Elections 2020: Meet Georgia Rep. 24th District Candidates

CUMMING, GA — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Forsyth County, will choose other candidates to represent them, including the seat for Georgia Representative 24th District.

Incumbent Sheri Smallwood Gilligan will be running against Natalie Bucsko to represent the 24th District, which encompasses a portion of Cumming.

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.

Candidates

Incumbent Sheri Smallwood Gilligan

Natalie Bucsko

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Married, 4 daughters (stepdaughters are 13, 13, 11, youngest is 5)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a BA in English

Occupation

Marketing Specialist, over 10 years

Campaign website

www.votenatalie.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

First-time candidate

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The economy is a big issue for our county and state. In the midst of a pandemic and the aftermath, we need better solutions for state revenue to fund critical programs and services and we need to help local businesses thrive. I was opposed to the budget that was passed in the last session that defunded education by $950 Million and made other cuts to vital programs without looking for new revenue. Looking at new revenue streams will be a priority for me.

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?

Black lives matter. The point of the movement is not that they matter more, as some would attest, but that they matter just as much as white lives but aren't treated as though they do. The demonstrations are over 96% peaceful and most violence didn't begin until the demonstrators were provoked. Demonstrations are a fundamental right of the American public.

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

Policing in America needs a revamp. They are asked to handle too much that they aren't staffed for and don't have the training for. Police officers and chiefs will tell you this themselves. Redistributing funds to individuals better suited to do certain tasks, like welfare checks for example, is a net positive for the country. Police could then focus on keeping the peace and not on duties they never should have been assigned in the first place. I have many retired police officers in my family - even some that were NYPD and responded to the Twin Towers on 9/11. My positions and policies on policing come in part from many discussions with them.

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?

I believe the American people were failed and that we did not need to reach over 200,000 deaths as a result of this pandemic. It was unnecessarily politicized. Looking at similar countries to the US, we could have done so much more not only to stop the spread but to assist the American people. I think a nationwide mask mandate would help slow the spread. I think limits on businesses - with legislation that assists them with losses - helps to slow the spread.

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

I am here to serve everyone, not just the select few. I don't care what your religion or politics are. I want to lift everyone to a better future. I believe in investing in our current education system, not further damaging it with "school choice." I want to unite our county and bring a better future for Forsyth.

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

The incumbent voted against a law that ended up increasing revenue for local businesses and the county. She voted to defund education by $950 million in the middle of a pandemic, then blamed schools for not being prepared and now threatens them further with her disastrous school choice support. She voted against expanding Medicaid, leaving thousands of Georgians vulnerable in the middle of a pandemic. She voted against the hate crime legislation twice.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am passionate about investing in education, protecting the environment, reducing healthcare and prescription costs, and ensuring voter access.

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

I completed 72 credit hours of college in 15 months while maintaining a 4.0 and a full time job. I can handle pressure and juggling multiple tasks with equal importance.

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

Passing a law that freezes home values for property tax purposes for primary residences. Right now, counties assess homes and decide on the value they are going to tax you on. But they don't reduce it during a recession. So, if you bought your home for $175,000 and have lived in it for 20 years but they built a big new neighborhood across the street the county might decide your home is now worth $450,000 and suddenly you have to move because you can't afford the taxes. That's a problem. I want to freeze home valuations for primary residences at the price you paid for the home. Another success would be securing more funding and support for education.

Why should voters trust you?

I am not here to be a career politician. There are no term limits for State Legislature but I think there should be - so I won't stay in the office for decades. I want to create laws and policies that benefit and lift up everyone in the state. I am here to help as many people as I can.

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

Paying taxes is part of living in a society but the funds should be used wisely and invested in areas that provide benefit to the society at large. Why are we spending money defending an unconstitutional bill while defunding education? That doesn't reconcile to me.

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

No. I am being hired for a job and that is a commitment I will not take lightly.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I ever got was from my dad. He said to choose a partner that was as smart as or smarter than me and that had the same sense of humor. Beauty fades but a partner that can keep up with you and make you laugh is forever. I think that makes for the best relationships.

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

I am committed to Forsyth County. I coach softball here, my kids are in school here, I own a home here. The incumbent would like to paint me as some radical out to destroy civilized society. That isn't what I am here for at all. I simply believe in caring for my fellow citizen. I believe we can help the vulnerable without harming anyone else. I don't want chaos or anarchy. I am not here for power. I am here to help. I want a better Forsyth and a better Georgia.

* Sheri Smallwood Gilligan did not reply to Patch's email with the questionnaire.