Hasan announces candidacy for state house seat
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

The race to represent Burke County and portions of Richmond County in the Georgia House of Representatives will have more competition the next go round.

A.K. Hasan of Augusta has announced his intentions to run for the District 123 seat, which is currently held by Gloria Frazier of Hephzibah. Frazier took office in January after running unopposed last year.

Hasan is no stranger to politics, having served as chairman of the Richmond County Board of Education and also on the Augusta City Council prior to consolidation with Richmond County.

Hasan said he wanted to run for the house seat because it offers such an opportunity to make a difference. "It would allow me to tackle issues that impact us at the local level but are handled statewide," he said, noting welfare, healthcare, crime and education.

Hasan stressed the need to promote growth in both Richmond and Burke counties. He calls the two "Siamese sisters" that are different but have dependent futures, even more so with the nearcompletion of the Savannah River Parkway.

"The financial currency that flows through their respective economies is critical to the overall stability of our area," he stated in an email. "The county lines that currently separate our sister counties will be a blur in the future."

Hasan's plan for growth in Burke County includes his support for additional nuclear reactors at Vogtle Electric Generating Plant. Earlier this year, he founded CSRA Citizens for Nuclear Energy, and as president, he has emphasized the importance of the temporary construction and permanent operation jobs new reactors could bring to the area. He offered a statement in support of the reactors at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's hearing in Waynesboro early last month.

The primary election, which will pit Hasan against Frazier for the Democratic candidacy, is scheduled for July 15, 2008.