By Pamela Permar-Shierling - The Islander

Rep. Tom Taylor (R-79), who represents Dunwoody, and parts of Chamblee and Doraville in North DeKalb County has agreed to introduce a bill to incorporate the City of St. Simons Island during the regular 2016 session of the Georgia legislature. Taylor was elected to the legislature in 2010.

The legal notice placed by Taylor ran in The Brunswick News on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016. Taylor is picking up sponsorship of the controversial bill despite the objections of the Glynn County delegation.

In a statement issued Feb. 16 local Representative Jeff Jones said, “After a careful and thorough review of the city charter bill prepared by the Citizens for Saint Simons and Sea Island, Inc. (C4SSI/SI/SI), it is abundantly clear that the legislation is so onerous and has so many problems that I have withdrawn my support for the legislation at this time.”

“While I strongly believe the citizens of St. Simons deserve the right of self-determination and a vote on controlling development on the island, this bill is not the answer to that effort.”

“The bill includes statutes and provisions that are over-reaching and create a concentration of almost unlimited power and authority to the Mayor and City Council.”