House hopefuls spar over flag, abortion rights

You don't find many people in Columbia County like Terry Holley: He's a Democrat, after all.

"I'm proud of the Democratic Party," he said, adding that he's probably more conservative than most Republicans.

Holley is facing former Columbia County Commission Chairman Barry Fleming - a Republican - for the 79th House of Representatives seat, currently held by long-time politico Bill Jackson, who has endorsed Fleming as his successor.

Their race has been the most contentious in Columbia County this year, with the two men clashing over campaign contibutions, who'll be most effective in Atlanta and other issues.

What it really comes down to, Fleming said, is experience. His time on the commission has made him familiar with what matters to Columbia County.

"All this experoence will allow me to step in easily and represent Columbia County well," he said.

But experience won't help Fleming much if he's with the wrong party in Atlanta, Holley said. It'll take a Democrat to work with a Democrat governor and leiutenant governor.

Holley is focused on four issues: water resources, taxation, education and judicial reform - issues simliar to those trumpeted by Fleming.

Both men support the death penalty, both are calling for changes in the state's judicial system and both have invoked the name of convicted and condemned murder Alexander Williams in public forums.

Holley's solution is appointing more judges, instituting night courts and Saturday courts in backloged districts - "whatever it takes," he said. Fleming - a lawyer by trade - said part of the solution begins with making the governor responsible for commuting death sentences. Currently, that task rests with the state Pardons and Paroles board, an appointed group that does not answe to voters.

Fleming is also calling for changes to the state's sales tax laws. Now, there are some things - such as stormwater improvements and water line extensions - cities can do with sales tax money that counties can't. For counties without a large city - like Columbia County - that's a detriment, Fleming said.

Holley's tax reform is different. He's thrilled with Gov. Roy Barnes' plan to limit property tax increases.

"For too long county commissions have raised revenues by raising property taxes," he said.

But there are two glaring difference between the candidates: the state flag and abortion.

Fleming said the state flag change should have been up to voters. Holley said he'd have voted against changing the flag, but that the flag neededto be changed and the issue should be left alone now.

"There's really just a small percentage of people who want to see us return to the old state flag," he said.

On abortion, Fleming is pro-life. Holley is pro-choice, saying it is an issue between "a woman, her God and her doctor."