ATLANTA— State Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-South Forsyth/Johns Creek) today introduced House Resolution 1051, a constitutional amendment to create a township form of governance in Georgia.
“I believe our state needs a township model where local citizens can vote to create a community and exercise zoning authority without taking on the services and tax burdens of a full city,” said Rep. Dudgeon. “I think that should the General Assembly and the voters approve this amendment that it is the best path for my community to pursue in the future.”
Rep. Dudgeon has been pursuing a “city lite” path for the Sharon Springs area in South Forsyth County. However, recent legal opinions have cast doubt on the constitutionality of a city being limited in services or taxes.
Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (R-Milton) also commented on HR 1051, “As a former representative of south Forsyth area and a driving force behind the north Fulton cities, I believe a township model would be a good thing for Georgia to adopt. It could be the right answer to allow Sharon Springs residents to self-determine their future quality of life.”
Senator William Ligon (R-Brunswick) is also introducing the township amendment in the Senate this week.
Representative Mike Dudgeon represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Science & Technology, and Small Business Development committees.
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