Published: March 06, 2006 11:32 pm      

Lt. governor candidate pledges to be 'jobs czar'

The lieutenant governor’s job is too important to trust to someone who requires on-the-job training, says state Sen. Casey Cagle.

Cagle, a six-term senator from Hall County, is seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, and he addressed the Whitfield County GOP at its meeting Monday night.

“I know how to pass a bill. I know how to write a budget. I know how to build a consensus,” he said, attempting to draw a distinction between himself and his Republican opponent in the July primary, political consultant Ralph Reed. Reed, who Cagle did not mention by name, has never held elected office.

Cagle promised to act as a “jobs czar” if elected.

“Government doesn’t create jobs, but it creates the infrastructure for jobs to be created,” he said.

Cagle said he would focus on tax cuts and deregulation that could improve the state’s business climate. He said he would work to phase out the income tax on senior citizens, as well as the corporate income tax.

Cagle said one topic that keeps coming up when he speaks is illegal immigration.

“There’s a right way to come to this country, and a wrong way,” he said.

Cagle said the solution to illegal immigration is ultimately a federal one, but he added until that solution is found he believes it is unfair for illegals to get food stamps and other government services.

Cagle said he would work to create an immigration enforcement office within the state Department of Homeland Security to work with companies to make sure they aren’t employing illegal immigrants.

Cagle also promised to work to give local school systems more flexibility in educating students.

“We now have a one-size-fits all education system,” he said.

Cagle, who claims endorsements from some 225 elected officials across the state, was introduced by Rep. Roger Williams, R-Dalton.

“He’s a man of integrity, someone we can count on. And he’s very knowledgeable about things going on in the state,” Williams said.

Cagle’s campaign Web site is www.caseycagle.com.