« Balfour meets resistance from Snellville councilman »

This week, state Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) introduced legislation in the Georgia Senate to limit the Snellville mayor's voting power in city council votes in order to avoid the 3-3 deadlocked votes which have become common in recent years.  The idea was supported by the majority of residents who turned out at a town hall last month hosted by the senator.  Now, Snellville city councilman Tod Warner, saying that "Balfour’s move is 'unilateral,' subverting the power of the council." Warner is urging other Gwinnett municipal officials to encourage their legislators to oppose Balfour's bill.

Unilateral?  Huh?  

The senator has drafted a piece of legislation which must be passed by the Senate if it is to become law.  Even if other senators essentially allow Balfour's bill to pass since it is a local issue, Georgia House member Rep. Melvin Everson (R-Snellville) would have a say in the House.  Besides, Balfour is following a course of action backed by the residents in Snellville who took the time to show up and express their opinion.  This does not count many who likely have contacted the senator directly.  So long as Balfour is reflecting the will of Snellville residents, the people to whom government is responsible, the will of those holding power in office is of far less concern.