PRACTICE VOTE

A poll worker, Betty Ford, called me this morning to inform me that an opportunity exists to practice with the new voting machines at www.georgiacounts.com. I practiced online before writing this letter and it took less than five minutes. The new system is easy to use and I hope that every voter takes the opportunity to try out the new machines before the election to ensure a smooth transition.

If you do not have access to the web, please call the Board of Elections office at 613-3150 to find out about voter education efforts prior to the Nov. 5th election. They have worked hard to have machines available at local candidate forums and polling locations during the summer, and I hope they will again. Two upcoming forums on October 14 and 15 will give the public another chance to practice.

I would also like to encourage the schools, libraries and other community organizations to participate in these educational efforts. The local media would provide a valuable community service by continuing to publicize any ongoing efforts, as well.

Heidi Davison
Athens

CHIC 2 B GREEK

Hey Monica [Inside/Out, Oct. 2], guess what. On the whole, people who are walking IN FRONT of you aren't going to be aware of the fact that you are trying to pass them unless you say "excuse me." That is the plain truth. Is there a possibility that if, instead of being passive, you just stuck up for yourself and said, "Hey, I'm trying to get by here," they would have moved out of the way? I do believe so. It might have annoyed them for about 30 seconds, but better that than inconveniencing you for 45 seconds. I think that this was just another excuse to point out the blatantly obvious fact that there are dumb sorority girls in this town. WE KNOW. The best thing to do is to let them go about their business, marry their rich boyfriends, and let them get dumped later when the husband finds a younger, sluttier woman. I just get annoyed when people like you need to cut down these retards because they are not like you. Your non-rant looked peculiarly similar to a rant. But not about sidewalk hogs: this rant was about sorority girls. The problem is not that they walk on the sidewalks, but that (especially when they are drunk) frat guys and sorority girls tend to think they own this town. The best way to combat this annoying problem is to assure them that they most certainly do not own this town and that they should be aware of the other people trying to enjoy themselves. Just treat them like children. If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile. Just keep them in their place. Don't let them push you off the sidewalk and let them know if you have somewhere to go and you want to get by them. Just please don't stand by as they are rude and then whine to the Flagpole when things don't go your way.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Josh
Athens

SEND POSTCARDS

Our Fourth grade class is studying the regions of the United States. We would like people to send us postcards showing us your state. It would be great if you could write a short note on it telling us about the different landforms and special places of interest your state has.

Your help is greatly appreciated. We would like to thank each one of you for making our learning experience fun and exciting.

You can send to: Jackie Shier c/o Peshtigo Elementary, 341 N. Emery Ave. Peshtigo, WI 54157

Jackie Shier
Peshtigo, WI

SWEAT SAYS THANKS

First, thank you for all your help, encouragement and support. I have said many times that I feel I have been lifted up and carried forward by many loving arms. Thank you. The results of the election were a victory for me personally, but I believe they also reflect a victory for the people of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties. You have personally participated in making the position of Judge of Superior Court a judicial office owned by our whole community.

I will work hard to uphold the tradition of fairness, honesty and integrity that the judges who served before me have established. I will work to maintain my connection and grounding with each of you and the larger community.

I wish I could personally call each of you and the many others who supported me. You have my deepest appreciation for your hard work and your confidence.

David Sweat
Athens

FLAGPOLE QUESTIONS

I have a few questions pertaining to your single mast nautical flagpole. The 25' the yardarm is 7'. Is that 7' on each side of the main mast or is it 3'5" on each side? What is the cost of this pole, how is it shipped and the cost to ship it to Massachusetts?

Thank you

Ed Vozzella
Email