In Georgia, it is a political fact of life that whatever the governor wants – no matter who occupies the seat – the governor usually gets. That is because the office controls a lot of money and patronage and can dispense or withhold either, depending on whether or not you support or oppose the governor. Gov. Nathan Deal wants passage of Amendment One, which will … [Read more...] about October 24, 2016: Passage of Gov. Deal’s Opportunity School District Amendment No Sure Thing
Gov. Nathan Deal
May 11, 2015: To Georgia’s Public School Teachers: Thank You For Your Efforts
Dear Public School Teachers in Georgia: Congratulations on surviving another year in the classroom. As you take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy a brief respite before you start the process all over again, I hope you will reflect on the good you do; the impact you have on young people; your ability to make a difference. Yours isn’t a job. It is a calling. Many years … [Read more...] about May 11, 2015: To Georgia’s Public School Teachers: Thank You For Your Efforts
October 20, 2014: Gov. Nathan Deal Pledges “Everything On The Table” Public Education Reform
Last week Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter shared via this column his vision for public education in Georgia. This week, incumbent Republican Gov. Deal talks about his plans for public education in a second and final term as the state’s chief executive. What he told me came as a bit of a surprise. I suspect it will be as well for members of the General Assembly … [Read more...] about October 20, 2014: Gov. Nathan Deal Pledges “Everything On The Table” Public Education Reform
October 6, 2014: Some Random Thoughts On Some Random Subjects
If I die anytime soon — and I have no plans to do so at the moment — please see that the first paragraph of my obituary reads, “He was past president of the University of Georgia National Alumni Association.” You can save for later paragraphs the part about my being often mistaken for Brad Pitt and my uncanny ability to put commas where they don’t belong. I had the honor of … [Read more...] about October 6, 2014: Some Random Thoughts On Some Random Subjects
July 21, 2014: Taxpayers On The Hook For Mishandled Ethics Probe Of Gov. Deal
In 1997, Gov. Zell Miller appointed me to fill a vacant seat on the five-member State Ethics Commission and then reappointed me to a full term where I served until 2002. It was a rewarding experience and I am proud of the good things we accomplished at the commission. Now, fast forward to its successor, the Georgia Government Transparency and (inhale) Campaign Finance … [Read more...] about July 21, 2014: Taxpayers On The Hook For Mishandled Ethics Probe Of Gov. Deal