So far, parts

of this session of the General Assembly remind Rep. Lynn Westmoreland,

R-Sharpsburg, of a Willie Nelson song.

"You know

that song 'Always on my Mind?' That's how most of the representatives

are feeling about the flag issue and reapportionment," he said.

While little

movement has been made toward resolving the state flag issue, Westmoreland

believes the debate will increase as the session gets into full swing.

Since the U.S.

Census figures were released earlier this year, representatives and senators

have also been speculating about how Georgia's new congressional districts

will be drawn.

So far, the

session has been relatively quiet, but Westmoreland expects that to end

soon as Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor unveils his proposal for teen driving regulations

next week.

Westmoreland

said the House Republicans also have a proposal for teen drinking and

will probably start discussing that at the end of next week.

So far, the

House minority leader has not received or heard about any local legislation

from Fayette and Coweta counties. He has heard about a property tax proposal,

though, that could impact residents.

"The bill

would basically freeze property taxes. If the assessment went up, local

officials would have to increase your homestead exemption to match it,"

he said.

From his new

position as leader of the House Republicans, Westmoreland will watch several

of his colleagues jet to Washington this weekend for the inauguration

of President-elect George W. Bush.

But Westmoreland

believes his best view of the festivities will come from his sofa.

"I think

about 15 folks from the House are heading up there this weekend. A lot

of the events are already full and I can get a better view from my home,"

he said.