The problems plaguing the 2013 mayoral election in Hattiesburg may have captured the Pine Belt’s attention. But, in Jackson, they took a backseat to swine. At least, according to one disappointed lawmaker, Rep. Toby Barker, R-Hattiesburg. “I saw more time spent on the issue of wild hogs than I saw for meaningful discussion on our antiquated election laws,” said Barker, the principal author of the Municipal Election Reform Act of 2014. Barker and fellow Republican Pine Belt legislators unveiled the reform bill with great fanfare in mid-January. But the bill died a quick, silent death in committee just two weeks later without being brought to a vote.
Rep. Bill Denny, R-Jackson, who chairs the Apportionment and Elections Committee, could not be reached for comment.
So what’s next? It’s called the 2015 legislative session.
“You regroup and plan for the future,” Barker said.
Full Article: Election reform bill dies in committee | Hattiesburg American | hattiesburgamerican.com.