Common Cause Georgia is a non-profit, non-partisan, good government advocacy group. We believe that by banding together, citizens can make a difference. We throw a spotlight on issues that affect all Georgians. We work to strengthen public participation and to ensure that the political process serves the public interest, rather than the special interests.
Our purpose is clear: make public officials and public institutions accountable and responsive to citizens.
On August 1st the Savannah Morning News raised questions about the behavior of Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss during a Senate hearing discussing the Imperial Sugar Plant explosion
In the Savannah Morning News article, Bill Bozarth commented on the effects of the flow of money in our political system.
The article focused on how Chambliss attended a Senate subcommittee hearing on July 31, and supposedly using questions provided by Imperial, harshly questioned an Imperial VP who was testifying that the company had lapsed in their responsibility.
The issue goes far beyond the campaign contributions that Imperial or other sugar industry sources may have given Chambliss. We ask why a Senator would be willing to intervene with the clear intent to discredit a witness when the discussion was about why people had died and what could be done to prevent future industrial accidents. Our conclusion - this is an example of the ultimate end product of a political system in which such huge amounts of money ultimately corrupt our instruments of self-government. Stories like this build the case that we need a major overhaul of the way we finance our elections in this country.
Earlier this month, AJC reporter James Salzer uncovered a bit of legislative mischief. Apparently without anyone knowing, even the House sponsors, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), was able to slip an amendment into a routine election code cleanup bill on the last day of the 2008 session. The amendment removed from state law all requirements that organizations disclose who they are when they send out campaign mailings. Senator Wiles has responded publicly that there were several opportunities for legislators or others to raise objections, but no one did.
Common Cause believes this change would never have passed if it had been debated in the light of day, but provides another good example of how last minute behind-the-scenes maneuvering often yields these unwelcome "surprises." For the rest of this year, anonymity is protected.
The news that this happened has met with some angry reactions from lawmakers and others. Common Cause will work with the legislature to get the restrictions returned to the code in the next session.
Common Cause Georgia honored State Senator Jeff Chapman on April 27th along with several other Georgia citizens for their efforts in holding government accountable on environmental issues. Chapman led legislative efforts in 2007 and 2008 to keep the revitalization of JekyllIslandState Park on track and not allow it to become an opening for developers to build condos on the beachfront.
As a result of his stand, Chapman faced opposition from his own party in the July 15 primary. Terry Carter, himself a developer, challenged Chapman, using the JekyllIsland issue as his main campaign focus, claiming that Chapman’s opposition to the Linger Longer Proposal was “obstructing progress.” Many of the local business interests in GlynnCounty supported Carter’s challenge.
Chapman defeated Carter 54% to 46% and faces no opposition in the November general election, essentially assuring him a 3rd term. Learn more by clinking the link below.
