Fran Millar
Occupation: Independent Marketing Consultant
Previous experience holding elected offices: State Representative 1999-2011; state Senator 2011 -present
Other community service experience: Active in Dunwoody Chamblee Parents Council, Emory LaVista Parents Council and now Parents United (education groups); Board member, Spruill Center for the Arts; Capital Campaign member, Dunwoody Nature Center; Member, Dunwoody United Methodist (serve on Staff Parish); numerous education boards and commissions; Ex officio, Dunwoody Homeowners Association.
What is motivating you to run for this office?
I helped give people the right to vote on cityhood in Fulton and DeKalb. I have authored legislation on education reform, various disabilities, infrastructure and tax relief. In DeKalb, I am the last Republican and help stop bad legislation such as increasing the MARTA tax or repealing my property tax freeze. I have worked on similar legislation in Fulton. I have been endorsed by six of the seven mayors and a large amount of our local elected officials (Democrats and Republicans) because, unlike my opponent, I have actual accomplishments, not sound bites and slogans.
What is the biggest issue facing the district and how will you address it?
The biggest issue facing the district, other than transit, is getting economic development throughout DeKalb and Fulton. In DeKalb, the Democratic CEO praised me for working with him for tax relief and infrastructure improvements in transportation, public safety and capital repair. Without a Republican in the DeKalb Senate delegation, I can assure you the Republican-dominated General Assembly will have no interest in DeKalb’s prosperity. Fulton will continue to prosper because of the Republican influence. Those are the facts.
After the new “ATL” regional transit authority forms, what local transit priorities would you advocate, if any?
I am a believer in bus rapid transit and some light rail, but believe heavy rail is too expensive. Technology will change a lot of things in the next decade. Public-private partnerships for additional lane capacity will continue to flourish. When our inland ports are in place (rail versus trucks), we will hopefully see a moderation of congestion. We are a victim of our economic success.
What is your position on reducing or eliminating the state income tax and why?
I supported the reduction in the state income tax, which will result in a $5 billion savings for individuals. We benchmark our economic success with North Carolina and this makes us competitive. When I asked my opponent in a forum if she would vote yes or no to repeal this $5 billion savings, I got no answer. She previously retweeted tax cuts are a scam. Very different philosophy.