The new speaker

By Staff
Nov. 9, 2003
State Rep. Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, is a skilled practitioner of the political arts and is likely to assume new power when the legislative session begins on Jan. 6. McCoy announced last week he has enough commitments from his fellow House members to be elected speaker.
McCoy, a confidant of retiring House Speaker Tim Ford, is known as a thoughtful and contemplative lawmaker. He has chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for raising the money that funds state government.
We hope early meetings among Barbour, Tuck and McCoy will help smooth the way toward a 2004 legislative session that can capitalize on the hopes and renewed opportunity sensed by Mississippi voters. We also hope McCoy will be open to genuinely constructive proposals from the new governor.
To be sure, there is work to do and such issues as jobs and education have been identified as the best places to start.