Meet the Candidates: Rich Golick

State Rep. Rich Golick is running unopposed for his seventh term of office. Golick represents District 40, formerly District 34 before redistricting. He lives in Smyrna with his wife and two sons. Patch asked Golick questions about the District 40 race via email. 

What are the most important issues facing your district?

Jobs, education and taxes are the most important issues facing our community. Government must create incentives for badly needed job growth, expand education opportunities for families who are looking for the best education possible for their children, and, keep the family tax burden as low as possible because taxpayer money belongs to the taxpayer - not government.

What's your position on charter schools?

I have been a consistent supporter of charter schools since I began my public service, and that support has only grown.  Parents in our community especially want their children to have the best education opportunity possible, and charter schools offer such an opportunity.  With that in mind  I look forward to supporting the Charter School Constitutional Amendment this November.

What's your position on TSPLOST?

I am against the current transportation proposal.

What accomplishment are you most proud of from your most recent term of office?
Governor Nathan Deal's Criminal Justice Reform legislation was by far one of the most significant measures passed this year, and I think it will prove to be a defining moment in ensuring the future effectiveness of our criminal justice system.  I was glad to play a small part in its passage by sponsoring and shepherding the Bill through what was a very challenging process,  but 99% of the credit for the success of that initiative belongs to Governor Deal.  I will share the other 1% with others.

What's something you weren't able to accomplish last term that you'd like to accomplish this term?

When we passed the Special Needs Scholarship several years ago, we required the special needs child to enroll in a conventional public school for a year before they could take advantage of the Special Needs Scholarship.  The problem is that some of these kids have health challenges that preclude their being in a conventional school - it would pose a risk to their safety. So, I sponsored legislation to waive this one year requirement on a case-by-case basis.  The issue came to me from a constituent and fellow Upward football coach, and the Bill ultimately passed, but it had to be vetoed by the Governor due to a technical defect that was not caught until it was too late.  I will be reintroducing the Bill in January.