1. What would you do as a legislator to respond to the growing energy crisis? What will you do to specifically address the plight of families in Georgia as pocketbooks are being stretched to pay for gas, groceries and utility bills?

1. I would first urge Congress to allow drilling in the many places disallowed. Then I would set up a van system in all major Georgia cities such as we had in Los Angeles.

2. Georgia consistently ranks near the bottom in education excellence nationwide. What will you do to correct that problem?

2. Do everything possible to encourage parents to stay in families so that they can encourage children.

3. Do Georgia taxpayers pay too little in taxes, about the right amount or too much in taxes? What specifically will you do and what bills will you author to help state taxpayers?

3. I always work to make government more efficient so that taxes can be lowered. Georgia ranks in the middle with other states, but property taxes should be lowered locally.

4. What makes you the right person to serve the people of Fayette County?

4. During my 18 years in the Georgia House I have built relationships that are essential in getting things done. The example of getting my 2 bills passed this year proves this.

5. What is your legislative position on SB 458, charter schools in general and the Clayton County school situation in particular?

5. This was an effort to see to it that the acute problem in the Clayton County School System did not cause a great number of students to leave their system and overrun nearby systems. We worked in other ways to keep this from happening.

6. Would you vote for or against a switch to district voting for the Fayette County Commission? Why or why not?

6. Rep. Ramsey and I worked hard and successfully to keep Fayette operating as present, since this system works well and in accordance with the wishes expressed by my constituents.

7. Mass transit (especially MARTA) into Fayette is opposed by many Fayette voters. What’s your position and why? Address the concerns of increased crime coming with mass transit.

7. I expect a new vote after a big increase in the price of gasoline might change their minds to a positive vote for public transportation.

I favor putting it to a vote now and go by the majority vote.

Crime does not automatically go with transit.

[FOR YATES:]

1. Your opponent has made much of your age. How do you respond to his implied charge that you are too old to represent this district?

1. I will respond to my opponent like my former Governor and President Ronald Reagan: if he doesn’t mention my age, I will not refer to his complete lack of experience.

In 18 years, I believe I only missed one day in the sessions. I still climb the stairs in the Capitol while my younger friends take the elevators.

2. Aren’t you really more focused on Spalding County issues, rather than Fayette ones?

2. My father, grandfather and great grandfather were born in Fayette. I have many friends in Fayette. I have a good relationship with all public officials in Fayette.

Since we have long passed the days of the county unit system, we should think in Districts and the State of Georgia while taking care of the needs of individual counties and cities.

Rep. John Yates
District 73