Press release [Oct. 24, 2003B]

10-1874-5028

Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office Room 131, State Capitol 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
October 24, 2003

For Immediate Release:

Birdsong Presented with Legislative Service Award

Atlanta State Representative Ken Birdsong, D-Gordon, was presented with the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) 2003 Legislative Service Award yesterday during the ACCG's 6th district meeting at High Falls State Park in Jackson, Georgia. The ACCG represents all 159 of Georgia's counties. The recipients are chosen after each Legislative Session, and recognize those lawmakers who "demonstrate distinguished leadership and appreciate the need to work with county governments for the benefits of Georgia citizens."
The Association cited Representative Birdsong's passage of HB 246, which he authored at ACCG's request. The bill allows county 911 centers to redact information in all records identifying callers when copies of the records are requested under the open records law. It is designed to protect callers from the possibility of retribution.
"Representative Birdsong has consistently proven that he cares for the health and safety of all citizens," noted Jerry Griffin, executive director of the ACCG.
"I am certainly honored by the award," said Rep. Birdsong, "I have always tried to keep the local effects in mind whenever confronted with a new issue, and groups like the ACCG are an invaluable source for such information. I think when we strive to achieve cooperation between state and local governments the result is a system that better serves all of Georgia's citizens. After all, politics begin and end at home."

# # # For further information contact Rep. Birdsong @ 404-656-7149 or contact Charlotte Copeland (ACCG) @ 404-5225022