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 House District 86

How does your background equip you for the job you are seeking?

I have been active in local and state politics for many years and was appointed to the State Board of Education by Gov. Nathan Deal in 2013.

What role should government have in the lives of Georgians? How would you apply that philosophy to the job you are seeking?

Government’s role should be limited to providing for the safety and security of its citizens. That philosophy will be applied by not burdening Georgians with excessive legislation.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what problems will you spend the most time solving and why?

I want to increase the percentage of children who can read by third grade and have math fluency by fifth grade. A quality education will give children greater opportunities for success in college, career, or military service.
I want to increase funding for public safety to provide additional training for officers to ensure greater security for citizens across the state.

Georgia is a politically diverse state. How will you work to represent Georgians whose political views differ from your own?

A lot of differences can be resolved through communication and listening to differing views. I will work to find common ground on issues that will benefit most Georgians.

Who has been the biggest influence on how you view state government and politics? What have you learned from this person?

Gov. Nathan Deal has been the biggest influence on how I view state government. He showed me how important it is to work with both sides of the isle. I will be able to make better decisions by listening to opposing views and considering the impact on most Georgians.

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?

Affordable housing is a federal problem. In Georgia, we need to make sure our state continues to be the number one state to do business. Through continued economic growth, we can attract high paying jobs for residents to offset the rising cost of living.

Politics is often about compromise. How do you decide when to compromise and take small, incremental wins, and when to refuse compromise?

Politics is about representing my constituency. I plan to listen to their needs and do what is best for all Georgians.

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 believe Georgia elections are more secure with the passage of Senate Bill 202. This bill helps restore confidence in our election process and will give us more reliable results.

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on abortion, state law and local enforcement authority will determine access to abortion.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case gave authority to the states regarding abortion access. House Bill 481 is settled law in Georgia.

Are there any programs/legislation you’ve sponsored or created to help people with disabilities?

No

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 a decrease in state taxes allowing hardworking Georgians to keep more of the money they earn.

The Legislature often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what issues merit such consensus?

I would seek bipartisan action concerning education and veteran issues. A quality education prepares our children to be Georgia’s future leaders. We need to make sure resources are available to improve educational outcomes.
Veterans have sacrificed and fought for our freedom and rights. They deserve honor and support through veteran services.