Carl Camon’s Commitment to Georgia’s Economy

It is no secret that we are experiencing a global economic recession. Georgia has experienced a three billion dollar budget deficit, with additional cuts forecasted. Proactive measures would not have totally prevented our state from feeling the effects of this economic downturn, but it would have provided reasonable reserves that would have lessened the brunt of impact to our state’s economy. Georgia is currently experiencing double-digit unemployment rates, which in turn causes citizens to make various demands for public services, such as food stamps and healthcare coverage, which further strains the state budget. As governor, our first economic priority will be to put Georgians back to work by creating new jobs, so that they will be able to provide food and care for their families. You deserve to have a forward thinking governor, one who will work toward providing educational opportunities that result in high paying jobs, therefore reducing the level of poverty in Georgia. You deserve to have a governor who will ensure that our state is prepared for the possibility of future economic downturns. I am the only candidate for governor who has served as mayor of a city. I have the experience of preparing and balancing a budget. I have cut wasteful spending and increased reserves during my five terms as mayor. It is clear to me that the state operates on a much larger level, but sound accounting principles apply to every level of government. I understand the needs of cities and people at the local level, which collectively make up our state as a whole. I realize that cities are the economic engine that drives Georgia’s economy. As Georgia’s next Governor, I will invest in the infrastructure of cities so they will continue to have the ability to increase economic development, which will foster economic growth and provide tax dollars that will keep our state’s economy intact for generations to come.

Carl’s Plan For Economic Reform In Georgia

1. Restore accountability and transparency in our state government, as well as ensure that we are fiscally responsible, so that we may lead by example. Prioritize what is important for our state and what is not important, and cut wasteful spending.

2. Perform a cost-benefit analysis and where necessary adjust current tax breaks and loopholes, by ensuring that certain classes of corporations pay their share of taxes.

3. Empower the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism with the tools necessary to attract industries with a strong history of sustainability that will offer Georgians high paying jobs.

4. Offer incentives and support for the creation of small businesses in Georgia.

5. Close the disparity of wealth by providing opportunities for continued education and advanced job training for all Georgians.

6. Reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, and increase our use of wind and solar energy, therefore reducing the overall associated costs. Ensure that Georgia leads the way in becoming a more green state.

7. Provide incentives for families who seek financial training and counseling, on important issues such as preparing a budget, increasing their savings, the use of credit and credit cards, and making smart decisions about whether or not they can afford the goods and services they purchase.

8. Keep taxes low, so that citizens can keep more of their hard earned money, so that they will have the opportunity to purchase necessary goods and services, therefore stimulating our state’s economy.

9. Allocate federal stimulus funds to support the expansion of existing business, which will create additional jobs in Georgia.

10. Restructure Georgia’s public assistance (welfare) system. Offer job training, and put those who can work, back to work.