There have been numerous discussions over the past few years regarding a change of the structure of DeKalb County government. DeKalb Strong has continuously supported a more comprehensive reform of the government through the establishment of a Charter Review Commission, which would put the entire structure of government on the table for discussion and reorganize many of the most broken aspects before the new charter becomes law.
During the past year Rep. Scott Holcomb researched various options for reform, and then sponsored a bill to change DeKalb's governance structure away from the CEO form of government to a more traditional county manager form of government this session. We respect Rep. Holcomb'sood faith effort to take into account the opinions of county residents, and especially appreciate the care that he has taken to build consensus among the delegation and craft a proposal that could gain widespread support.
Last week, however, State Senator Fran Millar, in a shocking breach of legislative protocol, made a copy of Rep. Holcomb's bill without consulting him, redrew new commission district lines for partisan advantage, and then introduced his version [SB 378] in the Senate, taking full credit for the entire bill.
Sen. Millar's bill by rule should have been filed as a local bill for consideration by the DeKalb Delegation, but SB 378 proceeded as general legislation through the Senate, thus allowing legislators from throughout the state once again to direct how we should organize our communities.
Fran Millar's partisan rewrite of Rep. Holcomb's bill passed the Senateon Friday. While DeKalb Strong appreciates the fact that new opportunities may be created by the change of DeKalb's form of government, we are deeply offended by Sen. Millar's disdain for local control and his complete lack of respect for the representatives elected by our community, and for the citizens of this entire county.
DeKalb government needs reform, but not in this exclusive and disrespectful manner. Legislators ignoring duly elected representatives and abusing the reform process to gain personal and partisan advantage is unacceptable.
DeKalb deserves better. This flies in the face of the idea of meaningful and thoughtful reform. DeKalb Strong does not support Senate Bill 378.
Opponents of this bill will meet on the Senate side of the Capitol Monday morning at 10 a.m. The Senate may reconsider their approval on Monday; please write to state Senators expressing opposition to this bill. All are welcome.
