|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July
24, 2006
In Secretary of State runoff, Buckner's experience matters!
JONESBORO - In the Democratic runoff for Georgia Secretary of State,
front-runner Gail Buckner is reminding voters of her related experience,
winning track record, and strong Democratic credentials.
Buckner,
who led the July 18 Democratic primary with more than 107,000 votes
statewide, has also taken exception to her opponent's repeated claims
that the office of Secretary of State is basically an "administrative"
job.
"This is a constitutional office with serious and wide-ranging responsibilities,
including conducting fair elections, overseeing corporations, licensing
professionals, regulating securities and other business practices
and maintaining the state's archives," Buckner said. "It is also
an office that has served our state well under the leadership and
stewardship of Ben W. Fortson, Max Cleland, Cathy Cox and other
great Georgia Democrats. Georgia deserves a Secretary of State who
understands the scope of the office and who will honor that legacy."
Rep. Buckner has dedicated her entire adult life to public service.
Before serving 16 years in the House of Representatives, Buckner
directed YMCA Women and Girls' programs to help put her husband then
herself through college. She has managed a household and a national
retail outlet, taught Sunday school and gleaned valuable experience
as a classroom educator.
"This is a job that requires advocating, educating, preserving,
protecting, regulating, as well as administrating. It's all encompassing and only the governor
has more varied executive responsibilities," said Buckner. "In addition to being
a wife and mother, I've been a teacher, a program director and a
retailer, as well as a state represenative. I have the platform and the record of electoral success
to win the general election in November. Our people deserve a true
people's champion who has been tried in the fire. No matter what
you hear, I'm the only candidate that can be effective from day
one"
This
six-time Legislator of the Year and former Clayton County Citizen
of Year has been recognized by the University System, Sigma Beta
Delta, the NAACP, and a litany of women's groups and health and
education organizations. Throughout her distinguished career, she
has garnered endorsements from every progressive group under the
sun. Just recently, Gail received the top score in the People's
Agenda Survey conducted by the venerable Joseph Lowery's SCLC.
To
complement a life time of giving back, Buckner brings an impressive
legislative resume to the table, which includes chairing the House
Appropriations Committee's Human Services Subcommittee - an undertaking
that planned budgets for five state departments. She also played
an integral role in appropriating funds to the Community Affairs,
Economic Development, and Transportation departments, and she served
dutifully on the House Occupational and Professional Licensing Boards
and Governmental Affairs committees.
In
addition, Rep. Buckner chaired the House Administrative Services
Committee, and House Appropriations Oversight
committees for the State Archives facility and Old Governor's Mansion
restoration in Milledgeville. In addition, she served on the Children
and Youth, Game, Fish and Parks, Higher Education, Economic
Development committees, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and Retirement committees..
During her tenure, Buckner crafted legislation
that strenghtened criminal justice, education, healthcare, and consumer
safeguards. In the last two sessions alone, she sponsored a flurry
of bills that call for greater vigilance over ID theft, investment
fraud, and construction "flim-flam" schemes that prey on women and
the elderly. Moreover, she supported and perfected the new paper
ballot law and opposed the restrictive Voter ID law each time it
came to a vote.
Many observers have noted that
Gail Buckner's nomination will galvanize a robust ticket that can
weather the current political climate. Buckner noted "only with
strong and experienced nominees can we part the sea in November
and lead ALL Georgians to the 'Promised Land' of better education,
more affordable and accessible healthcare, and progressive and responsible
government that advances the people's agenda, and protects our precious right to vote."
Gail
Buckner is the most experienced state official and the most successful
campaigner in the Democratic Primary for Georgia Secretary of State.
For more information, visit her official web site at www.gailbuckner.com.
-end-
|
