Chairman Bannister, members of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, community leaders and other concerned citizens, I thank you for the opportunity to state my position on the proposed tax increase within the upcoming county budget. As a public servant and representative of hard working citizens in Gwinnett County, I cannot support any property tax increase; especially during these difficult economic times.
I understand the complicated decisions you now face. As elected officials you are asked to represent the best interest of those who live under your jurisdiction. During the last legislative session, my colleagues and I confronted a similar situation. With a $2.5 billion dollar deficit, our budget had to become leaner. We did not raise taxes because the burden of governance should not fall upon the wallets and pocketbooks of everyday citizens. Now is the time for governments to be innovative and identify new ways of providing service that is less costly and more efficient.
My hope is you will reconsider increasing local property taxes and expanding county services. As well, I trust you will respect the rights of our cities by allowing them to maintain their own police departments. Local control is the cornerstone of our state’s governing philosophy. Any attempt to undermine it must be closely scrutinized to prevent the consolidation of power.
As a county and state we still face economic challenges. Our responsibility must be to stimulate economic growth, prevent additional foreclosures and protect local businesses. Increasing taxes will hinder that process.
Thank you again for allowing me to speak on this important issue.
At 9:00 pm last night, President Obama notified Judge Sonia Sotomayor of his intention to nominate her for the United States Supreme Court. If approved by the Senate, Judge Sotomayor will become the third woman and fist Latino to serve in our Nation's highest court.
For State Rep. Pedro Marin, the first Latino Democrat elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, this is a moment of great pride. "The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the United States Supreme Court by President Obama is yet another example of the leadership and vision he offers the people of America. As a Puerto Rican, public servant and citizen of this great country, I am ecstatic that Judge Sotomayor will become the first Latina to serve in the Supreme Court. This is a great day for our Nation."
Rep. Marin also truly appreciates Judge Sotomayor's story; one that embodies the American Dream and should serve as a model for all people. "The fact that Judge Sotomayor came from a working class family in the Bronx and through hard work and natural talent was able to graduate summa cum laude from Princeton University and become editor of the Yale Law Review at Yale law school is a testament to the human spirit."
As well, Rep. Marin is glad the United States Supreme Court will further reflect the diversity of people and ideas existent within America. "Yesterday, President Obama was again part of making history in America. His willingness to nominate a woman and Latino for the seat held by Justice David H. Souter speaks volumes about his desire to "form a more perfect Union" by ensuring all Americans have an opportunity to sit at the table and be heard."
Preside nt George H.W. Bush nominated Judge Sotomayor in 1991 to the federal district court on the recommendation of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the former Democratic Senator of New York. President Bill Clinton elevated her to the appeals court in 1997, where she was confirmed a year later and still serves today.
On Saturday, April 18, 2009, 4:00 pm, at the Porter Sanford Center for Performing Arts, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30034, Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin will be serving as a judge for the 2009 Congressional Art Competition.
The event, hosted by U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-4th), will showcase the artistic talents of young people from more than 12 schools throughout the Fourth Congressional District.
Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Represen tatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each Congressional District.
The Artistic Discovery Contest is open to all high school students. The over-all winner of each district will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition. "I am honored to participate as a judge in this competition. The student artists in the 4th Congressional District are extremely talented," offered Rep. Marin.
On Friday, March 13, 2009, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, the Four Corners Primary Care Center located at 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross, Georgia 30093, will hold a press conference announcing its opening. Rep. Pedro "Pete" Marin, who represents the city of Norcross in the Georgia General Assembly, will provide welcoming remarks.
The Four Corners Primary Care Center is the product of a partnership between the Gwinnett County Board of Health and a community based organization, The Four Corners Primary Care Centers, Inc. (4CPCC), a local 501C-3 organization.
Located in one of the four neighboring census tracts in Gwinnett County that are
federally designated as medically underserved, Four Corners provides nonemergency
treatment by a Board Certified Family Practice doctor and a pediatrician. Primary Care includes treatment for children and adults for chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. Routine illnesses such as pneumonia, sore throats,
infections, and arthritis are also part of primary care.
"With health care costs increasing, and more families losing their benefits due to layoffs, it is critical to support neighborhood clinics such as the Four Corners Primary Care Center which provides residents the service they deserve and need," offered Rep. Marin.
Email: marinstatehouse@aol.com
State Representative Pedro Marin
Capitol
Georgia Gwinnett District 96
611 Coverdell Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404.656.0314
Fax: 404.651.5585
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