By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | While the national election has been relatively active, one like we have never seen before, the local scene has been relatively quiet. Though there are several local contests, all-in-all, there’s still little major political activity on the local front.
We had 43 candidates visit in our offices this year, though several have failed to spend time with us, and therefore, we cannot consider recommending their candidacy. We regret that they did not come by, for we know little about them or their candidacy. We figure the onus is on them.
Part of today’s issue, and continuing until the election, are the answers to six questions we put to all candidates who visited with us. By reading their views, we hope that you will have a better understanding of each candidate and a sense of how you will cast your vote in these offices. It’s good to see some fresh faces seeking local offices.
With Gwinnett being heavily Republican since 1984, we are pleased to see the Democratic Party fielding a new round of qualified candidates. We say this as we would like to see more parity between the parties in Gwinnett, and need good candidates from both parties to achieve this.
Now to our recommendations for the 2016 General Election:
Isakson
U.S. SENATE
We are pleased again to recommend Johnny Isakson, 71, to continue to his third term in the Senate. He’s been a fine senator, though we differ with him on many issues. We like the manner in which he holds the office, being squarely in touch with Georgians, as he decides the many issues before him.
Armendariz
U.S. CONGRESS, 4th District
To represent part of Gwinnett in Congress, we are impressed with the way Republican Victor Armendariz, 46, approaches running for the office. The Chamblee graduate of Georgia State speaks with new approaches to many of our problems, and though conservative, he should bring new vigor to the district.
Malik
U.S. CONGRESS, 7th District
Dr. Rashid Malik, a 56-year-old Democrat, is our choice to defeat sitting Congressman Rob Woodall. While the Lawrenceville resident may have a tough fight ahead of him, we feel Dr. Malik’s diverse views will speak to many people, and he could run a tougher race than some predict. Born in Bangladesh, and a Muslim, he recognizes the rights of women and loves his adopted country and its many freedoms.
Echols
GEORGIA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
In his first term , Tim Echols, 55, of Athens, showed great ability and provided ideas benefiting the commission. During his six-year term, he has toured the state talking about the benefits of electric cars, has been an advocate for solar power and offers other innovative thoughts to benefit the people of Georgia. He also advocates improving broadband coverage in rural areas to attract economic development. We endorse the Echols’ candidacy.
Millar
STATE SENATE District 40
We are pleased to see Republican Fran Millar, 66, of Dunwoody, seeking office again. A strong voice in the General Assembly for 18 years, he sees the big issues of Georgia with an open mind, and is respected by his colleagues. He understands our state’s many problems, and works toward making our state even better.
Butler
STATE SENATE, District 55
You won’t find a harder-working senator than Democrat Gloria Butler, 74, an 18-year veteran of the Senate, who lives in Stone Mountain. She pays close attention to her district, returns her telephone calls, and is respected by her Senate colleagues. She’s earned another term and our endorsement based on her solid work.
Holcomb
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 81
It’s good when you have two bright candidates seek an office, as we have in this district. Our choice is Democrat Scott Holcomb, 43, of Atlanta to continue serving in this office. A coming figure in Democratic politics, he has distinguished himself by being open to the ideas of his constituents. He was instrumental in making us aware of problems in processing rape kits. We urge his re-election.
Marin
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 96
A 16-year veteran of the House, Pedro Marin, 58, a Duluth consultant, brings many years of diverse views to the House. He particularly is on top of issues concerning the immigrant community. He has pushed Gwinnett officials to continue to address transportation issues, seeking to alleviate traffic jams. He serves the district well and is worthy of your support.
Park
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 101
One of the new faces seeking office is Democrat Samuel Park, 30, an Atlanta native, Lawrenceville resident and a graduate of Georgia State, both for his bachelor’s and law degree. He has perhaps the most perceptive and brightest mind we have experienced this season. A former Republican, he saw a lack of fiscal responsibility leading to the recession of 2008. Still a fiscal conservative, he stands to be a force on the local scene in the future. We choose him over Valerie Clark, who has done a good job in representing the district in the past.
McLeod
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 105
Another newcomer to politics is Donna McLeod, 48, of Lawrenceville, a Democrat who is originally from Jamaica. She has lived in the district for 16 years, has listened to the people, and wants to fight for better public transportation for them. She is bright, energetic and alert, and has the zeal to become a force in the General Assembly.
Brockway
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 102
It’s good to see Republican Buzz Brockway, 50, continue to offer for office. For six years, this Lawrenceville graduate of Georgia Tech has represented his district. Among his missions is to help people left behind in the global economy. He stands for what is good in Gwinnett, and makes us proud at the Legislature.
Radjabov
GEORGIA HOUSE, District 108
In this selection, we have another newcomer offering an attractive alternative to the old manner of doing business. We endorse the candidacy of Democrat T.R. Radjabov, 32, of Lilburn. He came to this country from Tajikistan in Russia as an exchange student. A graduate of Jacksonville State University, he owns a home health company and sleep lab in Sparta, Tenn. He runs to seek positive change for the community, and to repeal tax exemptions. We recommend his candidacy.
Nash
COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIR
Perhaps the best accomplishment of Charlotte Nash’s six years as chairman of the Gwinnett Commission, is that she has almost single-handedly restored faith and trust in county government. We heartily endorse Ms. Nash, 63, of the Harbins community, to another term in office. She reaches out to many segments of the community, bringing assured government to us. Gwinnett is lucky to have her sage experience in office. We look forward to more progress in her next term.
Watkins
COUNTY COMMISSION, District 3
Here we find another bright new face to recommend for office: Democrat Jasper Watkins, 58, of Grayson. A retired Army lieutenant colonel and nuclear pharmacist, he’s running to bring new vision to the commission, particularly in the area of public transportation, including commuter rail. He could have lived anywhere, but chose to retire in Gwinnett because of its bright and outgoing suburban atmosphere, and now offers to help the county move forward. We endorse his candidacy.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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