Amanda James

Amanda James graduated from Cartersville High School. James earned a bachelor's degree from Kennesaw State University in 2015. James' career experience includes working as a project manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Amanda Carter James, mother of three, although my youngest child died eight years ago in an auto accident at the age of 20. Grandmother of one. I'm a lifelong Georgian and Cartersville native. I graduated from Cartersville High School in 1985; the best class ever! I attended Florida A&M University and later attended Kennesaw State University; earning my B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Service and Policy. I have 35 years of company service with Shaw Industries; currently as a Senior Fabrication Manager for Hard Surface in Product Development. I've also been a registered mediator for the past 12 years.

Before I knew politics, I knew adversity. I was born two months early, weighing just four pounds. Because of that, the muscles in my left eye never fully developed, leaving me legally blind. But being born with a challenge doesn’t mean I live defeated — it means I learned to fight early. And I will fight for all of you.

I'm not running for power; I'm running with purpose: to listen to the people of District 11, to learn from challenges our families and businesses are facing, and to act boldly in their best interests. I'm committed to Solutions, not Sides.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

First, food and housing costs are skyrocketing! These costs are causing financial strain on families in District 11 and beyond. Due to rising fuel costs, inclement weather conditions, and greed by corporations, food prices are soaring at enormous rates. Farmers are also being negatively impacted and facing financial ruin due to these same contributing factors. Population within our communities has increased, exponentially, which impacts the housing shortage; thereby increasing the rental and mortgage rates. These costs are unsustainable! And I will work tirelessly to initiate policies that will aid in lowering these prices to help ease the burden on our families.Secondly, costs regarding healthcare and prescription drugs are bankrupting American families! Insurance premiums and deductibles continue to rise. And a large part of our seniors live on fixed incomes and are having to choose whether to purchase their prescriptions this month or pay their rent or mortgage. The United States pays more for prescription drugs than any other nation on earth. For every dollar paid for the same medication in another developed country, we pay two dollars and seventy-eight cents. I aim to rectify these issues by introducing legislation to expand healthcare marketplace tax credits, increase out of state competition, and initiate policies to diminish the collusion by the pharmaceutical companies and the government.Lastly, I want to focus on mental health. Sixty million Americans are living with a mental illness right now. And only one in three is receiving any care at all. Not because they don’t want help. Not because they are weak. But because they cannot afford it. Because there is no provider within a reasonable distance. Because the stigma still whispers — just push through. You’ll be fine.

Healing is not a weakness. It is an act of courage. And every person in District 11 — deserves access to the care that can make them whole.

Our children are struggling — with anxiety, depression and trauma. Our veterans are too. Insurance companies need to increase mental health coverages. Schools need an increase in counselors and mental health resources.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about education and economic opportunities for those desiring to better themselves; better, yet affordable healthcare access for those in need; justice and prison reform, and second chances for those who have displayed a renewal in their mindset, conduct and behavior and have light sentences. Providing mental health care for our children, adults and veterans; men and women who served our country with honor. They deserve nothing less. And, holding government accountable for their spending, execution of policies, and upholding of the Constitution.