Submitted by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia
The Georgia Association of Solicitors-General has announced new leadership for 2009-2010. Brian Fortner, Solicitor-General of Douglas County, will lead the association as president. Robert James, Solicitor-General of DeKalb County will serve as the president-elect. Leslie Abernathy, Solicitor-General of Forsyth County, will serve as secretary and Barry Morgan, Solicitor-General of Cobb County, will be treasurer.
“It is an honor to serve as President of the Georgia Association of Solicitors-General,” said Solicitor-General Fortner. “I will do my best to provide leadership and direction to our Association. Our strength lies not in one person but in the many dedicated prosecuting attorneys who serve our society on a daily basis. Our goals remain the same. We will work to keep our roads safe and our homes secure. We will seek and support legislation that reflects the reality that victims are the single most important part of the criminal justice system. While some may view misdemeanor crimes as no big deal, we see the devastating impact they have on the community. Today’s DUI may be tomorrow’s vehicular homicide; today’s battery may be tomorrow’s murder. The Association recognizes the importance of effective misdemeanor prosecution. We will strive to accomplish this goal.”
The Solicitor-General is an elected county officer who represents the State of Georgia in the trial and appeal of misdemeanor criminal cases in the State Courts. These are crimes in which punishment cannot exceed 12 months in jail.
Officers of the Association are elected for a one-year term after being nominated by the executive board and voted on by the membership body at the annual spring meeting of the Association. The transition of leadership took place on July 01, 2009.
“Truman said that ‘Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better,’ ” said President Fortner. “The upcoming year is our opportunity and I will do all I can to see that we seize it.”
The Association would like to thank Immediate Past President Ben Richardson, Solicitor-General of Muscogee County, for his guidance.
For more information on the Georgia Association of Solicitors-General, contact Association President Brian Fortner at (770) 489-5238.
