Georgia County Government - March 2008 - (Page 12)

CAGLE continued from page 11 I am ready to move our state forward. It is my firm belief that a rising tide lifts all boats. And by creating a climate to stimulate the economy we will provide the greatest degree of return for the future of every Georgian. We h a v e t o c r e a t e f u r t h e r opportunities for our students, because a better-educated workforce is vital to job creation. It is a failure of our education system to allow any student to drop out. Ever y student should have a chance – whether through a traditional path or through a career academy – to get their educational needs met in order to be prepared for the workforce of tomorrow. We a lso have to bring common sense solut ions to solv i ng t he growing problems regarding health c a re. Sk y rocket i ng cost s a nd t he 1.7 million uninsured in our state represent a huge hole in our health care network. We can address this issue by addressing the needs of the indigent as wel l as using t he f ree market to put people back in control of their health care decisions. Additionally, the water crisis we face has not been caused by growth but by historic drought and the mismanagement of our water resources by the Army Corps of Engineers. That’s why we need to pass a statewide water management plan, and we need to expand current reservoir capacity and build new ones. Because it would be a failure on our part not to manage the resources we have in an efficient and effective manner. And when it comes to transportation, we have been paying the price for our lack of action through gridlock and inefficiency. We have the second worst congestion in the nation in Atlanta, and we need to start right now putting a plan in place to get us out of it – for the benefit of our entire state. This year, we w i l l concentrate on reorganizing the Department of Transportation under new leadership. Once the department is reorganized, our next step will be to implement a statewide traffic management plan and find the most effective way to fund it. Burying our heads in the sand on transportation is no longer acceptable public policy. I am convinced that with strong leadership and a focus on planning and innovation, we can do 30 percent more projects with the same amount of money. And I want us to get there. Because if transportation in our state fails, business fails. And if business fails, jobs fail. And when jobs fail, Georgia fails. I, for one, am not willing to allow that to happen. Certainly, Georgia’s problems will not be solved overnight. But if we keep our eyes on our goals and stay committed to a cause greater than ourselves, we will see success. So, I cha l lenge us a l l to come together this year to chart a course that will ensure success for generations to come. Instead of rehashing old fights, I challenge us to move toward a common goal. This is not about Senate and House, executive and legislative. This is about doing all we can together to improve the lives of every citizen in this great state. Vince Lombardi once said that any man’s finest hour is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious. If we can stay focused and put principles ahead of politics, our finest hour this year will be a story that may never make headlines. It will be a story of how – without fanfare or fireworks, through steady leadership and commitment to a vision – we came together to accomplish something truly meaningful for the citizens of Georgia. That story might not sell newspapers, but it will certainly restore some of the faith the people of Georgia have in their elected officials. Now is the time for legislators to be statesmen, and for statesmen to be leaders. And a leader’s ability to succeed is only as great as the passion of those who are willing to follow him. I still believe Georgia’s best days are ahead of us. And if we are committed to carrying out our vision, we will get there. So, as I get busy doing what I was elected to do, I hope you all will commit to joining with me in that good cause. I need that passion and commitment from you. And Georgia needs that commitment from us all. ■ SERVING THE 10 COUNTIES AND 35 CITIES OF THE COASTAL REGION FOR OVER 40 YEARS CGRDC Services Include: • • • • • • • • • • Comprehensive Planning Land Use Planning Historic Preservation Aging Services Tourism Coordinated Transportation Geographic Information Systems Community Development Personnel Policies and Handbooks Water Resource Planning 127 “F” Street / P.O. Box 1917 Brunswick, GA 31520 (912) 264-7363 www.coastalgeorgiardc.org 12 GEORGIA 362499_Coastal.indd 1 COUNTY GOVERNMENT 1/9/08 9:44:23 AM http://www.coastalgeorgiardc.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - March 2008

Georgia County Government - March 2008 Contents President's Message County Matters Guest Editorial: Our Future Depends On Statesmanship Bryan County in Step With State Coastal Plan Solid Waste Management in Georgia Hazardous Waste Management in Georgia Extension News: Georgians Growing Older, Fatter County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - March 2008

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