ATLANTA—House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today released the following statement regarding pending local legislation to create the Dawsonville Airport Authority (HB 453):
“I appreciate very much working with both Rep. Amos Amerson and State Senator Steve Gooch, my Dawson County legislative delegation colleagues, in reaching a joint decision to halt legislation to create the Dawsonville Airport Authority (HB 453) for at least the rest of the year. All of the citizens of Dawson County deserve openness and transparency in government at each level. Unfortunately, that was not the case with this request for local legislation.
“I am honored to represent the western portion of Dawson County in the Georgia House of Representatives. Even though this does not include the City of Dawsonville proper, the area impacted by this proposal lies squarely within the legislative district I am fortunate enough to represent. However, at no time before this bill was introduced even up until now has anyone on behalf of the City of Dawsonville contact me regarding this bill. No information was given to the public or to their elected representatives. That is not good government.
“Under Georgia law, an authority created by the General Assembly can have great power, and this was the case with House Bill 453. This bill would have given the power to the authority to buy and sell property, borrow money, and to exercise the power of eminent domain to condemn private property.
“I have encouraged the City of Dawsonville, if it should want to pursue this proposal, to hold public hearings between now and next January. I would hope they would lay out the case for this authority, including what plans it may have for this airport. But this process must be open, public and thorough.
“As long as I am privileged to represent even a portion of this wonderful community, I will not support or condone a secretive, behind the scenes process that could so greatly impact the people of the county.”
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