Tag: news

It’s the day after Election Day – Local edition

November 6, 2024

As I mentioned yesterday, I was closely following the local races.

BIG WIN: The proposed 30 year transit tax was vetoed by a majority of voters.

School Board: The more moderate candidates (both D & R) won in their respective races. Hopefully, this will lessen the political bickering among board members.

Unfortunately, the Commission Chair and Clerk of Superior Court were both re-elected to serve another four years. This means we’ll see the transit tax initiative reappear or the chairwoman will find other ways to force funding for her pet project of bus service to every nook and cranny of the county (even though hardly anyone rides the main routes the transit system now serves). The Clerk of Superior Court screwed things up so bad that a judge had to step in and place a 30 day moratorium on case filings in the county – not once, but twice. These folks were returned to office by the same voters who regularly complain about them. It’s not like they had no other well-qualified options from which to choose, either.

For everything else, we were drawn into all new districts this year to comply with a federal judge’s order to create a majority black Congressional district on the westside of Atlanta. Other than Lucy McBath’s race, all of our candidates ran unopposed. There was zero outreach from any candidate – D or R. Perhaps candidates felt they didn’t need to because there were no opponents in their races? Or not knowing what to do since it was an all new untested district? Who knows? Time will tell. Meh.

From a business perspective:

I expect fees and costs to do business with the county as a resident or business owner to increase. The chairwoman has stated this much in previous media interviews. After all, the county has to pay for services she’s promised to certain constituents.

On a statewide ballot referendum, the personal property exemption for businesses increased to from $6k to $20k, starting January 1st, which I think is good. I’m tempted to upgrade student sewing machines, add more cutting dies and/or invest in a small sublimination printer.

Anyhow, I’m glad the elections are over. The ads, phone calls and texts have finally stopped.

Think I’ll stream my fave sewing shows on YouTube while I piece snowball blocks this rainy afternoon.

Car shopping

June 9, 2024

Over the past couple of weeks, if I haven’t been quilting or participating in therapy dog activities, I’ve been actively researching vehicles online. My current ride is behaving; however, my inner voice has been telling me repeatedly I’d better narrow down my choices sooner rather than later. I tend to pay attention when my inner voice repeats herself.

Anyhow, my mechanic recommended Toyota or Honda (and either of their luxury brands if I want to “play in that tax bracket”). It’s been fun researching and exploring the various options available. I ruled out Lexus and Acura based on premium fuel requirements and overall vehicle costs.

A Toyota RAV4 Limited edition with a gasoline engine was my mechanic’s first choice for me. Second was the Honda CRV EX-L. Both are about the same price with AWD and options factored in. If I think I need something bigger, his final recommendation was a Toyota Highlander or Honda Passport with a gasoline engine.

I’m trying to be practical here. I drive a lot – averaging 17,500 miles a year on my current ride. I want comfort, good gas mileage and a sense of safety when driving my vehicle. Ideally, I’d have heated and ventilated leather seats along with 360 degree camera views so I can see what’s around me. I do need a slightly larger vehicle than the one I currently own.

Research has shown me that I cannot have everything I want and still stick within our budget. The Toyota Highlander XLE AWD is the model that actually offers the best value to me – a little more room, color scheme I like and still has the heated seats and safety tech I require. The Honda CRV-EX-L AWD is my second choice.

Next step is to head to the dealerships to have a look-see and take each model for a test drive. I’m keeping an open mind (and a sharp eye out for a deal on a Highlander Limited AWD that does hit everything on my wish list!).