I’ve been so unplugged for the past week, I’m only just this morning catching up on this story. I’ve heard rumors of it for a while and am a bit surprised the AJC ran it now.
Deal’s campaign has released the following response:
This story is based on a premise that is factually incorrect. The implication that I intervened with state officials to benefit myself is completely false and outrageous, . It is nothing more than a cheap political shot using back alley, in-the-shadows “tips” from one of my political opponents to damage my good name and reputation.
I’ve put the full response below the fold.
But here’s what sticks out at me — Deal himself engaged on the story. Even Oxendine figured out pretty quick to let his staff handle the press encounters on the AJC stories about him. I’m really kind of surprised Deal directly engaged.
“I’ve tried to be cautious about this,” Deal said in an interview. “I don’t think I have done anything that stepped over the line.”
Surprising. In any event, his whole response is below the fold.
The Sunday edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contains a story about a vehicle salvage business that I have owned for over 20 years.This story is based on a premise that is factually incorrect. The implication that I intervened with state officials to benefit myself is completely false and outrageous, . It is nothing more than a cheap political shot using back alley, in-the-shadows “tips” from one of my political opponents to damage my good name and reputation.
Recently, Department of Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham sought to significantly change the regulations surrounding how repaired vehicles were inspected in Georgia. Like many businesses today, changes in government policy can have a severe negative impact on jobs, families, and safety. Because I have extensive knowledge of the processes and regulations involved in inspecting vehicles, and based on my concern that safety standards could be affected, it was incumbent upon me to meet with various public officials to make sure such policy changes would not be harmful to Georgia families.
The business provides storage of wrecked vehicles for insurance companies. These are vehicles that have been declared a total loss as a result of an accident and in their current condition are not safe for public roads.
Another facet of that business is providing a location for state inspections of vehicles which have been repaired and are seeking a branded title declaring them to be roadworthy.
The inspections are done by representatives of the Georgia Department of Revenue and our company provides only the location and clerical support for this service. We do not receive one penny of taxpayer money since the owner of the inspected vehicle pays a user fee for our facilities and personnel. We are one of several businesses around the state who provide this service.
The state fees collected for the inspection generate approximately $1.2 million net revenues paid directly to the state over and above the costs of salaries and other expenses for the inspection process.
As a part of its budget cutting efforts, the revenue department proposed either privatizing or eliminating the inspection program. We sought to find out more information about their plans but our calls and the calls of other similar businesses in the state were not returned.
I asked for a meeting with Mr. Graham to find out his plans for the program, not to seek preferential treatment for our business. When the department issued a request for public bids for inspection sites, GSD was the only applicant to turn in a bid meeting their requirement.
This is a business that began before I went to Congress and is approved by the House Ethics Committee as a family business, allowing me to continue my role in ownership and operation.
During my 28 years as an elected public official, I have met with numerous state and federal officials on behalf of individuals and businesses. When government improperly creates an impediment or interference to one’s success, I will always go to bat for what is right.
I have always believed that public service is honorable and have served in that fashion. As the candidate with the most momentum, it is expected that my opponents will throw whatever they can at me in a blatant display of political desperation.
However, convinced that Georgians deserve better than the politics of the past, I am dedicated more than ever to my quest to earn their respect as a candidate, their support and ultimately their vote to serve as their next Governor.
{ 18 comments }
The question is what will you do with the business should you become Governor. Not sell it to a family member or relative I hope. Blind trusts don’t cut it.
A relative loves you, as Congressman because you got her disability check fixed. In fact almost everybody in the District thinks you have been the Best Congressman they were blessed to ever have.
BUT there is much difference between the two offices. What works well in Washington may not work well in the State.
Good Luck.
When the department issued a request for public bids for inspection sites, GSD was the only applicant to turn in a bid meeting their requirement.
Anyone familiary with RFP’s knows how easy it is to make that happen. Just know the person writing the spec and have them insert some items that only one company can do. Sort-a like Sonny and his special real estate tax break that no one else got.
When government improperly creates an impediment or interference to one’s success, I will always go to bat for what is right.
Especially when your own business is at stake, huh?
Not impressed with anything other than the part where he’s willing to be the face on the response as opposed to hiding behind his staff.
I’m interested in seeing Kellie’s response on this one since she is in a related industry.
I made a response on the other thread, TG.
I think it stinks, always have. I also think there is more to this story. Notice the part where Deal mentions part of his “business provides storage of wrecked vehicles for insurance companies.” There is a daily fee for this service. I wonder how many insurance companies send all of their wrecks directly to one of GSD two locations?? You can make some dough just storing cars. He may not be getting any but I’d like to know.
We need to be checking out all these politicians. They should not be able to do anything we can’t do.
<i.We need to be checking out all these politicians. They should not be able to do anything we can’t do.
Yes, I want to know why they get government-run health care and I can’t.
Actually they get private healthcare paid for by the government. We won’t get that.
Now Kelly you’re not inferring that Nathan Deal is in cahoots with Oxendine to squeeze out the competition are you?
No, Ox is in cahoots with the insurance companies. Deal is just looking out for himself (which is fine) but his position could get him business that others would not get so easily; even without him pushing for it. Politics.
Erick and I seem to differ on what was the appropriate political tactic to take.
I think Deal had to address them himself. I’m glad he did.
I think when the general public gets around to paying attention, (and the time negative ads and direct mail starts to fly), they’re going to want someone who is willing to address any charges head-on, not someone who hides behind subordinates.
I’m going to say plus one and also hit the plus one button for you.
That Deal was willing to respond and address the issues shows much more character than Ox’s route. If some impropriety or malfeasance happened, I am glad Deal is at the very least willing to discuss the matter. That is called accountability and transparency. And if you choose to be engaged there is a greater likelihood of fixing the problem and preventing future transgressions.
Oh wait, did I just slander The Ox? Aww man…
Mr. Deal is a very smart man. He always comes across well when he handles things himself. I like him and I hope that he continues to be open about his business dealings. I do have my doubts but I’m willing to listen to his explanations.
“I do have my doubts but I’m willing to listen to his explanations.”
My feelings exactly.
I’m in the same camp. This seems to be the most appropriate course of action for Deal to take.
Address it head on, and knock it out while he can. Ignoring it means it can resurface, and then the question becomes – “Why didn’t he come out the first time?”
I point back to his candidacy speech, “If you want a Governor who ties his own shoes . . . then do I have a Deal, for you.” This is right up his ally in terms of style.
I agree, if it were my company or I was a partner in the company I would have done the same thing. Nathan Deal is a good man who directly addressed the issue. I wish more candidates to public offices would do the same.
If it were my company I would have personally done the same thing. However, I would not have had my Chief of Staff monitoring my personal affairs and using his position to privately benefit me or my family business.
“They have resorted to the lowest of politics: branding any dissenters as either a liar or a brain-washed stooge manipulated by a wicked opposition, and trying to intimidate them into silence or bait them into making a mistake that costs them the high ground.” from Kyle Wingfield piece on desperate Democrats………..it appears that some may be reading the other parties playbook
“It is nothing more than a cheap political shot using back alley, in-the-shadows “tips” from one of my political opponents to damage my good name and reputation. “… Deal
So the Tip was bad or the AJC was was bad or was I bad to get caught which is it?
So the Tip was bad or the AJC was was bad or was I bad to get caught which is it?
Yes.
Deal starts off with…
“The Sunday edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contains a story about a vehicle salvage business that I have owned for over 20 years.
This story is based on a premise that is factually incorrect.”
Speaking of facts, either the AJC had the February 1990 incorporation date of Deal’s business incorrect, the current business succeeded another, or Deal doesn’t have the facts about his own business.
Please Congressman Deal explain how you, a member of the General Assembly leadership at the time, incorporates a business just prior to initiation of a no-bid state program, were awarded that business. Serendipity?
Interesting too, how a third of the vehicles in the state are registered within 30 miles of downtown Atlanta, yet Gainesville is the nearest location for retitling, when there is perhaps a dozen businesses and hundred acre of junk cars in that part of Atlanta near the Federal Pen.
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