Ellyn Jeager
Occupation: Retired
Previous elected offices held: None
Other community service experience: Volunteer at Congregation Or Hadash, a synagogue in North Fulton; Sit on the Georgia Planning and Advisory Council; Sit on the Georgia Behavioral Health Services Coalition.
What is motivating you to run for this office?
I believe that Georgia has an opportunity to step forward and be seen as a leading state for business and healthy communities. In the past several years, the legislation coming out of the House and Senate does not promote unity and can drive both small business and larger industries away from Georgia. It is obvious that Georgia needs to expand Medicaid as we are watching our rural communities lose access to healthcare. I also believe that education in our public schools must be funded at a 2019 level and not a 1985 level.
What is the biggest issue facing the district and how will you address it?
The safety of our schools, starting in pre-K all the way through high school is a major concern for parents across the district. There is no simple answer to finding a workable solution. We must bring together a diverse group of people, such as law enforcement, parents, PTA, mental health professionals and students, to find answers appropriate for each school.
After the new “ATL” regional transit authority forms, what local transit priorities would you advocate, if any?
Although I am disappointed, knowing that the proposed solutions do not include rail, I think that the rapid bus lines can help alleviate some of our traffic problems. I have concerns about whether or not we have funding for our existing structures, like Holcomb Bridge, which may need repairs. I am also concerned about where entrance and exit ramps will be located.
What is your position on reducing or eliminating the state income tax and why?
Although, in theory, it would be nice to reduce or eliminate taxes, the cost to maintain our schools, roads, infrastructure and other services would be greatly impacted. Critical funding would have to find another source, which would mean an increase in other revenue, such as sales tax, etc.