Roy Barnes 2010

This campaign is certainly about some serious issues facing our state, but most importantly, it is about making Georgia work.

We must restore the Georgia values and strong leadership that brought our state growth, opportunity and far-reaching prosperity in the past.  Together, we can rebuild a solid foundation in Georgia – one that will support a better life, stronger communities, and a brighter future for our families.

To make Georgia work, we must focus on water, education and transportation.  Above all else, we must create jobs and economic opportunity all across Georgia. We simply cannot take full advantage of the opportunities of the future without strengthening our economy and getting back on course in these key areas.  I have some ideas that I believe will make our state work for every Georgian.  Take a look – and let us know what you think.

Let's put Georgia back to work. Georgia desperately needs more jobs.  Our state’s ability to encourage job growth has a direct impact on the level of economic opportunity afforded to Georgia families.  Given our current concerns about water, education and transportation, it comes as no real surprise that businesses are reluctant to locate and grow here.  Frankly, we are fighting a losing battle with neighboring states for preference with companies that are establishing a presence in the South.  As governor, I will make creating jobs my first priority.  Together, we will get Georgia working again.

Let's make transportation work. Gridlock is strangling Georgia’s potential for economic opportunity and our citizens’ quality of life.  Congested roads and highways in Metro Atlanta waste valuable time, gas and money.  In the city with the worst commute time in the nation, traffic keeps Atlanta workers from their jobs, and ultimately deters companies from establishing and expanding a presence here.  In rural areas, our roads and bridges are in a state of disrepair, and long-promised highways are incomplete or languish on the drawing board.

Our transportation troubles have been looming for decades, but we have now reached a breaking point.  Policy makers must get serious about a cohesive, long-term transportation plan for the state, or the prosperity we have enjoyed since the 1960s will quickly diminish.  We will lose the ability to maintain industry and attract new business.  Georgia needs real leadership on this issue: innovative solutions and the political will to make a significant investment in transportation.  Together, we can make transportation work in Georgia.

UNCLOG ATLANTA.  The days of only big road projects are gone. Instead of simply pouring more concrete, we must implement a mass transit plan that addresses Metro Atlanta’s tremendous population growth and unique problems.  MARTA is convenient for Atlantans who want to travel short distances within the city, but it is completely unusable for suburban and exurban commuters.  An elevated light-rail system running over metro Atlanta’s interstates, rail lines, and existing rights-of-way would move commuters to outlying suburbs more efficiently, unclog our interstates, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil, all while putting Georgians back to work.

CONNECT GEORGIA. Businesses will not settle at the end of potholes and narrow roads. There are two important economic engines in Georgia: real estate development and commercial business.  These engines tend to reinforce each other, but both rely on transportation as an essential tool for success.  To bring new economic opportunity to every corner of our state, and to make Georgia work, we need to improve and expand the statewide highway system.

Additionally, we need to connect Georgia’s major cities with high-speed rail, which will improve ease of access for businesses, workers and visitors.  Rail is currently underused within the state, but a commuter-friendly rail system would encourage growth, tourism and economic opportunity beyond metro Atlanta, and will also serve to boost the real estate market outside of the capital city.