VOTER GUIDE General Election
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
Cobb County School Board-Post 5 Page 1 Cobb County Commission-District 2 Page 2 Cobb County Board of Commissioners – Chair Page 3 Cobb 2022 SPLOST Renewal Page 4 + 5 State Senate-District 6 Page 6 State Senate-District 32 Page 7 State House Representative-HD 37 Page 8 State House Representative-HD 43 Page 9 State House Representative-HD 44 Page 10 State House Representative-HD 45 Page 11 Georgia Referendum Page 12 Georgia Ammendment 1 + 2 Page 13
VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR COBB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD – POST 5 DAVID BANKS (R)-Incumbent
JULIA HURTADO (D)
davidbanksforschools.com
www.juliaforcobb.com
AGE: 80 CITY, STATE BORN: Atlanta, Georgia EDUCATION: BBA (68) Georgia State University, MBA (71) Georgia State University OCCUPATION: Retired FAMILY: Kay (wife) - Children: Victoria Kay Banks. Jason David Banks, James Christian Banks, Rebecca Emilie Banks (deceased) HOBBIES: Gardening, model airplanes CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Cobb County Republican Party, National Rifle Assoc., Georgia School Board Association. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 51 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Cobb County School Board 2008, Cobb County School Board 2012, Cobb County School Board 2016 PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The School Board’s legal obligation is to govern, set Policy, develop a Budget, and hire the Superintendent. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. Having been an active member of the Cobb County Republican Party since 1992, I have had the opportunity to hold the Office of Membership Chairman and have worked for several candidates during their campaigns over the years. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Democrats are trying to make race a primary issue when it has never been in the past and the issue does not exist in our school system. The objectives of the Democrats is to make the Cobb County school system a mirror image of the Atlanta and DeKalb system. This will be detrimental to the high standards that exist in Cobb County. I will continue to reject the Democrats effort to cause division and their effort to manufacture race as an issue. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? President Donald J. Trump. Promises made, promises kept. Best economy ever experienced, lowest unemployment rate for all ethnicity groups, a strong military and veteran support, no new wars, a path to peace, and stands up to China on trade policy. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Caring about our county, our students in our school system, and the quality of life we experience each day.
AGE: 35 CITY, STATE BORN: Born in Arlington, Virginia, grew up in South Florida, moved to the Atlanta area in 2007. My husband and I have lived in our East Cobb home for nearly a decade. EDUCATION: I graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 2007 with a Bachelors in Health Science. Throughout college, I was active in several health science organizations and served on leadership council for my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. I went on to earn my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Emory University in 2010 where I served as class president for all nine semesters of the program. I obtained my Board Specialty Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2014…while I was on maternity leave! OCCUPATION: I’m a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and I practice at the Shepherd Center’s Complex Concussion Clinic, primarily treating adolescent student athletes. FAMILY: My husband, David Hurtado, is a local attorney practicing in worker’s compensation. We’ve been married for nine years, and have a daughter, Ellie, who is in first grade at Sedalia Park Elementary. We have a black lab mix named Chidi. HOBBIES: Training for triathlons, reading, journaling, and playing outside with my family. CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: I’m a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia, the Anti-Defamation League, and several local PTAs. I have volunteered with Moms Demand Action and You Lucky Dog Rescue. I lead my daughter’s Girl Scouts troop, and I volunteer within her school. My family also belongs to The Temple, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Midtown. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? We’ve lived in our current home for nine years. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The Board of Educations’ job is to assist Cobb county schools in producing functioning members of our community through public education. The Board is comprised of seven publicly elected members who hire and evaluate the Superintendent and vote on issues like budget and policy. School Board Members are also responsible for communicating and advocating for the needs of the community, including teachers, families, and other stakeholders, to the district. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As a neurologic physical therapist who treats student-athletes with concussion, it’s literally my job to advocate for kids. My doctorate-level education covered topics ranging from neurocognitive development to behavioral health among adolescents and in the workplace, as well as public health and health literacy. This uniquely positions me to tackle tough issues like scarce school counseling services, inadequate special education resources, and of course pandemic action and preparedness. I understand how to break down a problem and find functional, practical solutions, and I’m experienced in working in a team setting to get things done. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Our biggest issues right now are equity and transparency. Many of our current policies treat students similarly regardless of their identities or how they learn, and end up failing or overly punishing students who don’t fit into these false norms. Every student has different needs and requires different resources. Kids who are falling behind because they’re experiencing hate anywhere along the spectrum from bullying to racism deserve both investigation and solution. But we also need to be able to have conversations about these tough issues. We can’t solve problems without discussion, and the community should be included in the dialogue. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My daughter. Kids are so resilient, and she is relentlessly kind. She has known exactly who she is since day one and teaches me every day how to trust myself and do the right thing. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Joyful, Persistent, Helpful
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Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR COBB COUNTY COMMISSION – DISTRICT 2 FITZ JOHNSON (R)
JERICA RICHARDSON (D)
www.friendsforfitz.com
www.jericaforcobb.com
AGE: 56
AGE: 31
CITY, STATE BORN: Wiesbaden, Germany (military base)
CITY, STATE BORN: New Orleans, Louisiana
EDUCATION: B.S., The Citadel Military College of South Carolina; M.S., Troy University; Juris Doctorate, University of Kentucky College of Law OCCUPATION: Retired U.S. Army; Business Owner and Entrepreneur FAMILY: Wife, Suzann Wilcox; 4 adult children; 4 grandchildren HOBBIES: Coaching, Reading, and Golf ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Wellstar Health System Board of Trustees; Kennesaw State Foundation Board of Trustees Emeritus; University of Kentucky College of Law Visiting Committee; Kentucky Bar Association; Volunteer Assistant Coach, Men’s Soccer, Life University; Board of Directors, Cobb Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Cobb Alumni Association; Cobb County Republican Party; Cobb Republican Women’s Club; Executive Director, Cumberland Community Church HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 22 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? No PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & IT’S IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The role of a Commissioner is to represent the people of their district on a county level. A County Commissioner has a direct impact on taxation, roads, public safety, planning and zoning, along with many other issues that impact a citizen’s daily life. As Commissioner, I will listen to and represent the people of East Cobb, and give voice to the issues that matter most to District 2. Maintaining our high quality of life and keeping taxes low will be priorities of mine. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I served as an honorable and dedicated U.S. Army Officer for over 21 years. Since then, I have been a volunteer in Cobb for over 22 years, and have been an entrepreneur and job creator for over 25 years. My past experiences uniquely qualify me for this position as I have led, directed, and managed many businesses and organizations. If elected, I plan to fulfill my obligations faithfully, fairly, with fiscal responsibility and integrity. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? The most important issue facing Cobb County is recovery from COVID-19. Every person and business in Cobb County has been impacted by the virus in the past 6 months, and a public servant must work to make sure our citizens and businesses thrive. Cobb County is an incredible place to live, work and play and I want to serve as your Commissioner to make sure that we can come out of this crisis with that statement remaining true. We are going to have tough decisions on the budget, but I will keep taxes low and fund public safety while keeping the budget balanced. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My God, because He is my guiding light. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Faithful, Principled, Compassionate
EDUCATION: Biomedical Engineering Georgia Institute of Technology OCCUPATION: Alliance Operations and Strategic Program Manager of Technology and Co-founder of HackOut Ninja FAMILY: Valerie and Willie Richardson (parents), Rico (brother), Galen (brother) HOBBIES: Bowling, Painting, Singing, Playing basketball, Writing poetry, Reading CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Cobb County School Board F&T Citizens Oversight Committee, National Society of Leadership and Success Advisory Board (Morehouse University), Equifax Global Mentorship for Women Leader, Young Democrats of Cobb County, MentorJackets, TechBridge, Association of Technology Professionals, GT Alumni Association, Cobb County Democrats, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement Discovery Center, Atlanta Tech Village, Product Hunt Atlanta, Women in Technology, Technology Association of Georgia, Latinos in Information Sciences and Technology Association (LISTA) HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 15 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: A Cobb County Commissioner is responsible for serving as a representative for citizens, conducting work sessions, planning community outreach events, appointing the county manager, voting on tax and budgetary measures, gaining community input on the county’s budget, approving the budget, and appointing members to boards. The ways in which these responsibilities are executed impact East Cobb’s land use, housing, human services, disaster resilience, urban design, natural/historic resources, economic development, public safety/facilities, transportation, and intergovernmental coordination. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I am a local business owner and an appointee to our local Education SPLOST community oversight committee. I know how county budgets are projected, assessed and refined. I also know how bureaucracy interferes and the millions lost on lack of coordination. As an engineer at Equifax, I orient global teams and initiatives. I lead the company’s global mentorship program for women equality in technology and work with elected officials at every level of government. Because of my unique and varied background in engineering, policy, and business, I am able to think systemically, collaborate, and create solutions that are innovative. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? The primary issue facing our community is COVID-19 recovery. Small business owners and employees are struggling to make ends meet, parents have transformed their houses into classrooms, and our most vulnerable are at risk. Our community is in trouble because of incompetent planning and coordination. My goal on day one is to be ready to lead. My plan includes: 1. One Cobb, One Message; 2. Viral Outbreak Prevention Incentive; 3. Continued Employment, Economic, and Small Business Relief; 4. Comprehensive Transparency and Oversight; and 5. Cross-county Collaboration Besides COVID-19, we have other areas of concern to address such as Sterigenics, East Cobb cityhood, public safety, and transportation. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My grandfather understood sacrifice. He was a trailblazer, becoming assistant superintendent and opening the only local grocery store in segregated Louisiana. He later developed dementia, and could barely remember me, but remembered I was a graduate of Georgia Tech. He sang the fight song and shared he was stationed at a radio switchyard in Germany during WWII. All of the men in his crew were Georgia Tech graduates-- and they were the finest group of men he had ever met. I would not be in the position I am in today if not for his sacrifices. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Proactive, Passionate, Practical
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Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR CHAIR COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MICHAEL BOYCE (R)-Incumbent
LISA CUPID (D)
www.likemike4cobb.com
www.cupidforcobb.com
AGE: 71
AGE: 43
CITY, STATE BORN: Brawley, CA
CITY, STATE BORN: Manhattan, NY
EDUCATION: BA University of Notre Dame; MA Pepperdine University; Naval War College
EDUCATION: Georgia Tech, BS Mechanical Engineering; Georgia State, BA English, Masters of Public Administration, Juris Doctor
OCCUPATION: U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) FAMILY: Spouse Judy, Daughter, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren with 5th due in October HOBBIES: Reading, Traveling CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: American Legion, Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mt Bethel UMC Veterans HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? Almost 20 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Chairman is my first elected office and I am in my 4th year PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The Chairman’s primary responsibilities are to conduct meetings of the Board of Commissioners and to develop the County budget. The primary impact on East Cobb are two-fold. One is to ensure that its commissioner has the opportunity and resources to represent the constituents of East Cobb during all actions of the Board. Secondly, the County budget supports the quality of life in the area with particular emphases on public safety, transportation infrastructure, a responsive water system, and ensuring all quality of life amenities are staffed and supported. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. My 30-year career as a Marine Officer provided me with the leadership and management training and command experiences to make decisions large and small and to build teamwork. All of these have been brought to bear as I focus on unifying the county to address the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with the consequences of it. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Once we overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important issue confronting the county is addressing the transit and transportation problems resulting from a growing population. The Atlanta Regional Commission has forecast that the County will have one million residents by 2050. We need to start thinking in those terms and take the necessary measures that reflect this coming reality. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My wife, Judy. She wakes up every day with a positive attitude that reflects her faith walk. She’s amazing. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Decisive, Experienced, Saved
OCCUPATION: Attorney (Non-practicing) FAMILY: Husband, Craig, Fellow Tech Grad and Intellectual Property Attorney; Sons, Noah and Nehemiah, 10 and 11, respectively HOBBIES: Reading, Running, Anagram Games CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Georgia First Amendment Foundation, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Church Small Group, Cobb Chamber, Leadership Cobb Alum HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 2 years in East Cobb, 18 years Cobb HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Cobb County Commissioner, 8 years PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The Chair presents the budget for county operations, facilitates county meetings and helps set policy with other commissioners by helping to lead consideration of policy initiatives, thus setting the tone of the county. The Chair is also in a unique position to create strategic partnerships to help move the county forward. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As Commissioner: • Helped improve median home values and community collaboration with developers • Helped businesses overcome permitting and zoning challenges; Advocated for home-based businesses and women-, minorityand veteran-owned businesses • Started Cobb 101 and Zoning 101, hold annual HOA training and monthly zoning meetings with residents, • Successfully proposed Public Safety Nuisance Ordinance, County blight tax, and anti-tethering policy • Helped improve community policing and expand license plate reader use Relevant work Experience: • I supported the director of the Regional Business Coalition in bringing business and civic leaders together to address issues in transportation, land use and water • As state policy analyst I helped assess issues in education and incarceration • I helped develop affordable housing with nonprofit • As engineer, I led teams in setting department benchmarks WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Toughest issue is ensuring all are a part of Cobb’s success and that our success is sustainable. How? First, integrate efforts of Public Health and community partners to strategically address COVID-19. Update our county code, future land use map, and development standards. Prioritize health, safety, and welfare in land use decisions; Address impact of policies and services through equity lens Standardize policies of how we conduct business in the county and respond to requests for services. Develop economic, community and workforce development plans at county and neighborhood level. Better engage and include our county partners. Improve transit options and walkability. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? Anyone who overcomes the odds with courage, determination and principle, especially to help others. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Principled, Analytical, People-Oriented
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Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
COBB 2022 SPLOST RENEWAL OVERVIEW
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obb County residents will be asked November 3 to renew the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for another six years. The current SPLOST, which has built regional libraries, major transportation projects, and upgraded Cobb County parks and buildings, will expire in December of 2021.The SPLOST has been a fixture in Cobb County for decades, helping the county and its cities upgrade its infrastructure without putting more burden on property taxes. If voters approve the extension, the focus will be maintaining that infrastructure, while also building a new animal shelter, upgrade public safety facilities, and continuing needed improvements to park facilities. The SPLOST Renewal Program has been developed to address the immediate public safety, transportation, public services (parks, libraries, and senior centers) and support services (facilities and technology) needs that affect the future of Cobb County. If approved by Cobb County voters in November 2020, SPLOST sales tax collection for this program will begin on January 1, 2022 and end on December 31, 2027. The Cobb 2022 SPLOST Renewal Program of projects includes “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” categories. Tier 2 projects will be implemented only if SPLOST revenues exceed projections and tax proceeds are available after the funding of all of the Tier 1 projects at their estimated costs. Projected SPLOST Collection over 6 Years: $ 750,000,000 Tier 1 Projects Estimated Costs 1 Countywide Projects
$ 46,000,000.00
2 Sheriff’s Office
$ 4,000,000.00
3 Community Impact Projects
$ 32,000,000.00
4 Public Safety
$ 82,000,000.00
5 Transportation
$ 329,867,821.87
6 Public Services (Libraries, Parks & Community Centers)
$ 27,850,000.00
7 Support Services (Information Services & Property Management)
$ 27,150,000.00
8 City SPLOST Allocation
$ 183,132,178.13
9 Joint Project Allocations with Cities – $ 3M per city
$ 18,000,000.00
Tier 2 Projects Estimated Costs 10 Additional County Projects
$ 44,038,172.13
Click HERE to view the project list approved by the Board of Commissioners.
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VOTER GUIDE
VOTE YES ON THE SPLOST
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By Mitch Rhoden, Chairman, Citizens for Cobb SPLOST Renewal, Inc.
his November, Cobb residents will be asked to vote to renew the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for another six years. This is not a new tax, but a continuation of the current SPLOST, which has built libraries, upgraded our parks and government buildings, and funded major transportation projects. In Cobb County, we are fortunate to have one of the lowest sales tax rates in Georgia (6 percent). Cobb is also one of only three counties in Georgia with a sales tax rate below 7 percent. Our county government has kept expenditures tight while maintaining the lowest millage rate and lowest property tax rate in Metro-Atlanta. By voting YES to renew the SPLOST, we can keep our property taxes low and make even more improvements to Cobb County. There are several exciting SPLOST projects in this renewal, in addition to necessary road resurfacing. These include a new animal shelter, public safety facility upgrades, and park improvements. The project list for this SPLOST was approved by the Board of Commissioners on May 26, 2020. Projects Include: $330M in Transportation Improvements $86M for Public Safety $201M for City Improvement Projects $133M for Community Impact Projects such as Parks, Libraries, Community Centers and Green Space Preservation The SPLOST project list is located on the County’s SPLOST website: www.cobbsplost2020.org Paying for these projects through SPLOST saves Cobb County taxpayers money. At least 20% of the SPLOST is paid for by people who are visiting Cobb. If the SPLOST does not pass, we could face a millage rate increase of up to 3.5% to replace these funds. On November 3rd, we are asking for you to vote YES to the Cobb SPLOST Renewal because we believe these projects are critical, and we believe in keeping our taxes low. I hope you will join me in voting YES.
GET MORE OUT OF EAST COBB! Visit eastcobber.com
VOTE NO ON THE SPLOST
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By Lance Lamberton, Chair, Cobb Taxpayers Association
n addition to the Presidential, local and federal races on the ballot this November 3rd, there will be a vote on whether Cobb County should extend its Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or SPLOST for another six years, beginning in 2022 and running until 2028. Given the history of how previous SPLOSTs have been managed by the County, there are good reasons to oppose this one. First and foremost, this SPLOST is too long in duration, extending, well beyond the time frame where we can reasonably determine what the County’s needs will be. With the rapid advance of technology there is a strong likelihood that the County will be committing to spend money on projects which will be obsolete eight years from now. Another inherent problem with the SPLOST is that it requires a full one percent sales tax levy, thereby leading the County to spend as much as half of the revenues on projects of questionable value. A better approach would be to have a two-year SPLOST to spend on truly needed projects and then go for two years without a SPLOST. This process would force upon the County a level of fiscal discipline which is sorely lacking. We also need to look at the track record of the County in administering past SPLOSTs. In the enabling legislation which allowed counties by offer SPLOST referendums was a requirement that any funds earmarked for projects not completed within five years from the expiration of a SPLOST should be deemed excess funds and a separate referendum should be placed on the ballot allowing that that money be applied to reduce property taxes. Both the 2005 and 2011 SPLOSTs are replete with projects that meet that criteria, but which have been blissfully ignored by the County. But the most damning aspect of any SPLOST in Cobb County is the existence of Tier II projects. These are lower tier projects that will be funded if revenues to pay for Tier I exceed projections, thereby guaranteeing a continuation of SPLOST even after the needs for Tier I have been met. This is the very definition of a slush fund. If a project does not meet the criteria to be on Tier I than they simply should not exist. Indeed, there is no provision in state law to allow for Tier II in the first place. In this SPLOST there is over $12 million for specific Tier II projects and a full $18 million, or $3 million in unspecified expenditures for each city in the County. Given this lack of transparency and the County’s record of not fully complying with state law, this SPLOST has not earned your support, and deserves defeat. That would send a clear message to the County that they must refund excess funds and do away with the Tier II slush fund if they hope to pass any future SPLOST referendums.
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 6 JEN JORDAN (R)
HARRISON LANCE (D)
www.jen4ga.com
www.LanceForGA.com
AGE: 45
AGE: 26
CITY, STATE BORN: Camp Lejeune, NC
CITY, STATE BORN: Atlanta, GA EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in American Leadership from one of our nations 6 Senior Military Colleges
EDUCATION: BS, Georgia Southern; JD, University of Georgia School of Law OCCUPATION: Attorney FAMILY: Husband, Lawton; Son, Lawton, age 15; Daughter, Cokie, 11.
OCCUPATION: Financial Advisor FAMILY: N/A
HOBBIES: Watching British murder mysteries and cooking. CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: I am a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2008 and the past-President of the University of Georgia’s Law School Association Council. I am also a Master with the Joseph Henry Lumpkin American Inn of Court and serve on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? I live in Sandy Springs. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Yes, I was elected to this seat in 2017. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: A state senator must evaluate proposed laws to determine if they are in the best interest of the district and in the best interest of the state. In that same vein, a state senator proposes laws to address problems that her constituents might be having locally. But the decisions that have the biggest impact on the local community are those associated with the funding priorities reflected in the state budget. The General Assembly must pass a balanced budget each year, and that budget determines funding for our public schools, transportation, and a myriad of other programs in our community. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. Advocating and fighting for everyday Georgians has been my life’s work. As an attorney for almost 20 years, I have represented individuals who needed help solving a problem or who were in trouble. I have approached my role as a state senator in much the same way I approach my role as an attorney. I am here to represent my constituents, to help them solve problems, and to fight for them when necessary. My legal training and experience make me uniquely qualified to represent a district that is so diverse and dynamic. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? COVID-19 has changed everything. Right now, we need to stop the virus from spreading and to get back to some semblance of normal by balancing economic interests with the health of our community. Long term, the focus must be on ensuring that Georgians have access to affordable, quality healthcare. This crisis has magnified the weaknesses of our current system and shown us how lack of access to basic care can have catastrophic consequences for people. There is no silver bullet, but to start, I would fully expand Medicaid. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, there were approximately 500,000 Georgians who were uninsured. That number will grow in the coming months. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? I really admire my two law partners. They are great at what they do, have been good friends to me, and are even better mothers. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Serious, Determined, Empathetic
HOBBIES: Golf, Reading on WW2, Jeopardy, Skeet-shooting CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Member of Hospitality Business Networking Foundation Board (fundraising for the Shepherd Center Military SHARE Initiative), parishioner and volunteer at the Cathedral of St. Philip, alumni mentor for UNG Corps of Cadets, Georgia Steeplechase Advisory Board HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The duty of this office is to fight for citizens at the State Legislature and to take the initiative on solving the many issues that face East Cobb and the State as a whole, including reducing crime, investing our infrastructure, stopping human trafficking, and eliminating government waste. East Cobb is an incredible place, with fantastic families, business climate, school systems, and tax codes that allow citizens to “age in place”, give our children advantages through stellar schooling, and a great environment to begin their lives. We must fight to protect what East Cobb has achieved through sound, fiscally responsible government and advance these causes further. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As a graduate of one of our Nation’s 6 Senior Military Colleges, I was instilled with discipline, taught the value of honor, and experienced first-hand what a powerful force a fierce love of this country is. Now, I have my own small financial practice. I speak daily with small business owners, business executives, military members, and families about their fears, goals, and dreams. I believe this experience and my background allow me to deliver real solutions for this district. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? My platform focuses on four main points: reducing crime, investing in our infrastructure, stopping human trafficking, and eliminating government waste. I believe the most pressing issue of the day is our soaring crime rates. We must do a better job supporting our law enforcement so they can protect our families and neighborhoods. If I was in the State Senate, I would have voted for House Bill 838, my opponent did not. This bill punishes those who commit crimes against police officers. We must elect men and women who will stand up for law enforcement! WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My grandfather, Bert Lance, who served in President Carter’s administration as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. He led the fight for “zero-based budgeting” as a way to incentivize the elimination of government waste at the Federal level. We have a quasi-form of a similar practice here in GA, but it needs to be bolstered and enforced so every tax dollar is spent efficiently and effectively. We are simply stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, and we should always remember that. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Tenacious, Loyal, Problem-Solver
GENERAL ELECTION
NOVEMBER, 3RD
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Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE SENATE DISTRICT 32 KAY KIRKPATRICK, MD (R)
CHRISTINE TRIEBSCH (D)
senatorkaykirkpatrick.com
ChristineForGA.com
AGE: 66
AGE: 58
CITY, STATE BORN: Birmingham, AL
CITY, STATE BORN: Kearney, NE
EDUCATION: MD from University of Louisville. BS in Biology from University of Kentucky
EDUCATION: J.D., John Marshall Law School (Atlanta) (1995)
OCCUPATION: Orthopaedic hand surgeon (retired) and State Senator FAMILY: Married to Dr. Tom Haltom. 2 kids age 28, 27 HOBBIES: Golf, Gardening, Art, Reading, Watching Sports CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: East Cobb Rotary, East Cobb United Methodist Church, McCleskey East Cobb YMCA, Medical Association of Georgia (Medical Reserve Corps) Georgia Orthopaedic Society, Happy Tails Pet Therapy Team Leader(retired) HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 34 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Georgia State Senate, 2017. Re-elected 2018-present. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: I represent the district during the legislative session and work on behalf of constituents throughout the year helping them navigate our state government. During the session we pass legislation and a state budget. This past session I was able to pass 6 bills, including the “Save Our Sandwiches” bill on behalf of MUST Ministries and other nonprofits. Decisions made at the state level can greatly impact the quality of life of all the citizens of Georgia including East Cobb. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I have a long history of leadership in my surgical career and my orthopaedic specialty, a male-dominated field. I served as President of Resurgens Orthopaedics for 12 years, President of the Georgia Orthopaedic Society and Council Member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. As a physician leader I learned a lot about communication with a broad range of people to solve problems and complete projects. This experience has served me well in working across the aisle to get legislation passed for the good of our district and the state. During my few years in the Senate I have been rated with the 2nd highest batting average in the Senate for effectiveness. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused challenges across all sectors, including healthcare and our economy, especially small businesses. Good management of these challenges will come into play in our next legislative session and some of the temporary changes made during the pandemic will need to become law. Some of our most vulnerable people have been devastated, especially those with mental health issues, addiction, special needs and those in abusive domestic situations. I will continue to fight for programs to help in these areas. My healthcare background is very helpful in navigating these difficult issues. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My dad, who just passed away recently, was my personal hero. He never met a stranger, and his “can do” attitude was infectious. He never gave up in the face of adversity and valued faith, family, and our country. He was a man of action and passed along a great legacy to me and many others. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Determined, Energetic, Optimistic
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OCCUPATION: Family Law Trial Attorney in both Superior and Juvenile Courts in Cobb and surrounding metro counties. Business owner, Christine A. Triebsch, P.C. FAMILY: Kevin and I have been married for 27 years. He is in his 25th year teaching with the Cobb County School District. Ethan, our son, is a senior majoring in Journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Stella, our daughter, is a senior at Pope High School. Jeanie is our rescue lab mix. HOBBIES: I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I dusted off my sewing machine and have made a number of masks for family and friends. CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: St. James Episcopal Church, State Bar of Georgia, Cobb County Bar Association, East Cobb Rotary HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? I have lived in Cobb County for 23 years and East Cobb for 12 years. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): I have not been elected to public office, yet! I am hopeful the voters will agree with me that new leadership is needed in the state of Georgia and in Senate District 32. The area has been represented by a Republican Senator for over 20 years. It is time for a compassionate, common sense, moderate Democrat to represent State Senate District 32. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: As a State Senator, I will represent, to the best of my ability, the best interests of all of the people in District 32, knowing that the laws that are passed will not only affect the residents in District 32 but also the entire state. The current pandemic has had the greatest impact on both public education and healthcare in East Cobb and the state. I will support the full funding of public education and support quality, affordable healthcare to all Georgians which includes expanding Medicaid. I did not and will not support East Cobb Cityhood. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I have been practicing law for over 25 years. My extensive legal background gives me an edge as the next State Senator. I work daily with individuals and families in crisis and conflict. I help them navigate their contested legal issues. Conflict resolution is critical in my practice area as well as in the State Senate. Electing a woman, who is a practicing family law trial attorney, and one who understands compromise and common sense, would benefit District 32 and the state of Georgia. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? First, I support fully funding public schools. I oppose private school vouchers. Vouchers syphon funds from public schools into private schools. Quality public education is critical and will benefit our community. (SB173: the Republican incumbent voted FOR private school vouchers. The FY 2021 Budget: During this pandemic, the Republican incumbent voted to cut public education funding by $950 million. HB 444, now a law: the Republican incumbent voted to reduce Dual Enrollment program benefits.) Second, Medicaid must be expanded! I support access to quality, affordable healthcare while protecting preexisting conditions. Third, let’s fix gerrymandered districts with a non-partisan, independent committee. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My Mom - always! She was a single parent, worked a full-time job, and raised five children. Now that I am older, I can appreciate her strength and courage. She is my hero. And I admire my awesome husband/groom Kevin. He is brilliant with a great head of hair and he always, always makes me laugh. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Compassionate, Motivated, Thrifty.
Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE HD 37 ROSE LEE WING (R)
MARY FRANCES WILLIAMS (D)
rosewingforgeorgia.com
maryfranceswilliams.com
AGE: 63
AGE: 65
CITY, STATE BORN: Marietta, GA
CITY, STATE BORN: Marietta, Georgia
EDUCATION: Maryville College, BA History; Woodrow Wilson JD
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s of Arts from Earlham College and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Georgia
OCCUPATION: Attorney FAMILY: Single HOBBIES: Traveling and Reading CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: First Presbyterian Church, Elder; Kiwanis, Past President of Metro - Marietta, Past Lt. Governor (Division 15); Board of Cobb County Safety Village; Cobb Landmarks, Past Chair; Cobb Preservation Commission, Vice Chair; Marietta School Foundation, Past President; Georgia Bar Association; Cobb County Republican Women’s Club, Past President ; Georgia Federation of Republican Women, Past President; Cobb GOP, Past Chair; Leadership Cobb; Republican Leadership Georgia; Academy of Women of Achievement; Board of Barbara Hickey Foundation, Constitution Day HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? I have lived in Cobb County/City of Marietta all my life HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No, I have never run for public office PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: A State Representative is our voice in Atlanta. We need strong leadership who will represent our Cobb County values and make sure that we have an advocate under the Gold Dome. East Cobb and the City of Marietta have long benefited from conservative leadership, such as Johnny Isakson and Sam Olens, and I look forward to being the continuation of that legacy and making sure that we have the best schools, public safety, and workforce in the state and country. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I have been involved in this community my entire life and I know our values. Being so involved has helped me keep a pulse on the needs of my neighbors. I was an Assistant DA and worked as a prosecutor for over 20 years keeping our community safe. My mother was an educator. I have been a lawyer, and I will prioritize public safety and strong public education in the State House. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? It is clear after COVID-19 that Cobb County and the State of Georgia must fight to maintain the economic strengths we had prior to the pandemic while providing health and safety for our communities. This requires leadership: when you have a strong community, you have better schools, and employers have a better environment to create jobs for a highly-qualified workforce. We must make sure our economy comes back stronger than ever. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? Professionally, Justice Harris Hines. His legal skills and his way of working with people and application of strong values in the Courtroom. He treated everyone with courteous, dignity and respect. Politically, Senator Johnny Isakson. I admired the way he worked across the aisle while maintaining his conservative principles. He put our community, state, and nation first. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Intuitive, Caring, Proactive
OCCUPATION: Prior to being elected in 2018, I spent 34 years as a public policy advocate for nonprofits serving women, children, and families. FAMILY: I have two sons, Nick and Ben, and two grandchildren, twins Cooper and Madison. CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: I’m a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta, a lifetime NAACP Cobb County chapter member and am a sustainer with the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta. In addition, I was a founder of Georgians for Children advocacy organization, laying the groundwork for current Voices for Georgia’s Children. I also helped create Georgia CURB (Coalition United for a Responsible Budget), which was the forerunner of The Georgia Budget and Public Policy Institute. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? I was born and raised in Marietta. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): I was elected to represent the 37th district in the Georgia House of Representatives in 2018. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: I first ran for office because I have seen first-hand how the people who are most affected by legislation are left out of the lawmaking process. I was tired of watching as leadership refused to even discuss or hold hearings on issues that affect all of us. Since my election, I have worked to provide my constituents with a representative that fights for the needs of people throughout Cobb County. I’ve being standing up for Georgia’s families and have pushed for expanding access to healthcare, worked to pass hate crimes legislation, worked against laws and policies that promote vote suppression (including language that would have prohibited any local government or entity from mailing out absentee ballot applications- which we defeated), and fought to ensure that the public is told when there are ethylene oxide leaks or spills and to discourage other states from shipping their coal ash waste to Georgia landfills. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As an advocate, I helped restore millions of dollars to state school nutrition programs and successfully fought for passage of the Family Care Act, which allows Georgians to use sick leave to care for ailing family members. I was working at the Capitol on behalf of families during the 2008 recession and remember the draconian cuts that are still adversely impacting the health, education, and economy of our families today. We cannot repeat the mistakes made then, and as your representative, I will fight for our families and help move us to a thriving economy and a healthy future. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? This year, I am, if possible, even more motivated to keep this seat in light of the disastrous handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by our state leadership and their response to recent civil justice uprisings. While there seems to be no interest in actually saving our lives or our livelihoods from state leadership at the top, concerned Georgians are more engaged and willing to address systemic racism in our state and country. I will continue to stand up and fight for the health, safety and security of all Georgians. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? We recently lost two of my heroes: Congressman John Lewis and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. True public servants who began humbly speaking truth to power, and after gaining a seat of the table, they never gave up fighting for equality and justice for all under the law. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Persistent, Compassionate, Optimistic
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE HD 43 SHARON COOPER (R)
LUISA WAKEMAN (D)
sharoncooper.org
www.electluisa.com
CITY, STATE BORN: Houston, TX
AGE: 54
EDUCATION: BSN and MSN in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia; MS in Child Development from the University of Tennessee; and MA in Education from the University of South Florida
CITY, STATE BORN: Sabadell, Spain EDUCATION: BA Economics U. Texas Austin, BS Nursing Kennesaw State University OCCUPATION: Flight Attendant, Registered Nurse
OCCUPATION: RN, Former Nursing Professor, Author and Small Business Owner
FAMILY: Husband Jon, kids Amaya & Lucas HOBBIES: gardening, cooking, travel
FAMILY: Widow, (James T. Cooper, MD, MPH)
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Cobb Democratic Women, Sierra Club
HOBBIES: Reading, Visiting our North GA Mountains and US National Parks, Walking
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 25+ years
CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: East Cobb Business Assoc., Historic Oakland Foundation, Georgia Museum of Arts
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 40 years
PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: Representing our District at the State Capitol to me is about putting people over politics, prioritizing our public schools and making sure that our community is protected by inclusive laws.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Yes, State Representative; 1997 PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: Our States Constitution mandates only one job for members of The General Assembly. Starting on the 2nd Monday in January each year, members must meet and pass a balanced State budget for the coming Fiscal year which begins on July 1. However, the major part of the job and the most personally rewarding in my opinion, is helping constituents solve problems they have on the State level. Legislators are not responsible for running any department of government, ie, transportation, public safety, natural resources, public health etc. State departments are run by Commissioners appointed and under the direction of the Governor. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE: Each legislator brings their life and professional experiences plus their political philosophy to the Capital. However, there is no college degree or course that prepares one for how the actual legislative process works. Passing legislation is difficult, and often success or failure is not based on the actual legislation, but factors such as timing, costs, the House leaderships or Governors agenda, or even one’s party affiliation. My experience, status as a Chairman, and ability to work across the aisle and with groups with opposing ideas has allowed me to be very effective in finding legislative solutions. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT: Because of COVID-19, next sessions legislators will most likely still face reduced state revenues and critical budget decisions. At the same time, finding ways to get our citizens back to work in a safe manner so they can support their families and our young people safely back in school. This pandemic has not only taken a huge toll on the families who have lost loved ones but isolation has increased divorces, domestic violence, suicide rate,s and alcohol abuse, all conditions that will increase the need for state support services.
PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As a nurse, I’ve seen the shortcomings of our healthcare system (ranked 46th nationally) first hand, where we can improve. As someone who got into nursing as a second job to help my family through the Great Recession, I know what it is to endure through a hard time like so many are right now. And as a proud parent of two graduates of Cobb public schools, I know how important it is that we invest in education, and in a stronger HOPE scholarship. East Cobb is home of 25+ years, and I have the knowhow to make it even stronger. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? I’m a registered nurse running against the chair of the committee that oversees Georgia’s healthcare system. This race comes down to healthcare and whether you want the status quo or something different. The status quo is a state that ranks 46th in overall quality, and last in the number of women dying in childbirth. It’s a Georgia that passes draconian abortion bills and refuses to expand Medicaid or curb the power of drug and insurance companies. It’s getting the COVID-19 response all wrong. I think we can do better. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? I admire the example of my Grandparents - members of the Dutch Resistance during World War II. Full of great courage and empathy, they risked their own lives to save those of complete strangers. I do my best to model myself after their legacy. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Hardworking, Sincere, Dedicated
WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? It used to be President Teddy Roosevelt because of his determination to overcome childhood illnesses to being a devoted outdoors environmentalist and a devoted enemy of government corruption. However, during this pandemic, I’ve been reading a great deal about Winston Churchill and his leadership of the English people during WWII. His positive encouragement that they would win despite all odds has mirrored my own belief in our people’s abilities to weather the tribulations brought on by COVID-19, our scientific institutions to find safe preventive measure in record time, and for our country to recover and go forward in a positive manner. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Compassionate, Determined, Successful
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Election 2020
9
VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE HD 44 DON PARSONS (R)
CONNIE DI CICCO (D)
donparsons.org
www.connieforgeorgia.com
AGE: 73
AGE: 44
CITY, STATE BORN: Charleston, West Virginia
CITY, STATE BORN: Roswell, GA
EDUCATION: BS, Secondary Education and History, West Virginia State University OCCUPATION: Retired from telecommunications FAMILY: Married to Jo Lynn Parsons for 47 years, two daughters and six grandchildren HOBBIES: picture framing, woodwork, military history CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Numerous boards and organizations, including the Northcentral Georgia Law Enforcement Training Center, the Georgia Ballet and the American Legion HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? I have lived in Cobb County for forty-eight (48) years. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): I was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1994 and have been reelected to that position every two years since. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: A State Representative reviews and votes on behalf of constituents on dozens of votes in committees and hundreds of votes on the floor each session, and with those votes works to ensure that the will of the people of the district is reflected in state law. The greater the experience and seniority of the Representative, the greater the influence the Representative has to impact that legislation. A Representative also helps constituents with various state agencies, and with issues that relate to local and federal government. This year, unemployment benefits issues have been a major constituent concern. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. The experience of twenty-five (25) years in the legislature, ten (10) of which were served in the minority before the nearly century and a half rule of the Democrat Party was ended by the people of Georgia in 2004, and fifteen (15) years in the majority, during which time I have served as a chairman of major committees, have provided me the training and experience to serve as State Representative from District 44 in Cobb County. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? The most important issue is COVID-19 including the dangers and effects of the virus itself, and the additional problems that it has created, including loss of jobs, the economic downturn, and the problems of educating children during the pandemic, among others. Providing emergency powers to the Governor was the first thing that had to be done, because a legislative body cannot react quickly enough on a day-to-day basis to combat a pandemic. Among other things, I worked to provide an additional $100M for first responders, health care professionals and public health experts to combat this pandemic WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? There are a lot of people I admire. Thomas Jefferson is at the top of the list due to his intellect, his principles of democracy and his influence on the founding of our nation. I admire General James Mattis for his service to our country and his independent streak. I also admire the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her strength, courage, intelligence and advocacy for women in the workplace. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Tenacious, Thoughtful, Caring
VOTE NOV 3
EDUCATION: UGA - Bachelors (Film); FSU Masters Fine Arts (Filmmaking) OCCUPATION: Consultant FAMILY: Married, 2 Children HOBBIES: Beekeeping, watching films (especially documentaries), gardening, and baking (especially cookies and scones) CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Addison Elementary PTA, Addison Elementary Reading Club Co-Coach, Addison Elementary School Council, Addison Elementary Science Foundation, Cherokee Beekeepers Association Cobb County Democratic Party Post Seat Holder, Cobb County Democratic Party Precinct Captain, Cobb Democratic Women, NAACP, Sierra Club HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 4 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: Members of the House of Representatives work with the Senate and the Governor to pass a budget, which affects the entire state as well as Representatives’ individual districts, like East Cobb--from public health and safety to education and transportation. State Representatives also create legislation, based on their own ideas or those of their constituents, and pass bills on public policy, taxes, and state spending. There is also a large constituent services part to being a Legislator, and this ranges from helping people one-onone with particular issues (such as unemployment or tax issues), to holding Town Hall meetings on topics that benefit the community at large, to sponsoring food drives or community events to help bring the district together, to researching and advocating for safety or change in the district. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. As Chief of Staff, I’ve had a front row seat to what happens under the Gold Dome. I understand policy, the players, and how the legislature works. My life has been rooted in advocacy, from documentary film to campaigning to my work in the Legislature. I know what it is to work with a purpose, and I am driven to help others. My grandmother came to America when she was 6. She left school in the 8th grade because her father didn’t think girls needed an education. Knowing how much opportunity she had missed in her own life, my grandmother made sure I didn’t miss a single one in mine. She saved money from her social security and bought me my first computer. I feel a strong obligation to pay it forward and help others to achieve, the way my grandmother, and many others, helped me. Running for office and bringing opportunity and change to others is one way I can do that. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? The pandemic is the most important issue, with the ensuing healthcare and economic crises close behind. If elected, I will advocate for Medicaid expansion, revenue increases so we can fully fund education and public health programs, preventative care, rural hospitals, and programs to prevent maternal and infant mortality. We will need to plan for, through legislation and allocation of funding, the possibility of an impending housing crisis, recession, and far-reaching unemployment; all of which will require compromise and the coming together of many coalitions. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? Single parents. Raising children is hard, even if you have a partner -- it’s like baking a cake without a recipe. I think single parenting is like trying to bake with one hand tied behind your back, substituting most of the ingredients, and using an oven calibrated to Celsius. My husband and I work several jobs between us, and parenting has become a tandem endeavor. I’m sympathetic to those who are true single parents. The safety nets and support we could provide as a community are not always accessible, and that needs to change. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Compassionate, Authentic, Capable
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Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE HD 45 MATT DOLLAR (R)
SARA TINDALL GHAZAL (D)
www.mattdollar.com
www.GhazalForGeorgia.com
AGE: 42
AGE: 49
CITY, STATE BORN: Atlanta, GA
CITY, STATE BORN: Lowville, NY
EDUCATION: University of Georgia, BA (Go Dawgs!), Pope HS (Go Greyhounds!) OCCUPATION: Real Estate
EDUCATION: BA from the University of the South; JD from Emory University School of Law
FAMILY: Engaged. October wedding postponed due to COVID-19
FAMILY: Married with two daughters
HOBBIES: Travel, sports, cooking CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: “I wouldn’t want to belong to a club that would have me as member” - Groucho Marx HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? Lifelong resident HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Yes, State Representative. 17 years PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EASTCOBB: The primary function of the legislature is to set the state’s budget and pass state laws. As a member of the Cobb County delegation, the office also deals with those laws only affecting Cobb County. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. A good legislator is someone who is a good listener. You have to consider a lot of information and make decisions on a broad range of topics. It helps to have people in different areas who know their stuff who you trust. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? I think doing what it takes to safely get life back to normal. Schools, our economy, society in general. Georgia is very well positioned for a fast recovery. Exciting times are ahead. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? Currently I would have to say men and women in law enforcement. The overwhelming majority are wonderful people who put their lives in danger, for little financial reward. They put themselves between me and danger, and I am grateful. I don’t want to see our community burn, I will fight efforts to defund the police. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Inquisitive, Happy, Grateful
OCCUPATION: Attorney HOBBIES: Cooking, reading, skiing CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: Cobb County Democratic Committee; Dickerson Middle School PTA; Walton High School PTA; Georgia Bar Association. HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 5 years in East Cobb; in the Atlanta area since 1992. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): No. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The State House helps pass the annual budget for the state, which includes funding for our public schools; public health, which has been at the forefront of dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic, and state infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. It also passes laws on issues ranging from environmental protections to keep our air and water clean and safe to investment incentives that can help strengthen our economy and create new jobs. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I hold my law degree from Emory University School of Law and have more than a decade of experience in conflict resolution and democracy building abroad for The Carter Center. I also served for two years as Voter Protection Director for the state Democratic party helping eligible voters register and cast their ballot. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? Cobb County is expected to grow by 40% over the next three decades. With these increases, both East Cobb and Sandy Springs face major challenges, including insufficient transportation infrastructure, overcrowding in schools, and lack of affordable housing. Families are increasingly moving to East Cobb to enjoy the high quality of life and award-winning public schools. High-density development is NOT the answer--it would simply exacerbate existing problems without relieving stress on our current systems. Without forward thinking and planning, however, unchecked growth in the area will exact a high price on the community. Comprehensive long-term transportation and infrastructure planning are necessary to handle the anticipated growth over the coming decades. The ongoing public health crisis has been devastating for small businesses and the local economy. We need elected leaders who prioritize getting past the public health crisis. We can find new solutions, create opportunities, and reimagine some sectors in ways that maximize benefit for our community. Telecommuting, distance learning, and other innovations can relieve some infrastructure stress, although they highlight our need for robust internet infrastructure, affordable community-based child care, and other challenges. Our community should be home to those on whom we rely, including teachers, first responders, and service workers. Long-term infrastructure planning must include measures to ensure these critical workers are not priced out of our housing market. Solutions for the anticipated growth will require multi-year planning commissions, state-federal as well as public-private sector cooperation, and robust public participation. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My father is the best person I have ever known. He embodies everything that I most admire in a person. When I was growing up, we struggled to make ends meet, and he had to work two jobs to pay the bills. Even then, however, he felt called to service in the church, and on top of his jobs he went to seminary. Now, well into his retirement, he still serves as a priest in his home parish, teaches education for ministry classes year-round, and has been serving on the board of a group home for foster children. Throughout it all, he has always held family at the very heart of his world. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Determined, Generous, Caring
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Election 2020
11
VOTER GUIDE East Cobbers, along with their fellow Georgians, start heading to the polls on Monday, October 12 to decide the fate of two amendments to the state Constitution supporters have been pushing for years. A third ballot question is also being offered as a way to increase Georgia’s stock of affordable housing. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is making available to voters a summary of the statewide referendum and two proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the General Election ballot. Georgians will have the opportunity to cast a Yes or No vote on both proposed amendments and the referendum that the General Assembly approved
GEORGIA REFERENDUM
Georgia Referendum A:
Establishes a tax exemption for certain real property owned by charities. This proposal authorizes a new exemption from ad valorem taxes for all real property owned by a purely public charity, if such charity is exempt from federal taxation and such property is used only for building or repairing single-family homes to be financed by such charity to individuals using zero-interest loans. It amends Code Section 48-5-41 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated by deleting “and” at the end of paragraph (14), by replacing the period with “; and” at the end of paragraph (15), and by adding a new paragraph. If approved by a majority of the voters, the Act becomes effective on January 1, 2021, and applies to all tax years beginning on or after that date.
during its current term for voter consideration. The wording of the ballot questions is available on sample ballots found at mvp.sos.ga. Summaries prepared by Attorney General Christopher Carr, Secretary Raffensperger, and Legislative Counsel Rick Ruskell, and the actual amendments, can be found online at sos.ga.gov/ index.php/elections/proposed_constitutional_ amendments. Booklets with printed summaries are available to voters at the Secretary of State’s Office, at the office of each county’s election superintendent and at public libraries. Anyone may mail a request for a copy by writing to Secretary of State’s Office, Elections Division, Suite 802 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, 30334. A description of the three statewide referendum measures in the order they will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot follows. 12
Election 2020
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VOTER GUIDE
GEORGIA CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Georgia Amendment 1
Georgia Amendment 2
Authorizes dedication of fees and taxes to their intended purposes by general state law
Waives state and local sovereign immunity for violation of state laws, state and federal constitutions.
“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to dedicate revenues derived from fees or taxes to the public purpose for which such fees or taxes were intended?” This proposal authorizes the Georgia General Assembly by general law to require that fees or taxes collected for some specific intended public purpose be used as so intended. It requires any such general law to identify the specific public purpose, name the state agency to administer the funds, require the agency to make annual reports of revenues and expenses, and automatically end the fee or tax within ten years. It prohibits the General Assembly from designating funds when total revenues so dedicated equal or exceed one percent of the total state revenues based on the previous fiscal year’s appropriated state revenues. It exempts such general laws from certain state constitutional restrictions. It requires that such general laws, including amendments, be approved by two-thirds of each chamber of the General Assembly, but allows for repeal of such general laws by simple majority vote. It prohibits attempts to reallocate dedicated funds through any appropriations act or amendment. It provides for temporary suspension of such general laws by the Governor or by the General Assembly in the event of a financial emergency, subject to certain limitations. It amends Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI of the Georgia Constitution by re-designating the second subparagraph (o), relating to the dedication of the excise tax on the sale of fireworks, as subparagraph (p), by re-designating subparagraph (p), relating to the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Fund, as subparagraph (q), and by adding a new subparagraph (r).
“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to waive sovereign immunity and allow the people of Georgia to petition the superior court for relief from governmental acts done outside the scope of lawful authority or which violate the laws of this state, the Constitution of Georgia, or the Constitution of the United States?” This proposal waives state and local sovereign immunity so as to allow citizens to sue the State of Georgia, its departments and other agencies, and its local governments in superior courts and authorizes superior courts to order state and local officers and employees to cease violations of the Georgia Constitution, the laws of the State of Georgia, or the United States Constitution, beginning with violations occurring on or after January 1, 2021. It requires that such suits be brought only against the State or Georgia, or in the case of a local government, against the specific local government. It requires superior courts to dismiss any such lawsuit that names any individual state or local public officer or employee as a defendant. It maintains the ability of superior courts to dismiss such suits based on other appropriate legal or equitable grounds or limitation on review in superior court. It prohibits any type of monetary award, including attorney’s fees or costs of litigation, unless authorized by an Act of the Georgia General Assembly. It does not prohibit the General Assembly from further waiving certain other immunities provided for under Georgia’s Constitution, though it does not waive any immunity provided for by the United States Constitution. It amends Article I, Section II, Paragraph V of the Georgia Constitution by rendering the current text subparagraph (a) and adding a new subparagraph (b).
ELECTION DAY: NOVEMBER 3, 2020 More Info: cobbelections.org
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Election 2020
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