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DEL.ICIO.USA not-so-GREAT parting gift from Richard Royal to Glenn Richardson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Friday, as qualifying ended, long-time state Rep. Richard Royal, a Republican from Camilla, announced he wouldn’t be running again.
“In my 25 years of service, I have witnessed far too many competent individuals who sadly do not know when to step down. I prefer not to follow in their steps,” Royal, 69, wrote in a statement on the topic.
Royal’s plans were closely held. As a result, only one candidate qualified for the vacant south Georgia seat — and now has won it without an election.
You might be tempted to think that some high-up GOP machinations were at work here. Quite the contrary. If you look closely, this episode appears more like a rude but well-orchestrated gesture aimed at Speaker Glenn Richardson by a parting member of the House.
Under Democratic rule, Royal was for years the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and was still considered a leading expert on taxation in the state Capitol.
Royal switched parties when Republicans seized control, but never regained his former clout.
So far as I can tell, Royal kept his mouth shut during the debate over Richardson’s plan to shift the state and local governments away from property taxes — and toward an expanded sales tax.
But Royal let his thoughts be known on Friday, in the form of the fellow who replaces him — former Camilla mayor Jay Powell.
Powell was president of the Georgia Municipal Association last year, when the GMA threw itself forward as the lead opponent to Richardson’s “GREAT Plan” in all of its many forms.
Powell toured the state, stirring up opposition to the speaker’s effort. And now he’ll be a proper member of the speaker’s House.
Comments
By Jeff
May 5, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Jim:
Libertarian qualifying isn’t until July, so this seat may not be uncontested….
Speaking of which: Why do Libertarians - or any second party - “qualify” months after the Democans and Republicrats? Just another unconstitutional ballot restriction…
And speaking of ‘qualification’: As long as the person meets the Constitutional requirements for the office, isn’t s/he already “qualified”? The whole “qualification” process is yet ANOTHER ballot RESTRICTION effort by those who would subvert freedom and liberty.
By Joe Voter
May 5, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Typical Richard Royal - undemocratic and political opportunist. Years of being a democrat, until the GOP takes over and it’s switcheroo. Doesn’t want the voters to decide who holds the seat with his last minute bow-out with only one cnadidate running. Typical. We got the royal shaft!
By Ron Burgundy
May 5, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Royal will be missed and this Mr. Powell has big shoes to fill. Who will step up and hit on all the 20-somethings with me like Royal used to do, that is what I am waiting to find out this fall? I have lost my wing man.
By Churchill
May 5, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I know both of these men. Both are quality, hardworking gentlemen. Royal ticked of the Democrat party when he left them… sour grapes ever since. Good Luck Jay, I am sure you are up to the task.
Enjoy your retirement Mr. Royal, and thank you for representing the folks of Mitchell Co. with honor and dignity.
By Skull@Cross Society Member
May 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I had the pleasure of sharing a Russian bathhouse with these honorable gentlemen in Norcross. To sit next to greatness with only a towel and a loofa made me proud to be a conservative Georgian. Churchill you sir are no loofa.