Legislative Breakfast serves up 'hot' topics
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

From left, Sen. Jon Burns and Rep. J.B. Powell answer questions from local citizens as Jenkins County Farm Bureau President Dobbie Gay serves as moderator during the annual Legislative Breakfast held Saturday. (Staff photo by Deborah Bennett)

Grits and eggs were not the only items on the menu at the Legislative Breakfast held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Krystal's Taste of Kountry. The annual event, sponsored by the Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce and Jenkins County Farm Bureau, also served up several topics of interest to local citizens gathered to hear from State Rep. Jon Burns and State Senator J.B. Powell. Nancy Bobbitt, a representative from U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson's office, was also present.

A major concern expressed by those attending was economic development.

"The message about jobs has been delivered to Atlanta. They are aware of the situation in Jenkins County," Rep. Burns commented at the onset of his remarks.

"It is known in Atlanta that economic development is the number one priority for Jenkins County," Sen. Powell agreed.

"Sometimes when things are bad, you can't look behind. You have to look ahead. We have some positive things going on. It just takes time to get here. Things are generally looking up. We just need to stay focused," he continued.

When asked about the possibility of securing a golf course at Magnolia Springs State Park, both legislators acknowledged that others matters were taking precedence.

"We would love to see it done, but we have got some things we have got to trade for," commented Sen. Powell.

In a discussion of the proposed Lake Clarke project, Sen. Powell noted that the $40 million included in the state's budget for water conservation projects appeared to be earmarked for the upper metro areas of the state.

"If that (Lake Clarke) is something this community wants to move forward with, then certainly we will support it. We just need to know what the next step is," Sen. Powell said.

"It is hard to get 3-4 big projects for a county. The community needs to keep us advised about their projects," Rep. Burns commented.

Several citizens expressed their support of a statewide sales tax to support local schools as opposed to increased ad valorem taxes and returning to the state's budget austerity cuts that affect education. Having a portion of the 4 percent state sales tax returned to local counties from the county where it originated was also discussed.

Statewide issues the legislators touched on included the recently passed Water Bill, trauma care funding, Georgia's drug problem, sex offender laws, aging services and virtual schools.