Vance Smith Tapped As New DOT Commissioner

Department of Transportation board members Thursday unanimously chose state Representative Vance Smith to take over as the department's commissioner. The Pine Mountain Republican curently serves as chairman of the House Transportation Committee, but will give up the seat to move into the DOT commissioner's chair. Smith takes the reigns nearly four months after board members voted to oust Gena Evans as DOT chief.

Smith Still Wants Commissioner Post

State Representative Vance Smith says he'll try for the Department of Transportation commissioner's job again. The Pine Mountain Republican was beaten out for the post on a 7-6 vote by Gena Abraham Evans in October 2007. The State Transportation Board voted 9-3 in February to fire Evans. Evans controversial tenure included a romantic relationship with board chairman Mike Evans, leading to their marriage. The General Assembly passed a bill that takes some power and influence away from the DOT board and shifts it to the General Assembly and the governors office. Smith is chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

(Associated Press)

Sine Die 2009 - Budget: Pass Transportation: FAIL

Last night, just before midnight, the 40th day of the Constitutionally mandated session came to a close.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate agreed to next year's budget by around two in the afternoon.

But for transportation - there just wasn't enough time to come to a consesus.

Lawmakers from both chambers held conference committee talks late into the night; but they failed to come up with agreement on how to fund the state's transportation network.

Leading talks in the House was Republican Vance Smith. His team of negotiators proposed a plan that would let voters decide if they wanted a statewide penny sales tax. If that vote failed, then the Senate's regional plan would take effect.

"The Senate just for some reason wouldn't along with that, so..."

House Democrats like Dubose Porter say they're disappointed with their Republican colleagues.

"Transportation's the #1 economic development issue facing the state and for the 2nd year in a row it failed because of a lack of leadership from this administration."

Both chambers did approve a bill that would overhaul the DOT and let the governor appoint a planning director. That bill now heads to Governor Sonny Perdue's desk.

Transportation Compromise Looks Unlikely

State House and Senate lawmakers have just one day left to come up with a transportation compromise. But talks between both chambers appear to be grinding to a halt.

Lawmakers seem to be unable to move from their positions. House negotiators in a transportation conference committee say a penny sales tax for transportation should be paid by all Georgians – because it would bring in more money.

Representative Vance Smith:

“I say let’s crank this engine and move the whole state forward.”

But senators, including Jeff Mullis, say there is no way the Senate would ever support a statewide penny sales tax. It wants regions to decide whether to tax themselves for their transportation needs.

"I've told you from day one - I've told everybody from day one. And I don't know if I'm being heard. Is anybody hearing me? Can anybody hear me today? Well I'm telling you the facts. We will not pass a statewide in the Senate."

House leaders have put forth a plan that would let voters decide if they want a statewide approach. If that vote fails, then the Senate's regional plan would take effect.

But Senate leaders are sticking to their guns and want nothing "bigger" than a regional approach.

Vance Smith seeking GDOT post

State Republican Representative Vance Smith, of Pine Mountain, wants to be the next commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Smith announced his interest in the position to Governor Sonny Perdue last week.

Current commissioner, Harold Linnenkohl, who has held the post for the last four years, is stepping down as of Nov. 30.

Smith is the president of Smith Construction Company, a construction and earthmoving concern, according to the state legislature website.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of Rep. Smith and, and here for state transportation issues.

Lawmakers seek solutions to transportation woes

State lawmakers came to Atlanta to study Georgia's growing transportation problems as money becomes harder to find.

A committee of mostly rural lawmakers says transportation is as much a problem in their areas as it is in Georgia cities. But the costs of fixing roads are rapidly outpacing public funds.

Pine Mountain Rep. Vance Smith says the committee will study nearly all the ways to cut costs, and raise money.

"The citizens of this state are in need of better modes of transportation and they're tired of paying more taxes," he said.

State transportation officials testified to the committee that Georgia's primary source of revenue—the gas tax—is becoming outdated as drivers turn in their gas guzzlers for more efficient vehicles.

There was no talk of public transit, but Smith says that will come later.