Sheldon honored by Ga. Municipal Association

DACULA — Rep. Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula) was presented with a 2004 “Champion for Georgia’s Cities Award” from the Georgia Municipal Association. The award, given at the end of every two-year legislative term to state legislators who actively support major GMA initiatives and goals, was presented at the Dacula City Council meeting Thursday.
Sheldon’s energetic role in shepherding legislation to clarify the role of tree ordinances and local regulation of development practices was cited as one main reason for the award.
“This bill allows cities of Georgia to adequately protect trees, manage development wisely and save true forestry tracts as agricultural areas,” said GMA Executive Director Jim Higdon.
Among her committee appointments, Sheldon is a member of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
Sheldon was also recognized for her on-going support of Georgia’s cities at the Capitol. Among the many accomplishments from the 2004 Session, Sheldon was active in passing House Bill 709 which gives cities a permanent place at the table when Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax referenda are considered and provides a municipal option sales tax aimed at paying for the needed upgrades to the City of Atlanta sewer system.
“Representative Sheldon has played an important role in many of GMA’s major legislative successes in recent years,” said Higdon. “She’s been a great friend of cities.”
Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit and consulting services to its 500 member cities. <-->