State Rep. Kathy Cox of Peachtree City is finding smooth sailing for her bill naming Ga. Highway 54 in Fayette County for the late Paul Heard, a well-known community leader.

“The bill is drawn up and ready to present,” Cox told The Citizen. It would name Hwy. 54 the Paul Heard Memorial Highway from the Peachtree City limits to the Clayton County line.

Heard, former minority leader in the state House and former member of the Peachtree City Council, died last November of cancer at the age of 59.

“Paul was one of the first people I met when I moved to Fayette County,” said Cox, a Republican whose 105th District covers part of Fayette “I was teaching government, and had invited some local officials to speak to the class.

“He made such an impression on me, through his attitude and demeanor and how he presented himself to the kids, and the things he did for Fayette County in the legislature.”

The idea of honoring Heard by naming the highway after him actually came from Lynn Westmoreland, another member of the Fayette delegation, said Cox. Westmoreland, R-104th, suggested that Cox introduce the bill because Heard lived in her district.

“When Lynn said something about it, I jumped on it,” said Cox, adding she expects quick approval of the bill. “They think a lot of Paul here [in the House of Representatives]; they really do,” she said.

Transportation Committee Chairman Rep. Jimmy Benefield has enthusiastically endorsed the idea, she added.

Cox has submitted the information in the bill to Helen Heard, Paul's widow, “to make sure we get everything in the bill that needs to be in it,” she said, adding she hopes to introduce it next week.

Both the Fayette County Commission and the Fayetteville City Council have endorsed the idea of naming their portions of the highway for Heard.

Heard served in the legislature 1983-92, and was minority leader during his last two years. He ran for governor in 1994.

He was a member of the City Council of Peachtree City 1978-79.

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