My top issues

Stop Unjustified Growth in Government - Georgia, unlike many states, has no structural impediments to the growth of government and relies on elected officials to keep it from getting out of control. The State budget grows by more than required based on population increases and inflation; I think it is time to put in place reasonable limits on spending combined with an objective analysis of where the money goes. If a plan like this was put in place just 8 years ago the State budget would be about $1 Billion less than it is today, and we would have spent (and taxed) $5.5 Billion less over that time period.

GA Highway 20 - SR-20 cuts clear across the district, but for 10 years the project to widen it from PIB to the river has just been pushed into the future as State funds flow into other districts. This is vital not only for traffic flow on 20 itself but also to keep Suwanee Dam Rd. from being used as a cut through from PIB to 20, causing congestion for residents and safety concerns for North Gwinnett High School. And you think it is bad now - just wait until the new schools near Sugar Hill start dumping busses onto the road! I will make this project one of my highest priorities.

Use local tax money to improve local transportation - Allow for sales taxes collected in District 98 to fund transportation projects in District 98. These projects would be aimed specifically at regional needs and allow local taxes to go to fix local problems. There was progress on this toward the end of the 2008 Legislative Session, but our current representative voted against it. We need to come up with funding solutions that work - the State transportation budget is in serious trouble.

Transparency in State Spending - Technology now allows, and Georgians should demand, the ability to see government spending online. A number of states already have programs in place (TX, MO, KS and IL to name a few) and residents of these states can watch where their tax dollars are actually going. The 2008 legislation is a step in the right direction, but we should also have online posting of all government expenditures regardless of their nature or dollar value in a way that is both understandable and accessible.

Illegal immigration - The Federal Government is not making progress here, so it looks like it will be up to the State and the County. We need someone who gets along well with Gwinnett County to come up with workable solutions. The problem is particularly critical in Buford, where gangs are starting to come down from Gainesville and into the neighborhoods. We also need to do this without completely alienating Latinos who are here legally, as they can be a part of the solution. Not only do illegal immigrants commit crimes, but as a group they are also the number one target of criminals. The key is to stop businesses that are currently able to exploit these workers for their own profit. Make sure companies and residents only hire legal workers and those here illegally will go elsewhere. The State can also help by working with Gwinnett County to establish effective rental legislation.

Fair Tax - While this is a federal issue, state legislatures need to back the movement. As a business owner and a tax payer I realize the tremendous impact this would have to our country and to our district.

More accessible State Government - When was the last time you saw your State Representative? Or had him return an e-mail? I did not enter this race to just join the commute downtown. If I win I will be available any time you want. If you have a homeowner meeting or a neighborhood issue, or want me to come and talk with your group just ask me and I will be there. If you want to meet for breakfast just let me know. If you send me an e-mail or call my cell phone I will respond within 24 hours if not right away. I am willing to put much of my life on hold during the two year term because I believe so strongly in active participation by all the residents.

Work with the County and the Cities of Suwanee, Buford and Sugar Hill - These cities do not need the State looking over their shoulder, but they frequently need help with issues they face that are outside their control. We need a responsive representative who listens to their needs and does not oppose them just because of personality conflicts.

Work to resolve funding issues in State Trauma Network - This issue had great momentum at the beginning of the 2008 session but derailed when the issue of funding came up.  I personally favor getting at least some of the money via the Governor's Super Speeder legislation - but we need oversight to find out where the money is going..

TAD - As a former Planning and Zoning Commissioner I realize that by partnering with private companies governments have a better chance of successfully revitalizing an area.  A Tax Allocation District uses Tax Increment Financing (or TIF) to bring a depressed area back to life.  Cities and the County should have this tool at their disposal, to be used only when the community and local school system believe it is appropriate. I will support this only if it can be proven that just the increased property taxes are used for bond repayment (taxpayers can never be on the hook if property values do not increase as expected) and if schools receive a portion of the increased revenue. After careful examination I believe that the current law does neither of these things - but with some small changes and proper oversight this can be a very useful tool.

Get things done - Check with anyone who knows me. I do not do anything half way - once I start something I commit 100% and get things finished. I am not running this race so I can get VIP passes to the Tour de Georgia or a good parking spot at the airport. When I was asked to run for this position I considered it for several months before I said 'yes'. I am running because I want to see someone in this position who will bring change in our district and keep us ahead of the curve. I feel this is so important that I am willing to put my life on hold and make some changes.

Want to make our area better?  Send in more ideas and get the discussion moving!

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