Elfreda Desvignes

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Elfreda Desvignes completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desvignes' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" id=\"heading-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA Lifetime of Service. A Future for District 35.\r\n<p>\"I’m Elfreda Desvignes, and I’m running to be your next Georgia State Senator. For over 20 years, I’ve called Cobb County home, raising my three children here and now watching my 10 grandchildren grow. My commitment to this community isn’t just a campaign promise—it’s my life’s work. My dedication to service began early, serving in JROTC during high school.\r\n</p><p>As a Community Activist and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, I have spent years on the ground seeing firsthand what our neighborhoods need to thrive. My daily work as a leasing and assistant manager in property management, combined with my experience as a small business owner, gives me a unique, front-row seat to the real-world housing and economic challenges facing Georgia families today.\r\n</p>\nWhether I’m volunteering with the Cobb County Democratic Party or advocating for local families, I lead with integrity and a focus on results. I am ready to bring that same tireless dedication to the Gold Dome to fight for you.\"\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" id=\"heading-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am deeply passionate about fighting for what is right. From my early days in high school JROTC to my current role as a community activist, I have never been one to sit on the sidelines. As a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, I’ve spent years advocating for the overlooked and the unheard.\r\nThrough my work in property management and as a small business owner, I see the real-world housing and economic struggles our families face every single day. I’m ready to take that same fighting spirit and integrity to the Gold Dome. I won't just hold a seat; I will be your voice, fighting tirelessly for the fairness, opportunities, and future our community deserves.\"</li><li>For over 20 years, I’ve served this community—not for a title, but because I am deeply passionate about fighting for what is right. Whether I am advocating for families through my work in property management or serving as a community activist, my goal has always been results, not recognition.</li><li>Politics often feels like it's about who can shout the loudest, but I believe it should be about who listens the best. I’m not here to build a political career; I’m here to ensure that the hardworking families of Cobb and Douglas counties are finally heard. I will lead with integrity, stay focused on the issues that matter to your daily life, and fight tirelessly for the fairness our district deserves.\"</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-414962-2026-03-08\" id=\"heading1-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-414962-2026-03-08\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-414962-2026-03-08\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-414962-2026-03-08\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\t\"For me, public policy is personal. I am not interested in the noise of politics; I am focused on the policies that change lives. My commitment to District 35 is rooted in decades of real-world experience. When I talk about housing stability, it’s because I see the struggle of our families every day in my work in property management. When I advocate for economic opportunity, it’s because I know the grit it takes to run a small business. When I fight for community safety, it’s with my own 10 grandchildren in mind.<br/><br/>\r\nI believe that good policy isn't about winning an argument—it’s about doing what is right for our neighbors. I am bringing a 'people-first' agenda to the Gold Dome!\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<p>Elfreda Desvignes did not complete <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection</a> survey.\n</p>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nElfreda Desvignes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desvignes' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. A Lifetime of Service. A Future for District 35. \"I’m Elfreda Desvignes, and I’m running to be your next Georgia State Senator. For over 20 years, I’ve called Cobb County home, raising my three children here and now watching my 10 grandchildren grow. My commitment to this community isn’t just a campaign promise—it’s my life’s work. My dedication to service began early, serving in JROTC during high school. As a Community Activist and recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, I have spent years on the ground seeing firsthand what our neighborhoods need to thrive. My daily work as a leasing and assistant manager in property management, combined with my experience as a small business owner, gives me a unique, front-row seat to the real-world housing and economic challenges facing Georgia families today. Whether I’m volunteering with the Cobb County Democratic Party or advocating for local families, I lead with integrity and a focus on results. I am ready to bring that same tireless dedication to the Gold Dome to fight for you.\" Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I am deeply passionate about fighting for what is right. From my early days in high school JROTC to my current role as a community activist, I have never been one to sit on the sidelines. As a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, I’ve spent years advocating for the overlooked and the unheard.\r\nThrough my work in property management and as a small business owner, I see the real-world housing and economic struggles our families face every single day. I’m ready to take that same fighting spirit and integrity to the Gold Dome. I won't just hold a seat; I will be your voice, fighting tirelessly for the fairness, opportunities, and future our community deserves.\" For over 20 years, I’ve served this community—not for a title, but because I am deeply passionate about fighting for what is right. Whether I am advocating for families through my work in property management or serving as a community activist, my goal has always been results, not recognition. Politics often feels like it's about who can shout the loudest, but I believe it should be about who listens the best. I’m not here to build a political career; I’m here to ensure that the hardworking families of Cobb and Douglas counties are finally heard. I will lead with integrity, stay focused on the issues that matter to your daily life, and fight tirelessly for the fairness our district deserves.\" What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? \"For me, public policy is personal. I am not interested in the noise of politics; I am focused on the policies that change lives. My commitment to District 35 is rooted in decades of real-world experience. When I talk about housing stability, it’s because I see the struggle of our families every day in my work in property management. When I advocate for economic opportunity, it’s because I know the grit it takes to run a small business. When I fight for community safety, it’s with my own 10 grandchildren in mind. I believe that good policy isn't about winning an argument—it’s about doing what is right for our neighbors. I am bringing a 'people-first' agenda to the Gold Dome!\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\n\nElfreda Desvignes did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey."}, {"question": "Campaign website", "answer_html": "<p>Desvignes' campaign website stated the following:\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Healthcare</b><br/>\nAfter the COVID Pandemic, some of the American people have been diagnosed with either, type 1 or type 2 diabetes. some of the American people cannot even afford insulin, due to the price. And going to the primary care physicians only to pay high copay. Every pay period, your check is being garnished for healthcare benefits, the insurance company only want to pay half of the deductible, leaving you to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 out of pocket copay. Something have got to give!\n</p><p><br/>\n</p><p>Elfreda will continue to fight for healthcare an lowing prescription drugs for all people!\n</p><p><b>Job Training</b><br/>\nI will continue to fight and hold companies responsible for not properly training their employees. Hostile work environment and bullying have to stop in the workplace!\n</p><p><b>Economic Growth</b><br/>\nI will fight for more affordable housing in Cobb County. It is not just the African-Americans that are suffering from not enough income, it is other nationalities that is suffering, An cannot afford to pay $1200 or $2,000 a month for rent. The reason why they took a lot of the low income housing out of Cobb County is from the crime rate, if the management companies structure, and the policies were in place, then the community will be a safe and better place for low income families.\n</p><p><br/>\n</p><p>I have also witnessed people being turned down, from their credit score, not enough income, and evictions. If I am elected, I will continue to fight for the people of my district!\n</p><p><b>Crime</b><br/>\nI was a victim of gun violence. I was laying across my bed doing my homework at the age of 16, and someone drove by my mother's home and shot up her garage. My bedroom at that time was connected to the garage. The bullet came through the garage and wall of my bedroom and almost hit me and my newborn baby (my son was laying in his crib) in the head. Thank God I was laying across the bed with my head down. If I would have stood up the bullet would have went straight through my head and chest. I could only imagine what my mother went through at that time at that moment of me and her newborn grandson almost killed by a drive-by shooter. God spared me and my newborn son's life. \n</p><p><br/>\n</p><p>I have seen a lot of poverty and rampant crime within District 6th. Working in property management, our office has received numerous complaints about someone breaking into their cars and homes and Gun shoots within the community. As a victim of gun violence, I will continue to fight for Gun Control!\n</p><p><b>Immigration</b><br/>\nI have witnessed illegal immigrants right here in District 6th. People who enter the U.S. Illegally make it bad for other families who moved to the U.S. to escape the bad crime within their land. Elfreda will continue to fight for better border control!\n</p><p><b>Inflation</b><br/>\nTalking to some of the American people within the community, I asked them what they take on gas prices?and they stated, the gas stations ⛽ are price gouging people!\n</p><p><br/>\n</p><p>Food prices have skyrocketed since COVID-19. Since Covid-19, grocery stores food prices has spiked up, from eggs to milk to meat. \n</p><p><br/>\n</p><p>The American people have to figure out everyday meals to buy, that meets their budget. People are barely making it. Paycheck to paycheck. Something have to give!\n</p><p><b>Men Rights</b><br/>\nIf I get enough write-in Votes, I will fight to bring Child Support back to the floor.\n</p><p>I Elfreda will stand for all men and woman's!\n</p><p><b>Wages</b><br/>\nResearching different jobs in and around District 6th. I have noticed job postings starting as low as $9.00 and hour. The American people cannot survive off of $9 an hour let alone, waitresses barely making $2.13 an hour to survive. The cost of wages, don't match the cost of living!\n</p><p>Elfreda will continue to fight for better pay!<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_6-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-6\">[6]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"cquotecite\" colspan=\"3\" style=\"border: none; padding-right: 4%\"><cite style=\"font-style: normal;font-size: smaller; float: right;\">—Elfreda Desvignes’ campaign website (2024)<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-7\"><a href=\"#cite_note-7\">[7]</a></sup></cite>\n</td></tr></tbody></table>\n</div>", "answer_text": "Desvignes' campaign website stated the following:\n“ Healthcare After the COVID Pandemic, some of the American people have been diagnosed with either, type 1 or type 2 diabetes. some of the American people cannot even afford insulin, due to the price. And going to the primary care physicians only to pay high copay. Every pay period, your check is being garnished for healthcare benefits, the insurance company only want to pay half of the deductible, leaving you to pay anywhere from $200 to $600 out of pocket copay. Something have got to give! Elfreda will continue to fight for healthcare an lowing prescription drugs for all people! Job Training I will continue to fight and hold companies responsible for not properly training their employees. Hostile work environment and bullying have to stop in the workplace! Economic Growth I will fight for more affordable housing in Cobb County. It is not just the African-Americans that are suffering from not enough income, it is other nationalities that is suffering, An cannot afford to pay $1200 or $2,000 a month for rent. The reason why they took a lot of the low income housing out of Cobb County is from the crime rate, if the management companies structure, and the policies were in place, then the community will be a safe and better place for low income families. I have also witnessed people being turned down, from their credit score, not enough income, and evictions. If I am elected, I will continue to fight for the people of my district! Crime I was a victim of gun violence. I was laying across my bed doing my homework at the age of 16, and someone drove by my mother's home and shot up her garage. My bedroom at that time was connected to the garage. The bullet came through the garage and wall of my bedroom and almost hit me and my newborn baby (my son was laying in his crib) in the head. Thank God I was laying across the bed with my head down. If I would have stood up the bullet would have went straight through my head and chest. I could only imagine what my mother went through at that time at that moment of me and her newborn grandson almost killed by a drive-by shooter. God spared me and my newborn son's life. I have seen a lot of poverty and rampant crime within District 6th. Working in property management, our office has received numerous complaints about someone breaking into their cars and homes and Gun shoots within the community. As a victim of gun violence, I will continue to fight for Gun Control! Immigration I have witnessed illegal immigrants right here in District 6th. People who enter the U.S. Illegally make it bad for other families who moved to the U.S. to escape the bad crime within their land. Elfreda will continue to fight for better border control! Inflation Talking to some of the American people within the community, I asked them what they take on gas prices?and they stated, the gas stations ⛽ are price gouging people! Food prices have skyrocketed since COVID-19. Since Covid-19, grocery stores food prices has spiked up, from eggs to milk to meat. The American people have to figure out everyday meals to buy, that meets their budget. People are barely making it. Paycheck to paycheck. Something have to give! Men Rights If I get enough write-in Votes, I will fight to bring Child Support back to the floor. I Elfreda will stand for all men and woman's! Wages Researching different jobs in and around District 6th. I have noticed job postings starting as low as $9.00 and hour. The American people cannot survive off of $9 an hour let alone, waitresses barely making $2.13 an hour to survive. The cost of wages, don't match the cost of living! Elfreda will continue to fight for better pay! [6] ” —Elfreda Desvignes’ campaign website (2024) [7]"}, {"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>Desvignes submitted the following answers to the survey on January 11, 2022:<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-janemail_8-0\"><a href=\"#cite_note-janemail-8\">[8]</a></sup>\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?</b>\n</p><p>Economic : Elfreda will fight to lower Tax Rates and Increase growth.\n</p><p>Defend The Police : I am totally against defunding the police. Our community needs the police to protect the families in Georgia district 7th.\n</p><p>Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road.\n</p><p><b>Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?</b>\n</p><p>Mark Meadow.\n</p><p><b>Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?</b>\n</p><p>Stride Towards Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.\n</p><p><b>What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?</b>\n</p><p>For everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford a home. \n</p><p><b>Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?</b>\n</p><p>Rep- Doug Collins<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_6-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-6\">[6]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table>\n</div>\n<p>Desvignes submitted the following answers to the survey on August 26, 2021:<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-augemail_2-1\"><a href=\"#cite_note-augemail-2\">[2]</a></sup>\n</p>\n<div style=\"height:400px;overflow:scroll;border:1px solid gray;margin:20px;padding:10px;\">\n<table data-nosnippet=\"\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse; border: none;background-color: transparent; auto; ;\">\n<tbody><tr>\n<td style=\"border:none; color:#B2B7F2;font-size:35px;font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 10px 3px;\" valign=\"top\" width=\"20\">“\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; padding: 4px 10px;\" valign=\"top\">\n<p><b>Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?</b>\n</p><p>Economic : Elfreda will fight to lower Tax Rates and Increase growth.\n</p><p>Defend The Police : I am totally against defunding the police. Our community needs the police to protect the families in Georgia district 6.\n</p><p>Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road.\n</p><p><b>Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?</b>\n</p><p>My Mother Valerie Desvignes- My mother taught me everything I know from life skills to owning a business.\n</p><p><b>Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?</b>\n</p><p>Stride Towards Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.\n</p><p><b>What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?</b>\n</p><p>For everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford a home. \n</p><p><b>Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?</b>\n</p><p>Rep- Doug Collins<sup class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-quotedisclaimer_6-2\"><a href=\"#cite_note-quotedisclaimer-6\">[6]</a></sup>\n</p>\n</td>\n<td style=\"border: none; color: #B2B7F2; font-size: 35px; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: right; padding: 10px 1px;\" valign=\"bottom\" width=\"20\">”\n</td></tr>\n</tbody></table>\n</div>\n<div style=\"clear:both;\"></div>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Elfreda Desvignes completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desvignes' responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><p style='font-family: \"Times New Roman\", serif; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 7.5pt; border: 0px; padding: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);'><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;\">I am a Community Activist and a part-time Business Owner. I currently work in the property management industry, and I have been working for several years at apartment communities in different areas of Georgia. </span></p><p style='font-family: \"Times New Roman\", serif; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 7.5pt; border: 0px; padding: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);'><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;\">I have lived in Georgia since 2000, after growing up in New York. I have devoted much of my adulthood to my passion of providing jobs by volunteering with the Department of Labor,\nhosting and volunteering at job fairs, even going as far as starting my own property management training course to help members of the community into the career path. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and, as a single mother, I have tried to instill the same values in my three children. </span></p><p style='font-family: \"Times New Roman\", serif; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 7.5pt; border: 0px; padding: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);'><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;\">I have volunteered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry in Atlanta, the Cobb Douglas Public Health Department’s Back to School Bash, and more.</span></p><p style='font-family: \"Times New Roman\", serif; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 7.5pt; border: 0px; padding: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);'><span style=\"font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;\"> After losing my mother to breast cancer in 2013 this spurred me to turn my dreams of public service into action. I attended several training sessions in Washington DC, earned certifications in Fundraising, and Campaign Management, and was invited to the White House for a Policy Briefing with the hope of serving my community in the broadest and best possible way.</span></p></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Affordable Housing : I would like to expand affordable housing options and programs to ensure families have a place to call home</li><li>Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road.</li><li>Healthcare: Not one human being in this incredible country should ever have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and paying their rent.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading1-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe best way to phrase my political passions boil down to two simple words: Civil Rights. It should be the civil right of any American to have an affordable home, affordable healthcare, a job with a livable wage, and the ability to interact with law enforcement without fearing for their lives.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading2-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Miss Ocasio was dedicated to the mission she had in winning the election in 2018. Watching her Documentary inspired me to run.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading3-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tA Promised Land, by Barack Obama.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading4-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAre they passionate?<br/>\r\nHave they done any community service work in the past?\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading5-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy passion, drive, and motivation make me an excellent candidate. <br/>\r\nWhat will make me an exceptional Representative is my stubbornness and my dedication to represent the people for whom I stand.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading6-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe primary responsibility of any elected official is to represent the voters of their district and the voters’ best interests.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading7-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to leave a legacy behind to encourage everyone to have Confidence and to always stay focused on their career goals.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading8-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was 33 years old, living with my mother and my three children when Hurricane Katrina rolled through Louisiana, where most of my extended family lives. I lived with my mother at the time, and I remember her getting that first phone call. We immediately rushed to the store to buy some food and supplies to host our family members, and I ended up moving into an apartment to create space at the house. We received donations of food and clothing to offer as they were coming with nothing more than what they had on them at the time. Within days, we had over 18 people staying in our house, all coming in on the first bus they could catch. I spent most of my days running errands to help cook, clean, and transport everyone around. My cousin was forced to evacuate while her child was in the hospital, being transferred. We lived through a mother’s worst nightmare for a what seemed like a lifetime while she tried to find where her baby was. Finally, she was located and flown into the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta to continue her care for a heart condition. For over a month and a half, we lived like this while my family tried to get their lives set back up. Finally, some of them ultimately stayed here in Atlanta, and others went home to try to rebuild their former lives. I was so happy to see them finally getting back into a good place, but this experience really impressed upon me how quickly your life can drastically change due to circumstances outside of your control. Watching my mother selflessly open her heart and home planted a seed and inspired my desire to serve my own community.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading9-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI worked at Captain D's Restaurant Company at the age of 16. If I can remember, I was there for a few months due to my pregnancy. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading10-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the last song that got stuck in your head?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe last song that got stuck in my head was Yolanda Adams’ “I Gotta Believe.” This song really speaks to my heart and reminds me to put my faith in something bigger and stronger than myself. I love reminding myself that I have no choice but to believe in my own success.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading11-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tSomething I have struggled with in my life was getting over the fact, I almost got kidnapped at the age of 15, twice walking home from track practice.<br/><br/>\nI also was 16 years old, and I was laying across the bed doing my homework and someone drove by my mother's home and shot up the garage. The police were called and they told my mother, the bullet was an inch away from my head and my infant son's head. It was such a traumatic moment in my life.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading12-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House of Representatives is unique with standing for what's right for the American people. \t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading13-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse13-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse13-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading13-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse13-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tFor everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford Healthcare.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading14-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse14-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse14-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading14-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse14-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tYes. No more than that.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading15-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse15-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse15-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat are your thoughts on term limits?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading15-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse15-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI would like to leave a legacy behind to encourage everyone to have Confidence and to always stay focused on their career goals.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-100804-2021-07-30\" id=\"heading16-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse16-100804-2021-07-30\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse16-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tIs there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading16-100804-2021-07-30\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse16-100804-2021-07-30\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tCongressman John Lewis.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "Desvignes submitted the following answers to the survey on January 11, 2022: [8]\n“ Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Economic : Elfreda will fight to lower Tax Rates and Increase growth. Defend The Police : I am totally against defunding the police. Our community needs the police to protect the families in Georgia district 7th. Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? Mark Meadow. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Stride Towards Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr. What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? For everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford a home. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Rep- Doug Collins [6] ”\nDesvignes submitted the following answers to the survey on August 26, 2021: [2]\n“ Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Economic : Elfreda will fight to lower Tax Rates and Increase growth. Defend The Police : I am totally against defunding the police. Our community needs the police to protect the families in Georgia district 6. Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? My Mother Valerie Desvignes- My mother taught me everything I know from life skills to owning a business. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? Stride Towards Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr. What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? For everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford a home. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Rep- Doug Collins [6] ”\n\n\nElfreda Desvignes completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Desvignes' responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a Community Activist and a part-time Business Owner. I currently work in the property management industry, and I have been working for several years at apartment communities in different areas of Georgia. I have lived in Georgia since 2000, after growing up in New York. I have devoted much of my adulthood to my passion of providing jobs by volunteering with the Department of Labor,\nhosting and volunteering at job fairs, even going as far as starting my own property management training course to help members of the community into the career path. Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, and, as a single mother, I have tried to instill the same values in my three children. I have volunteered with the Hosea Feed the Hungry in Atlanta, the Cobb Douglas Public Health Department’s Back to School Bash, and more. After losing my mother to breast cancer in 2013 this spurred me to turn my dreams of public service into action. I attended several training sessions in Washington DC, earned certifications in Fundraising, and Campaign Management, and was invited to the White House for a Policy Briefing with the hope of serving my community in the broadest and best possible way. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Affordable Housing : I would like to expand affordable housing options and programs to ensure families have a place to call home Civil Rights : It is my civic responsibility to ensure the civil rights of our community are protected: in voting, housing, workplaces, and when simply driving down the road. Healthcare: Not one human being in this incredible country should ever have to choose between paying for life-saving medication and paying their rent. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? The best way to phrase my political passions boil down to two simple words: Civil Rights. It should be the civil right of any American to have an affordable home, affordable healthcare, a job with a livable wage, and the ability to interact with law enforcement without fearing for their lives. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Miss Ocasio was dedicated to the mission she had in winning the election in 2018. Watching her Documentary inspired me to run. Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy? A Promised Land, by Barack Obama. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? Are they passionate? Have they done any community service work in the past? What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder? My passion, drive, and motivation make me an excellent candidate. What will make me an exceptional Representative is my stubbornness and my dedication to represent the people for whom I stand. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The primary responsibility of any elected official is to represent the voters of their district and the voters’ best interests. What legacy would you like to leave? I would like to leave a legacy behind to encourage everyone to have Confidence and to always stay focused on their career goals. What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time? I was 33 years old, living with my mother and my three children when Hurricane Katrina rolled through Louisiana, where most of my extended family lives. I lived with my mother at the time, and I remember her getting that first phone call. We immediately rushed to the store to buy some food and supplies to host our family members, and I ended up moving into an apartment to create space at the house. We received donations of food and clothing to offer as they were coming with nothing more than what they had on them at the time. Within days, we had over 18 people staying in our house, all coming in on the first bus they could catch. I spent most of my days running errands to help cook, clean, and transport everyone around. My cousin was forced to evacuate while her child was in the hospital, being transferred. We lived through a mother’s worst nightmare for a what seemed like a lifetime while she tried to find where her baby was. Finally, she was located and flown into the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta to continue her care for a heart condition. For over a month and a half, we lived like this while my family tried to get their lives set back up. Finally, some of them ultimately stayed here in Atlanta, and others went home to try to rebuild their former lives. I was so happy to see them finally getting back into a good place, but this experience really impressed upon me how quickly your life can drastically change due to circumstances outside of your control. Watching my mother selflessly open her heart and home planted a seed and inspired my desire to serve my own community. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? I worked at Captain D's Restaurant Company at the age of 16. If I can remember, I was there for a few months due to my pregnancy. What was the last song that got stuck in your head? The last song that got stuck in my head was Yolanda Adams’ “I Gotta Believe.” This song really speaks to my heart and reminds me to put my faith in something bigger and stronger than myself. I love reminding myself that I have no choice but to believe in my own success. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? Something I have struggled with in my life was getting over the fact, I almost got kidnapped at the age of 15, twice walking home from track practice. I also was 16 years old, and I was laying across the bed doing my homework and someone drove by my mother's home and shot up the garage. The police were called and they told my mother, the bullet was an inch away from my head and my infant son's head. It was such a traumatic moment in my life. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House of Representatives is unique with standing for what's right for the American people. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? For everyone to be financially stable and to be able to afford Healthcare. Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives? Yes. No more than that. What are your thoughts on term limits? I would like to leave a legacy behind to encourage everyone to have Confidence and to always stay focused on their career goals. Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after? Congressman John Lewis.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]