CULTURE OF CORRUPTION CONTINUES
IN GEORGIA POLITICS Back in May, I criticized Congressman Nathan Deal for not joining me in standing up to the irresponsible secession threats that his fellow Republican candidates for Governor were supporting. He never responded and now we know why. It appears that Congressman Deal and his congressional staff were focused on protecting his no-bid, state contract.
A recent investigation by the Atlanta Journal Constitution revealed that Deal's personal business venture, Recovery Services Inc., has benefited from a lucrative agreement with the state where his Gainesville company is one of five locations (and the closest to Atlanta) for the state inspection of rebuilt salvaged vehicles. No one seems to be able to explain why there are only five places in the entire state approved for this program. Between 2004 and 2008 Deal's company reportedly earned $1.5 million for providing the equipment and space for these required inspections. According to his House financial filings, Deal personally earns up to $150,000 from this company; his congressional salary is $174,000.
When State Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham considered revamping the program to expand the number of sites and set up a competitive bidding system, it is clear that Deal used his political influence and his congressional staff to try to protect his personal business interests. In the last eighteen months, Deal met with Graham three times, and the pressure he and Lt. Governor Casey Cagle provided protected the program from Graham's proposed legislative changes and budget cuts. In response to this story a complaint has been filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics claiming Deal violated House rules and federal law.
Sadly, sweetheart deals for politicians aren't a new story. While millions of Georgians were struggling to survive these difficult economic times, we see Deal and others protecting their own pocketbooks at the expense of hard-working Georgia teachers, young professionals, small business owners and others just trying to hang on to their homes.
This culture of corruption has to end in Georgia politics. There is too much at stake to elect another self-serving politician that will be more interested in personal gain than turning around our economy, transforming public schools or addressing our water and transportation problems.
As your Governor, I will place my investments in a blind trust to assure the people of Georgia that I will be focused 100% on the affairs of the state, not on my own checkbook. Congressman Deal's actions and his claims that he was just protecting the safety of Georgians don't pass the smell test, and I hope the ethics investigation will move forward quickly. Voters are looking for leaders they can trust, not more backroom deals among the same old politicians.
THANKS TO YOU,
WE'RE GETTING MY MESSAGE OUT
Everywhere Elizabeth and I go people are telling us "you're the ONLY ONE talking about the issues!" Our videos on water and transportation, weekly updates and visits around the state have shown Georgians that someone IS talking about Georgia's future. And it has been YOUR continued financial support that has allowed me to make this progress.
Today I ask you to help keep us moving forward. Your investment of $250, $100 or $50 will keep my campaign growing strong. Many of my supporters have chosen to give monthly through recurring contributions. As always, I thank you for your financial support and helping get my message out to Georgians all across the state.
WATKINSVILLE MEET AND GREET
Elizabeth and I wish to extend our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Neely for hosting a wonderful reception in support of our campaign. Charlie served 24 years in the U.S. Army and four years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Recruiting Commander. I am grateful for the Neely's friendship and support. We also had the opportunity to visit with Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Morris and Karen Solheim of the Clarke County Democratic Party who made the short drive from Athens. We thank each and every person who came out to meet with us and talk about the opportunities and challenges facing our state.
CONTINUING TO STAND UP FOR HBCUs
We had a great time picnicking with the Legal Defense Coalition for the Preservation of State Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) at Central City Park in Macon. Alumni from Albany State, Fort Valley State and Savannah State Universities gathered for fun and light-hearted discussion about their respective alma maters. Alumni of these institutions can rest assured that I am committed to preserving and expanding the academic offerings at these historic centers of higher learning, and I look forward to learning more about the specific needs of each of these institutions. I invite you to share my video about HBCUs with others you know who might be interested in this important issue.
CHEERING OUR CHAIRS IN THE HEART OF GA
Following the Democratic Party of Georgia's State Committee meeting in Dublin, the Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs (GADCC) held their 28th Annual Public Service Award Dinner in Dublin at the Heart of Georgia Technical College. In the afternoon, I hosted a gathering for County Chairs and other Democrats who were in Dublin for these events. Elizabeth and I really enjoyed this opportunity for lengthy conversations with these Party leaders. We gained great insights and strengthened our belief that county organizations are the key to the Party's future.
Dinner coordinator and past president of GADCC, Angelia Knight and her crew of volunteers are to be commended for their hard work – it was a terrific event! Unfortunately, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was not on hand to accept the 2009 Richard B. Russell Public Service Award. But the highlight of GADCC President Mike Berlon's able performance as program emcee was when he donned a jacket adorned with a large flower on the lapel to announce Mayor Franklin's award.
Congratulations to GADCC Vice President Dr. Lowell Greenbaum, recipient of the President's Award. I'd also like to commend the Lowndes County Democratic Committee for earning the "Outstanding Chapter of the Year" and the Jones County Chapter for their efforts which earned them "New Chapter of the Year" designation.
The crowd was not left without speeches to fill the evening as all five Democratic candidates for Governor were on hand. While others were talking about the past, I continued to be the candidate who has a clear vision for our state's future and the proven ability to bring people together to achieve our goals.
CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF THE SPIRIT
Worshiping with Rev. Todd Rhodes and the entire Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church family in Brunswick was an uplifting experience. This particular Sunday was Youth Day, and what a joy it was for Elizabeth and me to witness the Youth Dance and the Youth Song and Praise ministries. On a more somber note, we shared condolences with the family of Rev. E.C Tillman, former state legislator and pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Tillman's life was dedicated to serving the entire community, and his spirit of service lives on in his church family.
PUBLIC SERVICE HONORED ON THE COAST Attending the Peace Officers' Association of Georgia Annual Convention on Jekyll Island was a wonderful way to end this trip across the State. Col. George Ellis, former commander of the Georgia State Patrol, once again introduced me to all of his friends in the law enforcement community, and we really enjoyed attending the steak supper of the 2009 Annual Convention. During this year's opening session, Captain Jimmy Quarles was recognized for serving over thirty years with the Georgia State Patrol, and John Conley was recognized for his many years of dedicated service as an educator.
HONORING WOMEN IN MIDDLE GEORGIA
When I was growing up in the Vineville section of Macon, I always wanted to see the inside of that columned, white house on Rogers Avenue. Well last week I had my chance as Elizabeth and I joined other supporters of Georgia's WIN LIST for a delightful reception at the home of Charlotte McMullan, and the house was as beautiful as I had imagined. The occasion was the Viola Ross Napier Celebration which this year honored Rep. Nikki T. Randall for her service to the community
The death of her husband prompted Viola Ross Napier to further her education to support her family, and she became one of only a handful of women attorneys in Georgia. In 1922, Napier was one of the first two women to win elected office in the state when she was elected to the State House of Representatives during the first election where women voted. Following her two terms in the legislature, Napier served as the Macon City Clerk for 27 years, advising five mayors.
Bringing history to life was local radio and TV journalist Del Ward Napier Leslie who shared some personal stories about her great aunt Viola. It was great to catch up with Melita Easters, WIN List's founding chair. Current chair Amy H. Morton and Macon City Council Member Lauren Logan Benedict were proud hosts for this event, along with Board Members Allison K. Wall, Mary N. Long, Caroline Moise, Patrise Perkins-Hooker and Jenna Moore Colvin. We also enjoyed visiting briefly with Judge Billy Randall, proud father of the evening's honoree, my long time friend Peggy Dubose, Mayor Robert Reichert and Macon City Council Members Larry Schlesinger, Rick Hutto, Tom Ellington and Elaine Lucas.
All the best,
David Poythress
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David Poythress
Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Poythress is the immediate past Commander of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard. He previously served as Georgia's Commissioner of Labor and Secretary of State, and he is a Democratic candidate for Governor in 2010.
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