Friday, April 2, 2004

Maps unveiled for new districts

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Voters across the south metro area are taking a look at the new political landscape after new legislative maps were unveiled last week.

The maps were drawn by federal judges after the General Assembly could not deliver a set of maps on time. The new maps eliminate the multi-member districts, and attempted to leave politics out of the equation.

When Coweta County’s State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh got a look at his newly-drawn district on the new map approved by the courts, he was more than disappointed to see his chunk of western Fayette County had been taken away.

“It was like a death in the family,” Seabaugh said.

But not to fear. Seabaugh contends he will continue to represent Fayette County, at least in his heart if not on the map, if he is re-elected to another term this year.

“I’ve invested too much time and made too many friends in Fayette County just to walk away from it,” Seabaugh said. “A judge can determine who votes for me, but a judge will not tell me who I can represent.”

Seabaugh said he’s too busy with this legislative session to even think about re-election. His district was shifted further west, picking up constituents in Carroll County and Heard County.

While this pledge to continue working with Fayette might not sit well with others, Seabaugh said he’s not worried about that.

“I’m a loyal person,” he said.

Seabaugh was one of several influential politicians who helped fast-track the widening of Ga. Highway 54 West in Peachtree City to four lanes with a wide enough median to expand to six lanes in the future if necessary. He also got help from others in speeding up the time line for the widening of Ga. Highway 74 South in Peachtree City from Hwy. 54 to Ga. Highway 85. That project is seen as crucial for the continuing development of local industry which depends on truck traffic reaching Interstate 85.

The final maps were released to the public after the judges went in and did some final tinkering with the lines to help incumbents.

In the Senate, Coweta County will be represented by only Seabaugh’s current district next year. The 28th district features Coweta County, along with portions of Heard, Troup and Carroll counties.

On the House side of the equation, Coweta will be represented by two representatives in next year’s General Assembly. The 70th District will encompasses eastern Coweta County, which is currently represented by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, and the 71st district, which covers all of western Coweta County and is represented by Rep. Lynn Smith.

In South Fulton County, the bulk of the district will be represented in the newly-numbered 65th District. Residents who live south of Interstate 85, will be in the 66th district, which is currently represented by Rep. Virgil Fluud, who lives in Fayetteville.

On the Senate side, South Fulton residents will be in the 35th district. Sen. Kasim Reed currently represents the area.