Mayor endorses model project

By Terry Lewis (1130)
terry.lewis@albanyherald.com

As of Wednesday, September 5, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

“Southwest Georgia Top Models” producer Yaz Johnson is shown with Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard Wednesday shortly after Hubbard signed a letter in support of the event. Open auditions are set for early next month for two days at the Civic Center.

ALBANY, Ga. -- Mayor Dorothy Hubbard on Wednesday signed a letter in support of Yaz Johnson's Southwest Georgia Top Models (SWGA) project, which is set to get under way early next month with open auditions at the Albany Civic Center.

"I am supporting this event because I want to encourage people to show up," Hubbard said. "I know we have many aspiring models in our community. We need more positive events here and this is a wonderful opportunity for everybody."

Auditions are set for 9 a.m.-7 p.m Oct. 6 and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 7.

The auditions are open to men, women and children ages four to 40. There are six age group categories, which will feature a male and female winner from each category.

Contestants who make it through the audition advance to the elimination round, which will be in the form of a fashion show. At the end of each fashion show, some contestants will be eliminated.

Johnson said the dates of the elimination rounds will be set at the end of auditions.

"A lot of people want to focus on something that will have an impact on their lives," said Johnson. "People are hungry just to have something to do. This also allows the entire family to participate in a wholesome environment.

"But this event isn't just about Albany. It's for the entire Southwest Georgia region."

Johnson said the SWGA Top Models auditions were created to to help build self-esteem and to encourage people to follow their dreams.

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MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

HOW MUCH MONEY GOES TO THE WINNERS?

VietVet1 8 months, 2 weeks ago

How much money is the Civic Center charging?

VietVet1 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Clarity - how much is the Civic Center charging Yaz Johnson?

Environmentalist 8 months, 2 weeks ago

If you win, MRKIA, they'll name the Civic Center after you.

MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

CAN TOU SAY "THE TE' QUANDRA'LAQUISHA CENTER"?

RedEric 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Are they going to use their cheerleader moves in the fashion show?

davidr 8 months, 2 weeks ago

this lady disappears then only comes out when a photo or a news camera is taking a picture of her. then she disappears again.

bigbob 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Thats because she knows how unsafe Albany is. She's in hiding for her safety. lol

MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

BE GLAD THAT IS ALL SHE IS DOING. SHE'S MORE OF A MASCOT THAN A MAYOR.

whattheheck 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Get the Civic Center rental money up front before he moves the first thing into the building for the event.. The Chris Pike stiffing of the Hilton for the Black Expo should be fresh in the minds of those who control the process.

Civic Center rates are at the link and I don't see any way a promoter could pay for this event. But perhaps he won't be charged since the Mayor extended blessings.

As Barney Fife used to say, "Nip it. Nip it in the bud!".

http://www.albany.ga.us/content/1798/2879/2947/118075.aspx

dingleberry 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Since the article does not say and the specter of money has been raised, how much is Yaz being charged? The public needs to know who the loser will be on this one and my money is on the taxpayer, as usually is the case.
And if this guy claims to be a not for profit to get the "friends and family rate", he has to show an IRS Letter of Determination. I would bet next month's EBT balance he does not have such evidence.

Sister_Ruby 8 months, 2 weeks ago

WOW at the ways people around here try to make a buck off of their friends and neighbors.

dingleberry 8 months, 2 weeks ago

If they are crazy enough to pay it, he is sane enough to take it. Kind of like the Herald's "Favorite" whatever contest since the end result for winners, and there will be many, is a small bucket of self esteem.. But making a buck this way is better than the many visiting the corner Stop & Rob with a shirt over the head and a Glock in hand, the norm here.

However, it seems discriminatory since age is limited to 40. How can the city condone such when it is known up front?

J.D._Sumner 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Frankly, if Yaz is paying rent then I don't care what contest he's doing.

dingleberry 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Is he really paying the going rent rate--in advance? Follow the money and let us know, Look at the contract and, if he is paying the proper rate, then I certainly don't mind letting fools and money be parted if they so choose. Money has a way of separating real interest and encourages better judgement in many cases.

billybob 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The Civic Center? Isn't this the type of nonsense that is usually held in one of the meeting rooms of a local hotel?

Sister_Ruby 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I expect that the Hilton Garden Inn is being a bit more selective these days after being ripped off by the Chairman of the Black Expo.

tywebb 8 months, 2 weeks ago

an honest question: isn't this the guy who's been trying to get his father's name on a gov't building? it doesn't matter, i was just wondering if it's the same guy

Sister_Ruby 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Yep.

tywebb 8 months, 2 weeks ago

well, maybe if the civic center makes money, they'll change the name. haha

MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

THEY NAMED THE PUBLIC WORKS BLDG AFTER HIM.

MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

IN ALL SERIOUSNESS THERE HAS BEEN NO MENTION OF THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF THIS FIASCO BUT IT IS HIS BUSINESS HOW HE SPENDS HIS MONEY. HE'S EXPECTING A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS CONSIDERING THE SEATING CAPACITY OF THE CIVIC CENTER. IT COSTS A LOT OF MONEY FOR A MODEL TO FINANCE SEVERAL ROUND OF ELIMINATION SO WHATS THE PAYOFF? IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE? IS THERE A MONETARY PRIZE? WILL IT BE LIKE A GAME SHOW? CHARGE ADMISSION? THERE MIGHT BE A FEW SUCKERS OUT THERE WILLING TO GAMBLE ON THIS SHOT IN THE DARK. PERHAPS MORE INFO WILL SHED SOME LIGHT.

Amazed2 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Dorothy? Where have I heard that name?? Oh Yea, the Wizard of OZ. Our Albany Dorothy of Dougherty she signs proclaimations for everything the little people here ask for. Fight the Blight. Albany Throwdown, Yaz Johnson Fashikn Show. Wow how great our Dorothy if Dougerhty is. Guess I wonder why Dorothy is becoming so known for her proclaimation business when we have all the mess with the DCSS. I have never read or heard any comment ir position on the Velvet Riggins thing or Baker lunch money or mis appropriation of school funds etc

J.D._Sumner 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Just FYI, the mayor of Albany has no control of the school board. The mayor is the elected at-large member of the Albany City Commission.

The School board are different elected individuals who represent districts throughout Dougherty County.

They have different budgets, different organizational charts, different funding mechanisms and partially different constituents.

Amazed2 8 months, 2 weeks ago

JD, thanks for the info but I already know that; But why does the Mayor not speak out with her opinion on matter like the DCSS mess. I think a large percentage of children and young adults make up the DCSS. The point is MAyor Dorothy is out doing all these proclamations for things which are great if that is what she feels she was elected to do. I am sure YAZ and Bo and Sam all appreciate having Dorothy officially bless their ventures. I guess she will be visiting the hospitals and kissing newborns to soon, I am well aware that the DCSS has a seperate budget but may I ask you where the heck the budget money comes from. IT comes from the citizens of the City of Albany and Dougherty County. I think the Citizens and Taxpayers elected the Mayor so at least she could do is speak out about the mess and express some concern. OF course she may be part of the in crowd around the corner at DCSS.

dingleberry 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Yes JD you are correct the Mayor does not control what the DCSS and others do. But as the city's top leader, it would be nice to see if she has an opinion on other than a fashion show. She could,for example, exert some pressure on the DCSS et al by pointing out how their ways are dragging down the city she manages. Have not heard her opining on much of anything but in all fairness, perhaps she has not been asked.

Amazed2 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Dingelberry , thanks for the opinion. I think JD is missing the point. I guess he must be looking for Dorothy of Doughery to issue a proclaimation or something. The point I was trying to make is thru all of the DCSS mess including Velvet I have not heard a single word of support that what was going on was wrong or unethical.

MRKIA 8 months, 2 weeks ago

MOST PEOPLE ARE SMART ENOUGH TO GET YOUR POINT. POINT IS NO ONE WANTS TO POINT OUT THE OBVIOUS. YES, AS MAYOR SHE SHOULD HAVE A POSITION AND SPOKE TO THESE ISSUES. SHE'S GOT HER HEAD IN THE SAND HOPING NO ONE BRINGS UP THE SUBJECT. ANOTHER MAYOR MCCHEESE.

Amazed2 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Do you really think that YAZ really paid the regular price for rent at Civic Center. Dorothy of Dougherty probably clicked her heels together and donated it.

J.D._Sumner 8 months, 2 weeks ago

According to Suzanne Davis, director of Recreation and Parks for the city, Yaz was billed $500 for renting a conference room at the civic center.

Checking tomorrow to see if it's been paid.

whattheheck 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Good show JD. But the cheapest room is $500 a day so since he has a 2 day event planned, the fee would be $1,000, all due before room occupied. If he has it reserved for both days, 10/6-7, $500 may be a deposit--but it should not be a total. The contract will spell that out, I am sure.

Waiting to hear what you find out.

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