Gubernatorial Candidate DuBose Porter Speaks on Jekyll Island

On October 25th, State Representative DuBose Porter (D) met on Jekyll Island with IPJI’s co-directors, David and Mindy Egan, and later with a group of Glynn County residents, to share his views as a candidate for Governor of Georgia. Job creation, education, natural resource management, environmental protection, and Jekyll Island’s redevelopment were the main issues discussed by House Minority Leader Porter.

In talking about Jekyll’s revitalization, Rep. Porter spoke of the need to ensure that whatever redevelopment takes place on Jekyll Island does not detract from its unique character or interfere with its ecosystems.  He voiced support for park improvements that would help the Jekyll Island Authority remain financially self-sustainable but objected to the kind of expansive development and commercialization that has been considered by the JIA board in its revitalization plans. Just because the JIA has the right to develop 35 percent of Jekyll Island doesn’t mean that full development of that acreage is the right thing to do, said Rep. Porter. Adding that Jekyll Island State Park was not meant to be a resort but rather a place to be enjoyed by regular, everyday Georgians, Rep. Porter was adamant about the park retaining its down-home, relaxing atmosphere.

Rep. Porter questioned the fairness of the JIA-Linger Longer partnership, particularly with respect to the public partner and the State of Georgia being stuck with tens of millions of dollars of bond indebtedness to cover infrastructure cost that should have been the responsibility of the private partner, Linger Longer.

If elected Governor, Rep. Porter pledged that his appointees to the JIA board would have the experience and qualifications needed to manage a public resource as unique and valuable as Jekyll Island State Park. Georgia’s Jewel deserves and must have a JIA board keen on enhancing the quality of the visitor experience and sensitive to balancing development with protection of Jekyll’s wildlife habitats and natural systems, said Rep. Porter.