Rotary in Motion:
Representative Charles Jenkins visits

Union County Rotary Club members were honored by a visit from State Representative Charles Jenkins. He spoke to the club members about upcoming issues for the Georgia House of Representatives. Jenkins first expressed how glad he was to be back at home in Blairsville. Having grown up in the Towns-Union county area, Charles Jenkins is no stranger to the citizens of Union County. Union County Rotarians welcomed him home at the last club meeting and were eager to hear what topics were going to be discussed in the upcoming session of the State House of Representatives.

Jenkins said that the major topic of discussion would be education. He quoted national statistics on Georgia?s ranking in regards to math, reading and SAT scores. Eight grade math and reading scores are 37 and 40, respectively, nationwide while fourth grade math and reading scores are 36 and 39, respectively, nationwide. Georgia?s overall SAT scores are ranked 49 in the nation. Jenkins feels that this is the most important matter facing the House members and believes that the formula for distribution of funds needs to be restructured.

Other concerns for the House of Representatives are healthcare benefits, immigration control, the Department of Transportation, and imminent domain. Jenkins recognizes the importance of healthcare for all but expects a hefty price tag for the coverage. He noted the he voted to pass the immigration control bill, despite what an opponent has said. The DOT is one of the major crises facing the House of Representatives mainly because of their desire to increase the gas tax, which hasn?t been increased since 1992. The final major issue facing the State House of Representatives is imminent domain; Jenkins commented, ?I don?t like it but understand certain situations.? He is actually more concerned with the buffer zone limits between rivers/creeks/streams and buildings. He concluded his discussion by reassuring the attentive Rotarians that he would continue to serve them to his best abilities and saying that he was looking forward to the upcoming session.