This campaign is certainly about some serious issues facing our state, but most importantly, it is about making Georgia work.

We must restore the Georgia values and strong leadership that brought our state growth, opportunity and far-reaching prosperity in the past.  Together, we can rebuild a solid foundation in Georgia – one that will support a better life, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our families.

To make Georgia work, we must focus on water, education and transportation.  Above all else, we must create jobs and economic opportunity all across Georgia. We simply cannot take full advantage of the opportunities of the future without strengthening our economy and getting back on course in these key areas.  I have some ideas that I believe will make our state work for every Georgian.  Take a look – and let us know what you think.

Let's put Georgia back to work. Georgia desperately needs more jobs.  Our state’s ability to encourage job growth has a direct impact on the level of economic opportunity afforded to Georgia families.  Given our current concerns about water, education and transportation, it comes as no real surprise that businesses are reluctant to locate and grow here.  Frankly, we are fighting a losing battle with neighboring states for preference with companies that are establishing a presence in the South.  As governor, I will make creating jobs my first priority.  Together, we will get Georgia working again.

INTEGRITY.  In May of 2010, I released 25 years of my tax returns to the public.  The 1,500 page report available is online to whoever may want to view the documents – friends, opponents, voters, and the press.  I released my tax returns during each year that I was in the Governor’s office from 1998 – 2002.  I have always chosen make my financial information available because I believe that those seeking public office should be committed to the principles of open government and full disclosure.  I also have called on the other candidates in this race to release and post online at least ten years of their tax returns, with accompanying schedules, to the public.  

TRUST. In 1998, after being elected Governor, I severed my ties with the Marietta law firm I had started 23 years prior to taking office, and put my personal assets in a blind trust to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.  If given the opportunity to serve as Governor in 2010, I plan to once again place my assets in a blind trust for the duration of my governorship.  Georgians deserve a leader who is open and honest, with nothing to hide.  If elected, that is the kind of Governor that I pledge to be.

ACCESS AND TRANSPARENCY.  As Governor, I introduced a proposal that would require statewide candidates to release seven years of income tax returns before campaigning, which I had already done at the time.  I also proposed to ban lobbyist gifts to state employees and forbid government employees and elected officials from lobbying the state for two years after leaving office.  In June of 2002, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution stated, “Barnes deserves praise for his willingness to be open and upfront about his own finances.”  In May 2002, the Columbus Ledger Enquirer stated, “At a time when politicians talk the talk about open records, open meetings and open government even as they close ranks on public disclosure, Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes is walking the walk.”

HONESTY.  As Governor, my first act of the new administration was to sign an order banning all lobbyist gifts to employees working in the executive branch.  If elected, I will do the same thing again.  Georgia’s next Governor should be able to focus on the obstacles that stand in our state’s path, without being burdened by questions of ethical impropriety.