| As a native of Metro Atlanta and a proud Double-Dawg graduate of the University of Georgia, I am proud to call Georgia - and the suburbs - my home. Anyone who lives here knows the relief of getting home and seeing our families after putting in a full day. We are thankful for what we have and hopeful about what we want. This is my family's story too. My parents moved from Kentucky to Marietta in 1984 for better work opportunities.
Since graduating with my Master's in Public Administration from UGA and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, I've continued to appreciate how important it is to give back. Now, as a civil servant and community leader, it is my responsibility to ensure that the doors of opportunity are open for my constituents and their families. Public service has been a passion of mine since graduating college. While in law school, I served as a volunteer public school teacher, leading a year-long course on students' constitutional rights. I also provided free representation to low-income citizens charged with non-violent offenses.
As a trial lawyer living in Sandy Springs, I continue my fight for those who need it most-and I believe that government has a long way to go before it is truly accountable to all its constituents. Recently, our state legislature has prioritized culture wars over quality legislation. Often times this means sloppily written bills that have unpredictable practical consequences and which are meant simply to send a partisan message. I have the legal experience to read legislation with a critical eye and spot its flaws. Legislators are supposed to be professionals. We should always remember our job is about service. I am proud to say that during the 2019 legislative session, I was among only three State Representatives out of 180 not to miss a single vote. When I think of my parents' humble roots and the sacrifices they made for me, I can't forget what matters most- fighting for you the same way my family fought for me. |