...sat for an interview with Morris News Service reporter Dave Williams the week before Christmas. Here are some excerpts...office. They're elected to make tough calls. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1704 or davemns@mindspring.com...

...Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs, to exempt some types of transactions from its provisions - including loans made in anticipation of a customer's tax refund. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...support for a bypass before building one, balancing fears of store owners that it will hurt their sales with desires of tourism boosters for a more pleasant ambience. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 589-8424 or mnews@mindspring.com.

...2.7 million Reduce reading and math programs: $1.6 million Charge premiums to families enrolled in the Katie Beckett Waiver Program: $1.5 million Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...payouts, not blame a certain machine," he said. The Senate also passed two amendments proposed by Mr. Polak, including one that would allow counties to impose age restrictions on players. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 589-8424.

...bigger priority for the city than desalination. "I don't think anybody is going to complain about losing $250,000 for a desal study," Ms. Ward said. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...urban and suburban white students. "We cannot put an SAT standard on," Mr. Porter said. "That would change the entire direction of what HOPE is all about." Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...continue to receive strong support in the Legislature. "It is the flagship of the state of Georgia," he said. "It should reflect the people's pride." Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...superintendent before leaving office last year in an unsuccessful bid for governor. Neither she nor Mr. Theo-docion attended Friday's commission meeting. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.

...nearly 395,000 noncustodial parents with child-support cases made payments in fiscal year 2003, which ended June 30, benefiting almost 625,000 children. Reach Dave Williams at (404) 681-1701 or dave.williams@morris.com.