Friends,
On this Mother's Day weekend,
this AJC article focuses on a real policy debate----how do we best protect abandoned babies and their desperate, frightened mothers. I've been part of this debate and it is an example of how I want to continue to contribute to public service as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.
How can we do better for the most desperate mother, and for the most vulnerable baby left by a park bench? Some only want to blame her, point their finger, and talk about personal responsibility.
In our state, premature birth and teenage pregnancy rates have been stagnant, and represent a real challenge. I want to do more to protect the babies, and their mothers, and I know you in House District 82 agree. Thank you for your support.
Please note these current news and legislative stories, and allow me to update you on our campaign for re-election to HD 82! Early voting has started: PLEASE VOTE FOR ME BEFORE OR ON MAY 24-THANK YOU!
-Mary Margaret
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You can vote NOW for MMO!
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Two convenient locations for HD 82 residents to Vote Early:
Polls are open at 4380 Memorial Drive only:
Monday - Friday, May 2-20, 7 AM - 7 PM
Saturday, May 14, 9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday, May 15 Noon - 4 PM
Polls are open at 330 W. Ponce de Leon only:
Monday - Friday, May 16 - 20, 7 AM - 7 PM
Note: You must go to your assigned precinct on ELECTION DAY- May 24th
You can find your precinct through the Secretary of State's
My Voter Page
.
Let's keep Mary Margaret Oliver working for us!
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Share the issues that matter most to you with your State Representative & your neighbors:
Wednesday, May 11th, 6:30 to 8pm
Home of Pam Woodley & Perry Mitchell
Saturday, May 14th, 1:00 to 2:30pm
Home of Matt & Susan Caseman
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| In the News, Belcher interviews MMO |
This week I was interviewed by Channel 2's Richard Belcher on the ongoing debate about legislative changes for the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC).
A constitutional amendment will be on the ballot in November, and if the voters approve, a new Judicial Qualifications Commission will be created January 1, 2017. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Wendell Willard led the effort for reform and I was one of his cosponsors, at his request. I've heard concerns from many judges about JCQ activities over the years. Complaints particularly have been voiced about the tape recording of judges without their knowledge, the lack of written notification to judges of written or anonymous complaints, the lack of a written complaint or investigative files, and the management and storage of files in a secretary's home, with very limited back up files also being kept in a private home. The prior Executive Director was replaced, and a new Executive Director inherited a serious conflict within the Commission, and arguably a lack of basic substantive due process procedures.
The new bill requires rules of transparency and other procedural safeguards to be approved by the Supreme Court, as other proposed court rules are required. The new proposal will also create a new Commission with a different method of appointments. The Supreme Court will appoint two judges, the Governor will appoint the Chair, who must be a State Bar lawyer, the Speaker of the House and Lt Gov will appoint two lawyers from a list of 10 individuals submitted by the State Bar, and two citizen members. The complete bill is HB 808 and the Constitutional Amendment is HR 1113. The former appointment process granted the State Bar three direct appointments to the Commission without having to provide a list of possible appointees. The debate and political process over JQC was contentious and difficult, but change is in order for the essential and important work on the JQC to go forward. The intention of this legislation is to create a fair and credible process for removing judges from office that the public, lawyers and judges respect.
This may be too much information or too little, but I am happy to talk to you if you have questions about the JQC or any other bill or issue. Call me anytime at my law office,
404-377-0485,
or email me at
[email protected]
.
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The Democratic Primary election is Tuesday, May 24th.
There is no Republican challenger, so whoever wins the Primary will be YOUR next House Representative.
Low turn-out is expected so we need all the help we can get to keep MMO working for us.
- volunteer,
- request a yard sign, or
- get your t-shirt to show your support in your neighborhood!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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