The Importance of Relevant Experience

Early voting starts Monday, July 9, and on July 31, voters in Georgia’s Sixth State Senate District will choose which Republican will face Democratic State Senator Doug Stoner in November’s general election.  The primary candidates each bring different credentials to the table, but one asset I uniquely bring is the relevant experience to hit the ground running on day one.

I’ve had my learning curve, and I do not need training wheels when it comes to performing the duties expected of your State Senator. Managing and passing a state budget is by no means an easy task. I know how to address the challenges our state will face by drafting and passing legislation when needed, repealing existing laws that hold us back, and defeating harmful proposals.  During my time as the Governor’s Chief Counsel, I performed each of these tasks, and it provided me the best training and seasoned wisdom to begin working for you in January 2013.

Passing a budget is the only act required of our General Assembly, and Georgia's budget is down by at least 2% this year alone; that is before the impact of federal healthcare reform.  Many families and businesses are feeling a similar budget squeezes, and I'm the only candidate who has addressed for our state.  One of my duties with the Governor was to analyze every program and every line of our State’s budget.  During my time, we cut state spending by over 15%, and Georgia now spends less per capita than any state in the nation.   

I've also played an active role in passing, and when appropriate, defeating proposed laws.  Most freshmen legislators take a few years to begin working on significant legislation like sunsetting burdensome regulations, reforming our tax code, and reforming Fulton County.  Unlike many such new legislators, I’ve already built and led coalitions that helped pass dozens of bills, and I’ve worked with lawmakers to turn general ideas into actual and specific legislation. As State Representative Edward Lindsey (R-Buckhead) put it, I can “hit the ground running on day one,” and that is a reason so many elected officials trust me with their endorsement.

Finally, my experiences outside of government -- as a former educator, an attorney interpreting laws to assist clients, and a small businessman who helps run our law firm -- have enhanced my appreciation for the seriousness and lasting impact of acts taken under the gold dome.  Though the General Assembly may only be in session for 40 days, laws passed spur state agencies’ regulations; they are litigated in our courtrooms, and they can have ripple effects that impact us all.  Even well-meaning legislation can have unintended consequences, which highlights the need for thoughtful, conservative and experienced approaches in the State Senate.

Beyond the specific ideas I have set forward throughout this campaign, I ask you to consider who can best take the reins and begin the job of making sure our interests are represented in 2013 and beyond. I hope to earn your vote on or before July 31.