House tax chairman resigns; election called for Jan. 6

Earlier this morning, citing the Eatonton Messenger, we reported that state Rep. Mickey Channell, R-Greensboro, who heads the powerful  House tax-writing committee, had just announced his Jan. 15 retirement, citing health issues. This is incorrect.

In fact, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee will fill out the remainder of his current term, which will end with the swearing-in of new legislative members on Jan. 12, according to this letter of resignation he sent to Secretary of State Brian Kemp. Officially, Channell has served notice that he would not fill the seat to which he was elected last Nov. 4.

The timing is important.

Channell is a key figure on a special House-Senate committee on transportation funding that could recommend an increase in the state gas tax this month -- a measure that could be taken up immediately when the Legislature convenes in January.

This morning, Kemp called for a Jan. 6 special election (i.e., nonpartisan) to replace Channell.

Qualifying will open next Monday, Dec. 8, and will end at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The qualifying fee is $400. Voters in Greene, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Taliaferro and Wilkes counties need to be registered by close of business next Monday.