We live in a state with a wonderful climate and plenty of natural beauty, from the shores of Cumberland Island to the Chattahoochee River to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What I am proposing this year are not lofty concepts far removed form the daily struggle so of ordinary Georgians. They are proposals that directly effect the lives of the people we serve.

We are all one - or at least we should be - and it is our job, our duty, and our great challenge to fight the voices of division and seek the salve of reconciliation.

Traffic is only one of the side effects of growth.

We made a good start toward preserving recreational areas like the Chattahoochee River.

We must be willing to change the way we do business if we hope to live up to the responsibilities that go along with being public servants.

My very presence here, as governor of this great state... is testament to the power of an individual to fight for truth and clear his own good name.

As the leaders and decision-makers of this great state, it is our responsibility to strive for perfection.

This new flag does not, however, value one Georgian's heritage over another.