Before Nathan Deal was a two-term governor of Georgia, he kept busy building a political career as an assistant district attorney in northeast Georgia, a juvenile court judge in Hall County, a Georgia state senator, and a nine-term U.S. Congressman.
By the time he completed his tenure as governor, Deal had collaborated with then-House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams to revamp the HOPE scholarship program, making it fiscally sound for the future, and invested in the infrastructure and transportation system, notably the Winter Weather Task Force to better prepare the state after Snowmaggedon 2014.
Among his achievements, the art of bipartisan collaboration was a specialty for Deal. Using this skill, he focused on criminal justice reform, which resulted in the creation of education programs in facilities and reentry services that reduced incarceration costs and recidivism.
But, perhaps his most cherished and personal accomplishment was writing his first children’s book, “Veto, The Governor’s Cat.” This book is especially significant as it pays tribute to his late wife, Sandra Deal, a dedicated advocate for childhood literacy.
When Gov. Deal is not enjoying time at home in Northeast Georgia or at the occasional Braves game, he loves listening to some of his favorite musicians, Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton, especially if performed by his daughter, professional singer Katie Deal. Check out Katie’s music and more in Gov. Deal’s Spotify playlist at the end of this interview.
Gov. Deal, so often, political figures use their retirement as an opportunity to write their memoir, but you chose to pen a children’s book. What was your inspiration?
My wife Sandra was the inspiration for the book. She tirelessly advocated for childhood literacy and traveled around Georgia to read to schoolchildren when we were in office. We estimated that she read to over a quarter-of-a-million kids. One day, she told me that she had read all the children’s books and would like me to write her a new one. So, I did.
I found one theme in the book, saying goodbye, particularly emotional. What other key themes and lessons do you hope children will take away from the story?
To not be afraid, to be kind, to make friends with those who may not be like you, to learn to be patient, and to be curious.
As a child of a retired elementary school educator, who also focused on developing her student’s reading skills, I love that your late wife both made literacy and early childhood education a focus during your tenure as governor. Since September is National Literacy Month, can you talk about Sandra and where she drew that inspiration?
Both of her parents were schoolteachers. She was an educator with an undergraduate and master’s degree in education, and she believed that literacy was one of the most important things we could give to our children.
Related to your work transforming Georgia’s criminal justice system, you once spoke on the importance of redemption and rehabilitation. In your book, a character named Dan comes to work at the Governor’s Mansion after having had a rough time in life. Meeting Veto and Bill helped him move along with his healing process. Can you talk about that story and what was significant about adding it to your book?
First, it was a true story. Dan was a convicted felon who worked at the Governor’s Mansion when I was in office. Our cats, Veto and Bill, sensed Dan’s sadness and began to follow him, purring, rubbing against him, and showing him love. They truly helped Dan heal, and the illustration in the book says it all: he used to carry them around on his shoulders just like that. It shows that people can be redeemed and changed, and that love and kindness are essential in making that change.
You accomplished a lot in Georgia with bipartisan support and are currently a member of a coalition of Georgia politicians, including former Gov. Roy Barnes, former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, and former U.S. Senator. Saxby Chambliss focused on improving Georgia’s confidence in the election system. However, as a nation, we are very divided politically. What advice would you offer politicians in Georgia and the nation on bridging the gap and moving the country forward to make us all better?
They must, simply, be willing to listen to each other, compromise, put aside personal grievances and attacks, and focus on what’s best for the people.
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