Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE — Two local legislators were picked this week to serve leadership positions with the Georgia General Assembly.

Sen. David Shafer, R-Duluth was selected to be vice chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. State Rep. Donna Sheldon, R-Dacula, was also re-elected as the caucus chair of the House Republicans.

“I will use this leadership position to advance policies that will create jobs by keeping taxes low and markets free,” Shafer said after the election in Macon. “I appreciate the confidence placed in me by my fellow caucus members. I look forward to working with the governor, lieutenant governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly on behalf of the people of Georgia.”

Shafer’s position will be one of power, as he will join other caucus leadership members as well as two appointees of the lieutenant governor on the Committee on Assignments. That committee is the one that will select legislators to serve as chairman and members of the Senate’s standing committees.

“Senator Shafer’s conservative philosophy, his record of service, and his years of experience are assets that will make a positive difference,” said Sen. Chip Rogers, who was re-elected as the Senate majority leader.

Everson part of

Deal transition team

Another local leader was named to the transition committee working to settle Gov.-elect Nathan Deal into office.

State Rep. Melvin Everson, who is leaving his office at the end of the year, was named as part of the team.

Everson, a Snellville man, said he wasn’t sure of his role yet but was anxious to get started.

“I was quite surprised and honored to get the call from Gov.-elect Deal himself,” he said. “I’m excited about it.”

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Camie Young can be reached via e-mail at camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com.