The responses to these questions were edited for length and clarity by the Georgia Decides team. Each candidate was allotted 150 words for each answer and some answers were trimmed in order to abide by that length requirement. Other edits were made to make sure readers can fully follow and understand the candidate responses.
Campaigning for: US House Georgia District 5
How does your background equip you for the job you are seeking?
We need a fresh new face in Congress representing Atlanta who understands the problems our city is experiencing and is ready to solve them. I understand how the increase in crime, uncontrollable inflation, and crumbling infrastructure is hindering our way of life in our city. With my leadership, we will restore Atlanta to one of the safest and business friendly metropolitan cities in the country.
What role should government have in the lives of Georgians? How would you apply that philosophy to the job you are seeking?
I believe that the government should have as little role as possible in our daily lives. The more our government grows, the less freedoms we have. I will ensure that the federal government provides a minimum amount of rights to all citizens, not just in Georgia, but throughout the country; however, I will not vote to increase the size of our government beyond its limits. The smaller our government, the better.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what problems will you spend the most time solving and why?
Crime is the number one issue facing Atlanta. The Atlanta Police Department is down approximately 400 police officers, citizens are getting voicemail when calling 911, and police morale is at an all time low. I will sponsor federal legislation to give federal funds directly to the Atlanta Police Department so that more officers can be hired. We must support our police again and get this crime under control.
Georgia is a politically diverse state. How will you work to represent Georgians whose political views differ from your own?
I have many liberal friends and thousands of Democrats will vote for me this election. I have great relationships with people who do not identify as Republican or have ever voted Republican. They know that I am an open minded individual that simply wants to make our community a better place, regardless of political affiliation.
Who has been the biggest influence on how you view state government and politics? What have you learned from this person?
My biggest influence is my father. He’s not very political, but he instilled in me the importance of caring and getting involved in your community. I am continuing to learn from him that how to live your best life for others.
Georgia has a lot to offer current and potential residents, but many parts of the state are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Please explain your proposed approach to address housing affordability through federal legislation and executive actions?
Atlanta has the second highest inflation rate in the entire country for a city, only behind Phoenix, AZ. As a result, the cost of rent and affordable housing in Atlanta has increased beyond our means. Through federal legislation, we must not pass laws that increase the deficit and balloon inflation. The recent student loan forgiveness that was passed will only make housing even more unaffordable because inflation in Atlanta will increase.
Politics is often about compromise. How do you decide when to compromise and take small, incremental wins, and when to refuse compromise?
You must stay firm on your core principles, but also understand that you may have to compromise in order to get something done. The ability to compromise is a lost art in our federal government as both sides would rather dig their heels in than pass the right law for the American people. I will never be afraid to compromise if it is the right thing to do for my constituents in Atlanta and for the American people.
There were politicians who questioned the outcomes of Georgia elections in 2018 and 2020. Do you think Georgia’s elections are secure and will you stand by the results?
We have made progress in securing our elections, but we must continue to secure our election processes. In each election cycle, there are new issues that are discovered. Our state legislature must act to correct these problems after each subsequent election if necessary. I will accept the results.
In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on abortion, state law and local enforcement authority will determine access to abortion. If elected, how will you use your authority in the U.S. House to influence abortion access or enforcement of abortion restrictions?
With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion issues are now decided primarily at the state level.
The U.S. Congress often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what issues merit such consensus?
You must stay firm on your core principles, but also understand that you may have to compromise in order to get something done. The ability to compromise is a lost art in our federal government as both sides would rather dig their heels in than pass the right law for the American people. I will never be afraid to compromise if it is the right thing to do for my constituents in Atlanta and for the American people.