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Friday, September 7, 2007
Cagle says he’d like to see Abraham as head of DOT
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With this week’s announcement that Harold Linnenkohl will soon retire as state transportation commissioner, and a Legislature-driven reorganization of the Department of Transportation in the offing, movers and shakers in the state Capitol are quickly making their ideas about a replacement clear.
In a letter to Republican state senators, just e-mailed today, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle all but endorsed Gena Abraham, who heads the Georgia Building Authority, as well as the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission.
She’d be the first woman to hold the job, and has something of a squeaky-clean image around the Capitol. “Reform-minded,” in the phrasing of the lieutenant governor.
Wrote Cagle:
“While this is a decision that will ultimately be made by the [state DOT] board, I did want to make you aware that I have a very high opinion of Gena.
“She has a demonstrated record of success at GSFIC for managing projects to completion on time and under budget, implementing design build methods, and securing favorable underwriting terms for our debt portfolio.
“Should she make the short list for the board to consider, I believe she would be a strong, reform-minded candidate.
See the entire letter on the jump.
To the Senate Republican Caucus:
As you’ve no doubt become aware, Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl has announced his decision to begin enjoying a well-earned retirement from the Georgia DOT after years of valued service to the state.
The political process being what it is, speculation has now become focused on who might be chosen by the GDOT Board to fill this position. In my view, our state is at a critical juncture on transportation, and the importance of selecting a commissioner who will boldly guide us into new ways of doing business - such as utilizing concession and design build processes - cannot be overstated.
As you know, the Senate will and should play a significant role in the process of selecting a Commissioner because of our responsibility for electing members of the GDOT Board. For that reason, I would encourage you to pay close attention to this process and give me - and your board members - any thoughts you may have on filling this vacancy. Additionally, Chairman Jeff Mullis and Majority Leader Tommie Williams both have significant expertise on the transportation issue, and will be deeply involved in the selection process, so I would encourage you to talk with them as well.
You may also have read that our State Properties Officer, Dr. Gena Abraham, has been discussed as a possible replacement for Commissioner Linnenkohl. While this is a decision that will ultimately be made by the Board, I did want to make you aware that I have a very high opinion of Gena. She has a demonstrated record of success at GSFIC for managing projects to completion on time and under budget, implementing design build methods, and securing favorable underwriting terms for our debt portfolio. Should she make the short list for the board to consider, I believe she would be a strong, reform-minded candidate.
As always, if you have any thoughts on this issue, please let me know. I look forward to seeing you at our retreat in October, but hopefully before then.
Your friend,
Casey Cagle
Huckabee’s Saturday schedule
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who’s been pitching himself as the alternative to Fred Thompson in the GOP presidential race, has his first big day in Georgia on Saturday.
Here’s a rough schedule:
— 10:00 a.m. in Kennesaw at McCollum Airport, meeting with Cobb County Republicans;
— 1 p.m. in McDonough for an Operation Homefront event at Motorheads Bar and Grill;
— 2:30 p.m. in Duluth at the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce building;
— 5 p.m. in Atlanta for a private fund-raiser;
— 8 p.m. in downtown Kennesaw.
