N ov e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 2 2 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 1 , N o . 8
1954 — 2022
Georgia House Speaker Ralston dies from illness By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat
Making it official PROVIDED/MELODY KELLEY
Dancers perform on the city green in downtown Sandy Springs during the 2022 Juneteenth celebration. The event, while not city-sponsored, was organized by residents now pushing for June 19 to be officially recognized by the city as a paid holiday. See story, Page 3.
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ATLANTA — Georgia House Speaker David Ralston died Wednesday at the age of 68, just two days after the House Republican Caucus nominated a new speaker to succeed him in January. Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, had been suffering from an extended illness. His wife, Sheree, his children, and other members of his family were with him when he passed away, his office announced. Arrangements will be announced in the future. Ralston announced early last week that he would not seek election by his House colleagues to another term as speaker, citing his health. Voters in the 7th House District in Northwest Georgia reelected him Nov. 8 without opposition. At the time of his death, Ralston was the longest currently serving state house speaker in the nation. As provided by the Georgia Constitution, House Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, R-Milton, will serve as speaker for the remainder of the current term, which ends in January. On Monday, House Republicans nominated Majority Leader Jon Burns, R-Newington, to succeed
See RALSTON, Page 4
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