Ethics reform, revenues discussed

GAINESVILLE - Ethics reform and revenue shortfalls were among the issues discussed at an early morning meeting in Gainesville Thursday featuring several members of the state legislature.

It was the chamber of commerce's annual pre-legislative forum.

It came one day after the state Revenue Department reported that November tax collections were down 16 percent and just a week after House Speaker Glenn Richardson resigned amid new allegations of an affair with a lobbyist. That has led for renewed calls in some circles for strengthened ethics rules and regulations for state officials, including members of the state legislature.

Members of the Hall County state legislative delegation were on hand for the annual event, sponsored by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.

State Representative Doug Collins said the people of the state need to understand that - realistically - there has to be a hard look at more cuts as revenues continue to shrink.