Gov. Nathan Deal says the debate over the image of Confederate generals at Stone Mountain is "not useful."

Last week, the Atlanta City Council passed a resolution, asking the Governor to appoint a committee to study changes to the massive sculpture. Councilman Michael Julian Bond suggested other historical figures should be added to the mountain, such as James Oglethorpe, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, or Jimmy Carter.

Any changes to the monument would require a vote by the General Assembly. But Deal tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that if lawmakers cared as much about improving failing schools "it will erase any of the things that they think the memorials symbolize."

Last month, the Governor asked for a review of a specialty license plate which features the Confederate battle flag, but he stopped short of saying the flag image should be removed.

Tags: Gov. Nathan Deal, Confederate Symbols, Stone Mountain Park