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Gov. candidate profile Otis Putnam
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SAVANNAH — Otis Putnam says he's a descendant of Israel Putnam, a Revolutionary War hero for whom Putnam County in north Georgia is named.

Putnam has been active in both the Republican and Democratic parties, and has run unsuccessfully for various offices.

He's also coached soccer and is an hourly employee at the Brunswick Walmart.

But he's done nothing that most people likely would think has prepared him to be governor, a job he says the Lord led him to seek.

Putnam says he's qualified because he runs his household on a Walmart salary.

"I know how to sacrifice, save, make tough decisions just to make everything work out," Putnam said.

He says Georgia's economy resembles his family's.

"I am a regular guy like the voters in Georgia, and I know what they are going through, and I can help them," he added.

Indeed, Putnam doesn't lack confidence.

"I will fix Georgia's problems with wisdom and truth," he pledged. "I have faith that God will make Georgia prosperous again.

"I support more jobs and getting people back into homes. I do not know all the answers, but I will work hard for solutions."

Like most GOP candidates, Putnam says raising taxes isn't a solution.

"I do not support a tax increase in any form," he said. "The government's appetite for more tax money is never satisfied."

Putnam wants a leaner state government.

"We need to eliminate duplication of state services and wasteful spending," he said, "but we must provide basic essential services. The money we need for services is in the budget, but we have to find it."

He says he'd solve the state's water crisis by negotiating agreements with Florida and Alabama concerning disputed access to river flows.

"Conservation and more reservoirs are not the answers to the water issue," he said.

Putnam says less regulation and more parental involvement are the keys to improving education in the state.

He says he doesn't see a lack of campaign funds or political experience or his late start as obstacles.

Putnam launched his campaign April 26 and was one of the last of the 14 major-party candidates for governor to enter the race.

He said he didn't do so earlier because he lacked "the financial means" to run; the qualifying fee is $4,180.

But, because "people get bored with a candidate when they are around too long," his timing isn't a problem, he said.

In any case, he said, he's not intimidated by his opponents.

"This election is about the people," he said, "not how much money one can raise in an election cycle.

"I can defeat them with the truth and the Lord's grace. ... This race is about the people, not the opponents."

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Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program announces grant
Funds earmarked for Share the Road initiatives
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Grant funding totaling $93,458 has been awarded to the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP) by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The approved funding will be used to increase motorcycle safety awareness and outreach by encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to Share the Road.

“The need for motorcycle safety programs is greater than ever, and this support from GOHS enables motorcycle safety programs and impaired riding initiatives to reach riders and non-riders alike” said Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “Thank you GOHS for helping (the Department of Driver Services) and GMSP educate and encourage all Georgia drivers to ‘Share the Road.’”

The grant allows DDS to further develop the Motorcycle Safety Outreach Program by continuing to fund a position to promote state and national safety initiatives. The GMSP outreach coordinator researches, coordinates and helps maintain an adequate presence at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings and festivals to increase awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and provide the most current information on motorcycle safety initiatives.

Visitors to a GMSP event display are also encouraged to sign up for regular newsletters which provide additional safety information, as well as review the motorcycle safety message on other social media platforms.

GMSP regulates motorcycle training for new riders, as well as seasoned riders, who want to learn how to ride a motorcycle legally and safely. The program is based on a continuum of learning and therefore offers three entry points to rider education.

Students participating in the Basic Riders Course do not need specialized motorcycle equipment, as the GMSP provides both a motorcycle and a helmet to class participants. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a 90-day license waiver card that exempts them from both the written and on-cycle skills tests needed to obtain a Class M license in the state of Georgia.

Please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov for many online services including the convenience of enrolling in a GMSP training class and accessing many licensing services.

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