This Historic Legislature Has Served Us Well

The Georgia Legislature has adjourned for the time being, unless of course there is a called session later in the year. And to watch the news and read the newspapers one would think not much had happened under the Gold Dome this year but a lot of bitter arguing. But I, for one, would like to congratulate the Governor and leaders of the Senate and House on the way they handled the 2003 legislative session. I would like to congratulate every State Senator and Representative who served in that legislature, as well as the governor.

Let me tell you why. This has been the first two-party legislative session in Georgia in more than 100 years. In years past the governor came up with the plan. Behind closed doors he negotiated with the Lieutenant Governor, who is president of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House, and in some cases some powerful committee chairmen, and when legislation came to the floor for a vote, it usually passed overwhelmingly. I have seen major legislation pass the House with no more nay votes than you could count on the fingers of one hand. That was the way Georgia government worked under a one-party system.

I would like to congratulate BOTH the Republicans and the Democrats on the way this session of the General Assembly worked. Sure there were rough spots, but it was a very credible job of introducing two-party governance to Georgia. I'll assure you absolutely nothing has come through this legislature without thorough study, debate and negotiation. In that two-party atmosphere the long-time winners will be we-the-people.

This is Gordon Sawyer, and may the wind always be at your back.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/5/179262