Weirdness at the Capitol
April 20, 2007 at 11:10 am by Scott Henry in NewsThursday was full of surprises under the Gold Dome as the usually unified Republicans split on the two biggest issues of the day, handing unanticipated defeat to Jekyll Island developers and to proponents of a city of Dunwoody.
The Jekyll debate was over whether resort builders should be allowed to get their mitts on the picturesque, undeveloped south end of the island — and do potential damage to the coastal ecosystem. Word is that Gov. Sonny Perdue, who has otherwise been fast asleep this session, pushed hard to open the door to his developer buddies.
But Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford — who, hailing from Gwinnett, pointed out that she knows from sprawl — gave a spirited speech against the governor’s bill, invoking the image of “unscrupulous developers who want to rape and pillage the land.” Wow. Sounds like something you’d normally hear from a tree-hugging lefty.
Sen. Dan Chapman, R-Brunswick, also argued that Georgia doesn’t need another playground for the wealthy at the expense of the environment.
Between the two of them, they shot down the developers in a not-even-close 32-12 vote.
In the House, the longest debate was over whether to allow a referendum on Dunwoody incorporation. Lately, Republicans have really enjoyed their almost God-like ability to create new cities, such as Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Milton. We assume it’s merely a coincidence that the new burgs are mostly populated by fellow Republicans.
But this time, DeKalb Democrats were able to persuade their House colleagues that rushing to create Dunwoody — before studies could even be completed to show the fiscal implications of incorporation — was a bad idea. The city bill lost the vote, but could be reconsidered today.
Finally, in the craziest action of a wacky day, Sonny vetoed the supplemental budget, which will likely result in a weeklong special session later this summer.
Local blogger Griftdrift has a theory for all this goofiness: It’s CL’s fault.
April 20th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
The core of the Jekyll Island legislation is extending the lease and life of the Jekyll Island Authority, which needs the additional lease term to replace some of the older beach motels with perhaps a cool, new island center concept that could/should be a 100% sustainable “re” development. All the plans would be part of a new Master Plan which, by existing law, open for public scrutiny and input. I hope these legislated additional restrictions don’t screw up the main point of the bill!
No matter what, Jekyll Island is a beautiful place and Atlantans should come down and see what all the fuss is about!
April 21st, 2007 at 7:55 am
“…almost God-like ability to create new cities…” ?? Gee Scott, maybe you lose perspective being close to the process and so near the frenetic end of session.
All the best, Steve Barton, Dunwoody