MAKING GEORGIA WORK: Restoring Confidence in State Government
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.