Atlanta, GA – The biggest hurdle standing between Georgia and a long-term water management plan might not be the legal fight with Alabama and Florida. It might just come from within the state.
The lawmaker charged with carrying the water plan through the Legislature reminded Atlanta leaders today about the city's reputation throughout the rest of the state.
Lynn Smith, a Republican from Newnan, Georgia, told business leaders and politicians that much of Georgia looks at the city with a straw in its pocket, ``ready to suck out the water.''
Smith's message came at a water panel hosted by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. It underscores the challenges she and other lawmakers face as they prepare to debate a water plan.
Kit Dunlap, who chairs metro Atlanta's water planning district, characterized the views of rural Georgia this way: ``All they want to do is take your water.''
The sentiment is nothing new to Atlanta leaders. They face similar splits each year over a slew of divisive proposals, from transportation overhauls to the debate over Sunday sale of alcohol.
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said the city needs to do a better job of telling its side of the story, and presenting itself not as part of a problem but a part of the solution.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)