OPINION: Lanier Tech deal: Devil is in the details

In addition, the Barrow County School System is interested in doing a joint project with Lanier Tech for a shared facility of some kind and the county government has some accrued SPLOST funds that might be used as part of the project as well.

But as with any large project, the devil is in the details. For one thing, there is little state or local funding available for such a new facility. Given the shaky economic situation, it may be years before funding will become available.

Second, the details of a shared facility need to be carefully considered before any kind of joint project is undertaken. While it sounds good on paper for the local school system and Lanier Tech to share a building, the details of that may be more complex than it first appears.

Still, the overall concept has some merit and deserves careful study. If done right, a technical college campus along Hwy. 316 could prove to be a strong anchor for Barrow’s future.

Rules are different for the powerful

The complex and questionable handling of some key property along Hwy. 316 over the last 25 years shows one thing: The rules are different for the powerful.

Whether insider wheeling-and-dealing was a part of the controversial Moreland tract may never be known for sure.

What is clear today, however, is that a house on the property was torn down without a county permit; the owners did get a permit AFTER the fact, but in another name. And Barrow County didn’t levy a fine for the late permit, either.

But you have to wonder, if that had been John Doe rather than Tom Moreland, what would have happened?

Poor ol’ John would have probably been fined and cited while powerful ol’ Tom got a pass.

Must be nice.