Hiawassee, GA – Sanctuary Cities. The Second Amendment. Planned Parenthood.

Towns County residents were not shy in asking Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle his stance on the topics they care about.

Casey Cagle, a contender in Georgia’s 2018 Governor’s race, made an appearance at the Sundance Grill in Hiawassee on Friday morning. The cozy cafe was standing room only by the time the Lieutenant Governor arrived.

Sam Fullerton, Co-Founder of Movers and Shakers, the group which hosted the event, opened with remarks on Towns County’s economy. Fullerton announced the local economy is strong, specifying over 700 homes have been sold in the area since the start of 2017. Fullerton noted tourism has produced a $60 million dollar income, two and a half times the amount in comparison to neighboring Union County.

Peyton Barrett, a ninth grader at Towns County High School, was given the honor of welcoming Casey Cagle to the podium. Barrett spoke of Cagle’s background, citing Cagle as the sole Republican elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor in Georgia’s history.

Prior to taking questions from the crowd, Lieutenant Governor Cagle focused on the importance of updated infrastructure and the educational criteria necessary to fill the employment needs of Georgia’s growing economy.

Casey Cagle referenced the I-85 bridge which collapsed in late March and voiced his support for private contractors rebuilding Georgia’s framework.

Cagle went on to inform the attentive audience that there are approximately 150,000 jobs open in the state, citing 25% of the employment opportunities demand a 4-year degree while the remaining 75% require a 2-year degree or industry certification.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that without an adequate education, Georgia’s youth are susceptible to turning to a life of crime or becoming dependant on government.

“All work that is honest work is good work,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle said, quoting words of wisdom passed down from his grandfather.

Cagle went on to say he’s “fed up with the bickering” in Washington D.C. and tired of the establishment’s lack of accountability.

The Republican candidate touched on the recent civil unrest in Charlottesville, Virginia, and assured the crowd that Stone Mountain, a chiseled Confederate monument located on the outskirts of Atlanta, will be preserved should he become the next Governor of Georgia.

“We cannot erase history,” Lieutenant Governor Cagle told attendees, who erupted in an applause of approval.

The self professed conservative went on to condemn “all hate groups” involved in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Lieutenant Governor Cagle wrapped up his visit by taking questions from the audience. The first inquiry concerned sanctuary cities. Cagle stated there are no sanctuary cities or counties in the state of Georgia.The Republican had previously noted Georgia’s immigration laws are the toughest in the nation and signified opposition toward cities elsewhere that defy federal rules..

The subject of Planned Parenthood was raised and the Lieutenant Governor asserted his approval of defunding taxpayer dollars from the pro-choice program.

An attendee asked Lieutenant Governor Cagle where he stood on the Second Amendment.
“Let me reach in my boot and show you where I’m at,” Cagle joked as the crowd responded with laughter. He went on to confirm he is a strong advocate of the right to bear arms.

Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton shared his thoughts on the Lieutenant Governor’s run for office.

“I’m proud to support the Lieutenant Governor. He’s not about lip service; he’s the man for the job. [Casey Cagle] is the hardest working man in state politics and a good friend,” Sheriff Clinton said.

State Senators Steve Gooch and John Wilkinson accompanied Casey Cagle on his six day, 17 county tour across Georgia.