By By Terry R. Cassreino / assistant managing editor
April 11, 2004
A Meridian state legislator gives Gov. Haley Barbour high marks for his performance after three months in office as Mississippi's chief executive.
State Rep. Greg Snowden, a Republican, said early indications show that Barbour, also a Republican, is the "strong and creative leader that Mississippians believed him to be when he was elected."
Snowden shared his thoughts about Barbour in an interview with The Meridian Star editorial board. Snowden also answered questions about the four-month, 2004 legislative session that is set to end May 9.
On taxes: Snowden predicted lawmakers will not raise the state sales tax or income tax even though weak revenue collections could lead to funding cuts in state agencies for the next fiscal year that starts July 1.
On civil justice reform: Snowden said House members could consider a civil justice reform bill in the House Banking Committee but only if Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi and an opponent of the issue, gives the OK.
On the Legislature: Snowden believes the state House and Senate eventually will organize along party lines. Such a move likely would put the majority party in control and chairing all committees; today the Democratic Party is the majority in the state House and Senate.
As for Barbour, Mississippi's second GOP chief executive since Reconstruction, Snowden said the governor's success will be based on his ability to lead Mississippi forward in job creation and public education.