Georgia Heritage Council - 2005 Interim General Assembly Scorecard

Jeff Davis

Georgia Heritage Council
Phone: 770-297-4788 email: chairman@GeorgiaHeritageCouncil.org
Web: www.georgiaheritagecouncil.org

2005 Interim General Assembly Scorecard, by J. A. Davis

As the 2005 legislative session turns down the stretch of the last quarter mile we are prompted to observe and note what has been accomplished and what has been ignored or not accomplished.

With Georgia legislative history typically obscured by a flurry of confusing activity during the final days, this report card has to be preliminary and interim at best. Much could occur which could somewhat alter the conclusions of the moment.

To begin with we must note the magnitude of the change that has occurred with Republicans now controlling both chambers and the executive office as well. That alone is an historic event that will draw the attention of historians, would-be analysts and hacks for years unpredictable.

The impact to the public will be significant when coupled with the record compiled in the following session in 2006 which is the same year the voters will mark their report cards at the ballot box.

If recent history represents any form of precedent you can expect some of the following to take place, all of which will continue the recent saga of ever-changing seats in Georgia's state office holders. These are:

Defeat in either primary or general elections of at least 20 or so present office holders.

Retirement of upwards to another dozen who, for reasons of their own, determine to give it up.

Then, there are always a few who offer themselves for higher office, most without success.

When you total the names from both parties who will likely depart public service, the number is quite staggering. It does augur well for the people who peacefully and quietly accomplish a democratic form of perpetual cleansing. I think The Founders may have had something like that in mind.

To some the 'positive side' (quite debatable) of the new legislature is they have reorganized and developed rules which---whether popular or not---have mechanized the flow. This flow has produced strong leadership control and eliminated some legislation the people have indicated a desire to see such as a Fair Vote on the state flag. The leadership and indeed many members have convinced themselves that they know what is best and, despite the aforementioned history, that they are bulletproof from voter retaliation.

The interim analysis can give little in the way of public acceptance. The main plus is the long overdue passage of tort reform. Getting the budget passed without a frantic finish is also a plus, but the budget passed through a process which leaves some serious questions. First being the addition of three and a half million dollars of pure pork inserted for the most part by Republican leadership in their home areas after the budget experts had extended all they could judiciously try to justify.

Where are the cries from those in the areas getting this undeserved bonus from the tax payers of the state? The Vice Chairman of the committee, Carl Rogers of Gainesville managed to get some pork for his home area including renovation of a city park. We hear silence from the so called 'conservatives' in Gainesville who happily grab the bucks while criticizing other pork projects in the amended budget. Shouldn't Gainesville pay to improve its own parks?

The most egregious violation of the people's trust reveals the mentality of the new legislative change of direction. First, several attempts to make it easier for the government to seize citizen's property through so called 'public-private partnerships.' A grass roots citizens uprising finally deferred these bills [SB-5, SB-190, et al]. They'll be back.

Then there have been repeated attempts to legislate more secrecy [ HB-218 et al ] in various forms of state business effectively reducing or eliminating Sunshine Laws. Again, grass roots Georgians have slowed the assault, but it too, will be back.

The jury is still out on proposals to curb the tremendous cost of illegal immigration in the state. The administration has announced support of the Bush immigration policy, which does little or nothing to reduce or eliminate the burden on Georgia's taxpayers. Will the leadership permit reform? Stay tuned.

Discerning Georgians are looking closely at those who are supporting these usurpations. Why are they doing this? Who benefits? The old admonition of "follow the money" comes to mind. Rest assured those supporting these intrusions on our rights have the admonition indelibly impressed in their minds.

We're pleased for whatever favorable grassroots action the GHC website has enabled by disbursing pertinent information to you. The media within Georgia did an commendable job of publicizing the controversies, at least on the secrecy and land-grab bills. I would like to recognize Steve Scroggins, our Webmaster, who spends considerable time as a volunteer to see that you are informed. Please let us know what we can do to better inform you on your State government.

Jeff Davis is a retired radio-TV journalist living in Gainesville, GA. Active in civic and political affairs, he is past president of the Georgia Jaycees, former vice president of the US and the world Jaycees, former campaign chairman of the Georgia Republican party. He voluntarily serves as president of the International Association for the Restoration of Confederate History and the Georgia Heritage Council. He is a collateral descendant of President Jefferson Davis.

Contact: Telephone 770 297-4788 P-6, 2360 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesvlle, GA 30501