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Our speaker,Mary Margaret Oliver was introduced by Judy Turner. Mary Margaret was a member of our club for 10 years and has practiced law in downtown Decatur for 25 years. She is a Democrat and now represents District 83 in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Commenting on Mr. Obama's communications skills and charisma, Mary Margaret noted that he has a "skill set" of leadership, much like that of a businessman. A campaign is like a temporary business, she said; Mr. Obama raised $750 million and had tens of thousand of "employees." When he closed his "business," he promised each of them their salary through November and health insurance until the end of the year.
She quoted Ted Turner's statement that college graduate today needs aworld view. In the l952 election, 95% of voters were Caucasian; in 2008, only 74% were. And for the first time, there were more voters under 30 than over 65.
Mary Margaret does not entirely trust exit polls, but she quoted one which showed that 6% of voters made over $200,000 annually; of these, a majority the poll said, voted for Obama.
She then addressed the State Budget. In 2007, preparing for the 2008 budget, the Budget Office projected a 4.5% growth. Obviously the unforseen market crash made that impossible. The budget was $20 billion; revenue is now estimated at $l8 billion. To make up the shortfall would take, in 2009, an $8.4 revenue growth; instead, a 2.6% decrease seems likely. Obviously, there must be some painful cuts. If state taxes are not to be raised, local cities and counties will have to make up the difference if essential services are to be continued.
She then addressed the State Budget. In 2007, preparing for the 2008 budget, the Budget Office projected a 4.5% growth. Obviously the unforseen market crash made that impossible. The budget was $20 billion; revenue is now estimated at $l8 billion. To make up the shortfall would take, in 2009, an $8.4 revenue growth; instead, a 2.6% decrease seems likely. Obviously, there must be some painful cuts. If state taxes are not to be raised, local cities and counties will have to make up the difference if essential services are to be continued.
At the close of her talk, Mary Margaret asked for questions and comments. Two were pithy. Sheriff Thomas Brown urged expansion of the State Crime Lab, to be funded by abolition of the State Patrol. John Adams, Jr., admitting he was part of the "evil 6%," said he would prefer to spread the wealth around by creating jobs in his small business.
Before gaveling the meeting closed, President Mark presented the DeKalb Library with a book on Mary Margaret Oliver's behalf: Pearls, Politics, and Power - How Woman Can Win and Lead.
Reported By Frank Matthews
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