ATLANTA (Nov. 3, 2009) – State Senator Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) held a government collaboration summit with city and county leaders last week in Habersham County. The meeting served as a forum to discuss how to improve their partnership as well as the need to serve constituents with results-oriented solutions.
“The summit was very important as it created an avenue for political and community leaders to discuss a value based legislative agenda,” said Butterworth. “As a result of the summit, government is working collectively at all levels for a positive change with a new, unified vision to move Georgia forward into growth and prosperity.”
The foremost topics discussed at the meeting were Georgia’s budget crisis and water supply. Government representatives from all levels worked to develop an understanding of how the budget crisis is affecting citizens and how best to move forward with solutions at every level in the budget. In terms of water, Northeast Georgia is one of the most affected areas of the state as it is home to the headwaters for the Chattahoochee River and the Savannah River. Any more water restrictions in this area would be detrimental to Northeast Georgia’s water supply and community leaders are ready to carry that message to state leaders. Sen. Butterworth strongly expressed that the water supply cannot handle any more restrictions.
The summit was more than discussion; it produced results. Next spring, the communities of Northeast Georgia will combine efforts for an Economic Development Conference. The goal of the conference is to approach economic development on a regional level. Through this conference the entire region will collectively create opportunities that attract business and jobs to the area.
Butterworth and others know there is much work to be done but they are working to further the development of Northeast Georgia. “While this meeting was very productive, it is only the beginning. We are committed to a better Georgia and seeing these goals through,” said Sen. Butterworth.
Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
November 3, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028