Governor Deal is not generally known for soaring, dramatic oratory. At Eggs and Issues on Wednesday, he may have stepped on his own jokes a couple times and got caught up occasionally. However, soaring oratory is not the only thing that can lead to a memorable speech. On Thursday during the State of the State, Deal delivered a memorable speech.
Deal is known as an occasionally emotional man – maybe not John Boehner emotional – but it is still news to see a politician exhibit such emotion. On Thursday, during his final State of the State – and final major speech as a political officeholder (barring a possible announcement later this year by a certain Seattle-based e-commerce chain) – after some forty years in public service, the emotions caught up to him.
With the theme “Orchards of Opportunity”, Deal discussed a number of initiatives he began during his administration that will hopefully continue to redound down through the next generations of Georgians. He of course reminded the audience that the state has been chosen as the best place to do business for five consecutive years.
He also briefly discussed the boom in the film industry during his administration and the numbers are impressive. “Just ten years ago, this industry generated $241 million in economic impact for the state. This past fiscal year alone, it generated $9.5 billion in economic impact. That’s quite impressive growth for this tree of opportunity. So great have our gains been that in 2016, Georgia was named the No. 1 filming location for the most successful movies.”
Deal also recognized the work of the first lady, Sandra Deal. The governor was clearly choked up as he spoke of his wife of 51 years and the work she has done for the state. Sandra was a teacher for many years and continued this focus on education during her time as first lady.
“When she became the First Lady of our state, her efforts to improve child welfare and educational opportunities did not stop, they only grew and took on new forms. I can tell you that she has visited all 159 counties, some of them multiple times, and all 181 school districts. In total, she has made 834 school visits, to date, and has no plans of slowing down.”
Deal has made criminal justice reform one of his administration’s top priorities and a piece of this was highlighted by a video during his speech. The video was an interview with a former inmate, Joshua Hutchinson, who became a welding student during his time behind bars thanks to a program from the Technical College System of Georgia. “Being able to go through this program with the help of the instructors, teaching me how to weld, I was able to get a job where I could actually get on my feet and do something with my life and not have to go back where I came from,” said Hutchinson. Hutchinson was in the Chamber and received a standing ovation in appreciation.
Deal also discussed the accountability courts, which are another big piece of criminal justice reform. “Individuals whose lives were once controlled by addictions are now able to reclaim forfeited potential, reconnect with their children, retain employment and contribute as taxpaying citizens, and restore hope for a brighter tomorrow. If you do not think this makes a difference, I invite you to attend an accountability court graduation. You will find that your money has been well spent.”
In his closing, Deal pleaded with those who would follow him to take care of his legacy. “In a little over a year’s time, Sandra and I will depart from public life after almost four decades of service to the people of this state. But others in this chamber and beyond will continue to have great opportunities to serve their fellow Georgians. As you do so, I urge you not to neglect the trees and orchards we have planted over these past seven years. What we do in this historic building, the actions we take in these chambers of service, the choices we make while in positions of elected authority must be for the betterment of all Georgians.”
To watch the full speech:
