John Albers
Occupation: Small business owner and executive (LifeHope)
Previous elected offices held: Current Senator, District 56
Other community service experience: Scout Leader, Youth Sports Coach, Roswell United Methodist, Miracle League, Roswell Rotary, Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation, Roswell Fire & Police Foundation, etc. I am a fourth-generation firefighter serving as a volunteer in Alpharetta.
What is motivating you to run for this office?
My motivation is to serve families. I have passed dozens of bills focusing on improving the economy, supporting our military and first responders, ending human trafficking, lowering taxes, reducing regulations, fully funding and supporting education, adding new roads to relieve traffic, helping families with special needs, etc. I will continue these efforts by leading the Senate School Safety Committee and focusing on serving others. Georgia is the number one place to do business for five years in a row and we will continue the momentum to assure jobs and opportunities.
What is the biggest issue facing the district and how will you address it?
The main issues are: Jobs and economy; school safety; lowering taxes; public safety; healthcare; education; and traffic. I have led on all these issues and will continue with being the chairman of the Senate School Safety Committee; lowering taxes; improving healthcare options and providers; adding new funding for roads and bridges; and, lastly, we have fully funded education in Georgia and will continue to do so. We will build upon our strong track record
After the new “ATL” regional transit authority forms, what local transit priorities would you advocate, if any?
I worked tirelessly to ensure north Fulton received the proper funds and projects with this new legislation. For almost 50 years, we have paid a large amount of the tax with little to no results. I support BRT (bus rapid transit) up the Ga. 400 corridor while innovating and preparing for the future of autonomous vehicles. Georgia can lead the way for improving public safety and commute times.
What is your position on reducing or eliminating the state income tax and why?
I was proud to sponsor the income tax reduction this year. For the first time in modern history, we have reduced the Georgia income tax, helping our families and businesses. I will continue my work to eliminate the income tax in lieu of a fair-tax model similar to Florida, Texas and Tennessee. Lowering and eliminating the income tax helps everyone!