Elections 2020: Meet Fulton Commission District 2 Candidates

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 Fulton County Commission District 2.

Incumbent Bob Ellis will be running against Justin Holsomback to represent District 2, which encompasses Milton, Mountain Park, and large parts of Alpharetta, Roswell, and Sandy Springs.

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.

Related: Alpharetta/Milton Guide 2020: Deadlines, Candidates, How To Vote

Candidates for Fulton County Commission District 2

• Bob Ellis, incumbent
• Justin Holsomback

Age (as of Election Day)

• Bob Ellis: 50
• Justin Holsomback: 31

Party Affiliation

• Bob Ellis: Republican
• Justin Holsomback: Democrat

Family

• Bob Ellis: Wife, Jennifer, and children: Chandler (23), Lindsey (21) and Nathan (17).
• Justin Holsomback: Engaged to Rachel Paule

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

• Bob Ellis: No
• Justin Holsomback: Yes

Education

• Bob Ellis: Graduate of the University of Georgia, 1992. Terry School of Business, Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
• Justin Holsomback: Attended Kennesaw State University, pursued a B.S. in Biology, degree not completed

Occupation

• Bob Ellis: For the past 28 years, I have worked in the property and casualty insurance industry in a variety of leadership and management positions and have managed several large teams and large profit centers. Presently, I am Vice President, Product Management and Training, at CNA Financial.
• Justin Holsomback: I am an IT Recruiter for a Certified Woman Owned Business, aquesst Strategic Search.

Campaign website

• Bob Ellis: https://www.bobellisforfulton.com
• Justin Holsomback: www.JustinHolsomback.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

• Bob Ellis: Fulton County Commissioner, District 2, 2014-Present
• Justin Holsomback: I am currently the Democratic Party of Georgia's Secretary and serve on its Board of Directors. I've also fulfilled multiple roles in the National, State and local level Young Democrats, and have been a Senior Staffer on multiple State Legislative and Statewide campaigns over the last ~5 years.

The single most pressing issue facing our community, and this is what I intend to do about it.

• Bob Ellis: The most pressing issue facing our County is the same as the most pressing issue facing our country and that is COVID-19. The pandemic presents multiple challenges and has required a multi-faceted response at a County level. The
  key priority is the health, safety and well-being of County citizens and employees. At the outset of the pandemic, Fulton implemented a multiple front approach to the pandemic including a robust public health response with a unique, leading approach to testing which has shown to be one of the best in the country, providing emergency economic relief and resident support, and providing services safely for our citizens and employees. The pandemic requires an active and evolving response and the focus on public health, safety-net services and safely providing services remains. Our specific action steps will continue to change as the impact of the pandemic evolves.
• Justin Holsomback: The single most pressing issue for District 2 is the lack of infrastructure relating to transportation. I plan to address this by working at the County, State and Local level to push for the resources, including the funds, be made available to projects like heavy rail, rapid bus routes, and last mile service expansions Countywide.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

• Bob Ellis: I have the experience and have delivered material results and changes which have greatly improved Fulton County government over the past six years that I have held office. The range of issues that I have taken a leadership role in reform or change and have delivered results in is wide reaching from property tax reform, overhauling the County's public health and mental health delivery systems, creating a state leading plan for tackling the Opioid epidemic across Fulton, expansion of the County's water and sewer system, working with our school system to put in place expanded mental health services within individual schools, to implementation of priority based budgeting and multiple fiscal and transparency initiatives.
• Justin Holsomback: My campaign’s Platform is built around Fulton County residents and workers. If elected, my number 1 focus over the next 4 years is what I can do as a Commissioner working hand in hand with our local city officials to improve the quality of life for our residents. In contrast, my opponent is focused primarily on lower millage rates instead of the balance between fiscal responsibility and social service by responsibly building the systems and infrastructure needed to bring Fulton County into the future, and making sure ALL of Fulton County’s families and residents are included in that future.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

• Justin Holsomback: I am running for Fulton County Commissioner because the current commissioner has failed to prioritize the needs of Fulton County's workers and their families, including providing the resources and infrastructure necessary to support and improve their quality of life in a period of incredible local economic growth.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

• Bob Ellis: As noted, I am far from a one or two issue elected official. I have been and will continue to be involved in multiple issues. With that said, I will note two specific areas that I have been consistently engaged in: expanding County services within District 2 and north Fulton and mental health. Over the past six years, the county has made services more accessible for the citizens of District 2. The Fulton County Customer Service Center in Alpharetta, opened in 2015, is one significant example. Making services for public health, mental health, seniors and the developmentally disabled more available and accessible for north Fulton residents is a key priority for me. A large facility was recently purchased by the County in central north Fulton and over the next few years this facility will house a developmental disabilities day center, senior center and provide an array of public health and behavioral health services. As respects mental health, there are an array of initiatives that I have been and will continue to be engaged in but I am particularly focused on establishing a county crisis stabilization facility for those experiencing mental health crisis. Far too often, those in crisis or their families have no where to turn to or wind up in the criminal justice system.
• Justin Holsomback: Public Transit Expansion, Public Health Access, and Electoral Reform

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

• Bob Ellis: On a professional level, I have managed large teams, large budgets and large profit centers within Fortune 500 companies.
  At an elected official level, I have delivered results for citizens including the following: six straight years of reduced millage rates, significant new homestead exemptions for homeowners and seniors, doubled the county's fiscal reserve requirement and implemented transparency measures such as county whistle blower hot line and a county audit committee (which I Chair), led an overhaul of the County's Public Health function which today is playing a key role in COVID response, new and remodeled libraries, new Fulton Customer Service Center in Alpharetta, implemented a Countywide action plan to fight the Opioid epidemic, got the County water and sewer system back into EPD compliance and worked to implement a significant capital improvement and expansion plan, led several initiatives to improve and expand mental health services, and improved and expanded access to services for district and all county residents.
• Justin Holsomback: I have a demonstrated history of excellence and success in my current position, and with previous employers, including winning multiple awards based on personal and company performance such as the Rising Star Award naming him as the top performing Account Executive in the company for Fiscal Year 2018

Why should voters trust you?

• Bob Ellis: I serve with integrity, listen, act, serve and lead. My focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency and improving county services has been consistent throughout my time in office and has yielded material positive results. I don’t shrink from big challenges. As an example, on behalf of all county taxpayers, I took on the Fulton tax assessors and state of Georgia Department of Revenue in noteworthy litigation and won. I have a demonstrated track record of working with other leaders to get things done and the ability to work in a bi-partisan fashion.
• Justin Holsomback: I am outspoken and have a proven track record of standing up for the working class and justice, even when it's unpopular.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

• Bob Ellis: Success would be a continuation of the types of accomplishments and improvements within Fulton County government that we have seen over the past six years and a County government which is focused on delivering quality services to citizens in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
• Justin Holsomback: I would consider my first term in office a success if an implementation of a computer coding career training program, both within our community centers/libraries, as well as within our Fulton County Correctional system were approved and developed. Additionally, a robust expansion of rapid bus service and last mile/wraparound transportation options throughout the County/region is a top priority of mine and a successful implementation of such a program would be a success for me as a commissioner and for the residents of District 2.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

• Bob Ellis: I have a demonstrated track record of fiscal responsibility and have been consistent in advocating for smart, priority based budgeting during my time in office. Through a focus on priority based budgeting bounded by strong reserve requirements and evaluating all programs against established key performance indicators and their impact on citizens, Fulton has delivered budgets for six consecutive years which have led to significant new investments in county infrastructure and services, increased investments in our employees, enhanced customer service, doubled reserve requirements, increased bond ratings as well as six straight years of reduced millage rates.
  I am also a staunch believer in transparency in government and advocated for the start of a county audit committee as well as a countywide whistle blower hot line. If re-elected, I will work to continue and strengthen our priority based budgeting approach and maintain the financial discipline which has served our citizens and County well.
• Justin Holsomback: Often times, candidates run on a platform of lowering taxes without fully considering the consequences of their promises. While lower taxes can be beneficial to working families, it is the role of government to collect reasonable taxes from its residents to provide services its residents want and need. Fulton residents deserve to have a bigger say in how their taxes are spent and what services their government provides.

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?

• Bob Ellis: As an elected official, I think it is critically important to listen, observe and analyze issues that are of concern to the citizens you serve. These events certainly are important and have relevance within Fulton County.
  Policing takes place at the local level and Fulton has multiple law enforcement entities whose dedicated men and women carry out vital activity for our citizens. Good policing supports strong, healthy communities. Trust in law enforcement is critical. That trust is fostered with transparency and insight into police policy and procedures, routine reporting and analysis of data, and appropriate accountability for violation of policy and procedure. If each law enforcement entity in Fulton (city, county, schools) focuses on those elements, the appropriate changes required by a respective entity will be clear and Fulton will collectively strengthen public safety for all citizens. A few months back, I asked the three law enforcement entities under the auspices of Fulton County government (Fulton County Police, Fulton County Marshal and Sheriff's Department) to present to the Board of Commissioners and the public on their policies (including use of force), training, disciplinary procedures and reporting. It was a great dialogue that allowed the public to better understand their approach and foster trust in law enforcement and continued improvement in police policy.
• Justin Holsomback: I unequivocally believe that Black Lives Matter, and the demonstrations over the Summer and into the Fall have been instrumental in highlighting the injustices suffered by People of Color in this Country, as well as helping trigger the implementation of critically needed police conduct and criminal justice reforms like comprehensive use of force policies.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

• Bob Ellis: I don't think it is practical or wise and is generally counter to many of the things that some of the same policy advocates seek such as increased training and that such initiatives would only decrease public safety. Criminal justice certainly needs continued reform including a better way to deal with and respond to those with severe mental health issues. In many jurisdictions, our police are having to play multiple non-law enforcement roles while also engage in traditional law enforcement while in most cases, are only being funded to do traditional law enforcement. The reality in many jurisdictions is that more funding will be needed to address criminal justice holistically.
• Justin Holsomback: Our police officers have, over the years, had far too many first line responsibilities thrust upon them without the resources or training to support these additional responsibilities. I strongly believe in diverting some of the funds currently earmarked for our police forces towards other methods of response and taking those responsibilities off of the plates of our overworked police forces. Additionally, police are meant to serve and protect. I am against the use of government funds for paramilitary equipment that does not serve to directly serve and protect our communities.

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?

• Bob Ellis: At a national level, across every state, every locality, every organization and by every individual, the responses to the pandemic continue to be wide and varied and at every level, there have been many appropriate responses and there have also been mistakes. Given the ever-changing nature of the virus, changing and emerging science and medical views, it is not surprising. I do believe that the best policy responses are the ones that foster safe operations of business and services for workers and customers and which encourages all residents to exercise personal behavior that prevents the spread of the virus. There are certain public and group settings where I believe masks should be required. As we have seen throughout the country, however, simply enacting a mask mandate does not always drive appropriate behavior and thus the effort requires much more.
  At a County level, our Board of Commissioners has been heavily focused on the county's public health response. Key to that has been a focus on testing, detailed epidemiology reporting, tracing, outreach and education, availability and use of personal protective equipment, working with vulnerable populations such as the homeless, seniors and those living in congregate settings. In working with our County Public Health Department, Fulton has been able to implement a leading testing model in where Fulton has administered over 656,000 tests or 22.5% of the state's overall testing as of 10/1 and this overall effort has resulted in Fulton cases, death rate and hospitalizations to be materially lower, on a per capita basis than overall state levels as well as what is taking places in similar densely populated peer counties across the United States. This focused Public Health effort remains critical as we continue to respond to the dynamic nature of the virus.
• Justin Holsomback: The current scientific consensus is very clear, wearing masks is the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 other than staying home. Countless lives could have been saved had a nationwide mask mandate been put in place. While I feel like Fulton County has done a wonderful job building testing infrastructure, it is very apparent that the cooperation between Fulton County and our Cities is abysmal. Mayors and City Councils have a far better idea of what their localities need and how best to handle the local spread of this virus, and Fulton County should have leaned much more heavily on that expertise, and provided them with the financial and other resources needed to be effective.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

• Bob Ellis: No
• Justin Holsomback: No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

• Bob Ellis: To whom much is given, much is expected. Use what you've been given to serve and make a difference. Don't worry about criticism or getting credit but instead focus on meeting the challenge before you to the best of your abilities.
• Justin Holsomback: People respond best to sincerity. People are very intuitive; they know when someone truly believes in what they're saying/doing. To be an effective leader, you cannot succeed alone, and you have to get the true investment from others to be able to achieve almost all dreams/goals.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

• Bob Ellis: Your issues are my issues and I am here to serve you and work to make County government responsive to you. It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of District 2 and Fulton County on the Board of Commissioners and would welcome the opportunity to do so for another four years.
• Justin Holsomback: When I decided to run for this office, I intended to visit as many residents of District 2 as possible to introduce myself, hear what mattered to them, and discuss how my platform addressed those concerns. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, it's unsafe to do so, and we've come up with creative ways to still "get in front of" residents. I would love if residents joined us at our online campaign events, or even on our campaign social media platforms, and joined in the discussion on how we can best improve Fulton County for the future!