Fayette Republican Party First Vice Chairman Charlie Harper announced last weekend at the party's 3rd District convention that he will seek election to the state Senate for the 28th District.

This seat is currently held by Republican Rick Price of Fayetteville, who was recently accused by a group of party leaders, including Harper, of voting with Democrats on key items of legislation. Price denied the allegation.

In a letter distributed to convention delegates, Harper outlined his reasons for seeking the post as follows: “In the Senate, I will work for preservation of local control. Votes in favor of programs such as GRTA and education reform have taken money and decision making authority away from elected officials in Coweta, Spalding and Fayette counties. These powers continue to be transferred to appointed Democrats in Atlanta. We as Republicans should not aid and abet the Democrats in these schemes.

“In addition,” he said, “I will work to establish fiscal responsibility in the budgeting process. Surplus tax dollars should be returned to taxpayers. Above all, this seat should be used to represent the wishes of the citizens of Coweta, Spalding and Fayette counties.”

Harper, 30, is a native of Fayette County and currently lives in Peachtree City. A 1987 honor graduate from Fayette County High, Harper received a BBA from the University of Georgia in 1989, graduating magna cum laude, with high honors, and with honors in economics. He later received a master's degree in economics from Georgia State University in 1998. After a seven-year banking career, Harper joined his family business as a third generation home builder in 1997. He is a member and serves as trustee at Bethany United Methodist Church. In addition, Harper serves as a part-time professor of economics and business at Gordon College.

Harper singled out two major issues for the upcoming campaign, education and reapportionment. On education, Harper said he believes that there will be serious work required in next year's general assembly to “fix” the education reform package that passed this year. “Counties are still trying to figure out what this will cost them, both directly and indirectly,” he said. “As it stands now, the bill is a large centralization of power combined with a large unfunded mandate.”

As for reapportionment, Harper noted that in 1998, for the first time in Georgia history more people voted for Republican House and Senate representatives than for Democrats. “The next general assembly will redraw district lines and give the Republicans a golden opportunity to become the majority party in the state legislature, as well as preserve our majority in the U.S. house,” he said. “Republicans must stay completely united if we are to achieve this extremely important goal. Senator Price's willingness to cut deals with Democrats leaves us vulnerable should he be more interested in carving a personal congressional district than creating a majority state house.”

Harper will be filing forms declaring his campaign committee this week, he said, and will formally qualify for the position next week at the state Capitol. By party rules, Harper has forwarded his resignation as first vice chairman of the Fayette County party in order to seek elective office.