Sandy Springs Crier - November 3, 2022

Your ballot: Candidates address key issues

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MARTA selects interim director to come aboard as full-time CEO

By DAVE WILLIAMS Capitol Beat

ATLANTA — The MARTA executive who has been serving as interim gen eral manager and CEO since January has been named to the post perma nently.

The transit agency’s board of directors chose Collie Greenwood Oct. 27 to head MARTA following a nationwide search.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity,” Greenwood said. “I love transit and have known since my days of driving a bus how vital it is to people and their communities.

“I am eager to get to work enhanc ing and expanding service in the metro Atlanta region.”

Greenwood rose through the ranks

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SAFETY

County will reopen jail annex Nov. 9

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ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Fulton County’s north jail annex, which has been closed for the past two-and-a-half years, is re opening Nov. 9, staffed and ready to hold roughly 70 detainees.

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With little advanced notice on Oct. 26, local elected officials, police chiefs and members of the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office gathered at the fully renovated facility to talk about their plans.

The plan was to reopen the jail by the end of June. However, the an nouncement on Oct. 26 came days after Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts stated the county was seek ing additional funding from the 1 per cent local option sales tax, or LOST, to address two crises affecting residents in all 15 cities – public safety and public health.

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District 1 Commissioner Liz Haus mann said the jail has been “sorely missed” since it closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, she said officers have spent hours transporting detainees to the Fulton County Jail at 901 Rice Street in Atlanta.

According to Pitts, the cost of leased jail beds from outlying jurisdictions, including Atlanta, is costing $28 million annually, on top of other jail operation costs and the costs to operate the court system. None of the officials publicly mentioned the LOST negotiations at the jail event Oct. 26.

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Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

“This will help tremendously with the public safety efforts in North Fulton,” Hausmann said. “We now have a facility where in the unfortunate incident that we need to detain someone, we have a local facility in which to do that, so that our officers can remain on the street [and] help our citizens should they need it.”

Hausmann simply thanked Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and the City of Alpharetta.

“Normally, when we’re opening up a facility, there’s a ribbon to cut, there’s balloons and cookies and punch,” Hausmann said. “We’re not having that today. But, this is really something to celebrate.”

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GA

In May, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved $517,000 in funding to reopen the Alpharetta jail. In addition to refurbishing the facility, the reopening plan called on cities to pay a daily rate for holding detainees in the jail. Labat said cities could also impose public safety fines.

For example, he said, the City of Guyton imposes a $9 fee on traffic cita tions which is then split between the

jail and police and fire departments. At the time, Labat said North Fulton County cities had agreed “in theory” to pay a processing fee of $50-$60 a day so the county can recoup operating

Fulton County Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Adam Lee said the work to bring the facility back to acceptable conditions was not an easy task.

“But, we knew that the work was worth doing,” Lee said. “This facility will hold roughly 70 detainees, both men and women. We have identified staff that will care for these individuals as they come into the facility and provide what our motto is – service to each and every one of them.”

Roswell Police arrest suspects in expansive fraud scheme, searching for more victims

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By CHAMIAN CRUZ chamian@appenmedia.com

ROSWELL, Ga. — The Roswell Police Department has made multiple arrests in an extensive, million-dollar fraud scheme and is looking for more victims.

In early June, Roswell detectives be gan an investigation into reported rental fraud at a property in the 900 block of Pine Grove Road.

As the investigation progressed, Roswell police spokesman Tim Lupo said detectives uncovered “an expan sive fraudulent business scheme” that resulted in the arrest of 57-year-old

Earnest “Nesto” Williams, of Atlan ta, and 46-year-old Ericka King, of Smyrna, who is also known as Ericka Hughley and Ericka Hughley Roths child.

Lupo said the suspects were arrested and booked into the Fulton County Jail on a host of fraud, forgery, and theft charges. He added that a large portion of their efforts focused on running shell companies, many devoted to business growth, development and coaching.

Police said Williams and King would draw in victims with the anticipation of growing their brands, missions, or life goals, and receive significant payments

for goods and services that were never provided.

So far, Lupo said detectives have un covered over a dozen victims with a com bined monetary/property loss exceeding $1 million. Detectives believe there is a strong likelihood Williams and King took advantage of many others.

Roswell police encourage anyone with additional information about the case or possible victims to contact Of ficer Fields at nfields@roswellgov.com or 770-640-4455. Anonymous information be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or online at StopCrimeATL.org.

ALEX POPP/APPEN MEDIA Lt. Colonel Byron LeCounte of the Ful ton County Sheriff’s Office speaks to a group of press and local representatives during a celebration event held for the newly reopened Alpharetta Jail Oct. 26.

Temple aids Johns Creek students with fight against antiseminitism

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Students at Johns Creek High School and mem bers of the Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs completed a fall planting project Oct. 18, planting daffodil bulbs together to fight antisemitism.

Temple members provided funds to buy bulbs and supplies that enabled nearly 30 JCHS students to plant bulbs during the Daffodil Project, a worldwide initiative to honor and remember the children murdered during the Holocaust during World War II.

“Temple Emanu-El’s support of the Daffodil Project is a constructive way

of combating antisemitism and creates awareness of those currently suffering hu man rights crises throughout the world,” Temple officials said. “Working with a variety of local schools, the aim is to engage students – the next generation – to fight hate, especially Jewish hate, and to have this effort grow locally and nationally.”

Over 758,000 bulbs have been planted worldwide to date for the project, officials said. The goal is to plant 1.5 million bulbs to represent the number of children murdered during the Holocaust.

Temple officials hope to involve other local schools in the program for future years.

Leadership Sandy Springs brings back speaker series

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Leadership Sandy Springs is returning with its 7th community speaker series, “Live, Learn, Lead.”

This year’s event, “Building Common Ground in a Divided World” with author and international communications coach Jonathan R. Parker, includes dinner and discussion from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the City Springs Terrace Meeting Room.

Parker is the first “Jan Paul Distin guished Speaker,” thanks to a gift from Leadership Sandy Springs Founder Neva Rountree and her husband Don, in honor of former executive director, Jan Paul, who retired in May.

Leadership Sandy Springs Executive Director Rosalyn Putnam said it will be a great evening.

“It’s a timely topic and his (Parker’s) approach to building common ground is

quite engaging,” Putnam said. “He’s so personable and positive about the impor tance of building community ‘one conver sation at a time.’ We want guests to leave feeling they gained valuable insight and specific tools to use in their own conversa tions.”

The evening will conclude with a Q&A with Parker. It is open to anyone – business, civic and nonprofit leaders, Leadership Sandy Springs class mem bers and alumni, community members, residents and guests. Individual tickets are $50 and may be purchased at web link.donorperfect.com/LLL22.

The City Springs Terrace Meeting Room is at 1 Galambos Way in Sandy Springs. For more information, about “Live, Learn, Lead” and Leadership Sandy Springs, visit leadershipsan dysprings.org.

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Volunteers around the world have planted more than 758,000 daffodil bulbs to honor children murdered during the Holocaust.

U.S. House, Georgia District 4

Republican: Jonathon Chavez Democrat: Henry C. “Hank” John son (I)

CANDIDATES ON YOUR BALLOT Election coverage

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

CHAVEZ: I have 23 years in the mili tary with deployment to combat areas. I have a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of New Mexico and a mas ter’s degree from Harvard University. I have worked in the private sector and the government sector. My varied background has led me to work in the executive side of healthcare to leader ship positions in the military. The fact that I am not a poli tician, but a regular citizen wanting what is best for Georgia is what makes me qualified.

JOHNSON: When I was a newly licensed attorney, I hung a shingle and started my own law firm. As a small but successful attor ney and small business owner for 27 years before being elected to Congress, I learned the importance of treating my cli ents and employees honestly and fairly. As a former magistrate judge, I under stand the law and how it must be applied fairly, and as a county commissioner I learned the importance of delivering good schools, safe streets, and a clean envi ronment. Being a senior member on the House Judiciary and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committees while also serving on the House Oversight Commit tee has enabled me to have a nationally recognized constituent services opera tion. The Congressional Management Foundation recognized my office as one of the most effective in the nation. My of fice has delivered more than $90 million to people in Georgia’s 4th District.

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

CHAVEZ: The government should exist to enrich the lives of Georgians and not hinder it. I have seen too much government interference into the lives of Georgians, and the voice should belong

In a project titled Georgia Decides, Atlanta Civic Circle and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution teamed up to provide voters with a side-by-side look at the candidates for office, their views on issues voters care about most, their party affiliation, and their history in elective politics. It is a non-parti san compilation of information, including responses to a candidate ques tionnaire, to ensure voters are informed before they cast their ballots.

Through a partnership with Atlanta Civic Circle, Appen Media is republish ing the questionnaire portion of Georgia Decides after editing for grammar.

To view the full Georgia Decides election guide, please visit atlantacivic circle.org or ajc.com.

to the people, not the politicians. The politicians are the mouthpiece for the people, but it seems we have lost that over the years. I want to bring this back into Congress.

JOHNSON: I believe government should be of, by and for the people. Elected officials are there to serve the people, not themselves, and are at all times answerable to the people. The role of the federal government is most succinctly stated in the words of the Preamble to our Constitution: “…to establish justice, ensure domestic tran quility, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare….” My record as a public servant shows that I have sought to live up to those ideals.

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

CHAVEZ: Inflation is a huge prob lem right now. This has to be fixed by competent politicians that know how the economy works. We need politicians that can do what is right and not what is popular.

JOHNSON: American democracy is under assault and the times call for protecting and strengthening the Rule of Law. As chair of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, I introduced legislation that expands the size of SCO TUS, requires justices to follow a code of conduct, enacts term limits and transpar ency rules, and expands the number of federal trial and appellate courts while mandating real-time streaming of federal court proceedings and modernizing the federal court’s information technology operations so that the public can obtain court records free of charge. I am proud to have passed legislation that protects work ers and consumers from forced arbitra

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tion. I will also continue working to deliver the federal resources needed to address the infrastructure needs of the Fourth Congressional District.

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

CHAVEZ: I have always brought the ideals that diversity of thought is what drives better outcomes. We are a country of varied ideas and backgrounds and ev eryone has the right to have their voices heard and not silenced. Differences of opinion is what fine tunes policies to be crafted to benefit all of Georgia.

JOHNSON: I will continue work ing with Republicans to get important things done for Georgians. I have secured Republican cosponsors for my bills includ ing the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act, which protects the right to a trial by jury in consumer and employment cases. I have reached across the aisle to ensure that HBCUs, MARTA and clean-energy industries have the resources they need to grow and thrive. When lowering costs of prescription drugs for seniors, and secur ing funding for hepatitis, I had Republican support. While I will always speak out on policies that are bad for our country, I will never fail to seek bipartisan support for good ideas and legislation. To govern is to lead and seek solutions, which means communication and compromise in the interest of the people I serve.

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

CHAVEZ: Some of my biggest influ encers are Thomas Sowell, Milton Fried man and Ronald Reagan. I have never

CHAVEZ

JOHNSON

learned personally from them but only by their examples.

JOHNSON: A big influence on my years as a public servant is the late Charles L. Weltner, a principled former United States Congressman represent ing Georgia’s Fifth Congressional Dis trict who gave up his seat rather than sign a loyalty oath to racist Gov. Lester Maddox. He was one of only two South ern Democrats to vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Later, in Davis v. Macon, a case about open meet ings, then Chief Justice Weltner of the Supreme Court of Georgia wrote words that have stuck with me: “Because pub lic men and women are amenable ‘at all times’ to the people, they must conduct the public’s business out in the open.” That phrase captures the spirit of my service as an elected official. Open gov ernment is honest government.

Georgia has a lot to offer cur rent 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?

CHAVEZ: One of the ways we can reduce the prices of homes in Georgia is to get rid of some of the laws and regula tions that restrict homebuilders. Out of a survey of developers and builders in Georgia, it was stated that 26.9 percent of a home’s cost is due to the regula tory practices of the government. During the last years of the 1990s, Georgia saw more home building permits than all of 2011- 2019. Covid put some homebuild ers out of business, and inflation has hit the cost of lumber very hard. If we can reduce inflation, loosen the regulatory requirements on building homes and give developers and homebuilders more competition, the market will adjust itself and the cost of new homes will start to fall.

JOHNSON: A good start is a bill I voted for in 2020 — the Moving For ward Act. In that bill was a previous version of the Housing Is Infrastruc ture Act (H.R.4497). This bill invests $75 billion to fully address the capital needs to repair public housing, invests $45 billion in the National Housing Trust Fund, and provides $200 billion for rental assistance. I also support the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which would help end housing poverty and homelessness in America by directly addressing the underlying cause of the affordable housing crisis – the severe shortage

of affordable rental homes for people with the lowest incomes – through a robust investment of nearly $45 billion annually in the national Housing Trust Fund. The bill also includes resources to repair public housing, build or rehabilitate housing in tribal and Na tive Hawaiian communities, and create and preserve affordable homes in rural areas.

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

CHAVEZ: Many politicians tend to take things personal, and I think this question outlines this. This is not about me or “my” wins, but what is best for Georgia as a whole. The compromise is what Georgia considers policies and is sues they want to strongly stand behind. My role is not for self-serving purposes but to represent the people of Georgia’s 4th district. It is up to the people on what they want.

JOHNSON: My philosophy is to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. In other words, if incremental progress is what is possible, then I am willing to accept what is possible even though it may not be what is fully needed. That is what compromise is all about.

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?

CHAVEZ: I think there were ques tions raised, and there is nothing wrong with either side raising ques tions. This is the way to make sure the election is fair and equal is if both sides make sure the election is fair. I will stand by the results of the Novem ber 2022 election.

JOHNSON: Georgia’s 2020 election was proven to be accurate and secure, and there was absolutely no evidence that the 2020 election was stolen. How ever, the copying of almost every com ponent of Coffee County’s voting system by rogue outsiders may have created a gateway for wrongdoers to corrupt the voting process statewide in future elections, and I am not satisfied that the Secretary of State has done enough to safeguard security for the upcoming elections. I think the safest and most secure way to vote is by fill in the bubble paper ballots.

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?

CHAVEZ: The overturning of Roe v. Wade only led to one thing, the vote and the power was given back to the people. The voice was given back to the people to vote on the issues that mat ter to them. The people should be the ones with the voice to determine what is important for them.

JOHNSON: Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey were the proper approach to abortion policy, and the United States Supreme Court committed a grievous, ideological error when it overturned those precedents and threw the question of reproductive freedom to politicians. It is inhumane to leave women’s healthcare choices up to anyone outside of the very per sonal and private relationship between a woman and her doctor. Therefore, I support legislation in Congress that will enshrine Roe v. Wade as the law of the land.

The U.S. Congress often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what is sues merit such consensus?

CHAVEZ: This is what is wrong with the two-party system, Democrats and Republicans will stick with their side no matter how it may hurt the people of Georgia. They vote on what is popular within their party. I think it is best to act on behalf of the people and what is best for them. Issues such as the economy, inflation, education and healthcare are issues that we need to work together on to solve. This is what is best for the people of Georgia and what I think Con gress has lost sight of. They represent the people and need to do what is best for the people and not their own party.

JOHNSON: Back to the Preamble, if an issue pertains to any one of those noble goals, we should seek biparti san action. In this Congress, we saw the mighty effort of President Biden, Senate, and House Leadership build ing consensus to get important things done for the American people. The bipartisan infrastructure law says we are working collectively to move toward carbon reduction, congestion relief, and local and regional project assistance. In Georgia this means we will have funding to improve and expand public transportation options, broadband coverage, electric vehicle charging stations, bridge replacement and repairs and upgrades at airports. These are all projects for the common good. We need to see the same action around voting rights, protecting re productive freedom, expanding health opportunities, including Medicaid and veteran’s affairs. All the impor tant issues warrant bipartisan action. We could use much more of it in the future.

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U.S. House, Georgia District 5

Republican: Christian Zimm Democrat: Nikema Williams (I)

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

ZIMM: 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-friend ly metropolitan cit ies in the country.

WILLIAMS: I always center those most marginalized because I’ve lived on the margins of society. As a Black woman from the Deep South, I’m used to people trying to silence me. Before I came to Congress, I worked for Planned Parenthood South east protecting reproductive free dom. In that time, not a single piece of anti-choice legisla tion became law in Georgia, Alabama or Mississippi. I am also the first Black woman to chair the Democratic Party of Georgia. In the 2020 election I success fully led our work to deliver not one but two U.S. Senate seats and turn Georgia blue for the first time since 1992. We were successful by building multi-racial coalitions across the state and talking to voters about the issues that mattered most to them. These are the lived experi ences I take with me to Congress and the perspective needed to be an effective advocate for the people of Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.

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

ZIMM: I believe that the government should have as little role as possible in our daily lives. The more our govern ment 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 gov ernment beyond its limits. The smaller our government, the better.

WILLIAMS: The government is here to help and serve people. I grew up in rural Alabama in a house with no indoor plumbing or running water. There were times where we had to rely on the gov ernment for help getting food. These are the lived experiences I take with me to Congress where I uplift those most mar ginalized. I hear every day from constitu ents who tell me exactly what help they need from Congress. I have an obligation to reach back and support the people however I can. The more we invest in our communities the more we get back.

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

ZIMM: Crime is the number one issue facing Atlanta. The Atlanta Police Department is down approximately 400 police officers, citizens are getting voice mail 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.

WILLIAMS: I will continue the work I have focused on in the 117th Congress. Atlanta still has the widest racial wealth gap in the country, and I will keep working on economic empowerment for everyone, with a clear focus on increas ing quality, affordable housing opportu nities. I’ve also led Congressional efforts on student debt relief. President Biden’s announcement to cancel some student loan debt is only the first step for me. I will keep pushing for additional student debt relief, including additional debt cancellation. I will also continue the work to pro tect and expand our voting rights. The former president and the events of Jan. 6, 2021, proved that our democracy is fragile. Not only do we need to protect everyone’s voice at the ballot box, we must make sure our democracy truly represents the voice of the people. That is especially true when it comes to pro viding a check on an extremist Supreme Court, which stripped away our right to essential healthcare services, including abortion. The Supreme Court does not have the final say in our country — the people do. And the people have made their voices heard loud and clear: we

need federal law guaranteeing access to abortion. One issue I tackled is the loop hole in the 13th Amendment that still allows for slavery. I am bold enough to think I can amend the Constitution and I led the bill to close that loophole. I have hundreds of bipartisan cosponsors and I will keep working to get this legislation across the finish line.

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

ZIMM: I have many liberal friends and thousands of Democrats will vote for me this election. I have great relation ships with people who do not identify as Republican or have ever voted Republi can. They know that I am an open-mind ed individual that simply wants to make our community a better place, regardless of political affiliation.

WILLIAMS: In Congress, I am known for working with a wide range of constituents, stakeholders, and legisla tors of both political parties to find paths forward to progress. I meet people where they are and take input seriously. I will not compromise my values, which are rooted in centering those most marginal ized, but I will work with anyone who is serious about making life better for the people of Georgia’s Fifth District.

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

ZIMM: 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 how to live your best life for others.

WILLIAMS: Congressman John Lewis was my friend, mentor, and pre decessor. I will always cherish the time we spent together. Congressman Lewis’ entire life was a lesson for everyone. He showed us all how to dedicate yourself to protecting everyone’s rights. I remember working with him to protect voting rights and access to abortion, and on so many other critical issues. While I can never fill his shoes, I can carry the torch after he showed me the way. And every day in Congress I am building on his legacy.

Georgia has a lot to offer cur rent and potential residents, but many parts of the state are becom-

ZIMM

WILLIAMS

House:

ing increasingly unaffordable. Please explain your proposed approach to address housing affordability through federal legislation and executive actions?

ZIMM: Atlanta has the second high est 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.

WILLIAMS: Growing up I didn’t have much, but one thing I always had was a roof over my head, so I know just how important it is to have safe, digni fied housing for everyone. I’ve supported critical legislation to expand access to affordable, safe housing — in areas where people want to live. I hosted HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge in September 2021 when we toured a new affordable housing development to show how the Fifth Congressional District is getting it right on housing. I’m also supporting efforts to increase access to homeowner ship because homeownership is crucial to building generational wealth. I also support efforts that increase the con struction of more affordable housing units because there is a severe nation wide shortage of affordable housing.

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

ZIMM: 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 At lanta and for the American people.

WILLIAMS: A good legislator compromises in negotiations, but does not compromise their values. I negoti ate when it means achieving tangible progress for those I serve, but I will not compromise what I am in Congress to do, which is to uplift marginalized communities and ensure no one is left behind.

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?

ZIMM: We have made progress in se curing our elections, but we must con tinue 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 elec tion if necessary. I will accept the results.

WILLIAMS: There are not two sides when it comes to this issue: you are ei ther on the side of democracy or you are not. It is our duty to stand by free and fair elections, and that includes standing against baseless claims about election fraud. That is especially important when these claims are used to justify voter suppression laws designed to silence voters who look like me. Your free and fair access to the ballot box should not be determined by your ZIP code. We need a national standard for voting so that everyone knows their voice will be heard.

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?

ZIMM: With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion issues are now decided primarily at the state level.

WILLIAMS: It is entirely a personal choice to decide if, when, and how to have a family. Throughout my career, I have fought to protect that right and I am not stopping now. My constituents call, write, text, stop me on the street — you name the communication method — to tell me to keep fighting to protect their access to essential healthcare, includ ing abortion. I will continue working to pass legislation that protects the right to abortion.

The U.S. Congress often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what is sues merit such consensus?

ZIMM: 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 At lanta and for the American people.

WILLIAMS: When asked this ques tion I always paraphrase James Bald win. I will work with anyone so long as

our disagreement is not grounded in your denial of my fundamental human ity. I have Republican cosponsors on a majority of the bills I have introduced, and I have worked closely with some Re

publicans to advance critical legislation, including the Abolition Amendment, the Care is an Economic Development Strat egy Act, and the John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship Act.

U.S. House, Georgia District 6

tions and reducing the size, scope, and spending habits of the federal govern ment.

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

McCORMICK: As a helicopter pilot in the United States Marines and an emergency room doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve committed my entire adult life to serving my country and community. Representing the 6th District in the United States Congress is an extension of my lifelong commitment to public service. America, now more than ever, needs a doctor in Washing ton who can reignite our economy, revive our freedoms, and empower the people – not the fed eral government.

CHRISTIAN: As a father, a husband, a small-business owner, a nonprofit founder, and a com bat veteran I have directly experienced the day-to-day struggles that affect most people in their lives. I know what it is like to live pay check to paycheck, I know the hardship of no insurance, and I understand the tough choices that impact families in our communities. I feel that this background equips me to better grasp the impact of policy on the normal, everyday American that makes up the bulk of our country.

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

McCORMICK: For two years, Demo crats in Washington D.C. tried to prove that more government and more spend ing would solve America’s problem. Today, Americans are paying the price for excessive government involvement with staggering inflation and a reces sion. When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you do is stop digging.

America is at its best when govern ment is limited. I will unapologetically work to empower small businesses and hardworking citizens by cutting regula

CHRISTIAN: The role of government in the lives of Georgians, and all Ameri cans, should be to make our lives easier. Whether that is by providing assistance to successfully build a small-business, pursue a higher education, or just making sure that there is dinner on the table, helping people should be the top priority of our government.

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

McCORMICK: Inflation is the num ber one problem facing Americans. Sky high inflation is the direct result of a Democrat controlled Congress and White House that printed too much money. Americans are struggling to afford gro ceries and gas, and the economy is in a recession because of Democrats reck less spending. We must reduce waste ful government spending that is driving inflation and institute deregulatory and pro-growth tax policies. Together these initiatives will increase take real wages and bring stability to our economy.

CHRISTIAN: Currently, the larg est problems facing our nation are the threats to women’s rights and the threat to voting rights. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Roe V. Wade becomes the law of the land so that women have the fundamental rights of self-autonomy and choice. I will also advocate for and support the passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to ensure that the basic right of all Americans to vote is preserved for now and for future genera tions.

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

McCORMICK: I went to Morehouse School of Medicine for my medical degree. Morehouse is an HBCU that is predominately Black, liberal, and female. It is not a place you’d expect a White conservative male to be elected student body president. But I was. I was elected student body president at Morehouse and selected to give the commencement address because I believe in the power of relationships, and I treat people with

Republican: Rich McCormick Democrat: Bob Christian

MCCORMICK

CHRISTIAN

House:

dignity and respect even if they disagree with me. I think those values will go a long way in representing all of Georgia’s 6th district in Congress, not just those that decide to vote for me.

CHRISTIAN: In the course of my campaign for Congress, I have served as a panel member on a Tea-Party forum, been the guest on a right-leaning talkshow, and spoken in front of progressive Democrats. My district encompasses all or parts of six counties and covers 765,000+ plus people. I know that I will not agree with them all, but it is my job to listen, learn, and do the best I can to bring everyone of those voices to Wash ington D.C.

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

McCORMICK: Ronald Reagan had the famous quote, “The nine most terri fying words in the English Language are: I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” I think that appropriately sums up our current economic situation. We are in a recession with sky high inflation because Democrats and the current ad ministration believed more government and more spending could fix America’s problems.

It is the 1970s all over again – the beards, long hair, opioid overdoses, runaway energy costs, proxy war with Russia, hatred of the military, hatred of the police. But I’m optimistic – just like Ronald Reagan was – that our best days are still ahead of us if we get government out of the way America’s exceptionalism will truly shine.

CHRISTIAN: The biggest influence in almost every aspect of my life has been my parents. I am fortunate enough to have had two incredible people raise me, mold me, and guide me to the point I am today. My mother, whom I lost to Covid in 2020, taught me compas sion and faith are often the best places to start when facing any problem. My father taught, and is still teaching me, that being right and being fair are not necessarily the same thing.

Georgia has a lot to offer current and potential residents, but many parts of the state are becom ing increasingly unaffordable. Please explain your proposed approach to address housing affordability through federal legislation and executive actions?

McCORMICK: America doesn’t need more government to fix the affordability crisis, it needs government to get out of the way. Georgia, like the rest of Ameri ca, is becoming unaffordable because of the impact of inflation and an unreliable supply chain that is driving up the cost of goods.

America must end its dependency on China for manufacturing by enhancing America’s competitiveness and reestab lish a stable supply of domestic energy so good paying manufacturing jobs can return to the United States.

on my core values of limited government because as government expands, liberty contracts.

CHRISTIAN: The art of governance is the art of compromise. We used to be very good at disagreeing with each other, but still solving problems. Even if we only took tiny steps we have a long his tory of moving forward. For me, person ally, the decision to compromise weighs entirely on the benefit to those I hope to represent. My job is to make their lives better, and my approach to any problem will always begin with that thought at the forefront of my mind.

There were politicians who ques tioned the outcomes of Georgia elections in 2018 and 2020. Do you think Georgia’s elections are secure and will you stand by the results?

McCORMICK: Previous elections have shown that the Georgia General As sembly’s 2021 election integrity overhaul have made it easy to vote and hard to cheat in Georgia elections. I am confi dent this law will prove its effectiveness again in 2022.

Robin

Joe

CHRISTIAN: There are numerous programs already available to expand access to affordable housing, not only in Georgia, but across the country. Whether that is through mortgage as sistance via Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or service-related assistance such as the VA housing loan available to veterans (the path I took), or through the direct assistance programs open to low-income citizens. Unfortunately, over the last decade we have seen these programs are poorly managed, poorly funded, and poorly executed.

The first step must be a compre hensive, bi-partisan review of all of our current solutions to determine what is working (and why), and what is failing (and why). From there we can begin the process of building programs that ef fectively meet the current needs of our communities.

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

McCORMICK: I am elected by the voters to represent the 6th district of Georgia, not a political party or a par ticular individual. Ensuring the best outcomes for the constituents of the 6th District will require working with col leagues from all walks of life. As I work for real results, I will not compromise

CHRISTIAN: There is not a shred of evidence to support the idea that our elections are anything but accurate and secure. Three different hand recounts of the ballots in Georgia proved beyond a doubt that we got it right. I firmly believe in the election process and will stand by the results as determined by the voters.

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 author ity in the U.S. House to influence abortion access or enforcement of abortion restrictions?

McCORMICK: The Dobbs decision ruled Roe v. Wade as unconstitutional and restored power back to the states where it rightfully belongs. I do believe that Congress has a duty to make it safe to give birth and easy to adopt. We are morally obligated to stand up for what’s right and protect the innocent unborn from late term abortion in which a life is ended a breath away from a birth certificate.

CHRISTIAN: If elected I will im mediately sponsor legislation and/or co-sponsor existing legislation to ensure that that Roe V. Wade becomes the law of the land.

The U.S. Congress often votes along party lines. When would you seek bipartisan action and what is sues merit such consensus?

McCORMICK: Much of the work Congress does should be bipartisan. In deed, Congress passes many bills under suspension of the rules with near unani

Georgia State Senate, District 6

you are seeking?

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

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: As an attorney at a large corporation, I focus my time on resolving problems by identifying the root causes of issues and working with a crossfunctional team to permanently address them. I also have nine years of policy and governance experience on the Atlanta school board, which will help me hit the ground running.

As a legislator, I will use that experience to focus on the issues that matter to Georgians the most and solving them.

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

GLASS: State legis latures 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.

ESTEVES: I firmly believe that government should be a reflection of the people that it serves. As such, government should reflect the diversity of Geor gia, but also set the direc tion and vision for a bright future for all Georgians through policy, laws, and regulations. I also believe that government must serve as a safety net for people, whether that means ad vancing policies that create jobs or expanding Medicaid.  I am entering the State Senate to fight for a strong public education system, access to af fordable healthcare, a thriving economy, and a healthy, livable state that is wel coming and inclusive to all.

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

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: As a parent, school board member, and former public school teacher, I believe in the power of a strong public education system and I know that Georgia cannot thrive without improving our schools. I will advocate for fully funding public schools (which has only been done a few times in the last 20 years), supporting the work of local school districts to close opportu nity gaps, and expanding early learning programs for 2 and 3-year-olds.

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

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: Regardless of your po litical view, the vast majority of people agree on most issues. I will work to focus on issues that really matter to everyday Georgians, like the economy, healthcare, and public education, instead of focus ing on the divisive issues that often get headlines.

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

GLASS: My biggest influence is not a positive experience. It is my op ponent. 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.

ESTEVES: My mom is the biggest

Continued on next page

Republican: Fred Glass

GLASS

ESTEVES

influence on my life in general. She taught me early on to serve my community and to treat others how I want to be treated. Those are philosophies that will guide the way I legislate and ultimately hope that it’s how government will operate in this state.

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?

GLASS: As a senator I would be un able 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 is sue which is secondary to preserving our existing neighborhoods and not encour aging further density. Sandy Springs, East Cobb and the Buckhead neighbor hoods deserve to enact zoning which will benefit families.

ESTEVES: There are many ways to tackle the housing affordability issue that is impacting most of the state, but I would focus on the fact that Georgia is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country, which has resulted in out-ofstate (and foreign) companies buying up a significant number of single-family homes. These companies buy homes at higher prices than most Georgians, which has in

cost to rent in the state.

We need to do what we can through legislative and executive actions to en sure Georgians own homes in this state, not corporations.

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

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: Incremental wins are, in fact, wins. And I will always try to move toward progress for Georgians. Deciding when to compromise will depend on the circumstances, but I will never refuse to listen. It’s important for me to know dif ferent perspectives.

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?

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: I will absolutely stand by the results of the election. I have faith in our system and believe we should be doing more to expand access to the ballot box and make it easier for citizens

system are not mutually exclusive. It is imperative that we have a system that is secure, but also fair and accessible to all eligible voters.

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?

GLASS: I would not vote for any legislation which did not consider the exception of rape, incest or the life of the mother.

ESTEVES: I believe in the right to abortion access and will fight to repeal Georgia’s anti-abortion laws. I will also work to expand access to vital women’s health care through budget and legisla tive action.

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

GLASS: This is my first time run ning for elected office, but this is an issue of great importance to my family because I have a niece with Down Syn drome. This has shown me the impor tance of programming for those with disabilities.

ESTEVES: I’m not in the Legislature yet, but as a school board member I advocated for our students with dis abilities. As a legislator, I will advocate to strengthen our special education system

has to strongly support those efforts.

Georgia closed out its budget year with a “likely record surplus, billions of dollars in federal aid and a grow ing 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?

GLASS: 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.

ESTEVES: We need to strengthen the safety net for everyday Georgians. That means fully funding public educa tion, expanding HOPE and early learn ing, expanding Medicaid, increasing mental health support, and addressing homelessness and other impacts of poverty.

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

GLASS: 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 as sociation president. I would bring this experience to the senate.

ESTEVES: I will always seek biparti san solutions and believe that both parties

THE CANDIDATES ON YOUR BALLOT

Georgia State Senate, District 14

Republican: Liz Hausmann Democrat: Josh McLaurin

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

HAUSMANN: I have more than 20 years of dedication to Fulton County. Having served on the Fulton County Board of Education, Johns Creek City Council, Fulton Board of Elections as well as the Board of Commission ers I am uniquely qualified for the top issues facing our community and our state. As a parent and grandparent, I understand the challenges facing our families today.

McLAURIN: I have years of experi ence representing North Fulton voters in our Legislature as State Representative for parts of Sandy Springs, Roswell and Johns Creek. As both an attor ney and an elected official, I know the importance of accu rately and passion ately conveying the preferences of my clients and constituents. When elected officials focus on good representation rather than their own ambitions, they develop the best possible relationship with the community.

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

HAUSMANN: Job one is to put Georgia families first, ensuring that our neighborhoods are safe, that our law enforcement officers have the tools and training needed to combat crime, and that our children receive a quality education.

As our next state senator, I will work closely with community leaders on both sides of the aisle, to pass policy wins that help all of us. That means resources for teachers, students and parents to thrive in our school system, and well-trained, wellequipped public safety officers to fight crime keeping our neighborhoods safe.

McLAURIN: I believe the government can and should be an institution in

which people can build public trust. By that, I mean a community can use the government not just to protect indi vidual interests and rights but also to show empathy for their neighbors. State government is closer to the people than the federal government: it legislates on issues that directly impact people’s everyday lives. For example, Georgia could expand Medicaid to offer health coverage to hundreds of thousands of people who are especially vulnerable. We could make smart investments in our public transit systems to re duce gridlock and pollution. There are common-sense steps we could take to curb gun violence. As a state senator, I will work hard to close the gap between these common-sense solutions that the public already supports and the parti san politics that so often take us in the wrong direction.

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

HAUSMANN: Crime is my top prior ity.

As a Fulton commissioner, I’ve worked closely with local police and pub lic safety officers to ensure our homes are safe, and families protected. Most re cently working to reopen the Alpharetta jail, and fully fund our police and court system. On the Johns Creek City Coun cil, I worked to establish the police and fire departments for the new city. As our state senator, I will continue those ef forts with legislation ensuring our police are fully funded so our Fulton families can live in safe neighborhoods.

McLAURIN: If I am elected to the State Senate, I will focus my attention on the challenges facing working families in our community. That means work ing to expand Medicaid, making sure that people can afford housing where they want to live and work, fighting to end gun violence in our community, and reforming our criminal legal system to reduce racial disparities and unjust deprivation of liberty. When you defend working people, their livelihoods, and their rights, you strengthen the fabric of society as a whole.

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

HAUSMANN: As a Fulton County commissioner, I have a proven record of working with anyone and everyone to find solutions to our challenges, and de livering policies that work for all in our community. I have built many strong diverse relationships over the years to

foster positive outcomes for the people we serve.

McLAURIN: I welcome conversations with anyone who sees things from a dif ferent perspective. I often engage with people who disagree with me because I believe in public debate and a full dis cussion of our most important issues. I have learned quite a bit from my conser vative friends about their concepts of lib erty, the economy, and how they believe society should be structured.

At the same time, I believe that good leaders must be unafraid to stand up for what they know to be true. Our country is facing an epidemic of misinformation, some of which is explicitly intended to undermine our democratic institutions. For example, whereas a debate over how to deliver healthcare most effectively is a legitimate debate – and one where I am open to listening to opponents – I will not entertain false controversies or conspiracy theories designed to overturn valid election results or promote violence against political opponents.

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

HAUSMANN: The late Commissioner Bob Fulton served as a mentor for me. His wisdom and measured, thought ful approach to issues taught me that it is so important to gather as much information as possible in the decisionmaking process, and to make those decisions respectfully. I miss his wise counsel.

McLAURIN: Stephen B. Bright was a professor of mine in law school at Yale. He is a nationally respected defense at torney and advocate who has spent his decades-long career based in Atlanta representing defendants and disadvan taged communities in high-profile cases. He is unapologetic in his advocacy for people whom society traditionally has rejected, which sometimes made him en emies at the Georgia State Capitol. Many Georgians look to scripture as a theoreti cal guide for how to treat disadvantaged people in society, but Steve has walked the walk by dedicating his entire career to serving the most vulnerable. His early encouragement in my career, along with his example, have inspired me to be vo cal in standing up for people even when it isn’t popular.

Georgia has a lot to offer cur rent 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?

HAUSMANN: Our state is the num ber one place to conduct business for a reason: we have pro-business policies that help everyone thrive. Just like we have fostered a pro-business environ ment, we need to foster an environment that lifts barriers for homebuilders who are looking to build in our communi ties.

McLAURIN: As a renter of an apart ment in Sandy Springs myself, I have seen firsthand the rising costs of living and know how easily the housing crisis can price families out of their long-time communities. As a state representative, I introduced legislation to restrict local governments from engaging in un checked development without consider ing the impacts it would have on hous ing equity and affordability. In my view, the key to good housing policy is to see it as 1) foundational to a person’s wellbeing in almost every respect, and 2) part of a larger public policy puzzle that requires simultaneous action on public transit, work opportunity, and criminal legal reform. It’s not enough to work on any of these policy areas in isolation. We need bold vision for the communities of the future, and we need to invest in all of them at once.

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

HAUSMANN: Having served in the minority on the Fulton County Commis sion, I have a record of building bridges to accomplish important goals. Estab lishing the Fulton TSPLOST program is a good example of getting consensus from a diverse group of cities to solve a problem shared by all. At the end of the day, passing good policies that work for everyone is key to keeping Georgia’s economy thriving.

McLAURIN: In a truly representa tive democracy, all politics includes an element of compromise and nobody gets what they want 100 percent of the time. But during my years serving as the state representative for North Fulton, I’ve learned when to settle for a middle ground and when to stand up and fight for what is right even when that position may be unpopular. We have a lot of work to do to address the dysfunction that has taken hold in our hyper-partisan political environment, but I refuse to compromise with policy positions that are based on lies or will bring clear harm

HAUSMANN

MCLAURIN

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from Page 1

30 years to serve as chief service officer with the Toron to Transit Commission, the third largest transit system in North America.

He joined MARTA in July 2019 as chief of bus opera tions and urban planning. He was named deputy gen eral manager of operations early last year, overseeing all bus and rail operations and helping to develop and de liver major capital projects. Greenwood was named interim general manager

and CEO in January of this year following the suicide death of MARTA chief Jef frey Parker.

A search conducted by a consultant identified 11 candidates with varying back grounds in transportation and other business sectors to replace Parker. The search committee interviewed five candidates and concluded Greenwood was the best fit for MARTA.

This story is available through a news partnership with Capitol Beat News Ser vice, a project of the Georgia Press Educational Founda

Can the pace of home remodeling continue?

issues are prospering.

Throughout 2021 home remodel ing seemed virtually unaffected by the Covid pandemic. Home sales continue to be robust, but the pace of home remodeling is even greater. New home buyers tend to remodel as soon as they move into their new home, but the remodeling craze seems to apply to everyone. “Our Kitchen and Bathroom remodeling business has experienced a 75% year over year increase” says John Hogan, president of Remodeling Expo Center, “and we don’t see any slowdown in sight.”

There’s been a rapid change to supply chains in our entire economy and while some businesses are suf fering, others are prospering. Demand for products and services are at record levels and businesses are required to re-think their supply chain from end to end; those businesses that creative ly maneuver around the supply chain

“Last year we re-focused all of our purchasing to those suppliers with local inventory, so we get instant ac cess to products, then we diverted custom built products to smaller, more nimble suppliers, and finally we began to inventory some items so our remodeling jobs could get started faster and eliminate job progress interruptions. These changes weren’t easy but without them we couldn’t be in the hyper-growth mode that we’re presently experiencing, says Bobbie Kohm, Vice President of Remodeling Expo Center, “Turnkey Design-Build companies, like us, keep the process very simple.”

Low interest rates are going to be around for a long time and investment in our homes is likely to continue. For more information on Remodeling Expo Center (RemodelingExpo.com), contact them at their showroom at 48 King Street in Roswell or at 404-910-3969.

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ELLIJAY, GA

Senate:

ferent. In 2018, Democrats ques tioned whether a secretary of state should preside over his own gubernatorial election, whether voter rolls should be purged due to voter inactivity, or whether absentee ballots should be rejected because of immaterial discrepancies in spelling of names, for example. Those questions aren’t remotely the same as the Republican-led effort in 2020 to satisfy Donald Trump’s hurt ego by entertaining completely baseless suggestions that the votes were improp erly counted. I am happy to admit when Democrats are wrong when it’s appropri ate to do so, but the false equivalence between 2018 and 2020 suggested by the structure of this question prompt should be rejected.

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 author ity in the state Senate to influence abortion access or enforcement of abortion restrictions?

HAUSMANN: I believe that we need to have a robust debate on this topic to ensure that this is rare, safe and acces sible to those who need it.

McLAURIN: I will vociferously op pose further restrictions on abortion in the State of Georgia, and I will seek to restore the abortion rights that Georgians once held prior to the Dobbs decision and the extreme 6-week ban that recently went into effect. We are talking about intensely personal decisions that can devastate families, no matter the outcome. The vast majority of Georgians know that govern ment regulation on this issue has gone too far and that decisions about reproductive freedom and contraceptive use must be made by individuals, not the government.

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

HAUSMANN: I’ve worked closely to expand Senior Services such as meals on wheels and transportation options such as ride sharing services, develop mental disability youth programs, after school programs, day care programs, and work force training programs among others.

McLAURIN: Like many House Demo crats, I was a co-sponsor of legislation to expand Medicaid in Georgia, which would make a profound difference for people with disabilities and our health care system generally. As a state sena tor, I will continue to stand in support of legislation that closes gaps in health equity, affordability, and accessibility.

Georgia closed out its budget year with a “likely record surplus, billions of dollars in federal aid and a grow ing economy.” Georgia spends more than half of this money on educa tion and health care. What would you want to see in the budget in terms of spending or taxes?

HAUSMANN: Families across Georgia are tightening their budgets and buckling down on spending in this period of record inflation – so should our state govern ment. I believe that surplus funds should go back into the pockets of taxpayers.

McLAURIN: Georgia has a unique opportunity to use its surplus to shore up basic services that our state agencies are currently falling behind in delivering. For example, for years now, the turnover rate of correctional officers in Juve nile Justice facilities has been over 90 percent. That’s unconscionable. We have been willing to let children and adults be confined in dangerous spaces where even officers feel unsafe going to work.

But we have options beyond our surplus, too. I have been outspoken in my support for raising the excise tax on cigarettes, which is a pro-public-health measure that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state. We can’t be ideological in our approach to tax, saying that they’re always good or al ways bad. Good public policy requires us to look at each potential source of revenue and expense on its own merits.

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

HAUSMANN: We need collective, bi partisan collaboration to effectively take on crime in our neighborhoods. Now more than ever, our families’ lives are at risk and we need to ensure that local law enforcement has the training, tools, and equipment needed to successfully fight crime in our communities.

McLAURIN: Each time I introduce a piece of legislation, I want col leagues from both sides of the aisle to be involved in the process and work to support its passage. In fact, I think it is fair to say all of my colleagues want bipartisan support of their legislation. In a perfect world, all legislation would get fair consideration regardless of which party introduced it. But we know that is not the reality of our hyper-partisan environment, and there is not a simple formula to strike the balance between seeking unanimous agreement and standing up for what you believe in the face of disagreement. As a state sena tor, I will continue to embody the same character, thoughtfulness, and empathy I have tried to demonstrate for the last four years as North Fulton’s State Repre sentative.

Georgia State House, District 53

Republican: Deborah Silcox

Democrat: Kelly Coffman

Deborah Silcox did not respond to the questionnaire.

A native of Sandy Springs, Silcox was previously in the Georgia House and is attempting a comeback. She prac ticed law for 10 years before deciding to devote her time to her family. She won elections to the House in 2016 and 2018 and narrowly lost her 2020 race. On her campaign website, she says she fully supports the police and will never allow liberal politicians to “defund police in our community.” With property assessments soaring, she said she will sponsor leg islation to raise the homestead exemp tion. She also vows to help to empower parents.

Kelly Coffman did not respond to the questionnaire.

A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Kelly Coffman says she decided to run for the Georgia House after seeing that “state government wasn’t working for all Georgians.” She’s billing herself as “a neighbor who wants to get things done for everyone in our community.” She is an advocate for expanding Medicaid and for expanding access to mental health services, according to her campaign web site. She believes early education should be a priority, so children have the tools they need to be successful in school. She wants to see teacher salaries increased and the history that’s taught in public schools include “the good, the bad and the ugly” in order to avoid the mistakes of the past. On gun safety, she is calling for “common-sense gun laws that ensure only well-trained, licensed and verified citizens” have access to guns.”

Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival celebrates 10th anniversary

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

DUNWOODY, Ga. — While pork may be the most widely used meat for barbecue, the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival does it differently.

The Hebrew Order of David wel comed more than 20 in- and out-ofstate teams to its annual barbecue competition Oct. 23, creating the savory-smelling smoke wafting over Brook Run Park. The festival, now in its 10 th year, drew a crowd of around 4,000 hungry visitors.

Many could be seen enjoying the teams’ pit-mastery, throwing back 1 oz. cups of Kosher barbecue and messily gnawing on the last bits of beef rib — one of four food groups in the competition. Teams also vied for first place in Chili, Chicken and Brisket, among other awards.

Because the Hebrew Order of David abides by the highest level of Kashruth, the festival allows the entire Jewish community to participate, said Jody Pollack, the festival’s executive director and HOD member. Everyone else comes along because barbecue in the South is common, he said.

“Our unofficial motto is, ‘We don’t care what flavor you are, as long as you like barbecue,” Pollack said.

Several live music performances were stationed atop a hill by the park pavil ion.

Paula Krone sang and played acoustic guitar to covers and some original songs. Many were interpreta tions of Jewish prayers, like Hash kiveinu, a prayer that seeks comfort and protection.

Nick and the Grooves followed Krone, a four-piece band that stuck to the blues. Lead singer and guitarist Nick Edelstein asked the crowd to repeat after him, “No pork on the fork,” which is also the title to a documentary that offers a behind-the-scenes look into the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival

Edelstein’s request was widely met.

Keeping it kosher

Not only was there no pork, but everything at the competition was koshered. To keep everything kosher, Pollack said organizers supply most of everything to the competitors — the grills, the utensils, the spices and the tomato sauce for sauces. But teams are allowed to bring their own charcoal and flavored wood.

Pollack explained the methodical and intentional process of koshering as well as its significance to the Jewish com munity.

“It’s a process that starts when the cow is born,” he said. “It’s how the cow

is fed, how the cow is slaughtered, how the meat is processed. The chain of cus tody is maintained from the processing facility all the way to the temple.”

The Atlanta Kashruth Commission oversees festival proceedings. Pollack said rabbis monitor the teams when they receive the meat, to ensure that the chain of custody isn’t broken. To maintain Kashruth, the rabbi is also the only person who can light the grill, which is done the night before the fes tival.

The meat is cooked as usual, but, because of the koshering process, the meat is already heavily salted before the teams get to it. Pollack said teams must understand that they need only use around 10 percent of the salt they normally would.

No questions

For prep, the kitchen is koshered, which involves specific techniques. Then, everyone preps the meat together. It is then sealed, wrapped in plastic and signed by the rabbi.

Kosher eating is a tenet of the Bible, Pollack said. And part of that canon calls for separating dairy and meat. Don’t look

for a cheeseburger at the event. Macaro ni and cheese was provided, but it used imitation cheese.

“It’s critical that meat and dairy be completely separate,” he said. “You can not bring a coffee with milk and sugar in it on the site.”

Bari Allen, Rochelle Semko and Erika Oaks, three friends from Gwin nett County, attended the festival Sunday. They found Messianic Juda ism through different pathways, but all eat kosher.

“It’s hard to go into a restaurant because you don’t know what any thing is cooked in,” Allen said. “Here, you’re going to get what’s clean and safe to eat.”

Oaks discussed the same relief.

“It’s an event we can come to, and we don’t have to question,” Oaks said. “We can go get a hot dog. Every other outdoor event — they’re normally go ing to be, you know, not kosher hot dogs.”

First responders at the front

The festival traditionally honors first responders, who are given free entry to compete in the general competition but who also have a chance to earn the First Responder’s Cup. The Cobb County Po

lice Department K-9 Unit took the travel ing trophy from their fellow competitors, the DeKalb County Fire and Rescue Department.

“We want to give our thanks to the first responders for all they do for us and to give the community the opportunity to meet them as people without their uni forms on,” Pollack said. “It’s something that we feel is very important, and we want them to know that they’re appreci ated.”

This year was an exceptional one for Cobb County Police members. The department lost two deputies in the line of duty in September. Festival organizers donated some of the event proceeds to honor their memories and families left behind.

Lester Maddox, retired CCPD K-9 lieutenant and team lead of Blue Crew BBQ, said the department has par ticipated in the competition for at least seven years. Maddox described how canines help bridge the gap between the Police Department and the community and how the festival was another way to do the same.

“It’s been a lot of fun going down and interacting with people to get to know different groups, doing different things.”

Members of Halburnt Offerings walk off with one of two first-place trophies at the Oct. 23 barbecue festival. The team traveled from Washington, D.C., and won first place in both Brisket and Chicken.

PHOTOS BY AMBER PERRY/APPEN MEDIA

A man wearing a Young Jewish Profes sional Palm Beach kippah walks at the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival Oct. 23.

Jody Pollack, the festival’s executive director, announces category winners of the barbecue competition.

DEATH NOTICES

Katherine Coleman, 73, of Alpharetta, passed away October 23, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Helen Harris, 72, of Clarksville, passed away October 24, 2022. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Melvin Knowles, 98, of Alpharetta, passed away October 25, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Elizabeth Morley, 69, of Roswell, passed away October 21, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert O’Hagen, 84, of Alpharetta, passed away October 22, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Rose Webb, 95, of Alpharetta, passed away October 21, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Benjamin Winkler, 28, of Roswell, passed away October 24, 2022. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

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