Since age 14, I've actively engaged in politics, working as a liaison and legislative policy writer, and leading my nonprofit, the "Build a Safer Georgia Coalition." My approach emphasizes listening and acting to community needs, supporting local businesses, and fostering collaboration among regions.

My vision for District 153 aims to transform Albany into a regional hub, promoting economic growth, preserving history, and improving infrastructure and education. I want to focus on economic development, rural connectivity, and equitable education reform.

• Economic Development: Our rural economic development plan centers on three pillars. Firstly, Rural Infrastructure Development involves allocating state funds for infrastructure modernization, including roads, broadband, clean energy, and riverfront projects. Second, Economic Empowerment supports rural entrepreneurship with tailored programs, financial incentives, and technology-driven growth. Lastly, Workforce Development emphasizes skills training, educational collaboration, and youth retention to reverse the brain drain. These priorities aim to create opportunities, boost local economies, and secure a prosperous future for all.
• Rural Interconnectivity: We prioritize regional cooperation among rural communities to share resources, foster local leadership networks, and establish economic development organizations. We also emphasize local autonomy and individual freedom while safeguarding property rights and privacy. Our commitment to environmental sustainability includes clean energy, conservation, and eco-tourism initiatives. These pillars drive rural development with a focus on collaboration, autonomy, and sustainability.
• Education Empowerment: We're committed to supporting our educators through various initiatives. Our focus includes advocating for teacher salary increases, reducing classroom sizes, and offering professional development incentives to continuously improve teaching quality. We'll also establish loan forgiveness programs to attract educators to underserved areas. In terms of educational curriculum and standards, we'll conduct a comprehensive review and ensure alignment with best practices. We'll advocate for the inclusion of practical life skills, financial literacy, and civic education to prepare students for success in all aspects of life. These actions empower educators and equip students for a brighter future.

Economic policies that prioritize equitable access to opportunities, support small businesses, and stimulate sustainable growth have a profound impact on our society. They can lift individuals and families out of poverty, enhance the quality of life, and provide the means for a brighter future. I'm passionate about creating an economic environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting initiatives that provide the underprivileged with access to education, skills, and meaningful employment.

Moreover, I believe in the power of economic policies that prioritize environmental sustainability. Striking a balance between economic growth and responsible resource management is not just a policy challenge; it's a moral imperative. It ensures that the prosperity we seek today is not achieved at the expense of future generations.

I developed a keen understanding of the policymaking process, which encompassed drafting reports, participating in city council meetings, and observing the decision-making procedure in action.

Transparency and accountability play crucial roles, ensuring that both the governor and the legislature are answerable for their actions, all in line with the aim of enhancing the state for everyone. Long-term vision is vital, with policies designed to benefit current and future generations, focusing on sustainable development.

Acknowledging and respecting differing opinions is essential. Diverse perspectives can lead to more effective solutions, provided it is done with respect and compromise. Additionally, inclusivity and public engagement are encouraged, so policies reflect the needs and desires of the entire state's population.

Economically, there is a pressing need to address the well-being of the working class, which has a direct impact on critical areas like healthcare, housing, and overall quality of life. Prioritizing the creation of a strong and equitable economic framework is essential to resolve these concerns and ensure the welfare of all residents.

In the sphere of education, the state must strive to provide a truthful and well-rounded educational experience. Fostering an environment of fact-based learning is crucial to produce informed citizens and a skilled workforce prepared for the future.

However, the state also grapples with the broader national trend of increased polarization, misinformation, and culture wars, contributing to societal division. Bridging these divides requires nurturing open dialogue, promoting critical thinking, and ensuring access to accurate information, all of which can work to unite the population.

On the positive side, having some form of political experience can provide state legislators with a deep understanding of how the political system operates. This knowledge can be highly valuable when it comes to creating and implementing effective policies. Moreover, experienced politicians often have established networks and relationships within government, making it easier to collaborate and pass legislation. They may also possess institutional knowledge and vital political skills, such as negotiation and coalition-building.

On the flip side, a heavy emphasis on prior political experience may result in a detachment from the concerns of ordinary citizens, as career politicians might focus more on political agendas and re-election. It could also limit the diversity of perspectives in the legislature, potentially hindering innovation and fresh ideas. Lastly, experienced politicians may bring strong partisan loyalties, making it challenging to foster cooperation and bipartisan solutions.

The complexities and rapid changes in our society necessitate leaders who can adapt and bring forward new ideas. Rather than modeling myself after a specific individual, I aim to engage with the needs and aspirations of our constituents in this contemporary era. I intend to learn from the wisdom of the past, but also strive to be a leader who is responsive, forward-thinking, and dedicated to serving the best interests of the people.

Conversely, granting emergency powers is equally crucial during crises, allowing for swift and effective responses to emergencies that threaten the well-being of citizens. The key lies in achieving a delicate equilibrium between these two aspects. Granting emergency powers should come with well-defined limitations, and legislative oversight should guarantee that these powers are used appropriately, not for political gain. Furthermore, oversight can provide ongoing evaluation of the necessity of emergency measures and their impact on civil liberties.

Similarly, the Education Committee holds a prominent place in my priorities. It bears responsibility for legislations governing Pre-K and K-12 education in our state. The quality of education provided to our youth has a direct and lasting impact on the future generations of our state, making this committee's work of utmost importance.