GOP gubernatorial hopeful Cagle makes stop to greet Albany supporters

ALBANY — In the final day before today’s primary elections, a number of candidates from statewide races in Georgia came to Albany in a final attempt to get their message out to voters before polls opened.

Among the candidates was Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who is running to succeed the term-limited Gov. Nathan Deal.

Cagle, along with his wife, Nita, made a stop at the Eagles of America base of operations at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport Monday morning, one of eight stops he was expected to make around the state. There to greet him were several of his supporters from the Albany area, along with officials from the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. He made a brief appearance before moving on to his next planned stop.

The lieutenant governor made specific mention of Albany’s Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy and the role it has in helping students achieve the knowledge and skills to be successful.

The 4C Academy is one of 46 such institutions in Georgia, and Cagle said he wants every student in the state to have access to one by 2020 in order to build a future generation ready to prosper in the work force

“That is the tradition of what we want to see all around Georgia,” Cagle said.

He touted himself as the only conservative candidate in the governor’s race Georgians can trust, stating that he would go after tax cuts and create 500,000 jobs in the state within his first four years in office. He said he wants to protect Second Amendment rights, protect the unborn and not to foster any sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants in the Peach State.

Cagle added that Georgia currently has the ninth-largest economy in the nation, and that he intends to maintain that momentum.

“I want to keep that going,” he said.

The lieutenant governor said the economy is one of the sticking points voters ought to have on their minds as they go to the polls. Specific to the agricultural industry that south Georgia is dependent on, he said he wants to continue advocating for the state in its ongong water rights battle with Alabama and Florida.

“We are focused like a laser to grow the economy in southwest Georgia,” he said.

Cagle added that he considers Albany a special place in the state, in part because of the value placed on a dedicated work ethic.

“Like the farmer, you have to get out and work hard,” he said.

He further described himself as a trusted leader who is proven and has a clear vision. Health care is an issue he mentioned while making this point, stating that he wants to develop a health care system that is streamlined and offers an affordable insurance product.

“We will continue to make sure Georgia is at the forefront,” Cagle said.

Jennifer ParksJennifer Parks

Jennifer Parks