Lewis Wins Transportation Board Seat

Former state Rep. Jeff Lewis, a Cartersville resident who for 16 years held the 15th District seat in the state House, was elected Wednesday to represent the 11th Congressional District on the State Transportation Board. His term begins April 15.

“I am truly honored to have been chosen for this important position,” Lewis said in a press release, pledging to keep an open line of communication with legislators. “I believe I have a good reputation for working well with others.  I look forward to joining the board and using my General Assembly experience to be an active transportation advocate for all of the areas that encompass the 11th Congressional District as well as all Georgia short-term and long-term transportation needs.”

David Doss of Rome ran against Lewis and others, seeking a third term on the board. Doss, who had served as board chairman, was first seated on the board in 2002.

State Rep. Paul Battles of Cartersville beat Lewis, a Rome native, in the 2008 Republican primary for the House seat representing Cartersville. Battles, who won that general election, also was elected to a second term in 2010.

Lewis served as chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee. A self-employed small-business man, Lewis is a member of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, the Cartersville Exchange Club, the Cartersville Lions Club and the Georgia Speakers Association.

The board governs the Georgia Department of Transportation. Its 13 members, representing each of the state’s congressional districts, exercise general control and supervision of the department. 

Each member serves a five-year term, and the terms are staggered. Board members are elected by the state representatives and senators whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the congressional district.

The Rome News-Tribune has more on the close election.