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Gov. candidate profile Randal Mangham
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SAVANNAH — Democrat Randal Mangham is the stealth candidate for governor.

The state representative from Stone Mountain doesn't have a campaign website, seldom attends debates and fails to return phone calls.

Mangham kept a low profile until he stunned political observers by entering the governor's race just before the April 29 deadline.

As a junior member of the minority party caucus — he was elected to the House in 2000 — he has a thin legislative resume.

Highlights for 2010 on his Facebook page cite his introduction of the House doctor and pastor of the day, a daily ritual in the chamber.

They also note his floor speech criticizing Georgia's failure to take advantage of federal economic stimulus funds for high-speed rail.

"Georgia was not in the game," when $8 billion was divvied up among the states, he lamented.

Among the Mangham measures the House has passed are resolutions commending the city of Lithonia and the Rockdale County Democratic Party.

On his behalf, it also recognized Georgia's clergy and Africa Day and Africa Diaspora Day. It also honored someone's 91st birthday.

In addition, it has commended various constituents — including his own pastor — and offered condolence for families of people who have died.

Mangham also has been a leading supporter of more substantive — but unsuccessful — proposals.

Among them are ones that would have increased the minimum wage and imposed a moratorium on the death penalty.

Another called for the president to be elected by a popular vote instead of indirectly by the Electoral College. That is a federal issue over which the state has no control.

There have been few indications as to what sort of campaign he might run — if he actually mounts one.

One clue may have emerged in 2007, when he sought a minor party post and said Democrats should run "grass roots" efforts and knock on doors.

His campaign finances may leave him few alternatives.

He entered the governor's race after the end of the last reporting period, so he hasn't had to say how much money he has raised.

In April, he reported he had raised only $263.53 for his state House re-election campaign.

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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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