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 water work.  The availability of abundant, clean water has become as important in Georgia as the availability of other natural resources, such as gas and coal. Today, when businesses consider expanding or relocating to Georgia, “water” is at the top of their checklists.  Without guaranteed water sources, Georgia cannot continue to attract business, sustain agriculture, stay ahead of population growth, or create jobs.   Currently, we are in a major water crisis because of the escalation of the dispute with Alabama and Florida over Lake Lanier.  This poses a threat to everything we have built in Georgia, as well as the dreams and expectations that we have for the future of our state.  Immediate action is imperative – a government that procrastinates damages Georgia’s future.  Together, we can make water work in Georgia.

REPAIR AND CONSERVE.  First, we need to focus on repairing leaky pipes and updating inefficient municipal water infrastructure. It is estimated that we lose between 10 and 30 percent of all water that enters the state’s distribution systems.  Given our limited water supply and the responsibility we have to minimize our environmental impact on this beautiful state, this is an unacceptable waste.  In addition to making structural repairs, we should also offer financial incentives to consumers who utilize technologies that reduce water usage, such as low-flow toilets and taps in households, as well as modern irrigation systems for golf courses and farms.

STORAGE.  We need to create new reservoirs in North Georgia so that we can increase our capacity for water storage. We should also investigate the possibility of other storage alternatives, such as the underground storage of water and use of abandoned quarries.

RESOLUTION.  We cannot wait for the courts to solve our problems. The impending legal battle could be long and drawn out, so simply waiting for a legal resolution is not an option.  Instead, we must act immediately to make water access and conservation a leading statewide priority.  Once we show our neighboring states that Georgia is serious about reducing its burden on Lake Lanier, we will position ourselves for more favorable congressional and legal outcomes.  In the meantime, we also need to be prepared for every possible contingency resulting from the court’s decision.  Given the gravity of this issue, it is essential to draw from the valuable talent and experience in all sectors of Georgia’s economy, including business, government and environmental groups, to solve our water problems.