By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Feb. 2, 2001
JACKSON East Mississippi members of the state House were split Thursday on legislation to revamp the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).
The measure would replace the current system of three elected commissioners with a board of five members appointed by the governor, subject to Senate confirmation. One member would come from each Congressional district and an overall director would manage department activities.
The bill passed the House on a 102-19 roll call vote.
Voting in favor of the measure were Reps. Charles Young, Greg Snowden and Tommy Horne of Meridian, Eric Robinson of Quitman, Omeria Scott of Laurel, and Bobby Moody of Louisville.
Voting no were Reccy Dickson of Macon, Mike Eakes of Philadelphia, Billy Nicholson of Newton, and Joe Taylor of Waynesboro.
Snowden agreed.
Robinson felt it was time for a change.
There is no guarantee the Senate will pass the House bill.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.