When one party rules the state capital as solidly as Republicans do in Georgia right now, it’s not often that leadership spots open up. Since 2005, Georgia has had two House Majority Leaders. The most recent of those, Larry O’Neal (R-Bonaire), majority leader since 2010, resigned in April to become the chief judge on the state Tax Tribunal.
Often over-looked when a leader steps down is that not only does that person vacate a leadership spot, he leaves behind a district accustomed to having a large share of the spotlight; think of Cobb County when Newt was Speaker in D.C. or more recently Gainesville with Nathan Deal as governor and Casey Cagle as lieutenant governor.
In O’Neal’s case, this was House District 146, a middle Georgia district containing Perry, Bonaire and parts of Warner Robins. Three men have stepped up to fill O’Neal’s shoes at the Gold Dome and we reached out to the candidates for a little Q&A ahead of the fast approaching special election.
All three candidates are Republicans, 146 being a conservative district, but each comes from a different background. Shaw Blackmon is president and CEO of National Bank Products in Warner Robins, Kelly Burke is a Warner Robins attorney and former Houston County district attorney, and Larry Walker III is president and CEO of Walker Insurance Co. in Perry.
Each man emphasized something different as to why they’re running for office.
“Anyone can run for office, but it takes a leader with real experience to be the right representative for our district. With my experience as a successful businessman, as a parent that has raised a family in Houston County and as a leader in our community, I am uniquely equipped and qualified to represent Houston County and our conservative values at the State Capitol,” said Walker.
Burke emphasized his previous experience in politics: “I’ve got experience both in politics and in public life that give me an advantage of my opponents, both of whom are good guys and have good intentions. During my years as a judge and district attorney, I learned the political process firsthand. Stopping bad laws is as valuable as passing good ones. In today’s business world, we need to reduce government meddling, not increase it.”
Blackmon noted his lifelong residence in Houston County and focused on his community involvement: ” I am a lifelong resident of Houston County and feel that my volunteer service in the arena of recruiting jobs, supporting our defense community and public education has produced results for Houston county and its citizens, as well as prepared me to effectively represent the people of district 146.”
Regarding their priorities if elected:
Blackmon: “Strengthening our defense community, supporting public education, and working to enhance the local economy here in Houston County.”
Burke: “Priorities are to reject the biggest tax increase in GA history, replace it with a sunset tax on fuel that repairs roads and bridges but doesn’t give GDOT a perpetual money pit. I would look to reduce government licensing obligations, reform tax structure and ease entrepreneurial hurdles so that Georgians can do what they do: innovate, work and grow.”
Walker: ” My priorities if elected will be to grow Houston County jobs, industry and prosperity, secure the future of Robins Air Force Base, support our local schools, lower taxes and cut red tape, and fight to protect our conservative values. ”
We also asked what the biggest missed opportunity was in this past session:
Walker stressed the need to look toward the future with conservative values in mind. “I am not running to criticize or second guess past legislative sessions. I’m looking toward the future and how I can best serve the people of Houston County. We need the right leader to fight for our community and our conservative values, and I have the experience and commitment to get the job done. I will work every day to grow jobs and attract industry to
Houston County, pass tax reform that will lower taxes, support Robins Air Force Base, and protect our Constitutional freedoms. ”
Burke was not shy in his criticism of the transportation bill and the Georgia Department of Transportation: “The missed opportunity was not listening to the voters of just two years ago when the voters rejected GDOT getting a TSPLOST. Despite that overwhelming defeat, the Legislature gave GDOT a better answer, a perpetual funding source with little to no accountability. Missing that obvious sign of distrust means that the legislators have become the problem instead of being the answer.”
Blackmon was disappointed in the lack of tax reform, which he thinks could’ve been done while still finding a solution to transportation woes. “I believe we could have made a real push for comprehensive tax reform, while at the same time, providing an affordable solution to our transportation and infrastructure needs,” said Blackmon.
On July 14, voters will decide which one of the candidates they like best. 226 years ago on that day was the storming of the Bastille in Paris. Now known as Bastille Day, that event kicked off the French Revolution. It remains to be seen if any of the district 146 candidates will bring revolution to the Gold Dome.
