Citizens in Action: The 2010 Athens-Clarke County Overview Commission met last week for the second time since being appointed by a grand jury late last year. Things are just getting started for the 21-member panel, which includes two representatives from each of ACC’s 10 districts plus Chair Jill Read; the Commission will continue its work throughout the year. That begins with the process of interviewing the heads of all county departments, as well as the mayor, commissioners and county manager. Read tells the Dope that phase will continue until about June, when the Commission will take what it’s learned from interviews and research and begin crafting the document that will contain its findings and recommendations.

The Overview Commission convenes every 10 years as mandated by the ACC charter; Read calls it “a managerial audit” of the workings of the government. It’s an opportunity for the public to put in its two cents as to how our elected and appointed officials conduct their—our—business, and it’s something we should all be paying attention to. The full Commission is currently meeting every other Thursday; the next one is at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Planning Department Auditorium at 120 W. Dougherty St. These meetings are open to the public, so keep an eye on the events calendar on the ACC website to make sure of locations and times.

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More Citizens, More Action: The Barber Street Park Project is a loosely organized group that’s dedicated to designing and building a neighborhood park in a currently overgrown, city-owned lot on Barber where Boulevard ends. Volunteers got to work clearing brush from the front of the property a couple of weekends ago, and the results are pretty impressive (they can be viewed at the group’s website, www.barberstreetparkproject.net, or better yet, in person). This is the definition of “grassroots” community action, and it’s working very nicely. The next scheduled volunteer cleanup day is Saturday, Feb. 6—go to the website to sign up or learn more.

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Whoa, It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here: In a benefit for the Clarke County Democratic Committee, state Labor Commissioner and Athens native Michael Thurmond will be “honored” Feb. 18 at the Classic Center with one of the greatest cultural institutions Western civilization has produced: a roast! Sadly, Don Rickles will not participate, nor will the deceased Redd Foxx or Buddy Hackett. Instead, the Hon. Lawton E. Stephens will serve as roastmaster, with the likes of Jane Kidd, Doc Eldridge and Upshaw Bentley offering up testimony. Tickets are $50 and available through the Classic Center box office or website: www.classiccenter.com.

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Sad Occasion: A memorial gathering for Reese Fitts, who tragically passed away Jan. 13, will be held on Feb. 6 at Mama’s Boy restaurant, where Fitts had worked since it opened three years ago. Fitts was also a volunteer worker at Nuçi’s Space, and a portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to the local musicians’ resource center. Friends and loved ones of Fitts’ are invited for dinner, then to stay for a party in his memory from 9 to 11 p.m.

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It’s That Time Again: The Dope was alarmed to see an unpleasantly familiar, slightly oversized envelope on his desk recently, silently announcing the advent of income tax season. For those of you who have neither a savvy spouse to take charge of the annual ordeal, nor the resources to hire a professional, help is available. The IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is being offered in Athens through a partnership between Georgia Federal Credit Union and UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Low and moderate income taxpayers can get help preparing their taxes from an IRS-certified volunteer at either GFCU’s office at 190 Gaines School Rd. or the old UGA Visual Arts building at 285 S. Jackson St. Appointments can be scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays, with walk-in hours on Saturdays. Go to www.gfcuonline.org or call 888-493-4328 (ext. 6486) for info and appointments.

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Nothing to See Here, Folks: Although the Facebook group is still alive and active, the campaign to “draft” seasoned Athens politician Andy Rusk to run against Paul Broun, Jr. in this year’s congressional election appears to have failed. Rusk ended (most) speculation about his plans last week when he posted on the group’s page that he does not intend to seek office at this time. The Dope can only assume that this is part of a meticulously calibrated scheme designed to maximize Rusk’s desirability as a candidate by making him appear “hard-to-get.” Or perhaps it’s all being orchestrated by the nefarious Broun himself… don’t miss a moment!

Dave Marr

news@flagpole.com