Eric Johnson Still Wrong on Education

JOHNSON STILL WRONG ON EDUCATION

In this week’s GOP debate in Athens, former state senator Eric Johnson revealed his latest campaign slogan – he wants to be the “Jobs Governor.”  Former Secretary of State Karen Handel took at shot at Johnson’s debate tactic yesterday on Twitter:

 “It’s entertaining to hear candidates who think that if they say the word ‘jobs’ enough, people will believe they know how to create them.”

Cute tweet, but she missed the real contradiction – Johnson’s proposal for universal vouchers would be a job killer. 

Johnson’s private school voucher scheme is a misguided attempt to draw money away from public schools, already struggling to make ends meet after years of state budget cuts.  And he now adds to the evidence of his poor judgment by ignoring a simple fact - when a state steps away from its constitutional responsibility to educate ALL children, it will lose, not attract business opportunities.

Unlike other candidates, I fundamentally believe that we must take immediate action to dramatically transform our public school systems to make them successful.  And we must reject the Republicans' artful-but-empty-promise approach which has failed to provide the necessary resources for our public schools and its teachers.

My comprehensive plan will transform our public schools into 21st century centers of learning, where our educators will be empowered to create innovative new programs to fully engage our students and be provided with cutting-edge educational technology.  To move Georgia’s economy forward again we must have a world class educational system that consistently produces globally competitive graduates.

MORE ENDORSEMENTS:
VETERANS/CITY COUNCILMEN

Nearly 100 Troy University Atlanta Site graduates celebrated their success on the first Saturday of the new year.  It was my privilege to speak at their graduation ceremony, and Elizabeth enjoyed visiting with fellow alumni (she earned her Masters’ degree in human resource management from Troy).  Most of the graduates received advanced degrees, and it seems that nearly all were balancing work and family while pursuing their studies.

I encouraged them to take a moment to bask in their accomplishments and to take their lessons of determination as the foundation for the next chapter in their lives.  Troy University is a public institution of more than 32,000 students; the main campus is located in Troy, Alabama, and there are 65 sites worldwide, in 15 states and 11 foreign countries.  I’d like to thank Dr. Philip Perkins for the invitation and Marie Baker and the other staff members for making us feel so welcome.

 On Sunday, January 10th I participated in a most interesting event – a Gubernatorial Candidate Panel at the Georgia Dental Association’s House of Delegates meeting at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center.  Of the twelve current candidates for Governor, ten were participants that morning.  Each candidate was allowed 8-10 minutes to present their platform before the audience was given the chance to ask questions of specific candidates.

While most of the discussion centered on the issues of most concern to dentists, state’s rights candidate Ray McBerry brought up his strong opposition to our federal government and my video on the matter of secession.  Fortunately, I had the chance to respond and make my position clear.  To that day, no candidate has changed their position on the issue; three Republicans join McBerry in this foolish secession talk, and I am the only Democratic candidate who has publicly taken them on.  Talk about a job killer!  What CEO will bring his/her business to a state where candidates for Governor engage in this kind of foolish talk!?

After the panel discussion, many of these dentists expressed their shock that this issue was being seriously discussed and thanked me for standing up for common sense and moderation.  I’d like to thank GDA president Dr. Kent H. Percy, their governmental affairs chairman, Dr. Jack Bickford and their executive director Martha S. Phillips for this opportunity to speak to the statewide leaders of their organization.

LEGISLATIVE TRADITIONS:
WILD HOG AND EGGS & ISSUES

 It’s that time of year when the legislators feast and chat before they get down to the people’s business.  Elizabeth and I enjoyed visiting with friends old and new among the crowd at the Wild Hog Supper.  The Georgia Chamber of Commerce held their traditional “Eggs & Issues” breakfast at the Georgia World Congress Center.  They modified their format this year and had Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and newly elected House Speaker David Ralston share the stage for a talk show format chat rather than two speeches.  I am hopeful that the Speakers remarks about working across the aisle to find solutions to our water and transportation crises were more than just feel good talking points.  

Elizabeth and I began our King Day Celebration four-day tour across the state in Augusta on the beautiful campus of Paine College.  Paine College, led by Dr. George Bradley, hosted an inspiring community-wide King Day celebration.  We enjoyed meeting other community leaders, but we treasured the few moments we had to visit the students of Paine College.  We thank Dr. Bradley for a wonderful lunch and such warm hospitality during our visit.

Savannah is always a beautiful city to visit, and we enjoyed attending the Business Community Breakfast held in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. It was good to see my good friend and supporter Rep. Bob Bryant, and I am grateful for him taking the time out to introduce me to many of his friends.  Elizabeth and I also wish to congratulate Tony and DeVena Jordan, recipients of this year's MLK Community Service Awards for their commitment to transforming the lives of at-risk youth through arts and technology-based training.   It was also good to see former Senator and Congressional Candidate Regina Thomas.

What a terrific time we had in Elberton attending the 17th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Banquet.  Attorney John Clark and Elbert County Commissioner John Hubbard, both endorsers of our campaign, were very instrumental in displaying this wonderful multi-county tribute to one of greatest leaders of our time.  I personally thank each of them for introducing us to people from all across Northeast Georgia.

Inspiring, inspiring, inspiring! This is how I describe the wonderful message Marshal Gregory Countryman gave at the annual MLK, Jr. celebration held at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Columbus.  Marshall Countryman, a dedicated supporter of our campaign, personifies the spirit and precepts of Dr. King.  Elizabeth and I were also glad to see many of our good friends:  Mr. Ed Dubose, State NAACP president, the Hon. Vivian Creighton Bishop, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., and Mr. & Mrs. Willie Chambers.

Also during our visit to Columbus, we had the pleasure of worshiping with Bishop Marshall S. McGill and the entire Kingdom Metropolitan Worship Centre church family.  Elizabeth and I want to thank Bishop McGill for his timely message and warm hospitality.  We always enjoy visiting our friends in Columbus and look forward to many more visits.

Rev. James Goolsby, Jr. and the First Baptist Church family hosted an amazing and spirit-filled 24th Annual MLK march and celebration in Macon. Minister Ikie Hart delivered a soulful message, and I was proud to be back home to celebrate MLK day among fellow Maconites.  I offer a special thanks to Mr. Al Tillman for his support and introductions during our visit.

The James H. Gray, Sr. Civic Center in Albany was the place for its citywide MLK commemortaive program. It was wonderful to see City Commissioners Dorothy Hubbard and Jon Howard; Dr. Everette Freeman, president of Albany State University and Sen. Freddie Powell Sims. We really enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones.
  

Elizabeth and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Thomasville to participate in its citizens' meeting.  In addition to speaking about my platform, I was able to participate in the local discussion of unfunded mandates.  Unfunded mandates have become the topic of discussion across the state, especially in the wake the worst economic environment since the Great Depression. I share the concerns of the citizens of Thomasville, and I pledge to work closely with local governments when I am Governor.

All the best,

David Poythress

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David Poythress

Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Poythress is the immediate past Commander of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard. He previously served as Georgia's Commissioner of Labor and Secretary of State, and he is a Democratic candidate for Governor in 2010.

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David Poythress:

The University of Georgia in Athens

Kennesaw State University


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Georgia College and State University


The Atlanta University Center (Morehouse, Spelman and Clark-Atlanta)