Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle made several stops in town on Monday, in an effort to see what changes are occurring with Georgia’s Technical College system. Cagle also took time to meet with local GOP members.

Cagle introduced himself to students participating in Georgia Northwestern Technical College basic law enforcement class.

“You are seeking a great life,” Cagle said. “You are going to make a difference and be called upon to put your life on the line.”

Cagle was also given a preview of what the new phase three building on GNTC would look like.Cagle urged GNTC faculty and staff to focus on the future.

“We are building a legacy by partnering technical colleges with businesses,” Cagle said. “Georgia is No. 1 in work force development because of these partnerships.”

Cagle cited the success of the new Kia plant in LaGrange as proof that technical colleges are in-fluential in supporting and creating a strong workforce.

“More than 80 percent of the work forces need technical training. And that success of those who attend technical schools, has been remarkable,” he said.

Cagle expressed his belief that while every child who wants to go to college should be able to go to college, not every high school senior should be looking toward four-year institutions.

“We have a strong technical college program in Georgia, and these programs have a very high success rate,” he said.

According to Cagle, the average high school graduate in Georgia makes about $16,000 annually. However, those who hold a degree from a technical college make twice as much.

“I look at this as a huge return on my investment,” he said.

Cagle also took time to meet with and encourage local GOP members.

“We are in a very difficult time, but I think we have a bright future,” Cagle said.

He pointed out that as a nation, the U.S. has lost more than $13 trillion in personal wealth since the beginning of the recession. The lieutenant governor also pointed the $900 million in spending that Gov. Sonny Perdue cut from the state budget.

“I suggested that as much as $1.5 billion be cut,” Cagle said.

While Gov. Perdue has decided to take a percentage of dollars from various state funded programs, Cagle wants to stop shuffling funds, and instead cut what he calls “nonessentials.”

“I believe if we do these things right now, will be more prepared for an economic rebound,” Cagle said.

One of Cagle’s many concerns for Northwest Georgia was a lack of infrastructure leading in and out of the area.

“We have one of the strongest ports in the country. Here in your community we have a thriving automobile gateway. But we need a west connecter and better modes of getting product from manufacturers,” he said. “We need to see Northwest Georgia continue to be prosperous.”

Cagle is currently seeking reelection as lieutenant governor.