Elections 2020: Meet Georgia Rep. 20th District Candidates

WOODSTOCK, GA — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Woodstock will choose other candidates to represent them, including the seat for Georgia Representative 20th District.

Charlice Byrd will be running against Ginny Lennox to represent the 20th District, which encompasses Woodstock.

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.

Candidates

Charlice Byrd

Ginny Lennox

Age (as of Election Day)

Charlice Byrd: 69

Ginny Lennox: 74

Party Affiliation

Charlice Byrd: Republican

Ginny Lennox: Democrat

Family

Charlice Byrd: Spouse- Michael Byrd

Ginny Lennox: I have one son and three wonderful grandsons of whom I am very proud. They bring love and laughter into my life every day.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Charlice Byrd: No

Ginny Lennox: No

Education

Charlice Byrd: B.A. Degree: Elementary Education, 1974, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana

Ginny Lennox: ED.S (Educational Specialist) Lincoln Memorial University, M.Ed. (Masters of Education) State University of West Georgia, BS (Bachelor of Science) Kennesaw State University

Occupation

Charlice Byrd: Retired

Ginny Lennox: Elementary School Teacher and Administrator - 25 years experience

Campaign website

Charlice Byrd: https://charlicebyrd.com/

Ginny Lennox: www.ginnyforga20.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Charlice Byrd: State Representative

Ginny Lennox: None

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

Charlice Byrd: The number one issue facing our community is the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn. Georgia has a strong medical community and some of the Nation’s top hospitals. I believe Georgia should support Georgia’s great university system and research facilities to take the lead in infectious disease study and vaccine research. The state also needs to be flexible and forward thinking when it comes to rebuilding our economy. For years our state has been listed as the number one state to do business and to keep that title we are going to have to find ways to support small businesses, encourage innovation and attract the next generation of high paying jobs to Georgia.

Ginny Lennox: The issue that comes up most often in my district is healthcare. It is something that directly affects everyone and their families. My family faced this issue when my late husband was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension, so I understand their very real concerns. We were fortunate to have health insurance that covered his needs but so many people do not. COVID-19 has proven to almost everyone that we can never be sure of what the future holds for us and how important it is to be prepared.

I believe we all need to have access to affordable and accessible healthcare and I will work towards that goal. When elected I will work with others to expand Medicaid, which will allow more than 8,000 people in Cherokee County to be eligible for coverage they do not have now.

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?

Charlice Byrd: Born in 1951 and growing up New Orleans, Louisiana with parents that were a “mixed marriage” was racism. My father was full-blooded Chinese and my mother was Irish, English and Scottish. To say the least, it was difficult a time in the south when racism was rampant and blatant. My parents taught us that racism grows out of hatred, for us to love over hate and to accept everyone without prejudice.

Ginny Lennox: The words Black Lives Matter often bring with them controversy. Equality and social justice in our country are both something that people of color often have to fight for in a very unjust way. As a white woman I have not faced the prejudice that people of color have experienced, but I can listen and empathize and care and then do whatever is necessary as a legislator to see that all people have equal opportunity in every area of their lives.

Peaceful protests are a way to let people know what we feel is important. There is never a reason to destroy the property of others. It is important that our elected officials listen to the people they represent and work together to quickly solve the problems that affect today’s society.

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

Charlice Byrd: With so much danger in the world, now, more than ever we need to be able to rely on the law and order of our society. Our country and our state have suffered tragedies. The reality is de-funding the police has real life consequences. Police officers are our brothers, sisters, neighbors, and are woven into the fabric of our society. They put themselves into danger and truly live by the motto of “To Protect and To Serve.” We must never forget the bravery of our officers. As a law-abiding citizen and conservative, I back the blue, and I am against defunding the police.

Ginny Lennox: As I understand it the word defund was incorrectly used and I do not agree with the concept of defunding the police. I do believe that all organizations need to review what is working and what is not working within their organizations and then make the necessary adjustments that will allow them to better serve all the citizens of their community.

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?

Charlice Byrd: With the COVID-19 pandemic we are in uncharted territory and still learning so much about the virus and how we can fight it. There is no set of instructions that come with a crisis and I commend the leaders who have stepped up. I also am so thankful to the frontline medical professionals who have fought the virus and treated patients here in Georgia, but also to those working hard on a cure. We must do our part as well; listen to the experts, follow advice from officials and do what is right by our neighbors. We are given the liberty of personal freedom and with that right comes personal responsibility. I believe that America is great because the American people are great. Although we are a large and diverse country, we have come together before to succeed in the face of crisis and I think we will prevail again!

Ginny Lennox: I believe we could have come together to protect ourselves and our neighbors in a more unified fashion if from the beginning we trusted our elected officials and the information they were sharing. Since we are learning about the virus as we are in the midst of the pandemic, it is very important that we trust the information we are given so that we can make informed decisions for our family.

As I talk to and listen to the scientists and doctors it is clear that if we wear masks, wash our hands and socially distance we could fight this virus in a way that protects all of us, especially the most vulnerable. In order to have a healthy economy we must have healthy people. I support our businesses and what they are doing to keep their employees and customers safe. This is a very difficult time in our country, but I believe by working together for the good of all we can overcome the obstacles that have been put in our path.

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

Charlice Byrd: I am a committed conservative willing to pursue a meaningful conservative agenda by decreasing the size of government, lessening the tax burden, promoting personal responsibility, protecting personal liberty, and exercising the proper role of government. Principles by which we should govern. These core principles have not proven wrong, outdated or unworkable. These ideas promote economic growth.
I am 100% prolife; the only candidate to be endorsed by Georgia Right to Life and Georgia Life Alliance. I am pro-2nd amendment; the only candidate endorsed by the NRA with an “A” rating.
As someone who has served our community, I know what it takes to protect our community, lower our taxes, keep balanced budgets and fight for our values.

Ginny Lennox: My campaign is based on the needs of the people in my district and all of Georgia. I will be fighting for affordable and accessible healthcare, adequate funding and fully funded public schools and protecting the environment. As I talk to the citizens of my district and explain the pillars of my campaign, I hear agreement on these as the most important issues.

According to my opponent’s website, she will support the Trump agenda. That’s a critical difference between us. My goal will be to see that the needs of the people of my district are being met, especially during this difficult time of COVID-19.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Charlice Byrd: My other priorities are to support education, make healthcare more affordable and accountable, ensure a balanced budget and defeat job-killing tax hikes.

Ginny Lennox: I am concerned about the lack of willingness many elected officials have to work together. By not working together and shutting out one political party or the other, we are not allowing all ideas to be considered. That means ideas and solutions that can solve today’s real problems are overlooked or discarded. I am willing to work across the aisle to solve today’s problems so that our families can have the security they deserve. Many people feel that their voices have not been heard. No one should feel as if their voice is not important. I want to be someone who represents everyone.

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

Charlice Byrd: I have the right kind of experience serving in the Georgia Legislature for four terms. My work at the capitol is not complete, and I look forward to continuing the work of streamlining our government by holding it accountable, reducing its size and limiting its power. As progress is made, we will enjoy the benefits of lower taxes, less government, greater freedom and a burgeoning economy.

Ginny Lennox: I understand what it is like to be a young wife of a serviceman who serves overseas during wartime. I understand what it means to be a working mom and later in life a caregiver to a sick spouse. I understand what it means to own your own business and work 24 hours a day so that it is successful not only for your family but also for the families of the people who work with you. I understand what it is like to be a teacher who has the lives of young people in his or her hands every day. I understand what it is like to care for and teach those children as if they were your own. I also understand the responsibilities of school administrators to make the best decisions they can for all of the students and all of the teachers in their building.

It is not the awards that I have received that will show that I can handle this job. It is the everyday moments and times when I have risen to the occasion to handle an unexpected situation that affects 600 children or the times when I sat with parents who did not know where to turn next and helped them find a solution. It is my ability to listen, to care and to lead with empathy. It is my ability to solve problems and to work as part of a team. It is also the fact that at a time of life when most people would turn away from an opportunity like this I ran toward it. I can devote 100 percent of my time and energy towards representing all of the people of Georgia House District 20, which is what I will do when elected.

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

Charlice Byrd: On my first day in office I would file the Georgia Government Accountability Act aka Sunset Bill. The bill’s aim is to establish a method by which the efficiency of state government is regularly reviewed and the productivity of each agency evaluated to ensure state agencies, departments and other entities are held accountable. I would work with all stakeholders -- city, county and state for Cherokee’s projects to be a priority.

Ginny Lennox: I would like to see Medicaid expanded. Being part of this accomplishment would make my first term in office a success. As someone who was a caregiver to a chronically ill husband, I know how difficult it can be when a family member is sick even with health insurance. Not having medical coverage would make everything much worse.

Georgia currently has the third highest rate of uninsured people in the country. If Medicaid was expanded, 500,000 more Georgians would be eligible for health insurance. Closing the Medicaid gap would also create 56,000 jobs, shore up struggling hospitals and bring in an additional three billion dollars from the federal government each year. It is time that we move forward and expand Medicaid for Georgians in need.

Why should voters trust you?

Charlice Byrd: I previously served in the Georgia General Assembly, and we need a proven conservative that represents our principles and our values. I have a proven track record of dedication and determination to serve our community. I have always been an outspoken voice and recognized for my leadership. There are numerous accomplishments throughout the years; the one that is most memorable was being named the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) National Legislator of the Year.

Ginny Lennox: It is of great concern to me that many people do not trust our elected officials. I believe trust is the foundation for all relationships. We need to believe in our leaders and what they say. We cannot make informed decisions for our communities and our families if we do not trust the information we are given.

I am known for keeping my word and for not promising something I cannot deliver. I pride myself on being honest and transparent and will continue to be the same person that I am today when elected to Georgia’s House of Representatives. The only reason I decided to run for House of Representatives is to make the lives of the people in my district and all districts better. When I am elected I will continue to be available to meet and talk with the people of my district. I believe it is easier to trust someone when you know them and that is the type of relationship I want to have with the people of House District 20.

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

Charlice Byrd: My parents taught me hard work, self-reliance and conservative principles, and I want our rights, our values and our liberties to remain intact. I understand the difficulty of raising a family in today’s society, and the challenges of caring for aging parents. I am convinced you know best how to spend your hard-earned money. You know me and my record; I hope I can count on you to help me bring better government to our county and state.

Ginny Lennox: Just as I have in my personal life, I believe in being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money. I believe I am fiscally conservative yet I feel it is important to protect the social services that our most vulnerable people may need through no fault of their own. I believe that our legislators should work together to bring in additional revenue before drastically cutting social programs. As a legislator I realize that handling the taxpayer’s money will be a very important part of the job I am seeking and will treat it as such.

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

Charlice Byrd: No, if elected I will fulfill my sworn duty to serve the complete term.

Ginny Lennox: I fully intend to serve my full term of office and see no reason why I would not be able to do so.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Charlice Byrd: My mother believed in the importance of community and political activism – to serve with enthusiasm, to be conscientious and to remain true to your principles and values. She provided a rock solid foundation of respect, generosity, kindness and the inherent goodness of all people.

Ginny Lennox: The best advice ever shared with me was to always be your self.

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

Charlice Byrd: I am a wife, daughter and a political and community activist. I am married to Michael, a member of FBCW and a resident of Woodstock for 22 years. Years ago I jumped in with both feet to become involved in the community and continuously worked for the interests of our citizens. I donate my time and resources to conservative causes and candidates throughout the country, and right here in our community. I serve on Board of Directors, long-time member and volunteer for numerous civic and non-profit organizations. I serve in order to protect our freedoms and our way of life. It is easy to reside in a place but much more fulfilling to be involved and engaged in the community. Home is where the heart is and my heart has deep roots right here in Cherokee County.

Ginny Lennox: I would like the voters to know that it would truly be an honor to serve them. Running for office is not something I had planned to do but I saw a need and felt that it was something I must do. I am a retired teacher and elementary school administrator. I am a mom and a grandmother and person who believes that we all have a responsibility to our fellow man. When I watch so many citizens suffering through absolutely no fault of their own I feel that it is my responsibility to help in any way that I can. We need to improve our healthcare system. We need to protect our environment. Our teachers need to be compensated for the work that they do and our students deserve the very best education possible. I believe in equality and social justice.

Cherokee County has been my home for almost 30 years. I have watched it grow and change in ways that could never have been anticipated. It is a beautiful place to live and raise your children and grandchildren. I would be very proud to represent the people of House District 20 and be their voice in our state government. I hope that you will give me that chance by voting for me, Ginny Lennox, on or before Nov. 3, 2020.

This article originally appeared on the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch