Rep. Freeman: Conveniently Out of Touch

When responding to neighbor's outrage and questions about whether his father-in-law relied on Freeman's political connections when deciding to clear cut land in South Bibb (apparently in preparation for development), Rep. Freeman said, ""My father-in-law does his business and I do my business, and we keep them very separate," Freeman said. "I don't know anything more than what the residents out there know, to be honest with you." (Macon Telegraph, 03/07/2006) http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/14035015.htm

Puckett, Freeman's father-in-law and developer apparently admits using an agreement to sell dirt to DOT to make improvements to his property in South Bibb without having to deal with Planning and Zoning. Neighbors are outraged, with more than 100 showing up at an impromptu meeting, and Freeman is out of touch.

Well, I'm not so sure that explanation passes the smell test, but even if he's telling the truth, why doesn't he know more than the residents?(Part of the problem is that the residents know very little because of the secrecy around the proposed improvements and eventual use of the land.) In his position as state rep, isn't it his job to know more? If this were anyone other than his father-in-law, would he be more involved, more protective of the interests of homeowners in his district? I hope that the answer is "yes," but it could be that Freeman simply joins his colleagues in supporting secrecy and the interests of developers over the interests of homeowners.

We need that "Homeowners Right to Know Act"! And the people of South Bibb need a rep who will choose to know what's going on in his or her district.

Sphere: Related Content