Report: State feels weight of new market conditions ► PAGE 3
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Elections Board appointments stall amid fines By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted along party lines Sept. 3 to “table” a vote on the Republican Party’s nominees to the Registration and Elections Board until a state Appellate Court ruling.
The decision at the end of the board’s first September meeting came after a lengthy executive session, which commissioners held after seeking the county attorney’s guidance on how to proceed after an Aug. 29 court ruling. Commissioners voted unanimously on executive session items, including
a $90,000 contract in support of compliance with the consent decree pertaining to the Fulton County Jail. Executive sessions are closed to public and media. In late August, a State Superior Court judge found the Board of Commissioners in civil contempt and im-
posed a $10,000 per day fine, unless Republican nominees are appointed to the County Elections Board. The judge ruled county commissioners must appoint Elections Board nominees submitted by the Republican Party’s executive officer.
See COUNTY, Page 28
Exchange program opens young eyes to world cultures By JON WILCOX jon@appenmedia.com
JON WILCOX/APPEN MEDIA
Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North Fulton President David Bernard presents Melissa Vega with a check Aug. 25 at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce. The $25,000 is to fund her visit to Italy as an exchange student.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On Marcella Vega’s blazer were a gold crown, red maple leaf, seasoned elote, kiwi bird and pink-blossomed cherry tree. The Johns Creek High School senior received each of the unique pins and dozens of others from fellow exchange students she met during her almost year-long stay in Sweden. Marcella spoke to the Rotary Club of Johns Creek-North Fulton Aug. 27 during a presentation about the organization’s exchange student program. The experience, she said, broadened her perspective of the world and enlarged her understanding of what is possible in life. “Being abroad made me realize that there's more than two options,” she said. “You can make your own path if there's not one built already for you.” At the Aug. 27 meeting, Marcella and fellow exchange student Erika Gabrielson, who visited Brazil, provided accounts of their experiences to Rotary members. Their talk was preceded by an introduction from Marcella’s sister, Melissa Vega, who was preparing to set out on an exchange trip of her own.
See STUDENT, Page 29
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