VOTERS GUIDE
CANDIDATES FOR GEORGIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 32 On November 6, Cobb County residents will have the opportunity to vote for a variety of political offices. The EAST COBBER presents the candidates running for Georgia State Senate District 32. SENATOR KAY KIRKPATRICK, MD (R-Incumbent) kayforsenate.com AGE: 64 CITY, STATE BORN: Birmingham, AL EDUCATION: MD, University of Louisville OCCUPATION: hand surgeon, former President of Resurgens Orthopaedics FAMILY: Married 32 years to Dr. Thomas Haltom. 2 children, ages 26 and 25 HOBBIES: golf, reading, gardening, pet therapy ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: East Cobb Rotary, East Cobb Business Association, East Cobb United Methodist Church, Happy Tails Pet Therapy, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, multiple medical associations (ASSH, AAOS, MAG, MAA, GOS- former president, Cobb County Medical Society, MAA) HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? 32 years HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): Yes, elected 2017 to state Senate District 32 (special election) PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The biggest duty of the job is representing constituents of the district and helping with problems at the state level that they cannot resolve. The job also involves representing the district at many events and gathering input by visibility in the community, as well as serving on a number of committees that meet year-round. The state Senate has a big impact on East Cobb because legislation passes each year that affects the entire state related to taxes, education, transportation and other important issues. The session lasts for the first quarter and is quite intense with committee work and voting. The job requires a lot of time and energy in and out of session. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I have been in leadership for most of my life and have a deep knowledge of healthcare, business and insurance issues. I have worked hard to be a good communicator and especially a good listener. My retirement from practice last year left me able to work fulltime on behalf of East Cobb. I have developed a reputation as someone with a common-sense approach to problems as well as a person of integrity. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? I heard a lot during the last session about healthcare costs and lack of choice in the insurance market, especially from people in small business and those on the Obamacare plans. I am ready to file legislation to hold insurers accountable and to increase competition. I am concerned about mental health and better management of those with chronic diseases. We need to be innovative new approaches such as telemedicine and the use of targeted waivers to address our serious healthcare issues and decrease cost rather than expanding government control of a broken system. Public safety is also a high priority of mine as well and I am working hard on the Public Safety and School Safety committees to better equip our state to keep our citizens safe. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My father, a 99-year-old WW2 veteran, is my personal hero. He and my mom grew up poor and with limited education. They put 3 kids through college by prioritizing education. My dad taught me how to work hard, keep family and faith at the top of the list and overcome obstacles to reach my goals. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Determined, Energetic and Positive
16 October October2018 2018
CHRISTINE TRIEBSCH (D) ChristineForGa.com AGE: 56 CITY, STATE BORN: Kearney, NE EDUCATION: Mahomet Seymour High School, Mahomet, IL; Avila College, Kansas City, Missouri; J.D., John Marshall Law School (Atlanta) OCCUPATION: Family Law Attorney FAMILY: Husband Kevin, Educator at Simpson Middle School; Son Ethan, Sophomore at University of Missouri; Daughter Stella, Sophomore at Pope High School HOBBIES: Reading, Family Activities and Sewing. ORGANIZATIONS YOU BELONG TO: St. James Episcopal Church; State Bar of Georgia; Cobb County Bar Association; East Cobb Rotary HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN EAST COBB/COBB COUNTY? Ten years in East Cobb and 21 years in Cobb County. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ELECTED TO A PUBLIC OFFICE? IF YES, PLEASE LIST OFFICE AND YEAR(S): I have never been elected to a public office. My first election was the special election last year in which I received 42% of the vote. This year I predict over 50%. PLEASE DESCRIBE THIS OFFICE’S DUTIES & ITS IMPACT ON EAST COBB: The duties of the office consist of representing to the best of my ability, the best interests of the people in State Senate District 32, knowing that the laws that are passed will not only affect State Senate District 32 but also the people of the State of Georgia. PLEASE DESCRIBE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE THAT QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS OFFICE. I have been an attorney for over 23 years. My legal background gives me an edge as the next State Senator. I have a working knowledge of all levels of government and the law. Electing another woman, who is a practicing family law attorney, into the General Assembly would benefit the State of Georgia. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING YOUR POLITICAL OFFICE, AND, IF ELECTED, WHAT WILL YOU DO ABOUT IT? I see three very important issues: 1. Fully funding our public schools is very important. This means I would protect our public schools and ensure all funds stay in the public schools. I would not support vouchers, nor would I support private institutions or charters schools if they would take dollars away from public schools. A solid K-12 public education is critical and will benefit every citizen in the State of Georgia. Let’s raise salaries for both teachers and staff, and reduce class sizes as well as make sure students receive the skills they need to succeed. 2. I would ensure people have access to quality affordable healthcare while protecting those with preexisting conditions. I will fight to expand Medicaid in the State of Georgia. Heathy Georgians benefit everyone. 3. Gerrymandering is a problem that needs a solution. Gerrymandering allows the representatives to pick the voters, rather than the voters picking the representatives. I would like to see a bi-partisan or a neutral committee resolve this issue so that the boundaries are fair to all voters. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE MOST, AND WHY? My Mom! She was a single parent, worked a full-time job and raised five children. As I am older, I can now appreciate her strength and courage. She is my hero. PLEASE LIST THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AS A PERSON: Compassionate, Motivated and Thrifty.
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