The Lake Lanier Legislative Caucus met at the Northeast Georgia History Center in Gainesville on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 3 PM. The meeting of the newly formed group was open to the public.
The Republican State Senator from Buford, Renee Unterman, skillfully directed the meeting, which ranged from procedural discussions to issues of:
• potentially licensing boaters
• training for those who rent personal watercraft
• requiring all passengers under 13 years of age to wear a flotation device in moving vessels
• applying similar penalties for BUI as for drivers found guilty of DUI
and other important matters that might make Lake Lanier safer for all who enjoy its waters.
No decisions were made today, but there was progress. Several disasters on the lake over the summer have made these issues more vital than ever before.
The Department of Natural Resources had two representatives at the meeting. Both were very helpful and had answers to several questions asked of them by the ten or so politicians in attendance.
The DNR wanted to be clear that there are 11 rangers on Lake Lanier, not three. Misinformation led to the publication of the lower number. The DNR is also seeking to fill a vacancy that would bring its ranks up to a dozen.
Public safety will also be the focus the next time the Legislative Caucus meets. That’s expected to be held in Athens, some time in November.
For what it’s worth, I was very impressed with the sincerity, passion, plans and abilities of all who are working on our behalf to make Lake Lanier more safe for the millions of people who visit annually.
Our thanks to all who attended. We’ll let you know the time and place of the next public meeting.
