Every election, we hear we are at a turning point. Every election, we say we want change—and then voters elect another politician.
But this year, after the natural catastrophes that have rocked our state, adding to problems a century in the making, we really are at a turning point. And this year we really must change and seek a new direction.
The facts could not be clearer. We lost 7% of our population between 2000 and 2007. Our economy is lagging. Our college graduates still leave home for opportunities elsewhere. Other states pass us by in the attraction of new industries.
After a century of politicians, we need new leadership. I am not a politician, but rather a business leader with a proven record of success in the private and public sectors. I know it may sound corny, but I am running for governor because I want to save my state plus dietician degree.
I have strong religious faith, and in childhood my parents taught me that if you have the ability to help people, you don’t have the option not to try. I’m running for governor because I think it is time for a clear and simple plan based on common sense and tough choices to get our state moving in the right direction. The Georges Plan for Louisiana represents my thoughts about the first steps to get us moving again.
All my life in business, I’ve made successful plans. Over and over I’ve taken struggling companies and turned them into success stories. I grew my family business from 60 to 600 employees, with $500 million dollars in annual sales. I took another fledgling company and turned it into a business that employs 100 people with high-quality, well-paying jobs with health care benefits and three pay raises within the past year. I know I can help turn Louisiana around to grow more and better jobs, provide better health care and opportunities for our families, and make our neighborhoods safe and prosperous.
My wife Dathel and I have three children. We hope they will make their lives in Louisiana. I’m running for governor to create opportunities for all our families so we can build on the vast but unrealized promise of a great state.
Louisiana has great potential that has never been fully realized. Rich in natural resources, with talented, hardworking people, Louisiana can and should be one of the most prosperous states in America. What we need is positive, responsible and ethical leadership, and leaders who are both competent and caring (fashion design colleges).
And we must also have faith in ourselves.
We must stop the partisan fighting among parties and bickering politicians.
That is why I ask you now to reach beyond party and politics when you choose a governor. I will work with both parties, since I belong to neither, and will serve only the common interest of the people of Louisiana.
Please take some time to read The Georges Plan (online associate degree program). I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I am asking the right questions. If you give me the chance, I will move our state in a new direction and provide leadership to unite, not divide.
The bosses in both parties are getting a little nervous. They ought to be. Because you know what I know: After a century, the people of Louisiana really are ready for change.
