How has your background prepared you for the seat you are seeking?
Being a State Senator requires a background of both political and business experience. I have served as an elected official and have made hard decisions regarding public issues, but we need a more balanced approach in the legislature. We must take a more businesslike attitude with our budgeting process and in our looking at the overall picture. It’s time to cut out the fat in government and to have meaningful tax reform. Being a small businessman, as well as raising a family in the district, I know the issues that we are facing and want to bring over thirty years of real world problem solving, business experience to the Senate.
Why are you the most qualified person for this position?
We are blessed to live in North Georgia, but there are still issues that we have to deal with on a daily basis. These issues are not part time problems and demand full time attention. Because my business allows me so much flexibility, I’ve made the commitment to being a full time state senator. I am also the only candidate in the race who can bring 30 years of business experience to the Senate. I won’t wait until January 2009 to get started. I’ll hit the ground running by holding town hall meetings before the end of this year to see what people would like to see addressed in next years legislative session and I’ve already started building relationships with elected officials and community leaders to get the job done.
What do you consider to be the key issues facing the campaign? If elected, what would be your plans on how to address these issues?
I see three key issues affecting us immediately in North Georgia. Water, tax reform, and economic development. I’ll make certain that we receive adequate funding to build and restore reservoirs and keep our water in North Georgia. I’ll also oppose inter basin transfers so that we will have an adequate water supply. On the tax side, I’ll look at any new plan to bring real tax relief to Georgians and will oppose any type of unfunded mandates and austerity cuts which shift the burden back to the local taxpayer. I have taken a No New Tax Pledge and intend to keep it. I’ll also use my business background to help eliminate wasteful spending. We need to bring more jobs into Banks County so that our people don’t have to go outside the county to work. I’ll work closely with elected officials, Economic Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, and Convention and Visitors Bureau to make that happen. I see my role as being the person who is your main contact with the state to bridge the gap between local and state agencies when there are opportunities. I’ll also be looking for those opportunities by working closely with private and state officials who are bringing business to Georgia.
What course would you like to see the country take as it grows over the next decade?
I think that Banks County is poised to have some real successes in the future. We are addressing our infrastructure needs, we are located in a great transportation corridor, and we have a willing work force. The key is to provide opportunities while not losing our agricultural heritage and property rights. Being located so close to Atlanta, growth is inevitable. We just need to prepare for it. It’s going to affect our schools, our businesses, and our properties. The key is to work together to make certain it doesn’t affect our lifestyles. It’s going to take someone fighting for our interests on a daily basis and I’m committed to that.
