Debate Recap: General Poythress Signs Jobs Pledge

Debate Recap: General Poythress Signs Jobs Pledge

General David Poythress, Democratic candidate for Governor, had the most memorable moment in Tuesday night’s first televised Democratic candidate debate.

Poythress displayed the pledge he had signed, calling it a “solemn promise” to the people of Georgia that he “will not accept a paycheck as Governor until we get Georgia's unemployment rate under 7%.”

As you will hear in this video, there was an audible gasp in the room from his bold statement, which he reiterated in his closing.

General Poythress stated his commitment to moving our economy forward again by saying he would “walk the walk with the people of Georgia” and share in the sacrifice as he does “everything in [his] power as Governor to put people back to work.”

Barnes Proud of His Misguided Education Record

On the topic of education, former Governor Barnes was given the chance to apologize to the teachers of Georgia for his misguided policies that led to his defeat in 2002.  Calling HB1187 the “cornerstone of [his] last campaign,” Tim Bryant asked: “In hindsight, are you pleased that you fought on that particular hill? And, do we need to fight that battle again?”

As you recall, Barnes’ controversial education program was coupled with many public statements blaming our state’s teachers for the problems in our schools.  This debate question gave Barnes a golden opportunity to reassess his previous policy, but he said he was “proud” of his work and stood by his positions.  See the video here.

Overhauling Revenue Department and Taking Action to Address Water Crisis

Responding to other questions in the debate, General Poythress shared his plan to overhaul the Georgia Department of Revenue.  Recent estimates are that the state is leaving $250-500 million in sales taxes uncollected because of poor administration.  General Poythress will take immediate action to beef up enforcement.  In addition, he will have his new revenue commissioner analyze all of the special interest tax breaks and ask the legislature to vote up or down on each one "in the bright light of day."

This video shows General Poythress addressing our state’s water crisis.  He first mentions the obstacles facing the next Governor.  General Poythress then discusses his determination to take immediate action to create a culture of conservation that will strengthen our hand at the negotiation table.

Military Leadership Is About Getting Things Done

Stephany Fisher of CBS Atlanta asked General Poythress about how his military background and his "plan of attack" can help solve Georgia's problems.

In this video you'll see General Poythress say: "Our state does not have a strategic plan about anything ... that makes any sense.  There are some large, thick documents floating out there that have 'strategic plan' written on the front, but they're not plans."

Strong Closing Statement

In addition to touting his experience as Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner and Commanding General of the Georgia National Guard, General Poythress emphasized his commitment to valuing our state’s educators by protecting their fair employment rights, showing respect for the sacrifices our teachers make while shaping the future of our state.  View his closing statement here.

“This televised debate was a clear contrast between the stale policies of the past and a Governor who will move the state forward,” says General Poythress.

View the video of the entire debate here.