Isn't Wingo's use of CPA similar to Dr Sams still being recognized as having been a doctor before retirement? Or General Wesley Clark? And so on? We all know Wingo can no longer practice. But, the earned title of CPA is really no different than any of the other career titles utilized after retirement or such. According to the way you just described this scenario, it then makes former General Wesley Clark a liar for for maintaining his service rank on his resume'.

BTW.... where have you been?

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"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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A medical doctor, vet or a Ph.D. holds that title for the rest of their lives. Most military men who are retired usually indicate that after their titles,i.e., Gen. (Ret.) C. Ramsey. Adm. (Ret) J.J.Neverfloat. If I am not mistaken, C.PA.'S must stay current to use that designation, same as a lawyer, you may have a law degree but if you have not passed the bar in the state where you reside, you cannot practice, even if you have passed in other states. If I saw an advertisement where an individual indicate he was an attorney, I would assume he was a practicing (currently licensed) attorney, same with a C.PA.

There are some titles that follow a person from the day they are accorded until the day they leave this earth. They are titles of honor and distinction. A judge is a judge until he draws his last breath. A General is a General until he draws his last breath. Doctors are Doctors (regardless of the status of their practice) because they have earned a Medical Doctorate degree (like a PhD is a "doctor" for life).

On the other hand, a CPA, a lawyer, and any other profession in which a person is only legally authorized to practice on the basis of maintaining certain continuing education credits and paying annual fees is not the same. That is, in my mind, a substantial difference because the title goes with the effort to remain current on the practice trends and requirements. Mr. Wingo hasn't done that and using "CPA" after his name is declaring certain qualifications that he doesn't presently have.

As for where I've been . . . life at the firm is really busy. The small minnows work just as hard as the Big Sharks; we just have fewer resources and earn less money. But, until I finish paying off my Uncle Sam for the education, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.

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If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

That debt really stinks doesn't it. I hope you make rapid progress in knocking it out. Best of success as always.

Look, I'm no big Wingo defender here, and yeah, I'm not a Linda supporter either. But as I see it this CPA thang is about the biggest nitpick issue I've seen in all the criticisms lobbed at the candidates. Even the unloaded shotgun thing is bonehead issue. Good grief.... give him a written reprimand and slap it in his file. If one wants to nitpick this race then let's examine as to why Linda keeps wiggling her way back into our county government after being dumped twice by the voters. I'm beginning to think she's the poster child for our 4th of July Dependence Day On Gumament celebration. One minute she's supposedly a lawyer and the next a broker. If she can't succeed in either of those careers on her own what makes one think she deserves and is qualified to run a gumament entity? It really looks like she's campaigning for paycheck. Who job next? CJ? Hmmmm... wonder what that pays.

Well...if Wingo doesn't get nitpicked on his CPA designation then I won't nitpick Linda on her campaign for a paycheck efforts. LOL!

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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It really looks like she's campaigning for paycheck.

That's a fair point. Like I said, I haven't paid much attention to this but I guess I need to find out why she's running.

Who job next? CJ? Hmmmm... wonder what that pays.

All Js get paid poop. That's why a lot of really great lawyers never become judges. They get twice the political headaches for 2/3rds less pay. Even Wells wouldn't want that job.

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If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

Who job next? CJ? Hmmmm... wonder what that pays.

My dear SWMBO..... I was referring to CJ our coroner.

But you did cause me to up-chuck my green beans with the under paid judge hooey.

They get twice the political headaches for 2/3rds less pay.

Then why do they spend 6 digit dollar figures to fight for these positions. I could ramble but our dear friend Cogito (below) pretty much sums it up.

Even Wells wouldn't want that job.

Think again. She'd give her testicles up for a shot at that job. Why do lawyers fight so heavily for that position? Why is Ballard fighting so hard for his position? It's those lucrative pensions my friend. They are a huge part of the equation.

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"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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ROFLOL!!! I had completely forgotten about the coroner. (another position that is elected for no logical reason) DOH!

Why do lawyers fight so heavily for that position? Why is Ballard fighting so hard for his position? It's those lucrative pensions my friend. They are a huge part of the equation.

I'm not so sure that the attraction is the pension. After all, a partner in a good-sized firm can pull mid-six-figures annually. Invested wisely, he can create a much larger retirement nest egg from that salary than a pension based on a much smaller $202,000 salary.

I think the real attraction is power and ego. Lawyers are, for the most part, Type A people. They like winning and they like the power that comes with knowledge. So, they'll fight like the dickens for the glory -- even if the compensation is puny. Think about it. The president's pay is only $200k but that job opportunity costs a mere seven figures. I doubt any of them are in it for the pension. But they sure do seem to thrive on the butt-kissing.

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If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

SWMBO has apparently not kept up with the statistics but rather buys into the Bar mantra. Judges are sufficiently paid making generally making less than large law firms but higher than the national average for most small firm lawyers. Superior Court Judges, for example, serve 10 years and earn a six figure pension plus insurance and benefits. And, they are permitted to work part-time after that and "double dip". Federal judges are appointed FOR LIFE. How do I know all this? The Augusta Chronicle did an extraordinary expose that should still be on line in response to your State Bar saying that in order to have honest judges we have to pay them. The logic of the state bar is that we cannot trust teachers or firemen because they earn modest pay. Nonsense. The capstone of the Chronicle article was a retired Superior Court judge doing fill in work part-time who was working the system for total annual pay of $202,000.

I don't buy into the Bar mantra in its entirety. The manner in which judges come to the bench would make most people cringe. A judge who is appointed for life usually has very powerful and very rich friends for whom he or she has done some very large favors. (How else did a former real estate lawyer like Alberto Gonzalez almost get appointed to the United States Supreme Court??!) And that whole senior-part-time-double-dipping judge thing is a respectful way to get the older robes who may not be as energetic or sharp to step aside for younger blood to take over without the older robes being sentenced to a rocking chair. I don't feel very sympathetic for either of those judge categories.

However, a full-time, elected judge who is expected to be capable of hearing cases on a wide variety of claims and making appeal-proof, rock-solid decisions on every one of them has a low-paying job. In a law firm, a mid-level associate can specialize in a particular area of the law and make $250,000+. If he needs information about a different specialty, he calls down the hall to a colleague with that specialty and gets the information. He doesn't have to get up to speed on his own. But a judge, faced with a case in an area of the law in which he has no previous experience, has to learn it -- and he gets paid less to have to "figure it out" and make the right call. And, don't forget, he'll have to do some campaigning all along the way to make sure he'll have the money for his next term. It's a perfect recipe for a judge to be afraid to rule against a litigant who could fund their next opponent. And that's a very bad thing.

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If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

But first let's clear up a major misconception on your part. Former County Commissioner Linda Wells has never been an attorney.
That is another Linda Wells who is a practicing attorney and as far as I know is successful.

So why would she seek the Tax Commissioners office? Could it be that it is time to replace someone who is (as I said in previous posts) specializing in mistreating both employees and constituents alike (except of course for the Melear's for breakfast and Long Branch for lunch crowd)? It is time for the good ole boy method of doing business to fade away.

Wingo lies about the little stuff in public, he violates ethics code and laughs about it. I am surprised that you would condone such behavior even for a second. If this were Scottie Ballard you would be outraged.
I will not support anyone who would lie about stuff in public with such regularity and considers themselves above the law. I think the majority of the voters agree with me.

Former County Commissioner Linda Wells has never been an attorney.

That's right... she never completed law school.

So why would she seek the Tax Commissioners office?

Because she desperately needs a job and had failed to actually prepare financially for her future and Wingo's position makes for a very lucrative pension at the taxpayer's expense? She can't make a good living on her own and she needs to rely on gumament for her income? You tell me why she this perpetual office seeker continues to get herself in office?

Could it be that it is time to replace someone who is (as I said in previous posts) specializing in mistreating both employees and constituents alike...

Hey Nat.... I know a man and a woman at Wingo's office that in private settings and unprompted said that George treated them well and did a decent job. The one thing that I've always heard from many folks including two of my employees is that George personally helped them with their issues. Most of these people are not even remotely connected politically in this county and to me are random samplings of the constituents he serves. I have a hard time believing George is mistreating constituents when he's always paranoid about what folks think and is campaigning year round for his gravy job that Linda is obviously drueling to have.

(except of course for the Melear's for breakfast and Long Branch for lunch crowd)? It is time for the good ole boy method of doing business to fade away.

LOL! Sounds like some NAG didn't get invited to the He Man Woman Haters Club. Chuckle....

I will not support anyone who would lie about stuff in public with such regularity and considers themselves above the law.

I Had Almost Forgot About This

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"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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I have a different view of Ms. Wells’ service as Director of a “non-profit” as a qualification demonstrating either business acumen or conservative fiscal policy. First, it was a paid position and not volunteer. With far too many Non-profits, someone is making a nice living (e.g., $200,000 plus salary to Atlanta Red Cross Director). As Director, Ms. Wells would regularly make public requests of the local government for funding, knowing that to decline assistance to a charity would be political suicide. After all, it wasn’t their money to give in the first place so why not give it away and get recognition. In essence, Ms. Wells’ job description included fund raising, which ultimately paid her salary. So, she was indirectly paid to lobby the local governments for funds. Not surprisingly, when Congress considered a budgetary move to restrict funding federal level to non-profits that used certain percentages of their funds to lobby, Ms. Wells voiced her objection to that Republican proposal in Washington. The GOP felt that it was a waste of taxpayers money to give money to non-profits who used part of that money to pay people to turn around, lobby and ask for me. I do not believe I would use that chapter in Ms. Wells' travels as an indication of conservative fiscal policy.

Wingo: Superior Education and Cometent skills is the real issue.

Many professionals and others maintain their titles after retirement. Does anyone really think that the Tax Commissioner would even consider doing tax work on the side? Heck no.

Wingo has been educational and financial credentials. Linda started law school and dropped out. Wingo has accounting, auditing and related skills. This nitpicking over the signs sounds like something Hillary would've tried. Sounds desperate to me.

Voice,

You know not of what you speak. First Wingo took his CPA exam, what 40+ years ago? He has had no continuing education for the last 3 years. He is a FORMER CPA without current creditials. So to use the CPA designation now is ILLEGAL. I am not saying it, that comes from the state of Georgia! Your ok with lying? Your ok with breaking the law?

By contrast Wells has, according to her bio, a bachelors degree in behavorial psychology, a masters in adult education, and several licenses for her financial services business, all of which are current. All of which is more current than George's education.
I checked.

She ran a non-profit successfully dealing, on a daily basis, with people in crisis for 10 years. She has run a successful financial services business for over 7 years. And of course, for 12 out of those 17 years she also served as a County Commissioner. I find that pretty impressive. Meanwhile Wingo has spent 16 years mistreating his employees (and I hear, requiring them to put his signs on their vehicles) and ignoring all but a few of his friends among the citizens of this county. You assume that he has accounting and auditing skills. I would say he has not used them in at least 16 years if not longer.

Out of all of that you pick out the fact that she attended law school for two years (while she was a commissioner and running the non-profit I might add) she stopped because (as she herself said in previous public appearances) she chose NOT to become a lawyer. To use the current parlance...that is so very LAME.

So we measure the two candidates and your buddy Wingo comes up very very short.

Speaking of education, the word is spelled COMPETENT

It appears you have real intimate relationship with Ms. Wells. You know too many of her intimate details.

And no, I do not have a relationship with Wells or any other candidate. In fact, it is more that I KNOW George Wingo that drives my desire to see him gone than anything else. Wingo's behavior is an insult to the citizens of this county and has been for years. For the first time in years we have an opportunity to get rid of this career bureaucrat whose time has long past. I have experienced his "style" first hand on more than one occasion over his time in office. I cannot stand someone who considers themselves above the law and flaunts it like Wingo does. Hell, I drove by his office today and saw his car parked at the county complex, with his signs on it, inside the "no campaign zone" set up around the elections office.
He has been told before to not do that, and guess what. He does not care. Just remember that if he lies in these matters, you have to wonder about all the other stuff he does. He needs to go. And Benjamin Franklin would agree with me.

Hey Natural! What do we get???

For the first time in years we have an opportunity to get rid of this career bureaucrat whose time has long past.

So we get rid of one career bureaucrat in favor of another career bureaucrat. What does this county gain? With Wingo we the taxpayers are only stuck with one lifetime gumament pension to pay. If we put Ms. Wells in the taxpayers get stuck with an additional pension to bare. We gain nothing.

Just remember that if he lies in these matters, you have to wonder about all the other stuff he does. He needs to go. And Benjamin Franklin would agree with me.

It does make you wonder what Ben would think of the clowns in charge these days. Well that's another story. As for the lies and getting rid Wingo... The voters spoke loud and clear two years ago when they (for the second time) voted Ms. Wells out. After the shenanigans that led to her dismal, I can't for the love of this county figure out why we would want to replace Wingo with Wells? Perhaps in four years a better replacement might just come along and I'll stand with you in sending George to the pasture along with Linda.

Oh... and like many, I know George perty good too. I will give him this: He's always kept his word to me...... for what that's worth.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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Besides the two pension bit, does it matter whatsoever who the tax commissioner is? I mean, who really cares? Both Wingo and Wells are goofs, but exactly what would the difference be of one over the other?

You are corect. Who cares. So I leave it alone.
By the way why are they elected? Couldn't the county simply hire one?
Or is that a political plum for loyalty?
I'm not knocking the position or the person, but why all the hubbub if he has no authority over how much we pay?
Is it like the post office? When you go in it is like you are in front of the soup nazi and must bow and scrape to get service?

So let's only pay out one pension.

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"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

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I strongly agree with SWMBO. Apparently 30 yr Resident condones lying as George Wingo has done here. Remember that this is not Ms. Wells’ opinion. She is simply pointing out violation of state law. What is important here is that the STATE OF GEORGIA considers this to be lying and agrees with Linda. To say that you are a CPA in ANY context without a valid license is ILLEGAL according to the state. 30 yr are you suggesting that your friend George is somehow exempt?

This is just another example in a continuing series of unethical, illegal and irresponsible actions by Wingo. 30 yr, do you condone someone using their public office to run their campaign? That is exactly what George did for about a month earlier this year.

Do you condone George’s attempt to get a 50% raise to his $101,000 dollar salary at the expense of the tax payers of cities? That is precisely what Wingo tried to do and when challenged, he lied again. It was not for him but his employees as he stated in print (first prevarication) and then it was “just a suggestion” as he and Maxwell later tried to claim (second prevarication).

Did you condone his bringing of a weapon on county property in direct violation of state law?

Here is my larger problem with all of this. If Wingo is interpreting state law like this during the campaign, how has he been “interpreting” the rules regarding the operation of his office for the past 16 years?

I read Wingo’s responses to the questions from the Citizen and I read the comparison with Well’s responses. Clearly Wells is looking out for the citizens, not herself and has a plan to implement. George is just looking out for George and staying in office. But then if you know George you would not be the least bit surprised by any of this.

GR, your analogy to Dr. Sams and General Clark is not the same. The state is clear on the circumstances of use for the CPA designation.

the laws of the state are up for interpretation. And THAT comes from the top. Look at the "signing statements" of our current President. With that sort of leadership, what do you think local officials use for "role-modeling"? We have local officials that blatantly refuse to answer valid questions put to them by this newspaper. Why admit to wrong doings when you are going to be re-elected anyway (generally speaking)? We, as citizens, have a responsibility to take note of these sorts of things, and make our electoral decisions accordingly. Or as my illustrious political science professor, Dr. Alex J. Fehr, used to say, "Would you rather die of hemorrhoids or cancer?" Keep the faith.

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.

...To make a mountain out of a mole hill.... If there's anything that she's good at, it's trying to create "something" out of absolutely "NOTHING"..... and usually failing.

Once an attorney graduates and obtains his license, he is an "Attorney" for life (unless disbarred) if he keeps his license current or not. Once a Doctor obtains his degree and his license to practice, he is a "Doctor" for life, if he renews his license or not. This is an "earned" title by any professional, and a Certified Public Accountant is considered a "professional" and is no different.

Stick to "Issues" Ms. Wells.... stop trying to make "something" out of "nothing" again. But, if you have nothing to offer, I guess you've got to get press somehow.

The word certified can be used, even if not certified, if it is noted as former, retired, etc. Otherwise, no.
Medical Doctors can be called doctor and even written M.D. if properly noted (retired). Same with military.
The titles become honorary and not licensed to use.
Me, I am a Colonel (KY). Paid $30 for it. I have a BbA from Phoenix Correspondence (two .43 cent stamps and a request by me) and a PhD from Algeria University (OL). Also, working on LCA (licensed Con Artist).

I don't think some Admiral would run for council for instance without listing only his name, or possibly Admiral, (Retd.)
No need not to be straight and honest.
I would prefer, Wingo, (CPA. retd.) He obviously hasn't been certified each year with all new regulations sufficient to practice.
Doesn't keep him from taking credit for past accomplishments, however.
I can appreciate the claim of being a former CPA (Certified, as the initials indicate). Certified Public Accountant.