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: State Senate District 6
How does your background equip you for the job you are seeking?
I am a consensus builder. As a neighborhood leader I worked with people from all walks of life to create a vibrant and safe space for our families to thrive.
What role should government have in the lives of Georgians? How would you apply that philosophy to the job you are seeking?
State legislatures create laws which govern the citizens of that state. I would assess any pending legislation by how it affects citizens, how it impacts business and if it is fair for everyone.
If you are elected (or re-elected), what problems will you spend the most time solving and why?
The state has had to step in to help Atlanta police their streets. It is unfortunate that this is needed, but it is needed. I would support legislation to support law enforcement and first responders so our cities do not become lawless replicas of the west coast.
Georgia is a politically diverse state. How will you work to represent Georgians whose political views differ from your own?
I am a consensus builder. As a neighborhood leader I worked with people from all walks of life to create a vibrant and safe space for our families to thrive. I will apply these principles to my service in the legislature.
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 not a positive experience. It is my opponent. As the head of Atlanta Public Schools he has overseen the dismissal of a competent school superintendent, forced a destructive and lengthy school shut down on our families and failed to earn the trust of the parents of Atlanta’s school children. My opponent and his record of failure influenced me to run for office. I have learned what NOT to do from my opponent.
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 legislation and executive actions?
As a senator I would be unable to enact any executive actions, but I would be able to vote on issues related to local legislation and municipal rights. I believe that affordable housing is an issue which is secondary to preserving our existing neighborhoods and not encouraging further density. Sandy Springs, East Cobb and the Buckhead neighborhoods deserve to enact zoning which will benefit families.
Politics is often about compromise. How do you decide when to compromise and take small, incremental wins, and when to refuse compromise?
I am a consensus builder. As a neighborhood leader I worked with people from all walks of life to create a vibrant and safe space for our families to thrive. I will apply these principles to my service in the legislature.
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?
I will stand by the results of this vote for state senate seat and I will stand by the vote of the good people of Georgia.
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 state Senate to influence abortion access or enforcement of abortion restrictions?
I would not vote for any legislation which did not consider the exception of rape, incest or the life of the mother.
Are there any programs/legislation you’ve sponsored or created to help people with disabilities?
This is my first time running for elected office, but this is an issue of great importance to my family because I have a niece with Down Syndrome. This has shown me the importance of programming for those with disabilities.
Georgia closed out its budget year with a “likely record surplus, billions of dollars in federal aid and a growing economy.” Georgia spends more than half of this money on education and health care. What would you want to see in the budget in terms of spending or taxes?
I would like to see the state budget continue to reflect the values of the taxpayers of this state. The legislature has budgeted pay increases for teachers, law enforcement and first responders. I would support measures such as this and I would vote to responsibly lower taxes.
The Legislature often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what issues merit such consensus?
I would seek support from allies across party lines as much as is practical. I have a history of working with people from all political ideologies as a neighborhood leader and an association president. I would bring this experience to the senate.