Deal withholding judgement on ports controversy

GAINESVILLE - Congressman Nathan Deal predicted in Gainesville Thursday that next week will be a "very interesting" one in Washington as Congress plunges head first into an examination of the ports controversy.

Deal told the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors he is withholding judgement, at this point, on whether it would be wise to turn over management of some ports to a Mideast company.

"I am one of those who would like to hear more information, more factual information, rather than the rhetoric that's sort of circulating out there," Deal said. "But the issue is so inflammatory I think it does cause us to have pause the way it stands right now."

Deal did, however, call it a "significant issue."

IRAN

Deal is also withholding judgement on whether to support military action against Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"I wouldn't say that I would not (support military action)," Deal said. "I certainly would not want to say that I would at this point."

The congressman said he thinks it would be premature for him to make a commitment at this time. He added one of the things that the U.S. has going for it right now is being able to generate some kind of uniformity from the international community, "people that we have been (on a) rocky road with the past several years because of the Iraq situation now are, themselves, sort of waking up." He mentioned in specific France and Germany.

"It is much better for us to allow that kind of international pressure to come, with us aiding and abetting in it, than it is to come close to any kind of military intervention," he told his audience.

I-3

Deal said he is not convinced that the proposed I-3 connecting Savannah with Knoxville through the northeast Georgia mountains is the "right direction" to go at this point. He noted that a lot of the talk, until now, has been from those opposed to the road but he said Cong. Charlie Norwood had told him a poll he did at some town hall meetings favored the road.

Several county commissions in north Georgia and North Carolina have passed resolutions opposed to construction of the new Interstate along the proposed corridor. (See separate story.)

Deal said "I am personally...more concerned about the east-west movement of traffic" through the mountains. He mentioned in specific the proposed Appalachian Scenic Highway which would connect the eastern and western sides of his district.

"I think for practical purposes that's a much more reasonable way to deal with it."