Who Is Timothy Barr?

Who is Timothy Barr? And what sets him apart from other candidates running for elected office in Gwinnett County this election season?  I first heard of Tim Barr from a mutual friend who attends a monthly Conservative Women's group with me. She told us about his strong faith and his family-value Conservatism.

What she didnt prepare me for when I met he and his lovely wife, Melinda at his campaign's opening fundraiser back in February was the extent to which their Christian faith guides everything they do. Yes, other candidates possess Christian beliefs; but, when you meet Tim and Melinda Barr there is a distinctly more profound faith than I have encountered in quite some time. As Tim himself said, "When you get me, you get a man of faith, of deep convictions.  For me, it is who I am. I can't split my life. My faith is who I am and it leads my decisions."

He and Melinda are very involved at Killian Hill Baptist Church. An example of how their faith leads the couple is the six years they spent in Bolivia as missionaries, building several orphanages, which they said was a very moving and meaningful experience. They even talked about his running for office while living there after they saw just how fragile democracy in Bolivia really is.

"We looked down the road-25 or 50 years from now -and we were worried about our children's future. When I am asked why I am running for State Rep from District 103 I simply point to my two little girls-the only reason I need", candidate Barr said.

Melinda, who was pregnant with their second child while living in the South American country, said they even named that little girl for the strong feeling of patriotism for their home country that they were experiencing there. "I wanted to name her Haven because I realized just what a safe haven of freedom America really was", Melinda recalled.

The Barrs have a such an obvious and strong sense of pride and love for all that America stands for. Their first daughter was named Liberty out of gratitude for our wonderful freedoms.

Tim Barr's other main reason for entering the 103 race was the economy and how it affects small businessmen such as himself. Since 2006 he has owned and operated Patriot Construction in Sugar Hill. The company specializes in additions and remodels.

"The government puts needless burdens on us the small business owners-they are downright overbearing." Barr insisted. "There are alot of small businesses in my district(103)".He said as a state legislator, he would like to help alleviate regulations and free up commerce so that those businesses have a much better chance of succeeding.

Barr believes that the main thing that would alleviate the terrible burdens put on  businesses by government would be to eliminate the state income tax. "It makes alot of sense to me", he said. "To be competitive with business in our neighboring states we need to seriously look at getting rid of it."

When asked about his opinion of such hot-button issues as TSPLOST, Barr said that his main impression of the bill was that it was very badly written, and although there may be transportation needs in parts of the region, he isnt sure if its the regions job to handle them. He said he generally is an advocate of letting local communities handle more than the state or federal govt.

"Folks who will be implementing the TSPLOST are not going to be as accountable to us citizens as I would like to see. Its easy to say you are and then everybody drops the ball", the 103 candidate said.

"Also," Barr went on, "52% of the tax does go to transportation so I don't think most people are buying the rest of the story they are trying to sell."

He has also signed the pledge that he is for a $100 cap on all lobbyist gifts, believing, he said, that it is wrong to be paid such large gifts for strongly pursuing a cause or issue you believe in.

Some have made a big deal out of his lack of experience in any kind of elected office, but Barr was quick to point out what many may not be aware of. In high school, he received credit for serving as a staffer for both a State Representative and a State Senator. After high school, he was asked to return for another stint in that capacity. So, he does have experience working at the State Capitol and is very familiar with the legislative process and the daily machinations of being a legislator.

However, Timothy Barr wants everyone to know that he is not going to be down in Atlanta trying to get all kinds of bills passed. "If I keep bad bills from being enacted and didn't pass a single bill, that would be okay. I would be there to stop bad bills. It would not be about me having my name on a bill."

Timothy Barr is a man of deep faith-he is a devoted husband and father who sees that something needs to be done in this country, from the local to the federal level to ensure that America retains those liberties and quality of life that we have always known.

He said he was moved to run for office because, "if we don't get America back on track, then America is never going to be the same. If my generation doesn't do something, we are going to be Bolivia."