FIVE QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES

Georgia has increased state spending for Richmond County public schools over the past four years by 21.2 percent, or $30 million. This does not include a $12.5 million increase in federal spending and $4.2 million in Richmond County property-tax increases during that time. But the school system is still in financial crisis. What should be done to alleviate that?

Repeal the millage cap?

Mr. Powell: No

Mr. Jenkins: No

Repeal the exemption on property owners over the age of 65 to require them to pay school property taxes?

Mr. Powell: No

Mr. Jenkins: No

Implement another 1-cent sales tax to raise new revenue?

Mr. Powell: This is a possibility.

Mr. Jenkins: No

Have the state take over the Georgia public school system?

Mr. Powell: No

Mr. Jenkins: No

Give vouchers for private schools?

Mr. Powell: No

Mr. Jenkins: No

(Do you believe) the Richmond County Legislative delegation should not do anything concerning the above until the board of education implements recommendations of a recent audit to close one high school, one middle school and three elementary schools?

Mr. Powell: "I feel the citizens of Augusta have elected a school board that should make these decisions."

Mr. Jenkins: Yes

If none of the above, what would you do legislatively to help solve the problem?

Mr. Powell: "A sales tax may be an option."

Mr. Jenkins: N/A

Every day we hear more about the state's financial crises. How should the state balance its budget?

Increase taxes?

Mr. Powell: No

Mr. Jenkins: No

Cut funding to state government programs? If you agree, please specify which programs should have funding cuts.

Mr. Powell: "The cuts will have to come from a balance of service reduction, postponing some projects and also a possible furlough of some employees. These cuts should be made equally across the board based on a percentage of their budget."

Mr. Jenkins: (Mr. Jenkins said he supports the governor's "across the board" request for budgets reflecting 6, 8 or 10 percent cuts.) "I would also support privatization where appropriate for agencies like the Department of Community Health, which spends $11 million a year on therapy ... and reductions in the $203 million Georgia spends every year to keep our inmates physically fit."

Should the state give Augusta-Richmond County the 17-acre Georgia Golf Hall of Fame property to do whatever the citizens choose to do with it, such as a baseball stadium or other developments?

Mr. Powell: "No. I would rather let the citizens decide which direction they want to take through a voter referendum."

Mr. Jenkins: "No. That's a blank check. If there's an option to jointly develop that property in some way to increase commerce, jobs and our local economy, then let's hear it."

Should Georgia rescind the Homeowners Tax-Relief grants? If you favor rescinding the grants, would you be in favor of a local 1-cent sales tax to offset the revenue loss for Augusta-Richmond County? If you do not favor rescinding the grants, how do you propose making up the difference? If you say "cuts to local government," be specific.

Mr. Powell: "No. I will not support rescinding the grants for homeowners."

(Mr. Powell did not answer the question of how he proposes making up the difference if the grants are not rescinded.)

Mr. Jenkins: "I'm not in favor of raising taxes on homeowners. Rescinding homeowners' tax-relief grants does exactly that. A bad economy is the worst time to raise taxes, especially on something as basic as shelter. If local leaders won't reduce spending, they should put the matter before the people for voter approval of an additional sales tax. People will pay for public services if they believe in the need, but we can't treat the next-largest-government entity as our financial savior any more. That's the attitude that got us into the economic troubles our nation faces right now."

A candidate's character and accountability have a lot do with how voters choose someone to vote for. Give in your words an example of how you have shown your character and accountability as a leader of your district.

Mr. Powell: "I have worked in the capacity of an elected official a long time. The people know me, and they know what I stand for. I have represented the people of the 23rd district to the best of my ability, and if they re-elect me as their senator, I will continue to do so. Working to save our jobs and create new ones. I will insist on better health care for all Georgians and fight to ensure a quality education for everyone that wants one."

Mr. Jenkins: "I was a lifeguard for three summers at the Washington County public pool. I got the job thinking that I wouldn't have to work very hard ... But in a span of about two weeks, I had to go in the water to save a 4-year-old boy, and ... go in after a teenager. I knew then that there was more to the job than just hanging out and looking like a hero. ... It was a very humbling experience, and I think it scared the teenager right out of me."