Rob Alexander learned what life was like on the other side of the podium Tuesday.

Alexander started his career as a journalist in Newnan 20 years ago and returned to the Coweta County Commission chambers Tuesday.

This time, Alexander was representing the recently created Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and trying to convince the commissioners that the organization isn't all bad.

But the appeal fell on deaf ears as the commissioners grilled Alexander on GRTA's intentions. Last week, the county received a letter from the agency that it intended to activate jurisdiction over Coweta County.

The agency was created by Gov. Roy Barnes to deal with the Atlanta region's air quality and traffic problems. In its second year, the agency is now flexing its political muscles and is requesting land use maps from the 13 counties in the area identified by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as falling short of clean air standards.

“It just doesn't sit well with local governments when you send out the type of letter you did,” said Commissioner Jim McGuffey.

Alexander said the agency wasn't going to send black helicopters into the county, but wanted to have a good dialogue with the commissioners to reach a consensus.

“We hope to be a partner, not a threat,” he added.

The commissioners said GRTA was being up front in its efforts to control local governments.

“It's a direct threat to local governments,” McGuffey said.

Alexander said the agency has legal authority to try and shape up the region's air quality, but wants everybody to work together on finding a common solution.

The commissioners have until July 5 to respond to GRTA's jurisdiction effort. GRTA is meeting July 12 and is expected to enact the jurisdiction then.

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page