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Education
Social
Problems Georgia's
Economy Governance-
How We Are Governed
FOCUS ON GOVERNANCE
In a word governance is leadership. The leader of Georgia is the
governor. He sets the agenda and the priorities and submits the
budget. The budget indicates which programs will be funded, which
won't, and that determines where our tax dollars are spent. As the
leader, he makes goods things happen, or permits bad things to
happen. He is the recipient of the credit when things go well and
the blame rests at his feet when they don't go well.
Therefore, the over-riding issue of this campaign is
leadership. The question every Georgian must answer is this. Has
Governor Perdue taken Georgia in the direction Georgians wanted it
to go?
My contention is no, he has not. The problems in
education, poverty, crime, job retention and job creation that
existed when he led his party to power, not only continue to exist,
they have gotten worse. Partisan bickering has reached an all time
high.
Therefore, Georgia does not have a leader that has
taken Georgia where it needed to go. However, this is not to say
Governor Perdue is not an effective leader. To his credit, he has
effectively led the Republican Party of Georgia where they wanted to
go. They wanted to gain power. He led them to power. They want to
maintain power. By accommodating all of the special interests that
financed his ascension to power, they will contribute millions more
and he will lead a valiant effort to maintain power. Yes, he has
done his party well. He has been an effective leader for that which
matters most to him- the Republican Party, not Georgia. Also to his
credit, he has been a good "team player" for the National Republican
Party. He has taken them where they wanted to go. He delivered an
all "red" state in the last Presidential election. So much so,
Georgia was so thoroughly considered to be "in the bag" that, unlike
the Democratic Party's attitude toward Georgia as "Fly Over
Country", Georgia was a "No Fly Zone" for the Republican Party!
Folks, Georgia needs a leader that loves Georgia more than a
political party!
Georgia needs a leader that puts Georgia
ahead of the partisan game of power. Georgia needs a leader that
will promote one agenda: what is in the best interest of Georgia.
Georgia needs a leader with a vision and an agenda that solves the
"root cause" problems that have hurt Georgia and are holding Georgia
back.
Here is my vision of how a John Dashler led
administration will lead Georgia differently.
Thus far, I
have presented my vision proposing solutions to the major problems
confronting Georgia in education, social problems- mostly poverty
and problems that are rooted in poverty, and Georgia's
economy.
Restore Trust
The best interest of Georgia is my first and only priority. No
secrets. No hidden agendas. I will keep the public informed. To do
so, I have a few new mechanisms:
- First, any committee that I create and lead to address a major
problem, will extend an invitation to the Georgia Press
Association to select a member to monitor all meetings, except
those that discuss personnel matters. (I mentioned this in my
vision for education.) I will probably take the same approach for
our "Strong Communities, Strong Georgia" initiative regarding
economic development. As big things evolve, Georgians will be
informed-not only about what happened, but what is happening and
why and how it is happening.
- The second thing I will do is create the "Georgia
Sunshine News". This will be a quarterly insert in every
newspaper in the state. I will personally provide a progress
report on every major initiative and other subjects from time to
time. I will also invite the leaders of both parties, both houses
of the legislature, other state level office holders and leaders
of the caucuses to do the same thing. Lastly, each issue will
include an article by at least one of the department leaders
explaining what his department does, how it does it, how people
access it's services, and how to address problems. There will be a
1 800 number for citizens to report departments failures to
respond. (It will not serve as an appeal process for those that
aren't told what they want to hear. Rather, it will serve as a
check and balance to insure Georgians receive responses to their
concerns.)
- Thirdly, one day each month will be set aside to conduct a
town hall meeting in a different community in Georgia. In four
years, I'll conduct as many as 48. These will be conducted in
communities that invite me. I will conduct others on an
unscheduled basis when an unanticipated issue of great importance
surfaces. The schedule will be published in the Georgia Sunshine
News.
- Last, I will tell it like I think it is- always.
Non-Partisan, Team Effort
I purposefully did not say bi-partisan. That is a term being
carped by the Democratic candidates. Folks, it's easy to say "what"
you're going to do. But, unless the "how" accompanies the "what" and
it is compelling, it's just talk. And, we've heard enough talk. The
fact is, there is so much bad blood between the parties, it truly
doesn't matter which party is in power. The feathers are going to
fly for years to come. That is, they will continue to fly until
Georgians have had enough. I believe that time has arrived.
Here's how I intend to lead a non-partisan, team
effort.
- First, should Georgians elect an independent as their
governor, they send a thunderously loud message to both parties,
"Enough is enough. We've had our fill of party bickering and an
agenda for 'the few'. We elected this guy because he has a vision
for a better Georgia. He has not been corrupted by the power games
of either party. We placed our trust in him. Let this be a warning
to both parties. Work with him. If you don't, in two years we'll
replace you."
- The second reason is this. Most people that seek state elected
office do so with the same intentions as mine. They want to serve
Georgians. They want to do what is best for Georgia.
Unfortunately, they quickly learn how powerless they are. They are
a "teammate" of their party leaders first. And, if they ever want
a share of the power to advance their ideas, they will do their
time earning their stripes. The translation of that is they must
meet the expectations of their leaders, carp the party line and
cast their votes to support it. Once they have done so for a
sufficient period of time, they will begin to move up the pecking
order. More unfortunately, by the time they earn their way to a
position of influence, their "for Georgia" agendas have been
replaced with their total indoctrination of the party agenda. If,
on the other hand, they disappoint their leaders, they will never
know what good they could have done, because they will never get
the opportunity to find out. Here's the bottom line on this line
of thinking. There are many caught in that web of power party
politics and I believe this about them. Other than the handful of
Democrats and Republicans that eat, sleep, breathe and commit
their political existence to their party, there are many from both
parties that will join the "Georgia team" that I lead. I don't
believe they will be blatant and obvious about it, but I believe
they will publicly promote the attitude, "Hey, he won. Let's give
him a chance."
Agenda
My agenda is clearly stated throughout my entire vision. However,
I should make this one point. Any emerging problem that poses a
threat to the prosperity or security of Georgia will quickly become
a top priority. Every initiative that I support will pass one litmus
test: if it's good for Georgia, it's the right thing to do! Or, it
may simply be an issue that requires moral courage. You do it simply
because it is the right thing to do! I am not an advocate of
political correctness and I will not base my actions or words on
what is the politically correct thing to do or say. I will not be a
knee-jerk reactionary every time some factional group gets riled up.
Factional elements will always be with us. They have the right to
speak their piece. They do not have the right to dictate
policy.
Government Institutions
I will inject a very large dose of entrepreneurial spirit into
our governmental institutions. All department leaders will quickly
learn that I do not subscribe to the theory that mindlessly throwing
resources at a problem (especially more money) ever solved a
problem. I believe that bright minds, initiative, innovative
thinking, good ideas, leadership, ingenuity and hard work are the
best cures to most problems. I will reduce the size of our
bureaucracies innovatively. There will be no across the board budget
cuts. Some budgets will undoubtedly increase- like that of the
Georgia State Patrol. There will be no elimination of unfilled
positions. We will reduce work forces at the middle management and
supervisory levels by 15% the first year. Nepotism will be flushed
out and ended. Fraudulent activities will be vigorously pursued.
Those guilty of fraud will be dismissed and, where possible,
prosecuted. Department heads will learn quickly that I don't mess
with people that get good results. Those that do not get good
results will learn the "business approach" up-close and personal.
Every board, commission, committee or task force will be evaluated
for a determination of functionality and need. Those that are
unnecessary or impede productivity will be eliminated.
Ethics in Government
My approach is quite simple. I don't care how much a lobbyist,
supplier or anyone else spends on any state elected official or
department head. Constituents should be empowered to keep elected
officials honest. I favor an approach similar to our Campaign
Finance Laws. Every state level elected or appointed official should
publish a public report annually stating every dollar spent on them.
The report will identify the person, company, organization, etc that
spent the money or did the favor. Reports will be published in every
newspaper in their district. Local people will police this more
effectively than any law or rule we could enact.
Medicaid/Healthcare Crisis
I don't have the answer to this complex, expensive and growing
situation. But, I will find one. My problem solving methodology and
personal determination to bring about a fair, affordable, manageable
and lasting solution will serve as a starting point. However, I
believe this to be one of the situations where "managing our way
through" is unacceptable. Poverty is a root source driving a
significant portion of demand. Reducing levels of poverty will go a
long way in accomplishing a long-term solution. In the short-term I
will convene a group of all stakeholders. A finger pointing stage is
to be anticipated. But, it will be overcome when all have an
appreciation for everyone else's point of view and the realization
that all parties are served best by working together to find a
solution. The stakeholders will be a large group. It will consist of
leaders from administration organizations: DHC, DHR, Department of
Labor and the Insurance Commissioner. The federal government,
committee chairs from both houses of the legislature, Trial Lawyers
Association, MAG, insurance industry, pharmaceutical industry, AARP,
Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hospital Association, a couple
of trade unions, small business, and minority groups will also be
invited. A workable solution will emerge.
Disaster Management
Ten years of military experience will be a valuable asset in
fulfilling this crucial responsibility. Preparedness is the
difference between adequate and inadequate, appropriate and
inappropriate responses. Contingency planning is the basis for
effective preparation. I will examine all contingency plans. From
that we will define levels of responsibility and establish
communications systems necessary for command and control. I will
form regional compacts with governors of neighboring states. Plans
will be periodically tested to identify and strengthen weaknesses.
Georgians should not expect, nor tolerate, responses to disasters
similar to what we witnessed in New Orleans in the aftermath of
hurricane Katrina. At first blush, my inclination is to establish an
office of Strategic Planning to coordinate creation of contingency
plans with all of our state agencies. I also want to familiarize
myself with the all- volunteer Georgia Defense Force. Perhaps the
time is right for the state to be more supportive of this
organization and facilitate its growth and development throughout
the state similar to the Civil Defense force in the aftermath of
WWII.
I further believe there is an untapped resource in our
veteran organizations: the VFW, the American Legion and Viet Nam
Veterans Association. Veterans are willing, trained and patriotic. I
will invite their leaders to the table.
Relationship with Business Community
Business leaders, large and small, are one of Georgia's greatest
assets. I respect and appreciate them. I intend to establish and
maintain a relationship. I will also deliver to them one of the
"goodie bags" I referred to in my vision for the economy. It is full
of "I wills…." I will improve the education level of the population.
I will make systemic change in Georgia's Public Education System. I
will solve the quality of life issues in our communities. I will
reduce the size of government- significantly. I will not tolerate
wasteful spending. I will make Georgia businesses the number one
priority in our Economic Development effort. I will listen to you,
but not through a lobby group. I will give you access without you
having to buy it. I will be among you frequently. I will listen to
your ideas, needs and criticisms. I will focus on improving our
infrastructure. I will reduce the congestion around Atlanta. I will
pursue an alternative to the problems surrounding
Hartsfield-Jackson. I will invest your tax dollars wisely. I will
speak your language, because I've been there and done
it!
There's another "I will". I will come to you for your
help. Many of the "I wills" in my "goodie bag" will be difficult to
do without your help. I will ask you to support many of my
initiatives. I will ask you to support the "Buy in Georgia"
campaign, the "Last Chance" program, the local "Stay-in-School" task
forces, and giving jobs to graduates of our GED programs. I will
also ask you to become leaders in my "Strong Communities, Strong
Georgia" initiative. I will ask you to take the lead in eliminating
"labels" of socio-economically depressed children in our schools. I
will ask you to support our "Community Schools" and our "Georgia
Preparatory High School". I will ask you to take off your "business
hat" frequently and wear you "Georgia hat" more frequently.
I want a dialogue with you. Invite me to your business.
Invite me to your trade, industry, or civic organization. Invite me
to meet with you and fellow community leaders. I'll be there. I'm
not an "ivory tower" kind of guy. I manage by walking around. Of
course, I also move, shoot and communicate while I'm walking around.
I'm probably going to ask you to do one last thing. I don't
know that I will ever have to pursue this course of action, but if I
do, I want you to know up-front. If there is a need for tax
increases, I will look to you. I favor a 1% payroll tax with a
6-year Sunset provision and a promise that I will accelerate its
expiration once it's purpose is served- investing in solving our
problems identified throughout this vision. There is also an
absolute promise that I will, under no circumstance, sign an
extension. That fact is, if we need an extension it means I failed
and will not resort to throwing good money after bad. Just wanted
you to know.
Fiscal Management
Eliminate debt; establish reserves; practice sound fiscal
stewardship; invest to empower people and communities; tax fairly;
provide for the needy; and, increase economic opportunity. I believe
in "pork". But, I consider it to be a luxury. Luxuries are
affordable when all needs are met and there's something left over.
Our normal process will take care of needs- "economic enhancements".
"Pork" is the ball fields, the community centers, etc. However,
"pork" is incompatible with increasing taxes. In a sense, "pork" is
a bonus system. When state coffers are sound and money is available,
elected representatives that work hard and make good things happen
for Georgia should be able to take something home to the local
folks. The check and balance mechanism is the line item veto. I am
unafraid to use it.
Taxation
I don't like taxes any more than anyone else. Unfortunately, they
are a necessary evil. If there is such a thing, I believe in fair
taxation. Everybody should contribute a fair share. No group should
be relied upon to shoulder a disproportionate load. I prefer the
"mixed" approach to taxation- a combination of local property taxes
and POSTS, and state sales taxes and income taxes. I do not believe
taxation should overly rely on one source or one class of taxpayers.
Shifting burden from one class to another is not smart or wise. I
believe the most important aspect of taxation is delivering results,
which implies good stewardship. People don't mind paying taxes when
their schools are performing well, their communities are safe, their
roads and highways are maintained well, and government services are
responsive and delivered efficiently and effectively.
A
candidate is typically pinned in a corner to commit to no increases
in taxes. I will not make that commitment. With the problems in
education, costs of Medicaid and other social programs, crime on our
streets, infrastructure needs, my intentions to create new
mechanisms to reduce poverty and our need to prepare for disaster
response, it is too early to make the case one way or the other.
Nonetheless, you deserve to know my direction in the event there is
a need to raise taxes. I favor a 1% payroll tax on businesses with a
6-year sunset provision.
Ideology and philosophy
I am a Christian man. I subscribe to no political ideology. My
philosophy is: empower people, build strong communities, provide the
guiding hand, be self-sufficient, be financially strong, employ
common sense solutions to problems, and capitalize on existing
resources. Unfortunately, to get to that point it is going to take
much closer management than a "guiding hand" for a couple of years.
(There are many other issues of interest to Georgians. I
address those in the form of position statements are listed under
the Section "Positions".)
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