Wednesday, February 6, 2002
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Wednesday, February 6, 2002 |
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Fayette's new legislators visit GOP By JANET
McGREGOR
Fayette County residents Saturday had their first official opportunity to meet two of the new officials who will be representing the county with the advent of the newly redrawn district lines. State Sen. Mike Crotts, 17th District, and state Rep. John Lunsford, 85th, visited with the Fayette County Republican Party during the group's monthly Saturday breakfast. Senate hopeful Saxby Chambliss was the keynote speaker at the crowded breakfast. Crotts also addressed the group. Crotts, who lives in Conyers, now represents a district that is roughly 100 miles from end to end, according to his calculations. The new district includes portions of Fayette, Henry, Newton, Butts, Walton and Rockdale counties. Calling Gov. Roy Barnes "power hungry," Crotts told the room full of Republicans that Barnes' plan and strategy is to take control away from cities and counties and shift it to the state level. Countering Barnes' perceived goals, he pledged, "We will not try to run local government. We are there to assist and to make sure you get the money you deserve as taxpayers." Crotts promised that, while he does not live in Fayette County and his district is large, the area will be well-served by him. County Commissioner Greg Dunn raised the question of state funding for road maintenance to Crotts. The governor has made "draconian" cuts in LARP (Local Assistance Road Program) funding, Dunn said, adding that at the current funding level it would take Fayette 75 to 80 years to repair and resurface all the county roads. Crotts promised to help increase dollars for road maintenance, saying he would "work with you and others to get your share." Rep. John Lunsford did not address the crowd, but he visited with attendees and took time to promise support for the county. Lunsford, who calls McDonough home, represents the newly created 85th District, which includes parts of south Fayette, Butts and Spalding. He is the deputy minority whip and serves on the House Children and Youth, Health and Ecology, and Retirement committees. Fayette County Commissioner Linda Wells announced that she will be seeking re-election this year for the seat she currently holds. Wells is currently serving her second year as vice chairman for the board. She was elected in 1999 to one of the county's two at-large seats. Wells also served on the commission from 1993 to 1996. Emory Wilkerson also attended the breakfast, talking with those he hopes to call constituents after the upcoming election. Wilkerson is running for the District 34 state Senate seat currently held by Greg Hecht. Hecht, a Democrat, is running for the new congressional district created during the recent redistricting. Wilkerson, a Republican, faces tough opposition from a number of well-known Democrats.
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