Thanks to our neighbors at RBC Bank for making this terrific Roy 2010 snowman!
Roy visits Chattooga County
County leaders braved the snow to welcome Roy on Friday evening. (From L-R: Mayor Joe Norton, Summerville; Gov. Barnes; Mayor Jessica Eller, Lyerly; Sole Commissioner Jason Winters; and Mayor Johnny Ingle, Trion.)
Jefferson County schools welcome Roy
February 10, 2010
Last week, Roy continued his listening tour of Georgia by visiting with two great groups of educators in Jefferson County. It was an early morning for our group – but it was definitely worth it!
Our first stop was Wrens Elementary School in Wrens, Georgia. We were treated to a tour of the school’s new facility addition by Wrens Elementary School Principal Dr. Sharon Dye and Assistant Principal Tina Tarver, and we then had the chance to sit down with several Wrens Elementary School educators.
The group of teachers at Wrens Elementary School was outspoken and enthusiastic, and gave Roy some great feedback on his education agenda. Gov. Barnes also had an opportunity to listen to the teachers’ thoughts on ways that we can fully fund our public education system without furloughing teachers or cutting direct instruction.
Escorted by Jefferson County Sheriff Gary Hutchins, we ventured down the road to Louisville, Georgia for a visit with Jefferson County High School Principal Dr. Molly Howard (the 2008 National High School Principal of the Year) and yet another group of fantastic educators. The student population at JCHS is diverse, and over 80 percent of the students are below the poverty line; however, despite these challenges, Dr. Howard and her incredible team of teachers have increased graduation rates and raised test scores over the past several years.
As soon as we sat down with the teachers at JCHS, it was clear that we had another great group of educators on our hands. Once again, the teachers gave Roy some great idea and lots of input on his education agenda.
Special thanks to Carl Bethune, Dr. Dye, and Dr. Howard for allowing us to come and visit their schools – we are already excited for our next trip to Jefferson County!
- Brinkley, Roy 2010
Roy visits Newton High School
February 4, 2010
Yesterday, Roy was the honored guest for Newton County High School’s Black History Month program. Newton County High is one of three high schools in the county, but is a small university unto itself, boasting over 2.200 students!
Before the program, Roy was greeted by several members of the National Honor Society who served as ambassadors and showed him around the school building. He was able to talk with each of them about their plans after high school and thrilled that they were all working towards college. Roy was also able to speak with Principal Roderick Sams about the progress his students are making and how state leaders can better support his efforts to increase student achievement.
The program was an amazing showcase of student talent – an incredible display of rifle twirling by the MCJROTC drill team, a moving rendition of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech by the Advanced Drama class, a rousing version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, and a very inspiring performance of a traditional gospel song by a trio of students.
Roy used his opportunity to speak to challenge NCHS students to remember the sacrifice of those who have come before. He shared the fact that, although he attending public school in Georgia, it was not until his days at the University of Georgia that he attended an integrated school. He used that point to illustrate the fact that things were not always the way they are today. He encouraged all NCHS students to apply that to their daily lives as they both acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made and continue to fight for equality.
After the program, many NCHS teachers came up to Roy to share their support and appreciation for his participation. Roy also met with the Advanced Placement Government class before the bell rang for their next class.
The winners of the Lunch with Roy competition met at Tommy's Deli on the Marietta Square to talk about the most pressing issues facing Georgia and the campaign. One of the participants wrote about why Roy has her vote:
A casual lunch in Marietta with Roy Barnes reaffirmed my conviction that he is the man with the ability, experience, intellect, and desire to best serve Georgia as our next Governor. With ease he spoke with us about issues such as education and transportation. He has a real desire to serve and make good things happen for all Georgians. Roy is a man with vision, warmth, and determination. I look forward to working to ensure that Roy is Georgia’s next governor.
Thanks for a great call. We really enjoyed hearing your questions, and will plan to do this again soon.
But first, we want your feedback! Send any input you have to
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, and we will make improvements for the next campaign call.
In these tough economic times, we have a moral obligation to help our neighbors. A week from today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and in recognition of the importance of individual service in strengthening communities, I am asking you to commit to making this national holiday a 'day on, not a day off.'
Dr. King said, "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve." I know that many people in this state are already stretched too thin, but if you are able to spare some time or resources for a charity or a service project in your neighborhood, it would go a long way.
Please consider supporting your community through one of the following activities or organizations, or visit the official MLK Day of Service website to view a list of sponsored events.
Steve was one of Roy 2010’s earliest volunteers. Since September, he has become a fixture around the office, popping his head in to discuss the morning’s headlines in the Georgia papers and scolding us for eating breakfast from our candy jar. Like Steve, many of Roy’s supporters come from varied political backgrounds. Read more to see why Steve has committed to our campaign for Georgia.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we are called to serve our neighbors who are most in need. Please consider supporting your favorite charity or contributing to the causes below.
Give to your local food bank - Georgia is covered by a network of Feeding America (TM) member food banks that provide assistance throughout the state. Find the food bank closest to you by entering your zip code.
Sponsor a care package for deployed troops - For every $25 donation you make, Operation USO Care Package will send a care package with both needed and requested items valued at approximately $75 to a deployed service member.
On Friday evening, Roy and Marie hosted a holiday party for our wonderful volunteers. They have been some of the campaign's earliest and most enthusiastic supporters, helping us to build our campaign to make Georgia work again. Roy is honored by their support and everyone at the campaign is very thankful that they are working with us. Thank you, volunteers!
During his travels across the state in recent months, Roy has been inspired by the enthusiastic response he has received from folks in every corner of Georgia, and we want to make sure that the campaign is a reflection of this wide support.
We are well on our way to meeting our goal of 2,010 supporters, but we don’t want to slow down. Please help us achieve this milestone by donating today, and telling your friends and neighbors about our vision for a better Georgia. Then ask them to visit our website and chip in $10 toward helping us reach our goal.
Additionally, we are going to draw four names from those who join the challenge to join Roy for lunch in January and talk about your ideas for Georgia.
Spread the word about the Roy 2010 campaign by asking your friends to visit this website and sign up.
No donation necessary to participate in the drawing for "Grab Lunch with Roy". If you sign up for updates on our website, you will be included in the drawing.
A Message from Roy: Georgia Values & Ethical Leadership
December 9, 2009
Dear Friends:
I had planned on emailing you today to encourage you to visit our revamped website. However, like many Georgians this week, I have other things weighing on my mind.
During my travels across our state, many of you have expressed to me your disappointment in the culture of corruption that seems to run rampant under the Gold Dome, and I share your dismay. Just last week, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that lobbyists have spent $1.3 million to entertain and influence our state’s public officials this year alone. When I hear this news, I think about the hardworking Georgians I’ve met over the last several months – folks who need state leadership on their side now more than ever – and frankly, I’m more than just disappointed. I’m fed up.
Instead of standing up for the citizens of our state, it seems that our elected officials are looking out for the special interest groups that foot the bill for luxurious out-of-town trips, high-priced meals, and extravagant outings to sporting events and concerts…and it needs to stop.
Georgians deserve to be represented by a government that works for no one but them. You deserve leaders who act with your best interests in mind – not the best interests of the special interests.
That’s why, when I was governor, my administration instituted a gift ban for all executive branch employees, a practice that I will reinstate if elected. I am going a step further in my campaign by refusing to take contributions from registered Georgia lobbyists. During previous campaigns, I have accepted lobbyists’ contributions. However, I have learned from listening to Georgians all across this state that their confidence in our government demands the rejection of these funds.
I am also calling on all candidates in the race for governor to reject and return campaign contributions from registered Georgia lobbyists. A leader cannot be – or give the appearance of being – influenced by or beholden to individuals and businesses that have provided them with gifts or favors.
I’m also calling on the General Assembly to adopt new legislation that institutes my lobbyist contribution ban and a gift ban for all of state government, including the General Assembly, so that Georgians will have confidence that their government is working only for them.
It’s time to reclaim our state government in the name of the people, not the special interests.
It’s time to bring common sense back to the halls of the state capitol.
It’s time for us to stand together and make it happen. Ask your friends and neighbors to visit our website and sign up.
By embracing Georgia values and strong ethical leadership, we can work together to build a brighter future for our state.
Respectfully Yours,
Roy E. Barnes
Don't Miss: Roy in The New York Times!
December 6, 2009
Check out the profile on Roy in this week's Sunday edition of The New York Times!
In its 40th year of service, Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless (HFTH) has become an Atlanta institution and one of the most active charities in Georgia.
Each year on Thanksgiving, the Atlanta community comes together to help those in need of a little extra support and warmth. In what has become a time-honored tradition, HFTH organizes Georgians from all over to prepare and serve a Thanksgiving meal.
Roy and Marie joined the crowd at Turner Field to help serve a special Thanksgiving meals to thousands. Around 30,000 people were served on Thanksgiving Day, thanks to the help of HFTH staff and volunteers.
The HFTH holiday meals and food bank is one of the largest in the country, with an outreach of almost 50,000 people each year. This impressive effort is a reminder of the strength of community in Atlanta, and throughout Georgia.
But this holiday season, the need is greater than ever. To get involved in Hosea Feed the Hungry's work and to learn more about this impressive organization, visit their website at www.hoseafeedthehungry.com
A Thanksgiving message from Roy
November 25, 2009
Dear Friend,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, this is a time for us to reflect on the things that are most important to us. I am very grateful for the many blessings in my life, and I am ever mindful of the needs of others during these difficult times.
I'm thankful for my wife, our children, and our five - soon to be six - grandchildren. I'm thankful for the state that I love, and for the potential that I see here in Georgia. I am deeply thankful for all of your help and support. And most of all, I am thankful for a God who guides and gives us life.
Our campaign is strong and thriving because of friends like you.
I send you and your family best wishes for a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving.
With many thanks,
Volunteer Profile: Meet Cheryl!
November 23, 2009
Cheryl works at Roy 2010 during most of her days off. Each day, she shows up full of enthusiasm and energy. Her irrepressible excitement is contagious. Click below to read more about what she loves about Georgia and why she's invested in our mission.
Why do you support Roy? I’ve always known him to be a fair and honest man.
Why did you want to volunteer? I was really excited when I heard that Roy was going to be running for governor again. And I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to come up and help and show him how much I appreciated him helping me.
I enjoy coming up here. I look forward to coming up here, This morning I got out of bed at 8:30 to be here because this is my day off but I couldn’t wait to get up here and help. I can’t even tell you how excited I am. And I feel like it’s an honor to be here and help in the little ways that I do.
What is the most important issue facing Georgia? Education.
How do you think he’ll do in 2010? I think he’s going to do great. I think he’s going to win! I really do believe that and I will be here to support him and help him in anyway I can. What message do you want to send to Georgia voters? Everyone needs to vote. If you think that your one vote doesn’t make a difference, then you’re wrong. Every vote makes a difference; one vote can make a difference.
What about our state would you want to share most with new visitors to Georgia? The friendly people.
Favorite sports team? Atlanta Falcons. Peaches or pecans? Peaches.
Mountains or beaches? Mountains. Favorite Georgia music? Georgia on my Mind
Behind the Scenes
February 10, 2010
The group of teachers at Wrens Elementary School was outspoken and enthusiastic, and gave Roy some great feedback on his education agenda. Gov. Barnes also had an opportunity to listen to the teachers’ thoughts on ways that we can fully fund our public education system without furloughing teachers or cutting direct instruction. 
The student population at JCHS is diverse, and over 80 percent of the students are below the poverty line; however, despite these challenges, Dr. Howard and her incredible team of teachers have increased graduation rates and raised test scores over the past several years.
Yesterday, Roy was the honored guest for Newton County High School’s Black History Month program. Newton County High is one of three high schools in the county, but is a small university unto itself, boasting over 2.200 students! 
Roy used his opportunity to speak to challenge NCHS students to remember the sacrifice of those who have come before. He shared the fact that, although he attending public school in Georgia, it was not until his days at the University of Georgia that he attended an integrated school. He used that point to illustrate the fact that things were not always the way they are today. He encouraged all NCHS students to apply that to their daily lives as they both acknowledge the incredible progress we’ve made and continue to fight for equality.
The winners of the Lunch with Roy competition met at Tommy's Deli on the Marietta Square to talk about the most pressing issues facing Georgia and the campaign. One of the participants wrote about why Roy has her vote:
Cheryl works at Roy 2010 during most of her days off. Each day, she shows up full of enthusiasm and energy. Her irrepressible excitement is contagious. Click below to read more about what she loves about Georgia and why she's invested in our mission.
