May/June 2002 - The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

2002 Preservation AwardsPublic Leadership AwardsGov. Roy Barnes spoke to Trustmembers after accepting his awardfor Public Leadership at the AnnualMeeting in LaGrange.Governor Roy Barnes, AtlantaAs Georgia’s 80th governor, Roy Barnes understands historicpreservation better than any governor in Georgia’s history. The Governor’sattention to Georgia’s historic resources has moved along thesame lines as those of the preservation movement: from an interestin historic buildings, such as the restoration of the Mable House inhis hometown of Mableton and the Georgia State Capitol, to anadvocacy of the smart growth ethic. Gov. Barnes has been visionaryin recognizing Georgia’s communities’ need for smart growth toolssuch as the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), theagency overseeing all state matters relating to transportation andland use, and a new state tax credit for rehabilitating historic homesand commercial buildings. He also supported a school funding formulaallowing school boards to receive an equal amount of fundsfor rehabilitating historic neighborhood schools as for building newschools. In addition, Gov. Barnes has supported the formation of acommission to study a broad range of history, preservation andtourism issues. He has backed funding for the development of thecountry’s first state on-line encyclopedia, called “The New GeorgiaEncyclopedia,” which will be a reliable Internet source for information on Georgia’s historic and culturalresources. Gov. Barnes has shown support of other preservation projects including funding forthe restoration of historic sites around the state such as Rhodes Hall in Atlanta; Hardman Farm atNacoochee Valley and the Georgia State Capitol.David Baird, AtlantaDavid Baird has been an outstanding advocate and lobbyist for the Department of Natural Resources(DNR) for many years. Respected by all in the General Assembly, Mr. Baird has aided in the GeneralAssembly passage of the Fire and Building Codes amendments, facilitating their use in rehabilitation ofexisting buildings; helped secure passage of amendments that equalized funding for the rehabilitationof historic schools, often located in intown neighborhoods; assisted with the passage of the GeorgiaPlanning Act, establishing comprehensive planning in cities and counties throughout the state; assistedwith the Constitutional Amendment Resolution that allowed passage of the statewide property taxincentive for rehabilitating historic buildings; and helped establish the Georgia Register of HistoricPlaces. In addition, he has helped lobby for the Cemetery and Burial Ground Act and the Uniform ConservationEasements Act. He also aided in the establishment of the State Capitol Commission and theCivil War Commission.Representative Jeanette Jamieson,ToccoaRepresentative Jeanette Jamieson understandsthe important role historic preservation plays indeveloping Georgia’s communities through preservingand rehabilitating the state’s historicresources. As co-chair of the 1997 and 1998 JointStudy Committees on Historic Preservation, Rep.Jamieson has supported historic preservationefforts such as funding for the Heritage GrantProgram. She also took the initiative to introduceand use her influence to successfully pass thenew state income tax credit for historic rehabilitationfor Georgia. Through her dedicated efforts,the tax credit passed on the last day of this year’sGeneral Assembly session.Senator George Hooks, AmericusSenator George Hooks supports historic preservation’simportant role in keeping Georgia’s communitieslivable. Having served as co-chair ofboth the 1997 and 1998 Joint Study Committeeson Historic Preservation, Sen. Hooks has workedtirelessly to support historic preservation effortssuch as funding for the Heritage Grant Program,the State Capitol Restoration and the restorationof Rhodes Hall. The Trust especially appreciatesSenator Hook’s efforts to secure funding for historicpreservation efforts this year as our stateleaders sought to balance the budget during theseleaner economic times.