In other news, water is still wet.

State Senator Chip Pearson (R – Dawsonville) and the art of self-dealing:

Step 1. Get appointed chairman of an Economic Development committee in the legislature.

Step 2. Form a company that consults on Economic Development issues and projects.

Step 3. Write legislation to create an Economic Development panel, on which you become an automatic member.

One can imagine how this “consulting” work could go down:

Business Leader: “I’d like to hire your company to get a sense of how we can get more visibility to Project X. We believe our company can really add value to the project by bidding on its completion.

Sen. Chip Pearson: “First, I think our consulting group would be a perfect fit for your company. You see, we have a remarkably huge rolodex, and we can set your company on a path to success. So, do we have deal?”

Business Leader: “Yes, I think your rates are a little high, but your knowledge of the issues and players on project X are just too good to pass up”.

Sen. Chip Pearson: “Great! Now, my first bit of consulting on this matter would be to contact State Senator Chip Pearson. He is the chairman of the Senate committee on Economic Development, and I happen to know him pretty well. Senator Pearson is holding a hearing next week on this very issue.”

Business Leader: “Um… well, isn’t that you?”

Sen. Chip Pearson: “Yes, of course. As I mentioned, our consulting company has great access to the legislature. Now, please pass by Wendy’s office on your way out. She has your first invoice ready.”

No need to worry about a ban on emailing or texting legislators when you can hire one to lobby himself.