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DON CHEEKS
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Republican
Age: 73
Hometown: Augusta
Occupation: Semi-retired businessman
Political background: Georgia House 1967-1992; Georgia Senate 1992-present; chairman Senate Banking Committee; vice chairman Senate Finance
Endorsements: Richmond Committee for Good Government; Georgia Medical Association; Georgia Right To Life
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CHARLES WALKER
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Democrat
Age: 56
Hometown: Augusta
Occupation: President of The Walker Group
Political background: State Senate Majority Leader, 1996-2002; Health and Human Services Committee chairman
Endorsements: State Employee Workers Union, AFL-CIO; Optometrists Association of Georgia; Civil Justice Association of Georgia
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Cheeks
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Walker
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"I don't disagree with them. It is dysfunctional. I have tried every session and have assisted in introducing legislation to make it more responsive. The way we elect our local officials is the reason. It would be better if they were elected by all the voters of the county."
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How do you feel about your role in creating and sustaining the consolidated Augusta government which many people consider to be dysfunctional?
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"The people I talk to in the 22nd District think the government is working. But I recognize there are some problems. Perhaps we need to look at (it) again, but I will not be voting to change the government until I have consulted with the people elected on the local level."
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"I propose to have a survey and ask my constituents if they agree with the assessment most of the citizens have. If the people say they would like a change in the government I would ask for a referendum to be put on the ballot so they can vote on the issue."
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What, if anything, do you propose to do to change the government?
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"I do not plan to take any action unilaterally. I will consult with the elected officials and my constituents, and if they want a change, I will abide by their wishes. But no power brokers will be able to come to (me) ever again and negotiate with me."
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"The lottery funds increased last year when we thought they were going to decrease because of the economy. We had the largest increase we've had. So I feel there's no need to consider reducing or doing anything to the way the lottery is set up."
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What are you going to do to stabilize the Hope Scholarship?
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"We need to make sure the people who need the Hope Scholarships get them. They should be given on a need basis and not on SAT scores."
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"There is absolutely a must that we have a complete, indepth tort reform, and we need to cut down on the bureaucracy and paperwork."
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What would you do to help contain the rising cost of health care in Georgia?
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"We need to get the HMOs out of the insurance business and we need to have some form of tort reform."
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Race sees political slams on both sides
Web-posted 10/23/2004
Around restaurants, bars and checkout lines, when the talk turns to politics in Augusta, it usually turns to the District 22 state Senate race between Democrat Charles Walker and Republican Don Cheeks.
Candidates speak out during political forum
Web-posted 10/08/04
Political candidates hoping to represent Richmond County and Augusta at local and state levels answered constituent questions at a political forum Thursday night.
Funding talk rules meeting
Web-posted 10/08/04
NORTH AUGUSTA - Before a radio audience that was getting ready for the day Thursday, the men vying for the state Senate's 22nd District seat brought their arguments about who could bring home the bacon to Augusta.
Walker credits comeback to courting 'roots'
Web-posted 07/20/04
Former state Senate Majority Leader Charles Walker defeated Ed Tarver in the Democratic primary race for the 22nd District state Senate seat in election returns Tuesday.
A second look at The Great Debate
Web-posted 10/02/04
Last week, City Ink promised to rehash The Great Debate. Not the great presidential debate, but radio station 107.7 FM's great debate between District 22 state Senate candidates Charles Walker and Don Cheeks.
Our thoughts on a state senator's comments
Web-posted 09/25/04
State Sen. Don Cheeks spoke at the meeting. Here are some of the more interesting things he said. (Editorial comments by City Ink.)
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