Governor Deal, Stacey Abrams, and Georgia Democrats All Support MARTA for Gwinnett, But Where Do Kemp and Perdue Stand?

Kemp, Perdue Silent on MARTA as Bipartisan Leaders Tout Business Support for Transit

ATLANTA – In honor of former Governor Nathan Deal’s endorsement last week of expanding MARTA to Gwinnett, here’s why leading Republicans and Democrats are in favor of expanding transit for business & families alike:

Nikema Williams, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair (D):

“With this referendum, Gwinnett voters have the opportunity to expand transit and build new economic mobility for our future. Georgia Democrats are committed to fighting for democracy all year round, which is why we are making every effort to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is counted.” DPG Statement, 2.19.2019

Nathan Deal, Former Governor (R):

“As governor, I consistently sat across from CEOs who were considering a relocation or expansion in Georgia. In each meeting with a prospect considering the metro area of our state, the first two questions were ‘do you have transit?’ and ‘how far is this location from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport?’ More and more, large, high-paying employers would not even consider locations within metro areas that don’t offer robust transit options for their employees.” AJC, 3.1.2019

Stacey Abrams, Founder and Chair, Fair Fight Action (D):

“We can’t talk about economic opportunities if people in Gwinnett can’t get to college,” Abrams said in her address to a crowd of 400. “Economic mobility requires actual mobility.” AJC, 2.11.2019

Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Commission Chair (R):

Transit, she said, will give Gwinnett “the final competitive edge it needs.” She got a standing ovation.

“We know changes are coming, but we do not have the luxury to sit still now to wait for those changes to occur,” Nash said. “We have to get moving in order for Gwinnett to be able to keep moving in the future.” AJC, 2.20.2019

Bianca Keaton, Gwinnett County Democratic Committee Chair (D):

“Placing this election in an off month was a distinct effort to undermine voter turnout on an incredibly important local issue. This won’t stop Gwinnett Democrats from turning out in full force to support long-overdue MARTA expansion to our county.” DPG Statement, 2.19.2019

Notably absent? Republicans Governor* Brian Kemp and Senator David Perdue. They’re probably too busy restarting Georgia’s culture wars.

Gwinnett voters have the opportunity to choose progress and expand transit at the polls – early voting is open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. -7 p.m. through March 15th. Election Day is Tuesday, March 19th.

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