I am the best candidate because this district needs someone with a bright future, not just an impressive past. I live on the Southside of Milledgeville, which has been neglected for a long time. The needs of my neighbors will always be at the forefront of my mind because I’m face to face with them every single day and personally impacted by the outcomes in the most vulnerable corner of our community. The best days of Middle Georgia are ahead of us. I believe a new day of broadly shared prosperity is dawning in Georgia, but there is still so much work to do. I have previous experience working under the Gold Dome, so I can start Day One with my sleeves rolled up ready to do what needs to be done.
In order, what would be your four biggest priorities if elected?
My priorities are simple, and they all relate to the cost of living and economic dignity.
Housing: Housing is too expensive and in short supply. Our district is prime for trying some creative solutions including re- forming zoning to allow for higher density, streamlining permitting, updating building codes for more effi cient construction, expanding tax credits to incentivize developers to build what people really need, funding housing trusts, capping property tax increases (especially for Seniors), and increasing direct investment into help with maintenance for existing homeown- ers through the Department of Community Aff airs.
Healthcare: No one should have to choose between getting treatment and going into debt, but too many Georgians lie awake at night worrying about how to pay a hospital bill. Across the state rural care is disappearing, and our leaders have still failed to expand Medicaid, which needs to be done immediately. Everyone deserves to see a doctor and have access to mediation that they need. Period.
Education and Childcare: The quality of your kids’ education shouldn’t depend on where you live. Georgia’s education funding formula was written in 1985 and disproportionately impacts rural and low-income students. We are one of the few states whose funding formula doesn’t include a poverty weight, yet research shows that it costs more to educate kids living in poverty. Childcare costs are crippling many young families. There is $2 billion in Lottery reserves, which already pays for Pre-K. We should expand this program to provide universal childcare, and we have the money to do it. In addition to easing costs for families, this would also improve educational outcomes. Last, we need to raise teacher pay signi. cantly, to recruit and retain the best teachers.
Economic Development: We need to raise the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour and make Technical School and Community College tuition-free. The economy is built on skilled labor, which is also AI-proof. The state currently has $15 billion in general reserves. At least $1B should be allocated for small business development (low interest loans), particularly targeted toward the Black community which has historically not had adequate access to capital. An entrepreneurial per- son should be able to borrow money to start a business based on the strength of a business plan, not on current assets and income. In addition to the offi cial functions of the job, I see the role of a state legislator also as being an ambassador for our community to the outside world. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, I will work with other business leaders to actively recruit jobs/investment by helping to sell the vision of a vibrant community with a bright future. I’ve been a local realtor for 17 years, and I was a campus tour guide throughout my time at Georgia Collegeselling people on Milledgeville has been my life’s work. I believe in this community. We have the resources and the talent. We need the leadership.