Leadership transition in House of Representatives

December 18 , 2009

As you have likely already heard or read, Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson resigned earlier this month in the wake of public revelations related to his fitness to hold that high position of public trust. Also, Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter announced that he would not seek election as Speaker when the General Assembly returns to session on Jan. 11, 2010, leaving the House leadership in a state of transition headed in to the new session.

Members of the Republican majority in the House are met this week to settle on their nominees for leadership positions. Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) is the nominee for Speaker, Rep. Jan Jones (R-Alpharetta) will become Speaker Pro Tem, and Rep. Edward Lindsay (R-Atlanta) is the new Majority Whip.

This entire episode reflects a sad commentary on how the House of Representatives has been run the past five years, and many House members on both sides of the political aisle are calling for major changes in the House rules and for sweeping ethics reform in the legislative branch of government. In the future, those in power must remember we are here to represent the interests of the people of our respective districts, not the lobbyists exerting the most influence.