Gov. Sonny Perdue spoke to Leadership Augusta and city officials during a lunchtime gathering of more than 200 people in downtown Augusta on Friday. Here is Mr. Perdue's take on various local issues.
on the economy
Mr. Perdue holds an optimistic view of the local economy: "Augusta has had a pretty good run in the last three, four years, I hope you understand that. When you consider all of the things that have happened over the last 18 months economically, this area of Georgia is in pretty good shape."
ON THE BUDGET
Mr. Perdue acknowledged an expected $1 billion state budget shortfall in 2010: "We're looking from A to Z in the budget. ... While we live within our means to again reset the threshold where we want state services to be most productive. How can we fulfill those core responsibilities of government? And how can we choose the things that we must do, that we should do for our people while let go of some of the things that we cannot afford to do?"
When asked what he would cut, Mr. Perdue said, "That will be revealed in my budget when that is revealed in January. I never give any heads-up about those.
"I want to present a budget to the General Assembly that I can defend."
ON BASEBALL
When asked about a new baseball stadium on the state-owned Golf Hall of Fame property, Mr. Perdue said: "I think the economy has slowed us in that area.
"If the community will come around and take the lead on this process along with the mayor to be very receptive of this proposal, I will enable him to be successful."
ON TAXES
Mr. Perdue said he doesn't "have any plans for revenue enhancements in my budget.
"Transportation is one of those needs we've been underfunded on a per-capita basis. The Legislative may look to some ideas to allow local communities to enhance their ability to find projects on a regional basis."
Reach Tim Rausch at (706) 823-3352 or timothy.rausch@augustachronicle.com.
Related story:
Promoting the importance of having animals spayed or neutered, Gov. Sonny Perdue, a licensed veterinarian, goes to work in Appling. [Video]
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The Speaker just quit because of scandal, the unemployment rate is above the national average (minority males is at 26%) and the schools rank nationally at 46th out of 50. Of course he holds a "optimistic view" when serious questions are not put before him to answer. Look at the length of the piece and ask, why even bother if talking points are all that is given. Another example of the so-called media operation, who suppose to informed the people, failing to earn that First Amendment right.
I think it's time for minority males to get off their butts and get jobs. What say you?
It's time for all the leeches on society to get off their butts and be self-supporting instead of expecting government handouts.
I am an affirmed conservative REpublican and this clown has done his best to totally screw this state up. I'm surprised he could actually FIND Augusta since he has apparently thought the CSRA was part of South Carolina.
All the more reason for Roy Barnes to be our next Gov. & don't start bashing on me for dem. voting.. I vote for the man not the party,,, like some rep, like Issackson,,,,wish we had more middle of the road politicans..some can't see beyond the party..
Minority male umemployment rate at 26%? That's their problem! I will never vote for a democrat. EVER!
Exactly my point.
Hey blue, do your research. the CSRA is part of S. Carolina. The CSRA portion of SC is compromised of of 5 counties. The remaining 13 counties make up the GA portion.