George Anderson, executive director of the Ethics in Government Group (EGG), has been a tireless and unique example of how one man can impact an entire state.
George, formerly a bookstore owner, decided as a citizen he could no longer tolerate corruption in the courts, and in the state government of Georgia. Totally on his own, with no support, no financing, and little training, Anderson launched the most successful citizens-activist in Georgia's history.
His complaints have been legendary. Filing complaints with the State Ethics Board, he exposed corruption that eventually led to convictions of some of Georgia's highest officials, including former State Majority leader Charles Walker, Atlanta Mayor Campbell, and Linda Shrenko.
This is why legendary lawyer Emmet Bondurant awarded George Anderson Georgia Common Cause's highest award for citizen-heroism.
Now, George and the EGG have teamed up with other judicial activist coalitions to examine the state's judicial system. Again, the lone ethicist has had amazing results.
The Associated Press writes: "A judge has unsealed some records in Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson's divorce after an ethics watchdog sued to open them to the public.
But the papers shed little light on an allegation at the state Capitol that Richardson had an "improper relationship" with a female lobbyist. The papers describe Richardson's marriage as "irretrievably broken" but do not provide details.
The records were sealed earlier this year by Paulding County Judge James Osborne, who is Richardson's former law partner. Divorce lawyers say it's unusual to keep such records under wraps in Georgia. Critics questioned whether Richardson had received special treatment. Richardson's divorce from his wife, Susan, was a topic of speculation at the state Capitol because it came after a 2007 ethics complaint alleging that the Republican speaker had an improper relationship with a female utility lobbyist. A legislative ethics panel dismissed the complaint."
Way to go George!
No one in America should feel powerless. One man can make a difference.
The state of Georgia was radically changed by one man, George Anderson. So I have only one thing to say:
Georgia thanks George. Keep it up.
