Education

I will go to the Georgia State Capitol and work to make our schools the best in the country. We hear all too often how “Georgia ranks near the bottom of the country in student scores.” But what are we doing about it? So far, only cutting the amount of funding we provide our kids and their schools—not to mention furloughing teachers. We can do better. 

I will work with our state schools superintendent the way I am currently working with our local school superintendent to make our school system better. I will work to make sure our schools are adequately funded and our teachers have the tools they need to “educate” our kids, not just teach them. I want our children to graduate with choices so they are well equipped to attend any college they want to, be ready for the world of work if they choose the vocation route or to serve their country in uniform.  

Whether it’s working with programs like “All Pro Dads,” serving on the Fulton County School Superintendent’s Community Council or volunteering with our school’s Local School Advisory Council (LSAC), I understand the value of our children’s education and I will always work to make our children have a bright future.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation progress, other states are leaving us in the dust. We have to put greater focus on solving our transportation problems. Don’t believe me? How long does it take you to cross over I-285 on Camp Creek? How much earlier do you have to leave your home in order to make it down Highway 138 in the morning? Ever spent a Saturday afternoon near Highway 92 or Highway 5? The more we grow, the slower we go. 

For too long our traffic problems have been ignored by the powers that be under the “Gold Dome.” When I go to the State Senate one of my top priorities will be to work on a regional transportation plan that will relieve us from the daily traffic grind. This crisis not only deters businesses from coming to Georgia, but it also limits our time with what matters to us most, our families. 

Public Safety

As a community affairs representative I have the opportunity to help people in various areas that impact their lives. One issue that continues to worry people of the 35th District is crime. Simply put, people want to feel safe in their homes. People want to be able to come home without the anxiety of looking to see if their door had been kicked in while they were at their jobs trying to provide for their families. 

When I become your next state senator, I will work with local law enforcement officers to do what we can on a state level to provide the tools they need to protect you. Also, we need to work to get to the root of the problem. Locking up people and throwing away the key is not the best answer. It is a better investment to spend money on crime prevention and educating young people than it is to spend money prosecuting them, and then paying to house them in a cell for the rest of their lives. I pledge to continue working to keep kids off the street and in school so they don’t become tomorrow’s criminals. 

Foreclosure Crisis

It’s no secret that we are living in one of the toughest economic times in American history. As we drive to our jobs, our churches or even to the local grocery store, there is no escaping the ugly sight of “Foreclosure” and “Auction” signs littering our neighborhoods.  

The Democrats in Washington have heard our concerns and there have already been some steps taken to prevent this situation from happening again. However, at the local and state level, we have to help those who right now are a payment or two away from losing their homes. As your next state senator, I will work to give people the chance to work through their financial situations and be able to stay in their homes and maintain their dignity in the process. 

Potential Milton County

One of the greatest dangers facing the people who live in the 35th District is the move to split up Fulton County by a small segment of our population. These folks want to break off, secede and form a separate county, reducing Fulton County to about half of its current size. We hear various reasons as to why, but one thing is certain, this will not be good for a large portion of citizens from the 35th District. 

As a member of the Fulton County Chairman’s staff, I have been uniquely involved in the meetings to keep Fulton County whole. No other candidate has been at the table or knows this issue more than me. Quite simply, on the most important matter facing you and your family AARON Johnson will not need any on-the-job training. I will hit the ground running. I have already made a pledge to the chairman of the Fulton County state delegation that I will work with him and other members of the delegation to do all I can to keep Fulton County whole—which will benefit everyone in metro Atlanta region.