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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 02
Wednesday, February 2, 2005
Senate honors longtime member Gillis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia Senate took a break from its usual business for a few minutes Wednesday morning to honor former state Sen. Hugh Gillis (D-Soperton).
When he retired in July, Gillis, who attended today’s session, was the nation’s longest serving state legislator. He represented his Middle Georgia district for more than 55 years.
Gov. Sonny Perdue joined the members of the Senate in recognizing Gillis’ long and storied career in public service.
Perdue began his short remarks with a joke to Gillis: “I thought you had to die to get those type of accolades.�
The Governor then praised Gillis’ years of service at the state Capitol and said, “We are delighted to see you thriving in retirement and we wish you well.â€?
Perdue appointed Gillis to a seat on the Georgia Ports Authority last summer.
Gillis spoke fondly of his years in Georgia government and thanked his former colleagues for recognizing him.
“It really is an honor and privilege for me to be here today,� Gillis said.
Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) introduced the resolution honoring Gillis and said he rose above party politics.
Sen. Terrell Starr (D-Jonesboro) said that Gillis was his mentor for many years. The two politicians sat next to each other in the chamber and shared an office, Starr said. When Gillis retired, Starr moved into his seat and now has the distinction of being the senior member of the Georgia Senate.
Starr, looking at his seat, said: “I feel like I am sitting in hallowed ground over there.”
After a few more announcements, the Senate took up two health-care related bills.
Senate Bill 48, a measure creating a Renal Dialysis Advisory Council and Senate Bill 51, a measure to formalize supervision of clinical technicians, both passed without debate.
The Senate adjourned and meets Thursday at 10 a.m.
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Bills would increase seat belt fines, limit teen drivers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Legislation was introduced in the House today that, if passed, would give motorists an incentive to buckle up and place more safety requirements on teen drivers.
One bill, sponsored by state Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) would raise the fine from $15 to $50 for a driver who is caught not wearing a seat belt.
Two other bills, also sponsored by Wilkinson, would allow a parent or guardian to request that a teen’s driver’s license be suspended after a three-day cooling-off period and would cut from three to one the number of non-family members who can ride with a teen driver.
The House opened as always with prayer, and today heard from the Rev. Jim Perdue, son of Gov. Sonny Perdue and first lady Mary Perdue.
“If you want to be a success as a pastor or a public servant, you have to lose yourself. Life is not all about you,” the governor’s son told House members.
It was a return trip to the podium for the Rev. Perdue, who about 10 years ago was chaplain of the day in the state Senate, where his father got his start in state politics.
“I am a person who likes to keep the peace, and in case, you are wondering, I do get that from my mother, “the younger Perdue quipped.
After the prayer, the governor joined Rev. Perdue to pose for a photo.
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