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.
Gay Fortson
Campaign email: gay.fortson@friendshipcoffeecompany.com
Political affiliation: Democratic
Gay Fortson did not respond to the survey request, which was made via 4 emails from 2 different addresses over a period of 5 weeks.
Jesse Petrea
Campaign email: Jesse.petrea@ house.ga.gov
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 58
Home: Savannah, more than 20 years at current address
Current job/occupation: Healthcare executive, business owner.
Education (institutions attended, degrees earned): Benedictine Military School, Armstrong State College. BS Biology
Hometown: Savannah
Family: (left blank)
What is the main challenge or opportunity facing your constituents?
The current greatest challenge to my constituents in our community is public safety and inflation. The current environment of bonding out violent felons, a 34% murder conviction rate by the Chatham County DA and other soft on crime “progressive” policies has made the community less safe. Also inflation is a huge issue according to my constituent contacts.
Tell us what your priorities would be before and during the next legislative session?
My priority in the next session will be the creation of a Georgia Conservation Land Bank to increase the protection and preservation of land in Georgia. I will also be sponsoring several bills to support our shrimping industry.
What, in your opinion, makes you uniquely qualified to serve your constituents and what sets you apart from your opponent (s)?
I am a lifelong Savannian who knows the values of my district that I was born and raised in. I am an entrepreneur who understands business and have employed many people over 3 decades. I am a healthcare expert who particularly understands the needs of the aging and disabled populations in Georgia.
What are your plans to improve the world for children in Georgia?
To continue what we as Republicans have been doing during my political career to include: fighting to increase services for children with autism and disabilities. To fully fund QBE as we have done 6 years in a row. To increase teacher pay as we have done aggressively (GA teachers are now the highest average salary in the southeast.). To support school choice and charter schools. To support and fund, as we did aggressively this year, school safety grants. To reform foster care. In 2017 we overhauled and dramatically improved the adoption process in GA.
What do you believe are the greatest factors affecting household economies?
1. Inflation created by excessive Biden/Harris government spending is destroying family wealth.
2. Fuel cost increases created by Biden/Harris reversal of domestic energy production.
3. Unprecedented illegal immigration which is depressing American wages.
What steps should Georgia take to improve access and quality of health care for all?
I will list only a few. We passed GA pathways to cover those in the gap between ACA and Medicaid as long as they work or volunteer. Last year I Sponsored and passed HB 1078 which created a new PACE program to serve seniors on Medicaid. On health Appropriations, every year, I support funding 2 to 4 new FQHCs. Just this year, I supported increased rates of providers through Medicaid, attacked infant and maternal mortality, sickle cell disease, expanded breast cancer screening, funding for additional HIV care and testing, support for the trauma care network. I am a longtime supporter of increased pediatric dental coverage, dentist and physician loan forgiveness for underserved areas, and loan repayment for dentists and physicians serving rural areas.
How do you feel you can improve public safety in the state?
I passed HB 1105 this year to protect public safety by ensuring that criminal aliens are reported to ICE and held for their custody by ICE. I have fought to keep violent felons from being paroled, to increase penalties for gangs, human traffickers and sex offenders. I have voted this year to add the penalty of manslaughter to those selling fentanyl resulting in death. Moreover, I cosponsored the DA bill to provide oversight of derelict DAs. We will improve public safety by combatting soft on crime progressive policies which release violent felons to reoffend.
Would you vote to change Georgia’s abortion law in any way? How?
No
What are your thoughts on Georgia’s minimum wage?
(Blank)
Do you feel there needs to be change in gun regulations in the state or local level? If so, would regulation be a priority?
No. I do not support placing unconstitutional restrictions on the constitutional rights of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
How do you see yourself creating/supporting policies related to climate change?
I have a proven record of supporting land preservation, and opposing the polluting of our environment. Moreover, I have steadfastly supported the protection of the GA coast where my family have lived for generations. I strongly supported and co-sponsored the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act, the marsh buffer bill, the Shoreline Protection Act, this year’s soil amendment bill and multitudes of others. I have strongly and successfully advocated for our State Parks and have seen huge investments to those in my district to include Skidaway Island and Wormsloe. I have also successfully sponsored efforts to protect land in our area to include Green Island and the new 6,000 acre Canoochee Sandhills WMA. These are only a few to mention of many.
How important is transparency with your constituents after being elected into office? How will you communicate with your constituents on issues?
Very important.
Is there one key issue driving your run for office? Why?
No
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