Cagle: DOT in a 'shambles'

GAINESVILLE - The Lt. Governor says the state Department of Transportation is in a "shambles" - referring to the controversy swirling around the appointment of a new commissioner.

Cagle, one of the speakers at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's annual pre-legislative forum, said there's a legislative move to sack the DOT leadership, including board chairman Mike Evans, and re-invent DOT.

Without naming names, Cagle said "there are individuals that are trying to play politics with this issue and that's very unfortunate and that doesn't need to occur."

A rift has developed involving state House Speaker Glenn Richardson, Gov. Sonny Perdue, Cagle, members of the DOT board and some members of the legislature over the board's selection of Gena Abraham to run the DOT. Richardson and some legislators supported Rep. Henry Vance for the job. Perdue and Cagle were among those supporting Dr. Abraham. Evans cast the tie-breaking vote that gave the job to Abraham.

Transportation issues were a hot topic at the Eggs 'n' Issues Breakfast, which also featured the Hall County legislative delegation, but the number one issue was water supply and the drought.