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Health & Fitness

Why I'm the Clear Choice for State Representative

As the only candidate in the race with direct, hands-on experience in the Georgia General Assembly, I welcome the opportunity to tell why I'm the best choice for State Representative, District 62.

I'd like to share my thoughts with Patch readers as to why exactly I'm running and what type of State Representative I'll be.

For the last eight years, I've worked as part of Fulton County's Legislative Team at the State Capitol where I assisted with the coordination of the County's annual Legislative Package and was directly responsible for the passage of all local legislation pertaining to Fulton County and all of its cities. During this time, I also coordinated all public hearings and meetings of the Fulton County House Delegation.

Much of the local legislation that I was responsible for included homestead exemptions, city charter changes, creation of local authorities as well as dealing with the several amendments to the old 1976 constitution (known as 'Population Acts') and its applicability to local juridictions. One of the substantial pieces of local legislation that I assisted with changed the governance structure of the Atlanta-Fulton County Board of Trustees.

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Contrary to whatever has been suggested otherwise, I'm the only candidate running in House District 62 who not only completely understands the legislative process, but will be ready to hit the ground running to provide the leadership that District 62 needs. As someone whose been intimately involved in this process for the last several years, its a real stretch for some to suggest that they have actually been passing bills as though they were legislators. 

Not only do I have extensive legislative experience, but I've been extremely involved in my community, as a neighborhood association president in unincorporated College Park as well as in the City of College Park, I served for five years as Community Liasion to the Old National Merchants Association where we successfully put the sixth runway of Hartfield-Jackson Airport on hold in the late 90s, helped retain a major supermarket chain that was threatening to leave the community, and worked to get key Fulton County Zoning policies enforced dealing with who can speak on behalf community groups. Additionally, I served in the NAACP for more than 35 years and served three terms as State Secretary.

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During the 2010 Legislative Session, I played a direct role in getting recognition by the Georgia General Assembly for the only Georgian who was on the 2010 Winter Olympic Team--Douglas County native Elana Meyers. 

What people need to understand is even though there's thousands of bills that's introduced each legislative session, the only required action by the State Consitution of the General Assembly is the passage of the budget. In an ideal world, critical issues like the budget would slow down and let new members catch up--so we really don't have the luxury of waiting for a new legislator to "learn the ropes". I'm the only candidate THATS READY RIGHT NOW. I'm humbled to have the endorsement of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) because they share my view that we need a strong, honest voice ready to stand up to fight for Georgia's children.

I've learned two important things during my time at the State Capitol: one, building relationships is so vital to this process and second, District 62 needs a leader that understands importance of listening and learning. We won't always agree, but I will always give you the facts. 

So if you share my view that we can do better than professional candidates and others who may not have the best interest of this entire district at heart, then I humbly ask for your vote.

Vision + Experience = The Difference.

 

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