Eric Johnson, Georgia candidate for Governor visits Seven Hills

This past Tuesday evening, a meet and greet event took place at the Seven Hills Clubhouse in Dallas featuring Georgia Candidate for Governor, Eric Johnson.

Among several Republicans vying to be the next Georgia Governor, Eric Johnson continues a trek across Georgia explaining his vision and promises and for Paulding County residents, this was their chance to hear what he had to say.

Eric began his speech with the one issue that resonates with Paulding voters, jobs.

"Thanks to Tom Milanese, my campaign chairman for Paulding County, for inviting me out to meet with folks in West Georgia," Eric stated, "I know what's on your mind, Jobs. I want to be your jobs Governor."

Eric told Paulding County voters, "I want to create the necessary infrastructure to allow the private market to grow and then have government step aside, so that the free market can reward hard working individuals like you. I also want to make sure we take a look at Georgia's tax codes. We need a tax code that is fairer, broader, easier and most importantly that captures the underground economy. If we lower our taxes, we will get newly formed companies and small businesses that want to either re-locate or expand in Georgia, and ultimately growing more jobs. I want to make sure that happens."

When asked about the issue of the education problems in Georgia which appears to be another central concern to Georgia citizens as well as Paulding County citizens, Eric replied, "We won't be competitive in the global arena if we don't address education. I want to push education reform. I think parents should have the ultimate say-so on where their children go to school - not the government. I want the money to follow the student and have these schools compete for these students, just like the university system here in Georgia. That's what makes Georgia colleges and universities the best in the nation."

Eric Johnson ended his speech by saying, "I hope you take a look at my record and my campaign platform and visit my web site and let us know what you think."

Last year, during a heated exchange in the General Assembly concerning SR 452 he sponsored to root out tax scofflaws among his fellow colleagues, Eric made the local news headlines when Senate Minority Leader Robert Brown (D-Macon) called him and others who supported such legislation as "blood suckers."

Eric responded, "I was proud to lead the fight to make sure that every member of the General Assembly paid their taxes."

An architect from Savannah, former State Senator Eric Johnson has been a fighter for conservative values. As Minority Leader and Senate President Pro Tempore, he passed over $2 billion in tax cuts, created Georgia's Special Needs Scholarships, protected private property rights, passed the nation's toughest illegal immigration law, cracked down on sexual predators, and defended our rights to hunt and fish.

Eric met his wife, Kathryn, while in college and the two have been married for 34 years. They have two children- Righton, an attorney in Atlanta, and Marcus, a pastor in Savannah. The Johnson's are active members of Savannah Christian Church where they are involved in youth work, prayer ministry, decision counseling, and worldwide missions.

Paulding citizens can visit Eric Johnson's website here.

Disclaimer: The views, comments, commentary, and stories are not the opinions or expressed consent agreement of any member of the Paulding County GOP or its officers unless otherwise noted.