Cathy Kott

Cathy Kott's career experience includes working as a registered nurse. She earned an associate degree from Grayson College in 1988.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 32-year resident of Whitfield near Cohutta, Georgia, a mother and grandmother, and have worked as a Registered Nurse for 37 years. Throughout my life and career, I have dedicated myself to caring for others, listening to people’s concerns, and serving my community with compassion, professionalism, and integrity.

Living in GA State House District 6 for three decades has given me a deep appreciation for our town, our families, and the values that make this community special. I’m running because I believe in steady leadership, open communication, and working together to keep GA State District 6 place where people feel safe, respected, and heard.

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?

District 6 would benefit greatly from expansion of Medicaid, many of our residents are working class with jobs that do not offer affordable insurance access. All of our residents have to travel great distances to receive quality care and see specialist. Medical Professionals are not attracted to our area due to lack of insured residents. They are unable to support thriving businesses. For these reasons and others our community suffers lack of quality care at every stage of life that is accessible and affordable. We must do ALL we can to keep families from being crushed by medical debt. It is possible and Georgia Can do it for ALL her citizens, even those of us who do not live in city centers.Mental Health access is also very difficult for our residents. Attracting and retaining skilled practitioners is very difficult. Our community has a substantial drug/alcohol problem without any options nearby for treatment and long term follow up care. I believe that in a State as well off as Georgia we should be able to fund and support rehabilitation and counseling for all residents close to home. The lack of Both Medical and Mental health services also greatly effects our Veterans, who we owe so much to once they return to our communities.Fully Funding Quality Education in our community at all stages of life is a must. I believe and have experienced that Education can lift families out of poverty and desperation far into the future. Public Funds should Never be used to fund private schools.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Personal Freedom without interference from government is a Right of all humans. Americans must Stand up for our Democracy -Individuals, Parents, and Families can and should be allowed to decide what is right for themselves without government overreach and interference.

So many of our government structures were formed due to tragedies we learned from - Epidemics of disease, Poisoning of our waterways and air, Unnecessary safety risks to the general public in the name of profit and greed - these things and more require us to learn from our mistakes and move forward in a ways that grows our society on its naturally diverse path that way only A FREE NATION CAN!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

The Suffragettes are who I look up to and follow. Being unafraid of going into places where you know people will disagree and fighting for what you believe and laying the foundation for next generation to fight for equality and against discrimination.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Open minded listening is imperative. Representatives should truly represent all constituents. Empathy and understanding of the lives of those different than yourself is also an important quality. Acceptance of different religious practices of others in my community is imperative. Freedom is not always easy when it differs from ones ideas but as long as it harms no one we must work towards the ideal.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening to my community. Carrying their interests and issues to Atlanta to improve the lives of our residents on all levels.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my children to see what a "Woman of Action and Service" looks like! And to see what it looks like to Fight for Democracy and our Freedoms! (in a non-violent way)

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked from age 12 babysitting it was just the beginning of my life long caregiving and service career. At every stage of my life I cared for family members, my career is about caring for the public. Serving others is the greatest gift one can receive it gives the ultimate value to life.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I would like to see a governor who can see all the idea that are laid on the table to improve the life of Georgian and support the best idea regardless of party.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Increasing the Health and Education of Citizens - A Healthy Educated population can grow and thrive

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

In a democracy we must cooperate and compromise in order to pass effective legislation for all

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

In 2024, I was endorsed by Emerge, GA Win List, Red Clay Democrats, Mental Health Now, GA Equality, Contest every Race, and Her Term. I have been endorsed by Fighting Fifty this year.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

Vietnam war and civil rights unrest. I lost an uncle in the war it was a profound experience at age 7. Around that time, I watched the civil unrest in the south. I was living out west then and did not understand the hatred. I still don't.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased March 5, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 30 year Resident of Cohutta Georgia, a Mother and Grandmother and have practiced as a Registered Nurse for 35 years.

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?

District 6 would benefit greatly from expansion of Medicaid, many of our residents are working class with jobs that do not offer affordable insurance access. All of our residents have to travel great distances to receive quality care and see specialist. Medical Professionals are not attracted to our area due to lack of insured residents. They are unable to support thriving businesses. For these reasons and others our community suffers lack of quality care at every stage of life that is accessible and affordable. We must do ALL we can to keep families from being crushed by medical debt. It is possible and Georgia Can do it for ALL her citizens, even those of us who do not live in city centers.Mental Health access is also very difficult for our residents. Attracting and retaining skilled practitioners is very difficult. Our community has a substantial drug/alcohol problem without any options nearby for treatment and long term follow up care. I believe that in a State as well off as Georgia we should be able to fund and support rehabilitation and counseling for all residents close to home.

The lack of Both Medical and Mental health services also greatly effects our Veterans, who we owe so much to once they return to our communities.Fully Funding Quality Education in our community at all stages of life is a must. I believe and have experienced that Education can lift families out of poverty and desperation far into the future. Public Funds should Never be used to fund private schools.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Personal Freedom without interference from government is a Right of all humans. Americans must Stand up for our Democracy -Individuals, Parents, and Families can and should be allowed to decide what is right for themselves without government overreach and interference.

So many of our government structures were formed due to tragedies we learned from - Epidemics of disease, Poisoning of our waterways and air, Unnecessary safety risks to the general public in the name of profit and greed - these things and more require us to learn from our mistakes and move forward in a ways that grows our society on its naturally diverse path that way only A FREE NATION CAN!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Open minded listening is imperative. Representatives should truly represent all constituents. Empathy and understanding of the lives of those different than yourself is also an important quality. Acceptance of different religious practices of others in my community is imperative. Freedom is not always easy when it differs from ones ideas but as long as it harms no one we must work towards the ideal.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have a cool head in crisis, a great work ethic, and a spirit of cooperation that gets things done.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listening to my community. Carrying their interests and issues to Atlanta to improve the lives of our residents on all levels.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my children to see what a "Woman of Action and Service" looks like! And to see what it looks like to Fight for Democracy and our Freedoms! (in a non-violent way)

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Vietnam war and civil rights unrest. I lost an Uncle in the war it was a profound experience at age 7. Around that time I watched the civil unrest in the south. I was living out west then and did not understand the hatred. I still don't.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked from age 12 babysitting it was just the beginning of my life long caregiving and service career. At every stage of my life I cared for family members, my career is about caring for the public. Serving others is the greatest gift one can receive it gives the ultimate value to life.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Increasing the Health and Education of Citizens - A Healthy Educated population can grow and thrive

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

perhaps to some extent, but rotation brings new ideas, growth, and progress

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

In a democracy we must cooperate and comprimise

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

no

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As an Emergency Nurse for many years I heard so many stories of hard working families of all economic levels who suffered life's bumps in a community without resources for affordable health care and/or mental health treatment and support options. It motivates me look for solutions and fight for those whose voice is not being heard.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

only temporarily and only in urgent situations for limited time

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

100% Medical Privacy with regard's to a person or family's medical decisions. Legislators have no business making medical decisions for others.

What committees interest you?

Health and Human Services

Human Relations and Aging

Science and Tech

Juvenile Justice/Youth

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The more transparent the better!