Tim Echols
Columnist
As a statewide elected official and a representative of Savannah on the PSC, I spend much time along Georgia’s coast. People ask me about the state’s future, and particularly the 1st Congressional District. Here is what I am telling them.
District prosperity is first on my list. For individuals, families, businesses, even the 76 cities and 15 counites making up the First.
To prosper, one needs opportunity, and if there is anything that Georgia’s Coastal Empire has going for it right now — it is opportunity.
So many companies are coming to the region. That means good-paying jobs, educational opportunities for the young and not so young, and pulling down federal and state incentives in big numbers. Energy is needed too, and Georgia is sitting “pretty” with a strong reserve margin shouldered by two brand new nuclear reactors.
Military superiority is critical to our country’s future, and the First District has a big role in that.
From Fort Stewart, where my grandfather served, to Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, to the King’s Bay Naval Submarine Base, Georgia and the First District play a strategic role in national defense.
My son was in the Coast Guard, so let’s not forget about U.S Coast Guard Tybee either. Our military needs the money to repair broken equipment and replenish needed inventory. Quality base housing is important for morale and impacts longevity of service. And don’t forget about their healthcare and base pay inequities.
Balancing the federal budget would have an enormous impact on the people of the First District as well as the country as a whole.
Most people have experienced debilitating debt at some point in their life. You have no margin, you are stressed, and it can sometime put you in danger. The same thing is happening to our country.
The opportunity cost of paying interest robs us of helping our own people, strengthening our military and having government perform the limited role it should be performing. No one seems to be talking about balancing the budget anymore, and the course we are on is not sustainable.
Strong families are needed — always. Leaders come from these families — in business, community, and politics. When areas produce strong leaders who are successful, good things follow. Sometimes I hear counties complain that Atlanta or Washington is ignoring them, and that is often true. But producing strong leaders can change that eventually. Leaders across the First District need to be encouraged, supported, challenged — and even recruited. They need to continue to travel to Atlanta and DC and advocate for the First District — in even greater numbers. And student leadership needs to be developed at all levels.
We can’t forget about the least among us either — bolstering charitable work like the Salvation Army, churches and other helping agencies.
Finally, coastal stewardship must remain a priority. A growing port means more ships and trucks. Advocating cleaner-running engines like the hydrogen Class 8 trucks Hyundai is running from their plant have immense potential. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) or ammonia-run container ships are becoming more prevalent. The First Congressional district has all 100 miles of Georgia’s coast — and who doesn’t want it pristine? That means encouraging more citizen-run groups like “Fight Dirty Tybee” who pick up trash and recycle plastic themselves. Pressing the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize funding for needed projects should continue from every voice possible. Pulling down state funding to raise roads now flooding and repair bridges — all take time. Bottom line, the First District needs champions advocating for its collective growth and improvement.
It is my honor to serve the district and to be one of those voices.
Let’s continue to make it better.
Tim Echols serves on the Georgia PSC’s 2nd District representing Savannah. He has served since 2011.