Posted: February 8, 2010

Statement on Governor’s Plan to Reshape Georgia Government

Better Government In Georgia Is Not More Centralized Governmen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 8, 2010

Last week, Governor Sonny Perdue unveiled his plans to propose legislation that would appoint — rather than elect — four statewide constitutional officers. Those offices would include Insurance Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner, and State School Superintendent.

I oppose this legislation.

This proposal comes at a time when liberty minded citizens are railing against Washington, D.C. for consolidation and centralization of power. This proposal, while done in the name of creating efficiencies, appears to be a power grab in the Peach state.

What we don’t need in Georgia is an imperial Governorship. Keep in mind, too, that over the years, the Georgia Legislature has shown little appetitive for challenging vetoes from the Governor, even on important legislation like the jobs bill last year.

From the recent headlines from the Gold Dome, I think most of us would agree that Georgia does need better government. Before we take more power away from the people, though, let’s consider some other ideas:

FIVE POINT PLAN FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT IN GEORGIA

1. Terms limits of 12 years for all state and legislative elected offices
2. Pass “Sunset Laws,” which would require that every state agency to re-justify its existence every ten years, on a staggered basis
3. Establish funding priorities through a “zero based budgeting” approach — justify every budget line every budget year
4. Post all state agency expenditures online for citizens to see
5. Tighten ethics laws, significantly, for elected officials:

• $25.00 annual gift cap
• Disclose all meals over $25 in value
• All state elected officials subject to the Open Records Act
• Establish a citizen’s grand jury for political corruption cases

For media inquiries, please contact Rob O’Neal at (404) 428-6076 or through the Campaign Website at www.GerryPurcell.com.

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