GOVERNOR: David Poythress, Democrat

NAME: David Poythress

PARTY: Democrat

SEEKING: Governor

1. Why are you seeking your office?

I’m running because people all over Georgia are hurting, and the politicians in Atlanta aren’t listening. They don’t seem to realize that this week’s pay check won’t cover next week’s bills. My plan will help small business start hiring again and put folks back to work. And to prove I’m serious about getting results, I won’t take a paycheck as Governor until we get unemployment under 7%. Georgians need a fighter, and as a three star General, that’s what I do. You can learn more about me at www.poythressforgovernor.com.

2. What do you expect to accomplish if elected?

Get unemployment under 7%; work with our neighbors in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee to resolve our water crisis. Work with state leaders to ease our transportation crisis, including rail transit throughout the state. Have real comprehensive education reform to improve our schools, make them 21st Century Learning Centers and give our teachers the tools they need to succeed. Most importantly, make Georgians proud again, and return us to the prosperity we once had.

3. What distinguishes your candidacy?

My unique background in the public and private sectors gives me the experience necessary to know that a true leader puts the best people up front to help solve our state problems. As Commissioner of Labor I cut taxes and as Secretary of State I revolutionized the way that office was run. As the Commanding General of the Georgia National Guard I oversaw the transformation of that organization from a cold war unit to a new age terrorism unit. As Governor, I will oversee our states successful emergence from this recession and return to prosperity.

4. What are the key issues in your race?

Jobs, education, water and transportation. All of which are addressed on my web site, www.poythressforgovernor.com/issues. This race is about common issues, but it’s also about leadership and what type of leader Georgia needs. Do we need someone who doesn’t listen and continually just does what he feels is right or do we need someone who will bring in experts, evaluate all options, and make decisions that are good for all Georgians, not just a few?

5. Pick one issue. Expand on how you will address it.

We need comprehensive education reform in Georgia to make our schools 21st Century Learning Centers. When we passed the lottery we were promised three things, the HOPE scholarship, the pre-K program and technology in the classroom. The technology part still isn’t where it needs to be. We need to equip our teachers with the best technology possibly to teach a new generation and we need to fulfill the promise we made by passing the lottery in the early 90’s. Teachers aren’t the problem, teachers are the solution. You can read my full education plan at www.poythressforgovernor.com/issues/education.

6. Give a 100 word summary of your background.

I am a native of Macon, graduated from Emory and Emory Law. I was an active duty Air Force officer for four years, including a year in Vietnam. I served more than 25 years in the Air Force Reserves and retired as a Brigadier General in 1998. Called upon for eight more years of service, I was the first Adjutant General in the history of the Georgia National Guard to achieve the rank of Lt. General (3-stars). I have served as Secretary of State, Deputy Commissioner of Revenue and Assistant Attorney General. And I was twice elected Commissioner of Labor.