Largest Water Event Ever at UWG

Scientists, politicians and community leaders will descend upon the university for its annual Water Resource Conference on Friday, April 23. Much larger than previous conferences, the event will begin early and run through the late afternoon, culminating with a Governor Candidates’ Forum that evening.

The all-day conference event will feature discussions by water experts from across the region and nation, and it will also include a luncheon provided by the conference.

The Coliseum will have unusual company that evening when UWG hosts its first bi-partisan Governor Candidates’ Forum on Thursday evening, April 23, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A 6:30 p.m. reception will allow the audience to shake hands and meet the candidates.

Republicans John Oxendine, Nathan Deal, Austin Scott, Ray McBerry and Jeff Chapman and Democrats Carl Camon, DuBose Porter, Thurbert Baker and David Poythress have all signed up for the panel.

University General Counsel Jane Simpson is chairing the 14-member committee. She and Randa Harris, laboratory supervisor in the Department of Geosciences and a research assistant for water quality in the region, will talk about the event and some of the water issues affecting the West Georgia region on WLBB 1330 AM’s “The Community Voice” on Monday, April 19, at 8:30 a.m.
Serving on the 2010 Conference Committee are: Curtis Hollabaugh and Randa Harris, Geosciences; Gail Marshall and Judy Cox, Education; Jim Agan, Continuing Education; Nicole Worthington, Rob Douthit, University Advancement; Stan Caress, The Murphy Center for Public Service; Michael Aldrich and Sandra Stone, Academic Affairs. Howard Marshall, former UWG water consultant and Assistant City of Carrollton Manager Tim Grizzard are also on the committee.

Simpson said there were plenty of challenges in planning for these events, especially when dealing with state legislators who may not be finished with their session.

“The Governor Candidates’ Forum was an addition to previous water conferences,” said Simpson. “We simply couldn’t resist adding it in an election year where the State is negotiating a tri-state settlement on the use of Georgia’s water systems.

“Our goal for this conference is to heighten awareness of the challenges in protecting water resources and to encourage our leaders and educators to participate in the conservation of these resources.

“The next Governor will play an important part in the success of the settlement, so voters should be informed as to what steps each candidate plans to take if elected.

“Everyone in the state of Georgia could benefit from attending the conference and the candidates’ forum. Water is a critical resource for all citizens and businesses in Georgia and understanding what resources are available and the means for maintaining and preserving those resources are issues that everyone should learn.”

The 2010 Water Resources Conference and Governor Candidates Debate itineraries can be viewed at www.westga.edu/water.

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