Senator Isakson comes to town

Georgia State Senator Johnny Isakson visits Georgia College to discuss current events and issues with campus and communityAs Milledgeville townsfolk filed into the Arts & Sciences Auditorium on Thursday, Sept. 29, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) took the mic to address the concerns of the people.

“I know what’s on everybody’s mind,” he said, “and it’s what’s on my mind: the economy. There’s a lot of hanky-panky going on in the financial government.”

Unabashed students, community members and local congressmen all came readily prepared with questions for the senator, who was honest and unforgiving in his answers.

Questions and concerns arose over the newly repealed “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy.

“No. I did not support the repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Isakson said.

Despite several bickering children present in the crowd, Isakson answered the multifaceted questions, speaking with fluent fervor, with the acquired knowledge of a long-term servant of the people.

Immigration, Libya, obesity and pollution, among others, were topics covered. In all of these, the senator was adamant to express what he believed.

The war in Afghanistan was a major topic as the senator expressed his concerns.

“It’s a sticky wicky, and it’s a tough issue, but it’s got to be solved,” he said. “We could stay there for another 10 years and it wouldn’t be any different.”

When an inquiry came up pertaining to immigration and the legal acquisition of U.S. citizenship, Isakson was bluntly honest.

“Probably the most incendiary topic you could get into in public,” he said. “You should do things the way the law says to do them.”

He mentioned an expedited route to citizenship could be acquired through service in the military, as 15 percent of the military are non-U.S. citizens.

“It was a great privilege to have Senator Isakson on campus,” said SGA President Evan Karanovich. “His willingness to visit with us demonstrates his sincere desire to hear and understand the issues first-hand from his constituents.”

Addressing unemployment, the senator said he spends a lot of time “working with the government on economical development.” Currently, he is attempting to add a balanced budget amendment to the constitution before Dec. 23.

Polishing off the same question, the senator proffered some advice for the collegiate crowd:

“If you depend on yourself, you’re going to make a lot better decisions,” he said.

Entering the political field in 1974, Isakson served 17 years in the Georgia legislature. He also served two years as the chairman of the Georgia Board of Education. Isakson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, and in 2010 reelected.

Following the meeting, the senator’s press secretary, Maria Gordon, directed him to an interview with WMGT 41, as well as GCTV.

“The student input was fantastic,” he said in the WMGT 41 interview. “I love Georgia College and I love Milledgeville.”

Since Aug. 5, Senator Isakson has been hosting town hall meetings across Georgia to speak directly with his constituents, and develop a first-hand relationship.

“Pick up the phone and call me anytime,” the senator said. “Your opinion matters.”

Posted by Nick Widener on Oct 6 2011. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.