Elections 2020: Meet Georgia Rep. 51st District Candidates

ROSWELL, 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 51st District.

Incumbent Josh McLaurin will be running against Alex Kaufman to represent District 51, which encompasses Roswell, Sandy Springs and Johns Creek.

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

Alex Kaufman

Age (as of Election Day)

37

Party Affiliation

Republican

Education

Graduate of The Westminster Schools, Hamilton College and the Emory University School of Law.

Occupation

Attorney 16 years

Campaign website

VoteAlexKaufman.com

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

I'm running for this seat primarily because the district's residents deserve better. The incumbent has proven to be ineffective and has failed to represent the values of the district. The incumbent has also failed to pass even a single bill while in the Legislature.

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?

I oppose racism and the unequal application of justice anywhere by anyone.

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

I'm against it for one obvious reason: Law enforcement personnel are the line of defense between anarchy/vigilante justice and a civilized society. I'm in favor of reasonable police reforms, especially more and better training.

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 favor Gov. Brian Kemp's policies of a partial business reopening and his executive orders and guidelines specifying reasonable health guidelines. I'm opposed to a one-size-fits-all national or state mask mandate.

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

The Democratic incumbent refused to stand for law and order by incredibly voting "no" on a police protection act which grants added protections to police and other first responders. (It was passed without his vote.) He also refused to vote to cut his own legislator salary even while the Legislature was reducing salaries of other state employees.

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

I shall support the governor's policy of reopening businesses while following state health guidelines. I intend to pursue healthcare reform, hold the line against new taxes, fully fund public schools and protect first responders-- whereas the incumbent has been weak or failing in these important policy areas.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My website lists numerous policy areas that I pledge to address. They range from maintaining Georgia's status as the No. 1 state in which to do business to assisting efforts to address human/drug/weapons trafficking and providing more legislative tools to fight the menace of criminal gangs. I am for reforming the Fulton County elections board as well as addressing the continuing opioid crisis in the district and statewide. Encouraging public/private transportation/infrastructure initiatives to serve a growing population is also a priority.

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

I've worked in the Office of Executive Counsel under Gov. Sonny Perdue, worked in the Cobb County District Attorney's Office, served as general counsel and first vice chairman of the Georgia GOP's 6th Congressional District, I'm a member of the Star House Foundation and treasurer of the Roswell Rotary Club and a trustee of the Georgia Rotary Student program.

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

Ensuring public safety resulting in the district's crime rate dipping, continuing a reasonable business reopening in the district and improving healthcare opportunities for my constituents.

Why should voters trust you?

I live and breathe this community. I'm a native of Sandy Springs and live in Roswell. I am a lifelong part of this community and have a proven business and civic track record of putting this community first. I plan to represent each citizen of my district no matter their background, zip code or political party.

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

I pledge to balance the state budget and work to preserve our state's enviable AAA bond rating while pursuing fiscally conservative policies that include targeting waste and abuse in government.

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

No reason I could not fulfill my term of office.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"A public official should always remember to try to help people."

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

I plan to be known as a doer, and I shall try to be a uniter if I have the honor of being elected to represent state House District 51.

*Josh McLaurin did not reply to Patch's email with the questionnaire.