Legislators promise to restore public faith in public office

The first day of Georgia's 2010 legislative session was marked by promises of restoring confidence, ethics reform and stronger leadership in the House of Representatives by members of both political parties.

Calling these "unique times," Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) served in his new role of House Speaker for only one legislative day before delivering the news that former House Speaker Glenn Richardson had sent written word to the him and Gov. Sonny Perdue of his full and official resignation from the House of Representatives.

Burkhalter then announced he would not remain in the role of Speaker because he had accepted a London-based job.

In his remarks, Burkhalter asked for prayers for Richardson. "Please pray for him. He is a great man, and he is getting better."

Richardson experienced a domino effect of problems that began with accusations of an inappropriate affair with a lobbyist, a subsequent divorce, and growing financial concerns over the solvency of a bank in which he held a significant stake. The troubled Speaker attempted suicide in late 2009. The final career blow came from his former wife who, in a series of television interviews, produced evidence Richardson had cheated with a lobbyist who stood to gain from state utilities legislation.

Moderate Republican David Ralston (Blue Ridge) was elected as the new House Speaker and will be joined by Jan Jones (R-Milton) who was elected Speaker Pro Tem, making her the highest-ranking woman in the legislative ranks.

"There is nobody I'd rather take this position than Jan Jones," Burkhalter said, speaking of the post he held for several years before his short stint as Speaker after Richardson's resignation.

Supporters lauded Jones' years of public service and her keen understanding of the state budget. These will likely be useful skills in a year when Georgia faces a $1.3 billion budget deficit.

Democrats put forth candidates in the both leadership elections, mostly for the significance of a challenge. Republicans hold the majority votes in both chambers.

In nominating speech remarks for the Speaker Pro Tem Democratic challenger, Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) said the House had veered off course and it needed to be returned to the people.

"Now is the time to end the war on our local governments," she said.

With remarks clearly leveled at Jones and the formation of Milton County, Hugely said with a "cash strapped" state, this was not the time to form new governments."

Democrats and Republicans alike spoke of a system that would allow everyone to move forward legislation--not just those in leadership positions. Jones said she cared about the "quiet people" in meetings, promising to listen to the "silent center."