Republican gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine expressed support for the U.S. 411 Connector project during his visit Thursday to the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce.

Funding is the major hold-up on the estimated $175 million road that would provide a straight shot from Floyd County to Interstate 75 through Bartow County.

“I am going to build that road if I am elected governor,” he said.

The stalled project is just one of several he said would boost economic development in the state as a whole.

Oxendine also said he favors allowing local governments to collect their own sales tax, in response to a question from Rome City Commissioner Evie McNiece. Local officials have long questioned the accuracy of the Georgia Department of Revenue payouts. “It is a top priority with me,” he told McNiece. “The Department of Revenue and Department of Community Health are two of the top agencies I want to do massive reforms on.”

And Oxendine told Berry College President Stephen Briggs that students should be able to use HOPE Scholarships at private colleges if they choose — and to get tuition vouchers in the lower grades.

“I’m saying stop funding schools,” he said. “Don’t fund the Floyd County school system. Fund the students in Floyd County.”

Other Republicans seeking the party’s nomination include Jeff Chapman, Nathan Deal, Karen Handel, Eric Johnson, Ray McBerry and James Austin Scott.

Click here to see a list of other candidates seeking the seat.