RINGGOLD — Gov. Sonny Perdue touted tourism, commended Catoosa County’s growth, and praised the efforts of a Republican-controlled state Legislature during a brief visit to Catoosa Tuesday.

Perdue, arriving via helicopter on the green in front of the Colonnade, stopped at the Shirley Smith Learning Center before delivering the keynote address at the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Colonnade.

“The 2005 General Assembly will go down as one of the most productive in our history,” Gov. Perdue said.

This year’s legislative session was Georgia’s first lawmaking session since Reconstruction that saw Republicans in control of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.

Having a Republican-led Legislature means good things for Catoosa County, said Bill Clark, Catoosa County Board of Commissioners chairman and former state representative.

“Since Catoosa is voting about 65 percent Republican, it’s certainly advantageous to have a Republican governor and Republicans in charge of both houses because you have more of a voice,” he said.

All five Catoosa commissioners are Republican.

“Before, when we had a Republican (state) representative and a Democratically controlled House and Senate and governor, we didn’t have much of a voice in anything,” Clark said.

Those local districts represented by Republicans experience the real benefits of a Republican-controlled state government, said state Sen. Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga. They have quicker access to the agencies needed to aid in problem resolutions, grant funding or with projects, he said.

“I think the reason Republicans have taken control is because the traditional Democrat Party of our fathers and mothers have left the people of Georgia and no longer represent the conservative values,” said Mullis, a Republican. “The Republican Party has swung into place to represent the values of Georgia, and especially Northwest Georgia — that being pro-life, pro-business, pro-conservative.”

In January, Perdue introduced 20 pieces of legislation and 19 were passed by the General Assembly. Some legislation, like the Georgia Land Conservation Act, Georgia Tourism Foundation, and the education package, will directly impact Catoosa County, he said.

Mullis added that there was more bipartisan cooperation this year.

Perdue said Tuesday his proposed bills passed the General Assembly with an average of 91 percent of the vote.

Both Clark and Mullis noted that Perdue’s support extends beyond the General Assembly and the governor carries the support of the majority of Georgia.

Perdue’s term as governor ends in 2006. Secretary of State Cathy Cox and Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, both Democrats, have already announced their candidacy.

“Perdue’s chances for re-election are excellent,” Clark said. “I doubt seriously that he will have Republican opposition and I don’t know of any one of the two Democratic candidates that can beat him.”

“I would predict that our area would easily go for a Republican ticket, especially with Governor Perdue,” Mullis said.

Mullis said following the Chamber luncheon that Perdue attended a private fundraiser where more money was raised for one candidate than ever before in Catoosa County’s history.

First official visit

In his first official visit to Catoosa since becoming governor, Perdue also commented on the county’s booming residential growth.

“Success is a good problem to have,” he said. “As Catoosa grows, the state will do it’s part to support you.”

He added that it is imperative for a community to support current businesses and traditional industries while promoting new industries.

Perdue emphasized the need to strengthen the state’s tourism industry. The biggest benefit of tourism is its longevity, he said.

“Tourism cannot be shipped off shore,” the governor said. “You can’t export Rock City to China.”

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