Chapman's Jekyll Island stance
could help in Republican primary
By JESS DAVIS
The Brunswick News
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Glynn County Republicans tend to believe that the stance state Sen. Jeff Chapman, R-Brunswick, took on Jekyll Island this past session of the Georgia General Assembly will help him in his re-election bid this year.
Among those who believe that way is the Republican Party's own chairman, George Skarpalezos. He's not taking sides, refraining form endorsing Chapman or his July 15 GOP opponent, businessman Terry Carter, but Skarpalezos says the incumbent's position is generally popular.
It's a position that reflects his tendency to be fiscally conservative and considerate of what his constituents want, said Skarpalezos, adding that Chapman is trying to "preserve the integrity of Jekyll Island."
Chapman has fought for several pieces of legislation to control the proposed re-development of the state park. In some instances he has succeeded, like persuading Linger Longer Communities to back off its proposal to develop public parking at the beachfront.
Linger Longer's plans for the $342 million redevelopment of the island, which includes new hotels and a convention center, are still in the works, but the company is revising its blueprint.
Some people argue that Chapman is trying to stand in the way of progress. That includes Ronnie Perry, a real estate broker, who wants to see Jekyll Island become something more than it is now, something that would have a positive impact on the community.
"I don't understand an elected official from Glynn County trying to stand in the way of something that would bring this large of an impact to Glynn," Perry said, calling the state park the "most underused piece of property in North America."
Jekyll Island isn't the only factor that will go into Perry's decision who to vote for in the primary, but "it's a biggie," he said, and he would like to see someone in office that represents his views better.
Others see Chapman as a hero, as a "man of the people," for his efforts to control Jekyll Island development.
"People think he's in the way of progress, but I think he's making progress by being careful and watching what we do," said Janis Boland, an educator who lives on St. Simons Island. "I think it's going to help him."
She likes that he wants to move cautiously with Jekyll Island, so that its original mission, of being a place for all Georgians, is maintained.
"Anyone in Georgia, not just this area, can see that he's trying to do the right thing," she said.
Chapman said he has received no indication that people in his five-county district aren't behind him. Including Glynn, the counties are Camden, McIntosh, Brantley and Charlton.
Even so, "I don't make decisions based on getting re-elected," Chapman said. "Jekyll is no different to me than any other issue."
He said only two people have approached him in public to say they disagree with him about Jekyll Island, but people who support him regularly thank him for his work.
"I think the public is very pleased with my sincere effort to stand up for ordinary Georgians," Chapman said.
His stance on the island has people talking about him all over the state and, as tourists and former Georgians tuned in to the debate over the island's future, the country.
"I want the Jekyll Island state park rebuilt and revitalized, responsibly," Chapman said.
His Republican opponent, Carter, who also resides in Brunswick, owns a development business and believes he can do a better job for the district in Atlanta.
"We need a leader who will work to attract quality economic development and tourists to this area, and I plan to be that leader," Carter said in a prepared statement.
