A member of the White County Commission is showing his support for Republican members of the Georgia legislature and Governor Brian Kemp as they defend the state's new election reform law from criticism by companies like Coca-Cola and Delta.
During Monday's commission meeting, District One Commissioner Terry Goodger proposed the county restrict the sale of Coca-Cola products on all county properties and at all county-sponsored events. Goodger also suggested the county encourage retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues in White County restrict sales of Coke products. Further, Goodger suggested the commission should discourage White County employees from using Delta Airlines as a preferred method of air travel.
Both Coca-Cola and Delta, Atlanta-based companies, have criticized the state's new election law. Coca-Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincy said he was disappointed in the Georgia law and that the company would support federal legislation to expand voting access.
The board took no action on Goodger's request, but he acknowledged it was a last-minute request.
"I only came up with this this afternoon, so no one has time to really mull it over and decide what they might want to do as a board, but I would encourage them as a board to support our state legislature and governor,” Goodger said.
Goodger's request came on the same day three North Georgia legislators asked Coca-Cola to no longer deliver free products to their legislative offices. Victor Anderson of Habersham County, Stan Gunter of Union County and Lauren McDonald III - all Republicans - joined six other lawmakers in a written request to the soft drink company, asking that Coke no longer supply beverages to their offices.
AccessWDUN's B.J. Williams contributed to this story.
