Jobs/Economy

Garry knows that it is not government that creates jobs. It's small business. The best role for government is to foster a favorable business environment. That is why Garry is staunchly in favor of lowering tax burdens and lessening bureaucratic red tape. Georgia must simplify regulations and encourage entrepreneurship in order to attract international business. The world should look to Georgia as a source of valuable goods and services as well as a business partner. In this way, Georgia will create jobs at home and boost its own economy.

Education

Garry is a strong supporter of Georgia's teachers. An experienced educator himself, Garry knows the Merit Pay plan for the political shell game it is. Think of it this way: Would you dock a soldier's pay because the battle didn't go as planned that day? Not a chance. So, why would anyone consider penalizing good teachers who try to improve our toughest schools? Garry favors a new formula, to be worked out with teachers' involvement, that will focus on the individual teacher's education and commitment. Moreover, Garry vows to work to overhaul the current furlough system. Public school employees should not have to shoulder the same burden of budget shortfalls as non-essential government employees. Garry will push to establish a priority system. Educators, police officers and firefighters must be given the highest priority, making them the last to be called upon for furlough sacrifice, not the first.

Find out more about Garry answers to Education

Fiscal Responsibility/ Smaller Government

Garry sees the current economic recession as a great opportunity. Georgian are re-examining government at all levels. How much do we really need? The answer clearly is: not this much. Garry is working to identify exactly which government programs and departments fit in with government's core mission, and which have become an unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Garry wants your feedback in this ongoing effort to keep government from growing out of control.

Property Rights

Home ownership is a vital component of The American Dream. The mortgage crisis and decline in property values have hit home owners hard. They should not be hit yet again by higher property taxes as governments try to make up for education short falls. Their rights should be protected from the abuses of eminent domain laws. Garry's opponent, Curt Thompson, voted to further strengthen big government's iron grip on property rights. Garry believes it's time to stand up for private property owners and sharply curtail eminent domain.

Engage & Empower

Georgia, particularly the Senate District 5, has been blessed with a diversity of cultural heritage. These communities make up the rich fabric of Georgia's social and economic life. Now,the challenge is to reach out to those parts of our community who have been undeserved. Garry wants your feedback on ways to make Georgia politics both transparent and all-inclusive. Together, we will improve voter turnout and citizen participation.