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DIRECTOR’S AUG/SEPT 2018

MESSAGE Executive Director
Tommy Carroll

November Elections Important for Georgia and Florida

In 2016 the conservative tax paying citizens of the United there is an active forest products
States made a stand showing a distrust of a federal gov- industry should be identified and
ernment administration leading the United States on a supported. They will most likely be republican candidates,
path from capitalism towards the roots of socialism. but it is wise to know your districts’ demographics and study
Donald Trump was elected as president of the United the ballots before you cast your vote.
States and in less than two years has stimulated the
economy to record numbers. Regulatory nonsense Concerning the candidates for governor, the SWPA has
mostly imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency endorsed Adam Putnam for the next governor of Florida.
has been rolled back. Tax reform has brought encourage- Adam has been the Commission of Agriculture for many
ment to many companies to expand and hire more years and is a close friend to the forest products industry
workers. Many other positive actions have occurred to in Florida. However, he must win the republican primary
stimulate a capitalistic economy and reverse the previ- on August 28, 2018 to be on the November general elec-
ous administration’s movement toward socialism. tion ballot.
While not all Americans appreciate these efforts, entre- In Georgia, Brian Kemp will be the republican candidate
preneurial business people and small business owners in the November general election. Brian is an advocate
have benefitted from these governmental directions. of the forest products industry must be elected to
Logging company owners have felt a positive effect even ensure the continued vitality of this crucial state indus-
though there are many obstacles blocking the recovery try. He is landowner and timber grower and will be of
needed in this business sector. Rural areas must step up great benefit to preserving our family owner logging
if these gains in economic stability are going to be sus- companies and their conservative rural traditions.
tainable. It is imperative that logging company owners
encourage their employees to vote for the candidates Once again, please not only vote yourself but also
and issues to keep logging companies successful. Other- encourage your family members and employees to get
wise the entire forest products industry will suffer which involved. It will take a combined effort to avoid regress-
in turn has a negative effect on state revenues. ing back into greater taxation and unreasonable
regulations on your business. If Pam or I can be of assis-
Keep in mind you do not have to wait until election day tance to your in anyway, please do not hesitate to
to vote. However, it is important that you are registered contact us on any matter.
to vote. You can then contact your elections office in
your county or city, and they will provide options on how You're not just voting for an individual, in my judgment, you're
to vote without waiting to election day. This November’s voting for an agenda. You're voting for a platform. You're
general election will result in a large turnover of politi- voting for a political philosophy.
cians at all levels of government in Georgia and Florida. Colin Powell
As much as possible candidates running in areas where

Tommy Carroll is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Wood Producers Association, Inc., which represents logging professionals in
Georgia and Florida. The SWPA Inc is headquartered in Hilliard, Florida. For more information please contact us at (904) 845-7133 or you may contact Tommy
directly at (478) 952-2809. website: www.swpa.ag Tommy’s email: tcarroll@swpa.ag
Vol 29 Issue 3 2018 l SWPA Out of the Woods l swpa.ag l 3