- Collection:
- Two-Party Georgia Oral History Collection, 2017-2020
- Title:
- Joe Wilkinson interviewed by Ashton Ellett, 12 November 2019.
- Creator:
- Ellett, Ashton G. (Ashton Gene),1985-
Wilkinson, Joe B. - Date of Original:
- 2019-11-12
- Subject:
- Politics and government
Georgia Politics and government
Georgia
Republican Party (Ga.) - People:
- Wilkinson, Joe B.
- Location:
- United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
- Medium:
- oral histories (literary works)
interviews - Type:
- Moving Image
- Description:
- Wilkinson talks about his family history and growing up in Atlanta. He discusses his early interest in politics and recalls volunteering for Senator Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential campaign and working on U.S. Representative Bo Callaway’s 1966 gubernatorial campaign. Wilkinson talks about his time at the University of Georgia. He describes his work as an intern with Georgia House and Senate Minority Leader’s offices and later as Bo Callaway’s political assistant. Wilkinson reflects on his time working in the White House Press Office during President Gerald Ford’s administration, the Environment Protection Agency, and the Ronald Reagan administration. He talks about his work at the Coca-Cola Company, including the launches of Diet Coke and New Coke. Wilkinson reflects on his time in the Georgia House of Representatives. He describes memorable legislation enacted during his tenure, including the new state flag, mandatory seatbelt laws, protections for the sea turtle, and the incorporation of Sandy Springs. The interview turns to Wilkinson’s analysis of Georgia political history and the evolution of the two major parties. He assesses the two parties’ strengths and weaknesses, the impact of Donald Trump’s 2016 victory, and the closely contested 2018 midterm elections in Georgia. He closes with thoughts on the 2020 election and his work on the Jekyll Island Foundation.
Interviewed by Ashton Ellett.
Joseph B. (Joe) Wilkinson was born September 3, 1946 in Atlanta. Wilkinson is a graduate of North Fulton County High School and the University of Georgia. Wilkinson has held various roles with the Coca-Cola Company. He also worked as a White House staffer during the Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan administrations. Wilkinson, a Republican, won a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives in 2000 where he eventually chaired the House Ethics Committee. Wilkinson retired in 2017. He is currently President of Fun Academy Studios and Chair of the Jekyll Island Authority. Wilkinson is also a retired U.S. Naval Reserves captain and veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He resides in St. Simons Island and Sandy Springs. - Metadata URL:
- http://purl.libs.uga.edu/russell/RBRL425TPGA-087/video
- Language:
- eng
- Additional Rights Information:
- Resources may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.
- Bibliographic Citation (Cite As):
- Two-Party Georgia Oral History Project, TPGA-087, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
- Extent:
- 1 videorecording (ca. 141 min.) : sd., col.
- Original Collection:
- Two-Party Georgia Oral History Collection
- Holding Institution:
- Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
- Rights:
-
