ATLANTA — House Republicans picked Rep. Jon Burns of Newington as their majority leader Monday and Rep. Bruce Willamson of Monroe as secretary/treasurer. Burns filled the vacancy created by Rep. Larry O’Neal’s resignation.
Gov. Nathan Deal named O’Neal, a Bonaire tax attorney, to be a judge on the state tax court. Burns has been the chairman of the House Game, Fish and Parks Committee.
He defeated Rep. Allen Peake of Macon, the sponsor of this year’s medical marijuana legislation. Peake gave up his post as secretary/treasurer to run for majority leader, creating the vacancy that Williamson won.
As majority leader, Burns will set the agenda for the House and be a conferee negotiating major bills with the governor and Senate Majority Leader Bill Cowsert of Athens. Burns holds a law degree but operates a family farm and an agribusiness with his sons.
