Kellie Weeks, Candidate for the School Board, an interview.
My apology to Ms. Weeks. I don’t know which race she is in. That’s my shame.
However, I sent Kellie some questions about herself and her campaign. She was kind enough to answer. Hopefully sharing this information will inform some voters who are more active than me in local politics.
Can you tell us about yourself?
“I am married with 2 kids. I along with both my children, have Tourette’s syndrome which causes motor and vocal tics. I am on the state board for the Tourette’s Association of GA. My husband and I are small business owners. Over the years I have managed the book keeping and marketing for our businesses.”
Have you run for office before and if you did, what did you learn from it?
“No.” [Kellie is a first time candidate. I didn’t know even that when she consented to being interviewed.]
Without mentioning a specific opponent or person, what’s the biggest mistake a politician can make in a campaign?
“I believe going negative is a mistake. There is nothing wrong with pointing out differences but no one should spread lies or insult their opponent. This is not happening in my race. I’ve just seen it in the past.”
Campaigns seem to run on money, how is fundraising for you?
“I am not raising money because this is a ward race and I figured I’d finance it.”
A complicated question: Almost every president is under experienced. The exception being the first George Bush. He was a pilot in World War II. He served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas. Twice he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate. Then he was appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. And, two terms as Vice President. Yet, he served only one term as President. If elected, will you be like Obama, under experienced?
“Everyone who steps into a new position lacks experience so of course I will have much to learn. I believe I am capable of doing the work needed to be successful as a Gainesville City School Board member.”
How do you see the present economy of Hall County?
“I know many families in the county who are hurting and I don’t believe we have hit the turning point yet.”
The economy of Georgia?
“The economy is slow and struggling to turn around. The housing market was hit hard here and I believe the commercial real estate market will be next.”
How does that economic vision guide your expectations for the school system?
“I believe school our schools need to make the necessary cuts so we our prepared when revenue drops even further.”
What if you win?
“If I win I will be a fiscal conservative while assuring our teachers are getting what they need to educate our kids.”
In the greatest country in the world, why is there so much criticism of the overall system that created the greatest country in the world?
“We have moved so far away from what the founding fathers intended; there is too much government control and not enough personal responsibility.”
My commentary:
I found the manner of answering honest, earnest, and refreshing. Maybe what I just said was redundant.
Fiscal conservatism has a place under these economic conditions. I’m going to criticize her answer on the economy and spending. But, it’s very mild, a matter of wording. If I were her campaign manager, I suggest this answer.
“I do our company’s bookkeeping. I try to follow basic accounting rules as closely as possible and I would follow this in public office. Mostly I would follow the rule that accountants must not anticipate profits while allowing for all losses.”
That would be the professional politicians response. But, we have enough of those in Hall County government, don’t we?
Thank you, Kellie for doing our interview. This forum is open to other candidates who are willing to answer questions like Kellie Weeks.
