ALPHARETTA/MILTON, GA — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in North Fulton, will choose other candidates to represent them, including the seat for Georgia Representative 47th District seat.
Incumbent Jan Jones will be running against Anthia Owens Carter to represent District 47, which encompasses Milton, Mountain Park, and portions of Alpharetta and Roswell.
As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has invited the candidates in contested races to participate in our election profile series. We will continue to update the profiles with links to responses to our questionnaire.
Candidate
Jan Jones
Age (as of Election Day)
62
Party Affiliation
Republican
Family
Husband, Kalin; 4 children: Tram, Peyton, Shelby, and Griffin
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
BA in Journalism from UGA; MBA in Finance from Georgia State University
Occupation
Small business owner, former marketing executive
Campaign website
www.janjonesforgeorgia.com
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
State Representative, House District 47
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue for our district is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic so people can go on with their lives in a safe and productive way. We must ensure families have the option of online and safe in-person education for their children. We must protect those living and working in long-term care facilities, like assisted living and nursing homes, while finding ways to reunite the residents with their loved ones and friends.
Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
The tragic and unfortunate deaths of George Floyd and Jacob Blake, as well as Ahmaud Arbery of Georgia, sparked large conversations across our country. Like many, I have reflected upon and listened to those who are hurting. This past June, the Georgia legislature passed historic hate crime legislation, ensuring enhanced penalties for those who target someone in a serious crime based on personal characteristics. I supported this legislation because in Georgia. I am hopeful that additional criminal justice reform measures, which are currently being explored by the Georgia House of Representatives, will be brought forward in the 2021 legislative session. This is truly a difficult issue that must be handled with the intention of emerging as a more united and welcoming Georgia.
I support and welcome peaceful demonstrations, which has a long history in our country to bring attention to issues and can lead to positive change. I condemn all violent protests and actions that put our police officers at risk, harm businesses and small business owners and scare Georgians trying to live peacefully. As for the Black Lives Matter formal organization, I am unfamiliar with it and have not ever met anyone affiliated with it.
What are your thoughts on the campaign to “defund” the police?
I have a consistent record of supporting law enforcement and advocating for safer communities. In 2018, I supported grants that would provide $30,000 to every Georgia public school to improve security and ensure our most precious assets, our children, are protected. Now more than ever, our police and law enforcement officers play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe and secure. This past year, I also supported our police through legislation that punishes those who physically attack our first responders.
What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?
Georgia has had a reasonable and balanced response to COVID-19, and as we have learned more about the pandemic, actions have been modified to reflect that knowledge. Most businesses now require masking on their own. Local communities can implement mask requirements on public property. The state has had a robust response with regard to long term care facilities, which serve the most vulnerable. Georgia is comprised of 159 counties and 500 cities. It would be inappropriate to treat them all the same at the same time. I do not favor a nationwide mask mandate.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I have lived in North Fulton for over 25 years. My four children graduated from Milton High School, and I have always remained involved– in their classrooms, coaching soccer, and showing my deep appreciation of the communities I represent. I am known as a fierce advocate at the Capitol in preserving North Fulton’s high quality of life. I created the CIty of Milton– delivering on my promise to protect the last unincorporated area of North Fulton. I also passed significant homestead exemptions, freezing property tax reassessments and implementing senior exemptions so homeowners are not priced out of their homes due to rising assessments.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I’m running for re-election to continue serving North Fulton as the caring, trusted, community leader we need. This pledge is reflected in the issues that I care about. Beyond responding to COVID-19, we must make healthcare more affordable and predictable for working families. Georgia must also continue creating and maintaining public policies that allow our educational system to be more innovative and flexible while empowering our teachers and parents through local control. Those closest to the student know their needs best. I also support a lower tax structure to support our entrepreneurs and employers. Small businesses are one of our most valued job-creating assets, and I continue to be committed to relieving Georgia’s small business from costly regulations.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I am most proud of freezing property tax reassessments and implementing senior exemptions so homeowners are not priced out of their homes due to rising assessments. These homestead exemptions applied to all city, county, and school board property taxes for North Fulton residents. I am also proud to have initiated and succeeded in creating the City of Milton in 2006. It has resulted in local decision making on quality of life issues for 35,000 people. Additionally, I capped the property tax rate in the city’s charter. The new city has led to enhanced services and safety in Milton, Roswell, and Alpharetta due to shared safety services such as 911, police and fire, and local cooperation on road improvements and parks and recreation.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
If re-elected, I will continue my laser-like focus on protecting North Fulton and creating a state environment that leads to new and well-paying jobs that will put people back to work, and helping small businesses to open and thrive.
Why should voters trust you?
I have a transparent record of walking the talk, not just talking the talk. Promises are cheap. Results are what matter. The legislative history of what I have authored is consistent and reflective with supporting Roswell, Milton, Alpharetta and Mountain Park residents living in a high quality, safe environment to raise a family and retire. I said I would protect our communities, and I have a record of doing it. I said I cared about our students, and I brought about more public-school options through charter schools and revisions to the HOPE scholarship that reward students for taking rigorous courses that lead to high demand careers.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
I supported lowering the state income tax to the lowest level in 50 years at 5.75%. Additionally, I supported state income tax exemptions at ages 62 ($35,000) and 65 ($65,000), so Georgians can afford to retire in our state near their families and friends.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
There has been no greater honor and joy in my life than serving the good people of North Fulton, and I am committed to continue serving them next term if they re-elect me on November 3.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
The best advice shared with me by a high school Sunday school teacher was to always be honest. Others may not agree with you, and I’ve experienced my fair share of that in my life and career. I have found that being upfront and honest with others helps build trust and is just the right way to live your life.
*Anthia Owens Carter did not reply to Patch’s email with the candidate survey.
This article originally appeared on the Alpharetta-Milton Patch
