An Important Message From Nathan
8/23/2009The Sunday edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contains a story about a vehicle salvage business that I have owned for over 20 years.
This story is based on a premise that is factually incorrect. The implication that I intervened with state officials to benefit myself is completely false and outrageous, . It is nothing more than a cheap political shot using back alley, in-the-shadows "tips" from one of my political opponents to damage my good name and reputation.
Recently, Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham sought to significantly change the regulations surrounding how repaired vehicles were inspected in Georgia. Like many businesses today, changes in government policy can have a severe negative impact on jobs, families, and safety. Because I have extensive knowledge of the processes and regulations involved in inspecting vehicles, and based on my concern that safety standards could be affected, it was incumbent upon me to meet with various public officials to make sure such policy changes would not be harmful to Georgia families.
The business provides storage of wrecked vehicles for insurance companies. These are vehicles that have been declared a total loss as a result of an accident and in their current condition are not safe for public roads.
Another facet of that business is providing a location for state inspections of vehicles which have been repaired and are seeking a branded title declaring them to be roadworthy.
The inspections are done by representatives of the Georgia Department of Revenue and our company provides only the location and clerical support for this service. We do not receive one penny of taxpayer money since the owner of the inspected vehicle pays a user fee for our facilities and personnel. We are one of several businesses around the state who provide this service.
The state fees collected for the inspection generate approximately $1.2 million net revenues paid directly to the state over and above the costs of salaries and other expenses for the inspection process.
As a part of its budget cutting efforts, the revenue department proposed either privatizing or eliminating the inspection program. We sought to find out more information about their plans but our calls and the calls of other similar businesses in the state were not returned.
I asked for a meeting with Mr. Graham to find out his plans for the program, not to seek preferential treatment for our business. When the department issued a request for public bids for inspection sites, GSD was the only applicant to turn in a bid meeting their requirement.
This is a business that began before I went to Congress and is approved by the House Ethics Committee as a family business, allowing me to continue my role in ownership and operation.
During my 28 years as an elected public official, I have met with numerous state and federal officials on behalf of individuals and businesses. When government improperly creates an impediment or interference to one's success, I will always go to bat for what is right.
I have always believed that public service is honorable and have served in that fashion. As the candidate with the most momentum, it is expected that my opponents will throw whatever they can at me in a blatant display of political desperation.
However, convinced that Georgians deserve better than the politics of the past, I am dedicated more than ever to my quest to earn their respect as a candidate, their support and ultimately their vote to serve as their next Governor.
