Middle Georgia Lawmakers Weigh in on 2013 Session: Consolidation, Nonpartisan Elections and RAFB Hot Topics

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — In every session of the Georgia General Assembly new laws are created, but for middle Georgia legislators in 2013 a lot of old topics were back on the floor.

One of them is Robins Air Force Base. The state is pumping $10 million into a military gateway building to help transition military men and women into the civilian workforce.

“We think it’s going to be a great thing insulator against that horrible called BRAC,” said State Representative Larry O’Neal, District 146 (R).

$2.3 million is also included in the budget to make sure Robins is ready if another round of base realignment and closures is ordered. All that money is a good investment according to State Senator Ross Tolleson, District 20 (R).

“That can help us out when BRAC comes around. They see we put our money where our mouth is in middle Georgia,” said Tolleson.

As always, the budget doesn’t include every request.

“I wish we had some more so we could finish I-16 and I-75,” said State Sen. David Lucas, District 26 (D).

It wasn’t the only battle Lucas lost this session. Early on, the Bibb County Legislative Delegation was split by party lines, on a partisan issue.

“I’m still very disappointed about the moves that several members of our delegation made to change a major portion of the consolidation charter,” said State Rep. Nikki Randall, District 142 (D).

The house and senate voted to make several Bibb County elections non-partisan.

“I regret those who tried to make it again, a political issue, it’s really about what’s doing what’s best for our community,” said State Sen. Cecil Staton, District 18 (R).

Even though it already passed in 2012, the consolidation bill was once again a hot topic for the delegation.

“We’ve had to do some clean up language for the charter so we’re ready for 2014,” said State Rep. Allen Peake, District 141 (R).

Part of that clean-up included removing Payne City from the charter. State Representative James Beverly says since the small community voted against consolidation, it shouldn’t be included.

“You have to stay true to your core principles and you have to move forward with the will of the people,” said Beverly, District 143 (D).

Freshman State Representative Patty Bentley is excited to return to those people– so she can tell them all about the lessons she learned in her first year.

“I was proud to see those moments where we did work together,” said Bentley, District 139 (D).

Even though every bill doesn’t pass, and every goal isn’t met, Middle Georgia lawmakers are going home after what they say was another successful season.

“Just to begin the process and to achieve everything that is achievable to that end I think that is our charge,” said State Rep. Bubber Epps, District 144 (R).