The Issues
Economy. The boom of the 1990s and good fortunes of early 2000s are no longer with us. As a conservative I believe in improving our economy through reducing the tax burden on our citizens and stabilizing the budget through elimination of pork projects. The General Assembly cut capital gains taxes in half this year and the Governor vetoed it. I disagree with this decision and will work with the General Assembly to send this important legislation to the new Governor’s desk. I also understand the need to provide tax incentives to the largest sector of our economy, the small business. One sure way to stimulate job growth is through tax breaks for small businesses that hire currently unemployed Georgians. We must cut the pork and restore funding to critical areas.
Education. We are blessed in the Lower Chattahoochee Region with wonderful institutions of higher education. However we need to focus on supporting our primary and secondary schools through ensuring local control and stabilizing the budget. I will work to restore control of our schools to teachers and parents and take it out of the hands of bureaucrats in Atlanta and Washington D.C. Our community needs school superintendents, school boards, principals, teachers and parents running our schools again. We also need to equip our children with the technologies and resources to be successful.
Transportation. Under the current administration Columbus has not been a priority in the State Transportation Plan. In my activist pursuits I have been engaged with State Leaders in changing our role in the current transportation process. The change in most statewide seats gives our region a new opportunity. Currently the 4% motor fuel tax is not dedicated to transportation, it goes to fund pork projects through the General Fund. I will introduce legislation to dedicate those funds solely to transportation projects. The last major improvements to Georgia’s transportation infrastructure was in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I will be a leading voice in making transportation a priority for Georgia and ensure the Lower Chattahoochee’s role in the decision making process.
Water. Georgia is coming off the heels of the worst drought in the country over the last few years. Like many, I feel blessed that 2009 has brought much needed relief. The latest crisis exposed Georgia’s weakness in water infrastructure. We need being to prepare for the future with a statewide water plan that includes reservoirs to serve all areas of Georgia and protect the interests of the Chattahoochee Valley Region. Water security will be one of my top priorities.
Faith. After giving my life to Christ, I recognized how important it is that people of faith participate in the public square. I have tried to follow the principles of my faith in all aspects of my life, including my involvement in politics. That is what called me to help author the resolution supporting the Personhood Amendment to the Georgia Constitution, which would protect all unborn children in Georgia, that was passed at the Georgia Republican Party State Convention last May. I will represent all constituents in the same manner, and my service calls on me to to represent peoples from all backgrounds and faiths.