bork, in 1959. They separated in the early 1990s. They had four children, Kelly, Robbie, Tracey and Alicia.

Robbie Knievel followed in his father’s footsteps as a daredevil, jumping a moving locomotive in a 200-foot, ramp-to-ramp motorcycle stunt on live television in 2000. He also jumped a 200-foot-wide chasm of the Grand Canyon.

Knievel lived with his longtime partner, Krystal Kennedy-Knievel, splitting his time between their Clearwater condo and Butte. They married in 1999 and divorced a few years later but remained together. Knievel had 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Labels: Daredevil, Dies, Evel Knievel, Motorcycle

The Army Corps of Engineers has decided to reduce the flow of water out of Lake Allatoona by 40 percent to 50 percent, according to the general manager of the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority.

The Cobb County Marietta Water authority pulls about 73 million gallons of water each day out of Lake Allatoona. Before the reduction, the authority was within a month of having to lay a mile worth of piping and pumps to be able to continue pumping water. This change may push that decision day until spring.

"It buys us a little more time for our contingency plans for the steps we need to take as the conditions potentially worsen. We are hoping we don't need to," said Glen Page of the Cobb County Marietta Water Authority.

Page said the decision the Corps made Friday is an effort to make sure Allatoona remains a lake. He said officials are committed to making sure the authority can provide water for customers in 2008.

Officially the lake stands at 21 feet below summer pool --or about four feet below it's normal winter pool. Only two of the normal four boat ramps are open, but now authorities say any rains that come should begin to replenish the lake and not simply pass through the dam and southward.

"Hopefully this means the lake will steady for the time being," said Chris Purvis of the Corps of Engineers.

A spokeswoman for the Corps' office in Mobile, Alabama, confirms the reduction but will not say whether the Corps will do the same for Lake Lanier.

Labels: Allatoona, Lake Lanier, Lakes, Water Ban, Water Flow

Former Alpharetta Councilman R.J. Kurey, the only elected official in Georgia ever booted out of office by his peers on the board, now appears to have more serious problems with police in California.

According to police in Fontana, Calif., Kurey is a suspect in what one detective called "a large-dollar check fraud." Police did not want to talk about details of the case until they had Kurey in custody.

Kurey's name came to the attention of Milton police when Fontana detectives sent a request to check out Kurey's last known address, apparently that of a Milton apartment less than a mile from police headquarters. Officers were trying to find Kurey so that they could file for extradition so they contacted police here.

However, Fontana police did not say there was a warrant for his arrest.

Kurey had recently renewed his Georgia driver's license with that address, although acquaintances had reported seeing Kurey in Las Vegas and was reportedly living there now.

The mercurial ex-councilman, who sandwiched two successful campaigns for a council seat between two unsuccessful runs at the mayor's job, was always making headlines in celebrated feuds with fellow council members or in embarrassing peccadilloes involving abuse of franking privileges or verbal abuse of employees. He was finally booted out of office in 1995 for continued misbehavior in and out of office ranging from allegations of sexual harassment, making threats against city employees and fellow council members and allegations he misused public funds for private trips.

He finally dropped his appeal his removal from office by the City Council and dropped from public view. He resurfaced briefly to announce his campaign for the Fulton County Commission at-large seat, but other than send out some solicitations for donations, he did little campaigning and never qualified for the race.

Labels: Alpharetta, Councilman, R J Kurey

Alpharetta Councilman Doug DeRito apologized for using the words "corrupt" and "cancer" while on a radio talk show five days before the election, but he fell short of admitting he was wrong.

City Attorney Sam Thomas reported during Monday's City Council meeting that he found no evidence of corruption by any council member. Councilwoman Debbie Gibson formally asked council to investigate the allegations to clear her name before she leaves council at the end of the year.



'It is my opinion that neither Mrs. Gibson or any other members of council have engaged in any illegal activities.'
Sam Thomas
City Attorney




"I'd like to ask, since Mr. Thomas did his investigation that the council ask Mr. DeRito to put in writing to the local paper an apology to me and to the city," Gibson said.

She handed Mayor Arthur Letchas a draft of such an apology for consideration.

For his part, DeRito offered an apology and an explanation.

"I regret using the word corrupt or cancer. It is not intended to be used toward any member of this council or Ms. Gibson," DeRito said. "I do offer up an apology."

He asked the public and council to listen to the full audio of his segment on the radio show, and to read the full transcript to put his words in context. He brought copies of the transcript and handed them out to Alpharetta residents attending the meeting. DeRito said he did not regret the position he took during the city election.

Thomas said he interviewed DeRito after obtaining a copy of the audio of the Chris Crock radio talk show.

During the radio talk show, DeRito twice mentioned corruption, but it was not directed to anyone or any action. Once he said Gibson's re-election in light of her alleged DUI would "create more cancer and a corrupt government."

The city attorney asked DeRito if he had any knowledge or facts that suggest Gibson or any other council member had engaged in conduct that would indicate corruption. Thomas said DeRito stated he did not.

The city attorney said speculation that federal or local agencies have been investigating anyone on council cannot be confirmed.

"And it is my belief that there are no such investigations," Thomas said.

He spoke to city staff and members of the community, including the development community. He found no evidence of corruption, which matched his own experiences working with Gibson.

"Therefore, it is my opinion that neither Mrs. Gibson or any other members of council have engaged in any illegal activities," he said.

Additional investigation won't be necessary, Thomas said.

Labels: Alpharetta, Councilman, DeRito

The Love Shack has filed its first lawsuit against Johns Creek, naming in the suit specific city staff members for denying the adult business's applications for sign and banner permits.

For months, the only indication of the Love Shack's location at 10950 State Bridge Road has been a relatively small banner above the door. The Love Shack's general manager has been cited on a regular basis for various banners since June 27. The city's sign ordinance says that each day of a violation constitutes a separate offense – the number of violations totaled more than 80 by the end of August.

The Love Shack's petition to Fulton County Superior Court is similar to that filed by a billboard company against the city earlier this year, which if granted in favor of the Love Shack, could force Sam Bishop, senior planner for the city, to give the business a sign permit.

Bishop is named literally because he signed the Aug. 3 denial letter sent to Love Shack owner John Cornetta. Bishop's letter stated it is not "appropriate to issue a sign permit" because Cornetta had been denied a business license for the Love Shack. A second letter was sent the same day denying a banner permit for the same reason.

The Love Shack's petition to Fulton County Superior Court says Bishop's denial is based on "arbitrary criteria" and asks the court to declare that decision as beyond the scope of his power. Neither the city's sign ordinance nor its zoning ordinance states a business license as prerequisite for a sign or banner permit.

The city's sign ordinance states that the community development director shall deny "any application that is incomplete or inaccurate, contains false statements or omissions, or that is for a sign which would violate any standard within [the sign ordinance]."

Cornetta's attorney, Cary Wiggins, states in the petition that the city has acted contrary to the law in denying its sign application because Love Shack meets the criteria of the sign ordinance.

But the city has a different take on that, citing the absence of logic in that argument.

"What's the logic of issuing a sign to a business that does not have a license and is in essence operating illegally," said Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker.

Cornetta said that's not a legal argument. He said it's the mayor and City Council's job to create that law, instead of just saying it.

The Love Shack's lawsuit also asks the court to quash the subsequent denial by the city's Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), and likewise it names the specific board members.

The board denied in October the Love Shack's appeal to reverse the Community Development Department's denial, citing the same reason given by Bishop.

The Love Shack's petition says the BZA did not disclose any "facts or law" to support its decision, and thus the court should reverse it. Wiggins said last month he was not surprised by the board's decision to uphold the denial.

The Superior Court has to hear the case. Neither party can submit further findings or call witnesses during the hearing, and the judge will be confined to only the information on the record produced by the BZA.

"I think it is a fairly narrow question," said Wiggins. "The reason they denied the sign and banner permit are for reasons that appear nowhere in the code. I am comfortable that a court will recognize that."

Lastly, the petition states the denial of the Love Shack's constitutional rights entitles the store to recover lost income, due to the lack of a sign for months, and attorney fees.

"The city treated every other business in Johns Creek that applied at that time as equal citizens and gave them sign permits. For us, they wouldn't. So is there damage? I think so," said Cornetta.

The city must answer the petition within 30 calendar days from Nov. 19, the date the city was served, but is not uncommon for parties to request more time.

Labels: Johns Creek, Love Shack