Resignation of Georgia Rep. Len Walker to Prompt Special Election

The governor is expected to call for a special election in January to replace Georgia House District 107 Rep. Len Walker (R-Loganville) who has accepted a position as senior chaplain for Big Canoe Chapel in north Georgia.

Walker, who currently lives in will be moving out of District 107 to take up his new appointment. Another Loganville resident, Tom Kirby, announced he will immediately begin campaigning for Walker’s seat in the General Assembly. Kirby has not previously been elected to public office.

“I have just got off the phone with Len and he hasn't yet spoken to the governor,” Kirby said Sunday evening, adding, however, he had Walker’s permission to make the information public.

Kirby said Walker is expected to resign his term at the year-end and the governor will then call for a Special Election. The seat will have to be contested again in November 2012 under the new District 114. The change is a result of redistricting.

“I believe the new district loses some of Gwinnett County and picks up a little in Barrow and Rockdale counties,” Kirby said. The current District 107 covers parts of Gwinnett and Walton County.

Walker has served in the Georgia General Assembly since 1994. He will be returning to his roots, having ministered in Jasper County before and, according to the Big Canoe Chapel website, is looking forward to moving to Big Canoe. During his 29-year ministerial career, Walker has served as senior minister of Jasper First United Methodist, senior minister of , senior minister of Trinity Church (Multi-denominational, Loganville), and associate minister for Norcross First United Methodist Church.

Kirby said there are important issues facing the state, especially with regard to budgets and fiscal responsibility, and he wants the opportunity to represent District 107 in helping resolve these issues. Also, having served as Chairman of the Board for the Walton Career Academy before it closed down, Kirby said he wants to keep a focus on educational issues facing the district and the state.

Kirby has 25 years of business experience behind him and is currently the human resources safety manager for CertainTeed Corporation Siding Products Group. He is a graduate of the Leadership Walton Program and served as the president of the Leadership Alumni Association. He also served on the Board of Directors for Walton County Chamber of Commerce as vice chairman for economic development. Kirby and his wife, Rosemary, live in West Walton and have three children.