DOT board vote is next Wednesday

Others being considered include Dan Granthum, Augusta, and Bob Smith, Oconee County.

The 13-member board exercises general control and supervision of the DOT. It names the transportation commissioner, designates which public roads are in the state highway system, approves long-range transportation plans, oversees the administration of construction contracts and authorizes lease agreements.

It takes 50 percent plus one of the 26 votes to be cast (each senator and representative with a 10th District constituency gets to vote) to win the position.

“They (the nominees) have all been around,” Benton said. “I had Pat up here last Tuesday. We went around and she met with all those she had not talked to yet, representatives and senators. I think she’s got as good a shot as anybody to win this thing.”

Kuhlke, from Augusta, had been on the board since 2004 and chaired the board in 2008-09.

The 10th District includes Banks, Clarke, Columbia, Elbert, Franklin, Greene, Habersham, Hart, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, McDuffie, Morgan, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Rabun, Stephens, Towns and Wilkes counties, plus part of Richmond County.