STATESBORO, GA -- Michael Coles, candidate for the United States Senate, toured Ogeechee Technical Institute in Statesboro today and called for increased cooperation between local institutes of higher learning and the federal government. Coles toured the institute with Ogeechee Technical Institute’s president, Dr. Steve Draney and Georgia Southern University’s interim president, Dr. Harry Carter. “As some of you may know, I began working when I was eleven years old to help support my family and I never had the opportunity to attend college,” Coles told the audience at Ogeechee. “And while I’ve had great success in my professional and personal life, I recognize and appreciate the competitive edge students need in today’s world to succeed.” Coles said that he believes that education has always been the key to success for most Americans and that he will work tirelessly to improve our public schools from kindergarten, to elementary, from high school to higher education. “We need to raise standards for both students and teachers. And we need to make kindergarten more available and college and technical school education more affordable,” Coles said. “At OTI, you are providing your students and the greater community of Statesboro with the tools needed to compete and succeed. Whether it is a world-class technical education or adult literacy; continuing education for adults or the all new Camp Ogeechee for children OTI is making a difference in your community, in Georgia, and in America.” Coles told the group, “I am running for the United States Senate because I want to work with you and all the people of Georgia to make a difference just like you’re doing here. The values that have guided my life will guide me in the Senate a commitment to family; a rock-solid belief in the value of hard work; and a belief that in America, and especially in Georgia, anything absolutely anything is possible.” Coles’ trip to Statesboro and Ogeechee Technical Institute culminated a day in east Georgia. Coles also made stops in Jekyll Island to speak to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and made a campaign stop in Brunswick to speak to supporters on environmental issues. # # # |
