Thursday, April 30, 2009

Swine Flu Confirmed in Georgia

The first case of swine flu has been identified in GA. AJC reports:

Swine Flu Confirmed In Georgia
Posted: 10:31 am EDT April 30, 2009Updated: 11:28 am EDT April 30, 2009

LAGRANGE, Ga. -- The CDC confirmed a case of swine flu Thursday at West Georgia Medical System Hospital in LaGrange in Troup County.
The patient, a 30-year-old female, is from Kentucky. She has been hospitalized in LaGrange since April 26 after returning from a trip to Cancun, Mexico on April 21.
Mexico has been identified as the source of the swine flu outbreak.
Troup County health officials said Wednesday night during a public meeting that a sample from the patient was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing. The sample came back possible for swine flu.
The CDC lists cases of swine flu in at least 11 other states including Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas.
In Alabama officials shut down schools for about 31,000 students in Madison County because of two probable cases of swine flu.
Huntsville's 52 city schools and another 10 in Madison will be closed from Thursday through Monday to keep the sickness from spreading. The school attended by two kindergartners believed to have swine flu, Heritage Elementary in Madison, will be closed even longer, for a week.
Many of the county's private schools and day care centers also are shutting down temporarily, and leaders are deciding whether to let public events like plays and festivals go on.
Health leaders say they're 95 percent sure that two kindergarten students in Madison have swine flu. They say both children are at home and recovering.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Kasim Reed announces Mayoral campaign at the Capitol

Friends and neighbors early this a.m. I witnessed history as State Senator Kasim Reed announced his candidacy for Mayor of Atlanta on the steps of the Georgia capitol. It was a very historic moment. I'll set it up for you. I arrived with my campaign manager, Carrisa Baptiste, and Glennis Curry, PR team member about 11:55pm, 4/3/09. Please note that the GA Senate was in it's final day (Sine Die) today of a marathon session trying to pass the state's budget which is mandatory by law and a transportation bill left over from last year. So I can only imagine that Senator Reed was exhausted. He had none other than one of his brothers to hype the crowd and to get the Reed for Mayor chants on point. I received a shirt as I arrived, and buttons were plentiful and flowing around the crowd. I would estimate at the height was probably 200+ with the steps packed and the area below covered with not only friends, relatives and neighbors but fellow Senators and Representatives. I think the show of support from many of Senator Reed's colleagues was one of the most impressive parts of the event. Many had great words to say about the man they hope will be the next Mayor of Atlanta.

His mother introduced him in a very personal and passionate manner, which expressed the closeness they share. Finally, Senator Reed took the mic and he gave a very intense and passionate speech. He even dropped a little history on the crowd, remarking about past leaders in Atlanta such as Dr. King, Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, and many others. He discussed business leaders who got their start with that bunch such as HJ Russell, a local contruction giant who is a great success story. I was impressed with his words referring to one not needing to be from a particular family or group to lead. I found those words very inspiring. It was his night, but as I am hoping to succeed him my thoughts and emotions were mingling about those words and my place in this race which has swelled to 7. He ended with a statement about "taking off his Senate pin," and now being a candidate for Mayor of Atlanta. The crowd then left the capitol and marched to the steps of Atlanta City Hall. It was quite a site for 0100, on 4/4/09. The cars that were passing down Washington looked in awe and probably were wondering what was going on, until they saw the numerous signs displaying "Kasim Reed for Mayor."

It was impressive and I took a lot of notes. So to the citizens of District 35, prepare for new leadership. The great son is moving on from South Fulton County. I ask that you consider and choose me to replace him. George Sneed for State Senate District 35. Indeed it is time for new leadership and I'm ready to grab the torch and carry it to the gold dome. I ask that you here my platform, ask me questions, and decide that "We Need Sneed." Visit http://www.georgesneed.com/ to contribute and volunteer.