Way to dispell the rumors, Sims

Senator Sims claims she’s been targeted by us vicious bloggers. After all, we’re such a monolithic force in Georgia politics that even the Georgia House pays tribute to us, right?  Of course, she could easily have proven Jeff’s accusations wrong.  All she had to do was change the language on the consolidation bill, the one that gives us a vote on the issue, so that it removed the change from partisan to non-partisan elections that would allow the bill to be exempt from cross-over day.

But she didn’t.

Now, sitting here in Albany, all I can conclude is that Jeff was dead on in his assessment that Sims neverintended for us to vote.  Rumor had told me that Sims was in a sticky situation regarding consolidation, as she received a lot of campaign funds from the Doublegate area from folks who support a consolidation vote.  The general assessment from the black community was against consolidation though, which as a black woman in public office from this neck of the woods, she has to at least show token loyalty to as well.  She answers to two masters, a tricky situation for any politician, if the rumors are true.

Before anyone thinks I’m making an excuse for Sims, understand that what she pulled was complete and utter bull.  Make a stand, and I can respect it.  I may not agree with it, but I can respect it.  Pulling crap like this?  There’s nothing to respect. 

It’s clear that she chose a path that would let her pretend to give the citizens of Dougherty County the vote they deserve, without actually giving it.  She introduced a bill that violated House Rule 50, one that she dealt with during her time in the House.  Either she knew about the rule, which means she lied when she claimed she didn’t know about it, or she doesn’t actually pay attention to the bills she’s voting on.

That’s a thought that makes you all tingly inside, isn’t it?

The facts all seem to point toward Sims not having any intention of the bill going forward.  For some, that’s just fine, but keep one thing in mind.  Remember that consolidation was never a done deal.  The fact of the matter was that I don’t think it would have passed.  Far to many people wanted the vote, but were against consolidation.  Sims’ stunt denied people the right to vote this down, effectively killing it for the next thirty years or so.

Instead, this will come back to haunt her.  She swore that she wanted the people of Dougherty County to have their vote.  Either she needs to change the language, vote for Ed Rynder’s bill, or quit the charade.  It’s getting tiring.

She could have dispelled the rumors, but she didn’t.  She just reinforced them.