Where They Stand: The Candidates on Higher Education

To help voters choose among the four candidates for the 113th District House seat representing Oconee and parts of Clarke County, Patch asked candidates to respond to questions on the , , UGA and higher education, , and . These are their unedited responses on higher education. Election Day is June 21, and runs through June 17.

Question 1: The University of Georgia lies just outside the 113th District. What significance, if any, does the university have for its surrounding communities?

The University of Georgia is my alma mater. I received both my Undergraduate Degree and my Law Degree from UGA. Four generations of my family have proudly attended UGA and I am most proud of my Bulldog heritage. The University is critical to the 113th District and the State of Georgia both economically and as our educational flagship. I will continue to fight for and support the University of Georgia in every way possible. Simply put but to the point: I bleed red and black!

While UGA's main instructional campus is outside the 113th District, we must remember that UGA's influence extends far beyond its core campus.  The 113th District is home to many dedicated UGA faculty and staff members; it is home to various UGA research facilities that are key components of UGA's mission as a Land Grant institution.  Communities and citizens throughout our region are touched daily by UGA's presence.  Open communication and dialogue between the 113th District and UGA is essential and will be a focus in my work as a legislator.

: The University of Georgia is the magnet that draws and keeps people to this area. It is the reason I came to Northeast Georgia, and the reason I stay here. Many people work there, and even more people aspire to attend there than will ever be enrolled there. The communities around the 113th including Bishop and Watkinsville have been favorably impacted by UGA in ways such as the selling of the property across from North Oconee High School and the moving of the UGA Equestrian Center here in Oconee County. It is likely that the Vet School will eventually move to the property located at the J. Phil Campbell Natural Resource Center someday soon.

: UGA is significant, especially for Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties because they serve as the residences for many UGA employees.  Oglethorpe and Morgan benefit in much the same way, but perhaps less so because of distance from the University.  These residents purchase goods and services in their counties and those they travel from and to, so UGA stimulates the local economies of the District.  In addition, UGA offers important educational and research opportunities to students from the District and beyond as well as research, teaching, and support jobs for many in the area. Without the University and its economic support, Oconee County would surely not have the lowest unemployment in the state and other counties would not be as healthy economically as they are.

Question 2: As a legislator, would you take a special interest in issues involving UGA, or would that not be your role?

: “Special interest” is an understatement. Not only is such part of “my role”, it is my duty. This is said not only because of the love I have for the University, it is a part of my commitment to our educational system as a whole. Georgia’s future workforce and long-term economic success depend on our educational system. Rest assured that I would continue to work hard to build a brighter future for our children and the proud State of Georgia.

: As evidenced by my response to the previous question, UGA's impact on the 113th District cannot be overlooked.  I believe strongly in UGA's land Grant mission - teaching, research and outreach.  While I will be an advocate for UGA and the statewide University System, I will at the same time expect accountability from our higher education partners.  During all times, but especially during these tough economic conditions, UGA and the University System must always exhibit fiscal responsibility.  Under the keen budget eye of Chancellor Hank Huckaby, I have confidence that UGA and the University System will do their part to help our State navigate through the current economic headwinds.

: Absolutely, I love the University of Georgia and have worked there in a variety of positions including at the Athletic Association, the Library, the Journalism School and even in the Bulldog Room. I would be the strongest advocate possible for the University of Georgia and all the area schools, including Gainesville State College, which I think should be renamed Watkinsville State College.

: Because of the University's influence on the area, I would certainly work to enhance its ability to support local economies with its state and federal tax dollars.  However, UGA would not be my only concern.  Other educational entities such as Gainesville State College, Piedmont College, Athens Tech, and private schools in the area need to be more fully partnered with the local economy.  They need to be recognized for their important effects as well. As a two-time graduate of UGA (1981 and 1989), I will always have a deep gratitude for the institution and its help.  However, in these tough economic times, UGA will have to become more efficient, more rigorous in its standards for students, and more cooperative with the business community.  We need to explore how to maximize the contributions of UGA to the surrounding counties.

Question 3: The new University System of Georgia chancellor is , who resigned the 113th District House seat to take on that job. How much freedom should Huckaby and the Board of Regents have to run the universities independent of legislative influence?

: Mr. Huckaby is a bright and talented gentleman who brings much to the table as our Chancellor. While the legislature is charged with a duty to enact laws for the good of the state, it is NOT charged with the responsibility of micro-management of the Chancellor and Board. Mr. Huckaby and the Board of Regents should be allowed to run the university system, to the fullest extent possible, WITHOUT legislative interference or influence.

: This issue demands a delicate balancing act.  Academic freedom is a cornerstone of higher education.  However, the State has a responsibility to ensure that our tax dollars are being used efficiently, effectively and in ways that benefit our State as a whole.  While maybe not perfect, the current system seems to be working well.  The Board of Regents appear to have adequate flexibility to manage the University System free from problematic legislative influence, while at the same time recognizing the legislature's fiduciary responsibilities regarding stewardship of State dollars.

: None whatsoever, they should ask and receive permission for everything they do and spend. They have operating without oversight for entirely too long. All their positions should be unpaid.

:  By law, the Legislature must have oversight since it controls the appropriations to the University System schools.  Answering this question seems difficult because of the suggestion of control.  I would rather think of the relationship as cooperative, under the principles I spelled out in my answer to Question 2.  I hope that Mr. Huckaby and the Regents will want what most in the District want:  maximum efficiency, quality, and economic practicality of all the schools in the System.  I wish Mr. Huckaby well in his very difficult new job.