Elections 2020: Meet Georgia Rep. 48th 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 of the 48th District.

Incumbent Mary Robichaux will be running against Betty Price to represent the 48th District, which encompasses Roswell.

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:

Betty Price M.D.

Age (as of Election Day)

68

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Husband Tom and one adult son

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not currently

Education

Pomona College B.A., University of California Santa Barbara, Biochemistry, McGill University M.D., C. M. Emory University Affiliated Hospitals. Anesthesiology specialtyOccupationRetired M.D. anesthesiologist

Campaign website

BettyPrice4GA.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Georgia State Representative H.D.48 2015-2019, Roswell City Council 2009-2015, Fulton County Board of Health 10 years by Fulton County Commission Chairman 2007

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

We are at a cultural divide that I feel may result to a significant confrontation. The lack of respect for alternative viewpoints and the inability to live according to our Constitutionally guaranteed Bill of Rights puts our country in a perilous position. As one of fifty states, we must insure that Georgia is prepared to respond to domestic unrest. We must allocate sufficient resources to protect our citizens and their property. Having personally knocked on over 5,000 doors, I know that people want “jobs not mobs”. Despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, sensible economic freedoms allow people the ability to safely provide goods and services to others and in turn provide for themselves and their families .

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?

As a statement, of course Black Lives Matter, but due to the controversy of the movement that has grown out of that just sentiment, I could not support any organization that has as its basic tenets destruction of the nuclear family, reduction in law enforcement, and Marxism. I empathize with my black friends and colleagues who have experienced extra fears and challenges as a result of racism, prejudice and stereotype and I seek justice in every situation that I can influence.

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

I understand that some people would like to reallocate, reduce and even eliminate funding to entire police departments. I have taken a pledge NOT to defund the police. Some cities that have experienced severe corruption have had to dismantle and rebuild their departments. Model police departments are closely involved in their communities to spread good will and model behaviors. It is interesting that recently some cities that have already defunded their police without building a more supportive community, have seen unconscionable rising crime statistics and have already reversed their positions. Thoughtful elected officials don’t legislate without study and appreciating the unintended consequences of flawed reactive lawmaking we see among the left.

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?

It is prudent with this previously unknown virus to follow the health guidelines as they are presented and modified. No one has all the answers and the scientific method is testing and retesting hypotheses to be ready to be flexible as conditions change. Draconian lockdowns create as many problems as they attempt to solve. As usual, the private sector sets the tone and the routine wearing of masks has been accepted as businesses and common sense dictate. It’s very hard to legislate against foolishness, risk taking and irresponsibility. We are still a free society and hopefully people will understand that unnecessary risks, while they may help increase herd immunity, can also have devastating results for vulnerable people.

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

I am what I say I am. I don’t tell you I am conservative and then vote with the farthest left fringe of the party. I am a lifelong leader and have demonstrated much care and involvement in our community from day one. As an immigrant I have lived in a more socialized country making me passionate about this land of freedom and opportunity. In contrast to my opponent I have ethically disclosed my assets as required, never tried to raise money during the legislative session, nor misplaced campaign “loans”. I would not have voted against law enforcement groups’ recommendations or against small business liability relief from the coronavirus as she did. My philosophy of lower taxation, less spending, and less government regulation is more in line with the way reasonable people of this district think.

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

Please see previous answer. Not distinguished herself at the legislature or in the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

1. Public safety as mentioned above/emergency response2. Education reforms to keep us from being among the lowest in the country. Return to basics in education, including critical thinking skills3. Coronavirus and Healthcare issues to assure affordable quality care with a variety of providers, and utilization of waivers to increase insurability

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

Medical doctor, previous elected offices, passed several bills in my first year in the legislature, Deputy Whip in my second year, re-initiated the Downtown Development Authority in Roswell, created the Roswell redevelopment committee, initiated pension reform while on Roswell City Council, transportation projects initiated and accomplished, legislative chairman of the PTA and the Medical Association of Atlanta, president of one national organization and treasurer of another, treasurer and board member of numerous non-profits locally, chaired and organized many events and projects bringing many different people together toward a common purpose and goal.

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

Not regretting a single vote and providing good constituent service.

Why should voters trust you?

Politicians get a bad rap because so many will tell you what they think you want to hear. I am the opposite by telling you exactly the way I see it-forthright and transparent. I am a known quantity in this community for 37 years, an elder in the church, a former Sunday School teacher and the treasurer of numerous organizations. That doesn’t happen unless you are trustworthy.

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

Georgia requires a balanced budget and reserves by policy, so we should not get overextended. Resources are available at the Capitol to determine the fiscal soundness of any bill or proposal. Taxpayers are not a money tree. In fact, as a lawmaker I was given a significant stipend to use each year and I returned it at the end of several years having only used a tiny fraction of it.

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

Absolutely not.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen to everybody, then make up your own mind. Have principles, compromise judiciously.

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

This was pretty thorough and I think looked mostly at a philosophy of conduct and governance which is exactly the right tone. Every year 1,000s of bills are considered among 180 people, so promising to do something specific is unrealistic. I will do the best I can to represent the wishes of this constituency in a thorough, measured, and thoughtful manner. I thank you for the opportunity.

*Mary Robichaux did not reply to Patch's email with the candidate survey.

This article originally appeared on the Roswell Patch