James Shade

James Shade lives in Cobb County, Georgia. He earned a bachelor's degree from National University and a law degree from Florida State University College of Law. His career experience includes working as an on-air radio personality, youth mentor, and corporate legal professional. He has been affiliated with Organizing for America and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. graduated from National University and Florida State University College of Law. His career experience includes working as a business executive.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a resident of Cobb County for the past 18 years and a devoted husband and father of three, I bring a deep-rooted commitment to my community. With a corporate law degree from Florida State University, I've not only pursued academic excellence but also established myself as a pivotal figure in local business as the founder and operator of a multimedia company. With over 20 years of diverse professional experience spanning Corporate Law, Distribution, Retail, and Healthcare sectors, I possess a nuanced understanding of our community's needs and challenges. Furthermore, my active involvement as the VP of my homeowner’s association and as a legal advocate for children, disabled individuals, and low-income parties underscores my dedication to fostering a fair and inclusive society. Having served as a former Wellness Ambassador for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc., I have demonstrated my commitment to promoting the well-being of our most vulnerable members in society. Now, as I embark on the journey to represent my community and state as a candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, I am poised to leverage my expertise and passion to enact meaningful change and advocate for the betterment of my district and Georgia.

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?

Job Creation: Enacting policies that stimulate job growth, support small businesses, and invest in industries that create sustainable employment opportunities with initiatives like infrastructure projects, tax incentives for job creation, and workforce development programs.Investments in Education: Improving the education system, from early childhood education to higher education and vocational training. This includes increasing funding for schools, reducing student debt burdens, and ensuring access to quality education for all.Environmental Sustainability: Addressing environmental challenges through policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, protecting natural resources, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. This includes promoting clean energy initiatives, implementing regulations to curb pollution, and investing in green technology and infrastructure.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm particularly passionate about technology and energy policy.

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

I look up to God and follow his words in the Holy Bible.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Republic by Plato.

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, empathy, and a commitment to serving the public interest.

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

I bring a blend of leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, coupled with a profound dedication to representing the needs of my constituents and promoting the welfare of the state. My capacity to embrace diverse viewpoints, foster consensus, and champion policies reflective of community priorities underscores my commitment to effective representation. Additionally, my resilience, flexibility, and readiness to collaborate across party lines equip me with the tools to navigate the intricate legislative landscape and deliver tangible results that benefit the people of Georgia.

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

The core responsibilities of a Georgia House of Representatives member encompass representing the interests and needs of their constituents, crafting and voting on legislation that reflects those priorities, and overseeing the allocation of public resources in a manner that serves the common good. This entails engaging with constituents to understand their concerns, advocating for policies that address local and statewide issues, and collaborating with fellow legislators to enact effective laws.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As a Georgia State Representative, I aspire to leave a legacy of positive change and lasting impact that improves the lives of my constituents and strengthens the fabric of our communities.

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

Marriage, 29 years old

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

Radio On-Air Personality, 4 years

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible is my favorite book. As devout Christian, it serves as a sacred text containing spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and stories of faith that provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection to religious ideology and traditions.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

N/A

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

N/A

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

N/A

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

The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one characterized by cooperation, collaboration, and mutual respect, grounded in a shared commitment to serving the best interests of the state and its citizens.

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

Healthcare.

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

Prior experience can help legislators identify areas for reform and implement strategies to address challenges facing their communities. However, it's also important for legislators to bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds to the table, as fresh ideas and varied experiences can enrich the legislative process and lead to more innovative and inclusive policymaking.

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

Building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance and achieving legislative goals. Strong relationships foster trust, cooperation, and collaboration among lawmakers, enabling them to work together across party lines to address complex issues and find common ground on policy solutions.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

N/A

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

N/A

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?

A woman in my district shared her struggle with accessing affordable healthcare for her family. She recounting the challenges and times she faced in affording necessary medical treatments and medications. She described to me the emotional toll of watching a loved one suffer due to lack of access to adequate healthcare services. She expressed her concerns about the broader implications for our community's well-being.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Dad Jokes:

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

Granting emergency powers to the executive branch can enable quick and decisive responses to urgent situations, it also raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power or erosion of civil liberties. Therefore, it is important for the legislature to play a role in overseeing the use of emergency powers, whether through periodic reviews or other mechanisms that ensure transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional principles. This helps safeguard against executive overreach and ensures that emergency measures are proportionate, temporary, and subject to democratic scrutiny.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would support the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 180, introduced by Sen. Ed Setzler, because it aims to protect individuals' rights to practice their religion without interference from the government.

What committees interest you?

House committees that directly impact our state's energy, utilities, telecommunications, technology, and infrastructure sectors.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of a functioning democracy. Complete transparency in financial matters ensures that citizens have access to information about how public funds are collected, allocated, and spent. This transparency fosters trust between the government and the people, promotes accountability, and helps prevent corruption and misuse of taxpayer money. Additionally, government accountability ensures that elected officials are held responsible for their actions and decisions, both by the electorate and by institutional checks and balances. Upholding these principles is crucial for maintaining the integrity of democratic governance and ensuring that public resources are used effectively and ethically to serve the interests of the people.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Depends on how it is designed and implemented.