As the incumbent, I have a voting record that may be examined and scrutinized by anyone so inclined to do so.

My strong and vocal support for illegal immigration reform, tighter eminent domain law to protect property owners’ rights, and the strongest sexual predator law in America are just three examples of how seriously I take my responsibility of representing the citizens of Fayette County.

I listen to the people and always seek input from my constituents. My attendance has been perfect; I have not missed a single day of any session, regular or special, during my tenure (265 days).

When I speak in the well of the Georgia House, my colleagues listen. I make the tough decisions and then vote with my conscience.

Another example of my effective and serious leadership came to the forefront when I convinced my colleagues in the Georgia House to defeat a local bill not once, but twice, even though the House customarily passes local bills without debate.

HB 856 would have required county commission candidates to reside in a specific district, and then only citizens of that district would have been eligible to vote for that candidate. At present all Fayette citizens have the opportunity to vote for every county commission candidate.

I firmly believe that district voting would divide our community five different ways, with commissioners focusing on their particular district and not the county as a whole. Pitting one area of our county against another would in the opinion, of many citizens, divide and destabilize effective governance.

The Fayette County legislative delegation is composed of seven members, but four of these members do not reside within the county. Three are residents of Clayton County, and have a far different agenda than the residents of Fayette County.

Certainly, that is their right and the reason they were elected in Clayton County. Unfortunately, they hold sway over Fayette County, simply because they are in the majority.

In closing, let me point out that the bill was defeated in 2005, 63-82 and this year only received 71 votes (a house bill needs 91 votes to pass).

Fayette County has strong, effective and serious representation in the Georgia House of Representatives. I will appreciate your vote and support on July 18, 2006.

In your service,

Dan Lakly

login to post comments