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| | | (LOGAN THOMAS/www.forsythherald.com)
Mike Evans, Georgia Department of Transportation Board Chairman, spoke to North Forsyth Rotarians Oct. 30 about the recent issues surrounding the selection of the new DOT commissioner. Evans also answered questions on recent funding issues and future transportation projects.
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November 06, 2007
Mike Evans had to make a difficult choice recently that could cost his job.
The Department of Transportation Board Chairman spoke to the North Forsyth Rotary Club Oct. 30 about his recent decision to choose the new state Department of Transportation commissioner. Evans broke a 6-6 tie to elect Gena Abraham to the position.
The decision ended a series of battles that Evans said he didn't expect.
"This turned into a fight that was unimaginable when the current commissioner retired," he said. "The vote came down between two people."
Those two choices had different support.
Gov. Sonny Perdue supported Abraham while Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson backed Rep. Vance Smith, according to Evans.
Supporting Abraham was a difficult, but correct choice, Evans said.
Evans said he has been a friend of Smith's for years.
"That was the hardest day I've ever had in this business," he said, "when I had to face him eyeball to eyeball and tell him I could not vote for him."
Evans said Abraham was simply more qualified.
"She was the one candidate that was far more superior to all the others," he said. "It came down to a 6-6 vote and, as chairman, I had to break it. It was a difficult day for me and it's still difficult."
To make matters more difficult, Evans said Richardson approached him before the vote to discuss the situation.
"He said he'd have my board seat if I did not vote for Vance," he said. "I think he's trying to make good on that promise."
Evans is up for re-election in January.
Evans said he doesn't have the "cushion he'd like to have" and asked the Rotarians for help.
"Frankly, I need your help," he said. "I'd like you to ask for support from the senators and representatives you know. I hope to work this all out."
But Evans said the situation with state government has been "getting pretty nasty."
"It's almost like four-year-olds in a sandbox," he said. "One has a shovel and doesn't really want it, they just don't want the other kids to have it. We'll never solve the problems we have that way."
Evans said Abraham is everything the DOT needs.
"In this business, I run into a lot of impressive people so I don't get impressed often," he said. "She impressed me. She can relate to people on any level and is very personable. She has my support and I'm so excited about her."
Evans also answered questions from Rotarians about future projects and funding issues.
For more information on Evans and DOT issues, visit www.mikeevans.org.
- www.northfulton.com
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