The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, October 3, 2001

Fayette to share 2 U.S. reps

By DAVE HAMRICK
dhamrick@TheCitizenNews.com

Fayette County will end up with two U.S. representatives instead of the three that were contemplated earlier in the state Legislature's redistricting process.

The Legislature adjourned Saturday after completing the task of redrawing congressional districts to conform to the 2000 U.S. Census. The legislative body had earlier finished new state House and Senate maps.

In the original Senate version of the map, Fayette was divided among three members of Congress, but the final map places a small section of northeast Fayette two precincts in the new 13th District, with the rest of the county included in the 8th District, designed to replace Rep. Mac Collins' current 3rd District.

"I am proud of the work of the state Senate in helping us achieve a congressional map that accurately reflects Georgia, while providing current representatives in Congress with an opportunity to run again next year if they choose to," said Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor following adjournment. "This map is good for all of Georgia," he added.

"It's a great map," said state Sen. Greg Hecht, whose current 34th District includes part of Fayette. Hecht has announced plans to run for the new 13th congressional District.

Hecht and Taylor are both Democrats.

Republican legislators were less pleased. "It looks like a bunch of worms all gathered together," said state Rep. Kathy Cox of Peachtree City. "It's an ugly, ugly map."

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of Sharpsburg, who represents parts of Fayette and Coweta, spoke from the Senate floor Friday, saying the map insures the Democrats will be able to elect whom they want to Congress.

Seabaugh said the process was "not a demonstration of good, open and honest government" and he was critical of the lack of public input the redistricting process received before it was approved.

"This congressional map and the atmosphere this map and the other redistricting maps has created is not one of unity and respect for one neighbor," Seabaugh said. "This map, these sessions have been divisive. They have put one party over the interests of the people of Georgia."