Friday, January 19, 2001

Westmoreland expects much ado about flag, districts

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

So far, parts of this session of the General Assembly remind Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Sharpsburg, of a Willie Nelson song.

"You know that song 'Always on my Mind?' That's how most of the representatives are feeling about the flag issue and reapportionment," he said.

While little movement has been made toward resolving the state flag issue, Westmoreland believes the debate will increase as the session gets into full swing.

Since the U.S. Census figures were released earlier this year, representatives and senators have also been speculating about how Georgia's new congressional districts will be drawn.

So far, the session has been relatively quiet, but Westmoreland expects that to end soon as Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor unveils his proposal for teen driving regulations next week.

Westmoreland said the House Republicans also have a proposal for teen drinking and will probably start discussing that at the end of next week.

So far, the House minority leader has not received or heard about any local legislation from Fayette and Coweta counties. He has heard about a property tax proposal, though, that could impact residents.

"The bill would basically freeze property taxes. If the assessment went up, local officials would have to increase your homestead exemption to match it," he said.

From his new position as leader of the House Republicans, Westmoreland will watch several of his colleagues jet to Washington this weekend for the inauguration of President-elect George W. Bush.

But Westmoreland believes his best view of the festivities will come from his sofa.

"I think about 15 folks from the House are heading up there this weekend. A lot of the events are already full and I can get a better view from my home," he said.

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