MDJ Voter Guide: House District 44

Editor's note: The MDJ Voter Guide was published in Saturday's newspaper.

REPUBLICANS

Don Parsons (R)(I)

Occupation: Retired BellSouth

Party: Republican

Age: 76

Residence: Unincorporated northeast Cobb County

Hometown: Birthplace: Kanawha County, West Virginia

Family: Married to Jo Lynn Figgatt Parsons, two daughters, one of whom died in 2020, the other lives in Orlando. We have six grandchildren.

Education/military service: Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia State University; 20 years military service including reserve components.

Have you served in elected office before: I have served in the Georgia House of Representatives since 1995.

Campaign website: https://donparsons.org

1. Why are you running for office?

I have the experience of thirty years in the legislature, ten of which were served in the minority before we Republicans gained the majority in the Georgia House in 2004. I have served as chairman of major committees, including the Energy, Utilities and Telecom Committee since 2009. My involvement in service organizations and volunteer boards has provided the opportunity to know my communities. My military service provided great leadership opportunities and experience. My motivation is to use every day to improve education, increase economic opportunities and provide greater access to affordable healthcare to Cobb Countians and all Georgians, as well as continuing to make our state the best in the nation in which to do business.

2. What is the greatest challenge your constituents face that elected office would allow you to address? How would you address it?

The greatest challenges my constituents face, the ones that we can address at the state level, are those that are addressed by a fiscally responsible approach to state government. However, I believe the biggest challenge that my constituents, and people across the nation are facing today is inflation caused by irresponsible federal spending by the Biden administration. In Georgia, just this year, I have worked to successfully cut taxes as well as return part of the budget surplus back to Georgians. Due to fiscal conservatism, I have worked to keep our AAA credit rating, saving taxpayers untold millions of dollars every year. By lowering taxes, returning surplus to taxpayers, taking tax off gasoline during the time of extraordinary gasoline prices; I have helped and will continue to work to lessen the effects of federal government caused inflation.

3. Should Georgia expand Medicaid? Why?

First of all, I believe that an expansion of Medicaid will be enacted, possibly in 2025. However, if it occurs, Georgians must understand that once the so-called federal funds are accepted by Georgia to expand Medicaid, there is no guarantee that the funds will continue to be made available once the program is initiated, then leaving the state in a position of having to put the burden of continuing the program upon the taxpayers of the state. Lack of healthcare insurance is a problem that I suspect many people who have it cannot fully appreciate. There is access to certain levels and specific elements of healthcare for the uninsured, through public health boards. That being said, there are about 400,000 Georgians who cannot afford health insurance and are ineligible for Medicaid. With the cost of healthcare, and prescription drugs, in particular, it is impossible for those Georgians to receive a level of healthcare that most take for granted. There is much work to be done to formulate the correct plan, but I believe a form of Medicaid expansion needs to be enacted.

4. Do you support the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 180, introduced by Sen. Ed Setzler? Why?

Senator Setzler's legislation was not taken up in the House and has not been vetted there. Therefore, the bill failed to pass in the 2023-2024 term and would have to be re-introduced in the upcoming term in order to gain passage. I have supported previous versions of the legislation, and if Senator Setzler brings the legislation in 2025 and it is thoroughly vetted by a House judiciary committee, I would support it. Senator Setzler is a respected member of the General Assembly whose thoughtful and thorough work I greatly value.

DEMOCRATS

Danielle Bell (D)

Occupation: LCSW, Certified Business and Executive Coach

Party: Democratic

Age: 39

Residence: Marietta

Hometown: Greensburg, Indiana

Family: Jason Bell (husband) Diana (9,) Avery (7,) and Aliya (4) Bell (3 daughters)

Education: Master’s degree in Social Science Administration

Military: I have not served, but my husband is a retired Navy veteran, so we are definitely a military family and have moved due to his military service multiple times.

Have you served in elected office before: I have no history of running for office, but I hope to be a fresh perspective and a great collaborator when it comes to creating innovative solutions.

Campaign website: www.danielleforgeorgia.com

1. Why are you running for office?

I am running for Georgia State House of Representatives. I believe that my candidacy represents a breath of fresh air—a departure from the status quo and a steadfast commitment to building a brighter future for all. By electing me, voters will not only gain a dedicated advocate but also a bridge-builder who will work tirelessly to unite our community and effect meaningful change.

2. What is the greatest challenge your constituents face that elected office would allow you to address? How would you address it?

I’ve done my best to listen and connect with those around my district. I’ve listened to the stories and struggles of those in my community for years as a clinical therapist. What I’ve heard the most is that people are worried about the cost of living, housing availability, infrastructure, and job creation. As a business coach who works with small businesses within the community, I am skilled in teaching business practices for growth and financial responsibility. When small businesses are successful and pay a fair wage, they contribute to the vitality of a community. All of these pieces are integral to a thriving community with families that feel included and supported.

3. Should Georgia expand Medicaid? Why?

I believe Georgia should expand Medicaid. I’ve seen firsthand, both personally and professionally, the impact of limited access to healthcare. As a social worker in a hospital setting, I’ve heard management discussions about the quality of care that a patient receives determined by their healthcare provider as opposed to their individual health diagnosis and needs. In my outreach to constituents in my district, I’ve heard your stories about resistance to seek medical treatment for concerning health conditions due to fear of the price tag. Expanding Medicaid would be accepting funds that the federal government has already designated for our state and would not add any additional costs to our state budget. When you have the opportunity to help people and the risks are minimal, you should act on it.

4. Do you support the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 180, introduced by Sen. Ed Setzler? Why?

I am resistant to commenting on the specifics of SB 180. I am not familiar with the legal ramifications of this piece of legislation, nor have I been involved in the discussion around the purpose or proposed outcomes.