The 2010 legislative session began with scripture reading, a devotion, and prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States. Each legislative day is begun in this manner. This practice is a long-standing tradition and began out of a desire by our forefathers to establish a government based on biblical principles with freedom and liberty for all citizens.

A couple of hours later the House elected David Ralston of Blue Ridge Speaker and Jan Jones of Alpharetta as Speaker Pro Tem. In his acceptance speech Speaker Ralston challenged Republicans and Democrats to lay aside partisanship and work together for the good of all Georgians. He reflected in his speech what I believe is the sentiment of those who chose us to represent them in government that we should place the interest of the people over party affiliation. Speaker Pro Tem Jones is the first woman elected to that post and struck a good tone in her speech as well.

On Wednesday Governor Sonny Perdue addressed a joint session of the House and Senate. The Governor took time to honor his wife, the first Lady of Georgia, and reminisced about his past seven years in office. Governor Perdue talked about the challenges that will be faced by legislators in putting together a state budget with very limited revenue, but this is Perdue’s last year in office as voters will begin the process of electing a new governor later this year.

Several counties in southeast Georgia hosted an evening supper event called the Okefenokee Occasion at the old Railroad Depot located near the Capitol. The Governor along with a large number of legislators was in attendance and had the opportunity to visit with southeast Georgia officials and civic leaders. I especially enjoyed visiting with the large number of people who attended the event from our area.

The Legislature adjourned on Thursday, January 14 and will reconvene on Monday, January 25. I will be at the Capitol this week attending Appropriations hearings and can be reached at 404-656-5105 office or 912-614-2077 cell.

I leave you with this thought. Much good can be accomplished within our system of representative government providing our elected officials are not overly concerned as to who gets the credit.