The Blog of Columbus, Georgia

22 JUL 08: HASTE MAKES WASTE

Monday's recount didn't change much in the Muscogee County Coroner's race. Bill Thrower still won, but by only 211 votes. Ricky Weeks only came one vote closer from last Tuesday. Oh well -- maybe some rock band will visit the RiverCenter, and need Weeks's EMT skills on tour.

Have you noticed it didn't take long for the signs to change? Only one week after the Georgia primary, campaign signs already are out promoting the November vote. It's almost like the Halloween decorations going on display, right after the school year starts....

One Columbus Council candidate was busy in the last few days, setting up yard signs. Bert Coker is placing them all over town, because he's challenging Skip Henderson for the citywide District 10 seat. In fact, Coker already may have topped his budget for yard signs opposing the one-percent sales tax.

But uh-oh - take a closer look at Bert Coker's campaign signs. There's something missing, that's supposed to be there. It's the fine print about who paid for the sign - but then again, Coker seems to be distrustful of fine print when it comes to city government.

Georgia law states all campaign advertising must mention who paid for it. Paul Olson used to have election-year field days over this detail. He'd file complaints about violators, get his name in the newspaper - and as I recall, more often than not the violating candidate still won.

Paul Olson was the one who taught me this rule about campaign funding fine print, thanks to all the complaints he filed. So I'm a bit surprised I beat Olson, in publicly pointing out the problem with Bert Coker's signs. A violation is a violation, whether we're in July or October. I mean, this is politics -- NOT pro basketball.

Paul Olson and Bert Coker worked together on the unsuccessful drive against the one-percent sales tax. So you'd think Olson would have told Coker about the problem with his illegal personal campaign signs. But then again, maybe that's why the final main speaker against the sales tax was Ed DuBose....

This campaign sign problem is on top of the failure by Bert Coker to file campaign reports with the state for "Be Smart Vote No LOST." But to be fair, a friend pointed out to me Monday that group might not be violating state rules after all. Maybe the No side didn't raise the minimum 101 dollars.

We wanted to ask Bert Coker about his signs, the No side's finances and more - but his line was busy when we called Monday afternoon, and a message Monday night was not returned. Maybe he was too busy preparing a speech for today's Columbus Council meeting, demanding the new sales tax be immediately revoked.

Even if his signs are illegal, Bert Coker's promotional blitz seems to show he's serious about his Columbus Council campaign. Skip Henderson actually might have to do more than coach youth sports teams this fall. He can make billboards, putting his smiling handsome face side-by-side with Coker wearing a cowboy hat.

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E-MAIL UPDATE: Sunday's small effort to set a political campaign straight brought a quick response....

Richard,

I appreciate your constructive criticisms and spell checks, who knows we might even have a cup of coffee together one day.www.marklajoye.com

Perhaps so - but hopefully the write-in candidate for Sheriff won't mind if I order a different drink. I've never been a coffee drinker. And the people who have to drink hot coffee at this time of year are merely proving how addictive it really is.

Speaking of hot things, let's review the Monday talking points....

+ Columbus had its hottest day of the year, with a high of 99 degrees F. It was SO HOT that some members of Fort Benning's Third Brigade turned on air conditioners for the first time since returning from Iraq.

+ The Muscogee County School Board gave final approval to district leadership for the coming months. Dr. Peggy Connell will be "superintendent of the month" for August. Dr. John Phillips returns for September through November. Then December could be offered on eBay, to raise money lost from the expiring school sales tax.

(The school board also voted to demolish the old Rigdon Road Elementary School. There's only one appropriate way to do this - take your time, and tear it down year-round.)

+ The firing of Hurtsboro's Police Chief finally was confirmed in no uncertain terms. A municipal court clerk told WRBL Marvin Christian was "terminated" at the last city council meeting. So why was that so hard for the Mayor to say? It's not like Christian was sent to Alabama's electric chair, after his arrest.

+ Alabama Governor Bob Riley announced a new web site to promote car-pooling by state employees. I can't wait to learn who shares a ride with the Governor - and whether everyone has to be a Republican to ride with him.

+ Yahoo Sports reported Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Childress has been offered a 20-million dollar contract from a team in Greece. If Childress thinks Atlanta basketball fans are tough, just wait - when you're in Greece, you're likely to face a lot of heat.

+ Instant Message to the "Tomato Girl" in the Jay Auto Mall commercial: Have you changed your name, in light of the recent food scare? Should we call you the "Strawberry Girl" now?

In the first half of 2008, our number of unique visitors jumped 23 percent from last year. To advertise to our readers, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post your e-mail comment and offer a reply.

BURKARD BULK MAIL INDEX: 829 (+ 25, 3.1%)

The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author -- not necessarily those of anyone else in Columbus living or dead, and perhaps not even you.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008