Questionnaires were compiled by The Current based on questions from readers. The answers to each question are verbatim from each candidate with exceptions for exceeding the word count; overages were trimmed. The answers were not edited for style or spelling; candidates were contacted if there was a question of clarity. If a question is skipped, we’ve noted that. If a candidate failed to respond to the questionnaire, we’ve noted that, as well.
Carl Gilliard
Campaign email: carl.gilliard@house.ga.gov
Political affiliation: Democratic
Incumbent Georgia Rep. Carl Gilliard did not respond to the survey request, which was made via four emails to his office and two followup phone calls.
Keith Padgett
Campaign email: padgettforga@gmail.com
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 38
Home: Savannah
Current job/occupation: Painter
Education (institutions attended, degrees earned): Savannah Technical College, Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing
Hometown: Sandfly
Family: Single
What is the main challenge or opportunity facing your constituents?
My constituents are suffering and they feel the current elected officials have not been listening to their needs.
Tell us what your priorities would be before and during the next legislative session?
My focus is to be in the community of district 162, listen to my constituents and work with them on what changes need to be made. People can’t afford to live and that should be everyone’s top priority right now.
What, in your opinion, makes you uniquely qualified to serve your constituents and what sets you apart from your opponent?
Savannah/Garden City needs a young, strong and trustworthy leader working for them under the gold dome in Atlanta. I have and will continue speaking with voters of all ages in district 162 on what we can do collectively for a better community.
What are your plans to improve the world for children in Georgia?
Increase reading comprehension, reading literacy and mathematics in all grades with a focus on elementary school students. GBI takes the reading comprehension scores from 3rd graders which gives them an estimation of how many jails to build in the next 18-20 years. So, if we ensure our 3rd graders can read, we indirectly decrease the number of jails being built. Which reduces crime.
What do you believe are the greatest factors affecting household economies?
The lack of entrepreneurship opportunities in coastal ga. In order to fix it we need to cut red tape and regulations to help small businesses to thrive in any economy.
What steps should Georgia take to improve access and quality of health care for all?
As a state representative, I would work with Georgia delegates to Washington to eliminate the health care mandate that was imposed on all Americans. Because the administrative side of health care has increased the cost across the board for all Georgians.
How do you feel you can improve public safety in the state?
Make sure county sheriffs and DA’s are enforcing the laws that are already on the books. If they aren’t, then use the mechanisms that are in place for oversight and accountability.
Would you vote to change Georgia’s abortion law in any way? How?
I would not change anything.
What are your thoughts on Georgia’s minimum wage?
Minimum wage is not set to be able to live on. In the 21st century, it’s not intended to be a wage to live on. It’s a starting point. I believe it should match the federal min wage.
Do you feel there needs to be a change in gun regulations at the state or local level? If so, would regulation be a priority?
I would keep constitutional carry legal in the state of Georgia because I believe in the second amendment. I also believe that local officials should have the ability to have some limited regulations on firearms within their jurisdictions.
How do you see yourself creating/supporting policies related to climate change?
There has been scientific research that polar caps have been growing in the last decade. We’ve been collecting data since 1880 and the world is millions of years old. We don’t have enough past data to understand if the world is just going through another phase of evolution.
How important is transparency with your constituents after being elected into office? How will you communicate with your constituents on issues?
It is most important that I address my constituents directly. Through town halls, social media platforms. I’m looking to do a weekly newsletter via email while we are in session.
Is there one key issue driving your run for office? Why?
Budget. The reason being is everything else drives from how the state spends their money. Everything else that the state does drives from the budget, from education to the public safety to the national guard etc.
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