The law places Governor Barnes at the head of a sprawl-fighting superagency that can practically dictate land-use decisions all over the metropolitan area.

As Governor Barnes puts it, "People in Atlanta are just tired of sitting in cars."

Governor Barnes continued to live in Guthrie for where he served as the President of the Logan County Bank.

The new plant will have a payroll of $155 million a year, or an average of $47,000 per worker, and would generate another 700 jobs once parts suppliers locate nearby, Governor Barnes said.

In years past, Democrats like Governor Barnes had done well in south and middle Georgia.

And Governor Barnes, in another radio advertisement, has even begun to imitate Regis Philbin.

Under Governor Barnes's proposal, drivers under 17 would be treated as learners in 18 counties around Atlanta, able to drive only with a licensed driver over 21.

Governor Barnes, a Democrat, also said the state would cut the emissions from diesel generators and construction equipment by nearly a third over the next three years, reducing a major source of ozone.

"The state has offered you far more than any previous administration ever did and far more than any court is likely to require," Governor Barnes wrote.

Governor Barnes has also ordered counties to set aside 20 percent of their undeveloped land for parks and green space.