GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- Governor Nathan Deal wanted supporters of tougher immigration laws on the state's new immigration enforcement review board, and he found one in Phil Kent -- one of three Deal appointees to the seven member panel.
"I think he's qualified. He's somebody who supports the statute (HB 87) that he is being asked to be a part of the implementation of," Deal told 11Alive News before tossing the coin at the football game between North Hall High School and Gainesville High School Friday.
Deal has taken some heat for the appointment because of Kent's views on multiculturalism -- which he says are "at war" with what he says are the Judeo-Christian principles that guide the country.
"Phil Kent should resign or he should be removed," said Jerry Gonzalez of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials.
Q: Do you agree with Mr. Kent's views on multiculturalism?
Gov. Deal: I don't know what Mr. Kent's views are on that. And I don't think that has anything to do with any of this."
The panel will review whether local governments are enforcing the state's new immigration law. The Governor says Kent's views on multiculturalism will have no bearing on the board's mission.
Q: Do you agree with Mr. Kent when he says multiculturalism threatens American culture?
Deal: I don't think that's something that I should try to respond to... What he may believe about a lot of unrelated issues, I don't think has anything to do with his qualifications to serve.
Q: You don't think it matters?
A: I don't think his views on other issues that are unrelated to his ability to perform the job that he's been asked to do, I don't think they have any relevance as to whether or not he's qualified.
The governor says critics of Kent's appointment were also critics of the new immigration law -- giving the controversy a whiff of sour grapes.