The controversy over Jekyll Island State Park continues, developers and their enablers versus the public and their elected Senator.

I can't decide what's worse: the developer who defends putting a massive private development on a publicly owned beach by repeatedly citing how "green" hundreds of condos and three hotels on that small beachfront will be; the politicians who derailed bills meant to protect that beach despite large and vocal public support of those bills; or the Governor-appointed Authority, charged with managing Jekyll Island State Park, who at the very least publicly  "misrepresented" statistics and numbers to justify a "partnership" with a developer who happens to give a lot of money to politicians.

It's a damn tough call.

Last Thursday a vote was held in the Ga. State Senate Economic Development Committee on 3 bills aiming at protecting Jekyll Island State Park from inappropriate development. Despite thousands of calls placed to members of the committee, all but two voted down the bills.

A group that supported the bills took out an ad in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution that says "Bills to protect Jekyll Island killed in committee" then proceeds to list who voted "no" and who voted "yes."

Rumor has it that politicians at the capital are a little upset over the ad. Seems that hearing from thousands of angry constituents tends to make people who vote against popular legislation uncomfortable. And asking the public to remember it when they vote in November is downright crazy! Taking responsibility for your vote? Nuts!

I wrote yesterday about the committee vote that killed bills introduced by Senator Jeff Chapman meant to protect Jekyll Island State Park from inappropriate development. Two representatives of the Jekyll Island Authority spent much of their time essentially branding the Senator a liar because he accused the JIA of using misleading figures to justify a development that has garnered much public protest.

But apparently, not all of the JIA board members feel that way. One member has publicly denounced the shameful display that took place in a tiny room at the capital on Thursday.