In

a letter distributed to convention delegates,

Harper outlined his reasons for seeking the post

as follows: "In the Senate, I will work for

preservation of local control. Votes in favor of

programs such as GRTA and education reform have

taken money and decision making authority away

from elected officials in Coweta, Spalding and

Fayette counties. These powers continue to be

transferred to appointed Democrats in Atlanta. We

as Republicans should not aid and abet the

Democrats in these schemes.

"In

addition," he said, "I will work to

establish fiscal responsibility in the budgeting

process. Surplus tax dollars should be returned

to taxpayers. Above all, this seat should be used

to represent the wishes of the citizens of

Coweta, Spalding and Fayette counties."

Harper,

30, is a native of Fayette County and currently

lives in Peachtree City. A 1987 honor graduate

from Fayette County High, Harper received a BBA

from the University of Georgia in 1989,

graduating magna cum laude, with high honors, and

with honors in economics. He later received a

master's degree in economics from Georgia State

University in 1998. After a seven-year banking

career, Harper joined his family business as a

third generation home builder in 1997. He is a

member and serves as trustee at Bethany United

Methodist Church. In addition, Harper serves as a

part-time professor of economics and business at

Gordon College.

Harper

singled out two major issues for the upcoming

campaign, education and reapportionment. On

education, Harper said he believes that there

will be serious work required in next year's

general assembly to "fix" the education

reform package that passed this year.

"Counties are still trying to figure out

what this will cost them, both directly and

indirectly," he said. "As it stands

now, the bill is a large centralization of power

combined with a large unfunded mandate."

As

for reapportionment, Harper noted that in 1998,

for the first time in Georgia history more people

voted for Republican House and Senate

representatives than for Democrats. "The

next general assembly will redraw district lines

and give the Republicans a golden opportunity to

become the majority party in the state

legislature, as well as preserve our majority in

the U.S. house," he said. "Republicans

must stay completely united if we are to achieve

this extremely important goal. Senator Price's

willingness to cut deals with Democrats leaves us

vulnerable should he be more interested in

carving a personal congressional district than

creating a majority state house."

Harper

will be filing forms declaring his campaign

committee this week, he said, and will formally

qualify for the position next week at the state

Capitol. By party rules, Harper has forwarded his

resignation as first vice chairman of the Fayette

County party in order to seek elective office.

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