Dear editor:

I’m writing this letter in response to Jack White’s Letter to the Editor which ran in the June 12 issue of the Courier. Please let it be known that former Representative Jack White has his facts wrong.

The Georgia Marine Business Association (GAMBA) did NOT have any part of the drafting of this bill. GAMBA did not address legislators. GAMBA has no knowledge whatsoever of whether any studies were done. GAMBA’s first knowledge of any wording in this bill was AFTER it was introduced.

GAMBA has worked to ensure that the draft wording of the rules does the least harm to local and transient boaters and to Georgia coastal businesses and residents.

HB201 was a minefield of issues and we have done our best to find a path through it and will continue to do so.

I’m STUNNED at Mr. White’s accusations and willingness to make claims against Georgia businesses that have NO bearing in fact.

GAMBA has submitted public comments on the suggested wording of this bill. If Mr. White would like to comment publicly on GAMBA’s stance on this, perhaps he should get the facts first.

Amy Thurman

Executive Director

Georgia Marine Business Association