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Hall delegation green but ready
2 new leaders represent county in Ga. legislature
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Hall County’s six-member delegation may not be the most seasoned bunch, based on Gold Dome experience, but the lawmakers believe that won’t hinder them as they get to work in the upcoming General Assembly.Other than state Rep. Carl Rogers, R-Gainesville, who has been at the Capitol since 1995, the combined experience among the other five lawmakers is eight years and nine months — younger than the car in many a Georgian’s garage.Two of the delegation’s members, Timothy Barr of Lawrenceville and Lee Hawkins of Gainesville, both Republicans, will serve as House freshmen. Hawkins, however, is switching chambers, after serving in the state Senate from 2006 to 2010.Other than Rogers, the lawmaker with the longest running service is Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, was sworn in May 20, 2010.Miller said experience doesn’t necessarily translate to effectiveness.“You look at some of the delegations that have been there for years and they’re sitting on the back row right now,” he said. “There are plenty of districts that have representations that worked their way to the bottom of the heap.”Hall’s delegation members, Miller believes, have been “very attentive, deliberative and thorough in seeking opportunities for their respective House and Senate districts.”He and other legislators also are quick to point out that Hall has political leverage at the highest levels.“You can’t discount the fact that Hall County has the governor (Nathan Deal), lieutenant governor (Casey Cagle) and a congressman (U.S. Rep. Doug Collins),” said Sen. John Wilkinson, R-Toccoa, who was sworn into office Dec. 15, 2011.Wilkinson, whose district spans Northeast Georgia but includes a piece of East Hall, said he believes that “what I lack in legislative experience, I make up in age.“I have worked, been an educator and a farmer, and sometimes I think the life experience that you bring to a position can have as much impact and help you as much as actual legislative experience.”Barr, whose newly formed district dips into southernmost Hall County, said he believes having Rogers as the legislative dean helps give the entire group a leg up.“I’m in contact with him frequently on things,” he said.