Mesha Mainor

Mesha Mainor was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Mainor earned an undergraduate degree from Howard University in 1996 and a master's degree in physical therapy from Howard University in 1999. Her career experience includes working as a healthcare practitioner and consultant.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hello! I am a Georgia native. I attended BE Mays High school and Howard University, where I received a Masters in Physical Therapy. I've worked with Congressman John Lewis in his DC office and with former US Asst. Surgeon General, Dr. Helene Gayle, at CDC. Other policy-oriented positions include work at the US Agency for International Development and the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

I am a mother of two girls that attend Atlanta Public Schools, who I support in a variety of extra-curricular activities. I attend Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, where I am an active member. For more than 20 years, I've practiced physical therapy in Georgia, working in the homes of seniors, veterans, and persons injured on their job.

I advocate for healthcare reform, resources for marginalized people, domestic violence & stalking victims, children, and small business development.

My doctorate work is in human services, corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, emergency and disaster preparedness, governance, and succession planning.

I believe in progressive education standards for our children to compete in the global marketplace by prioritizing STEM and STEAM standards. And, more than anything, I believe in equality and democracy.

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?

Safety: Every citizen deserves protection and the right to protect themselves. It is vital for people to feel free and safe in their communities. I support equal and just laws, law enforcement that abides bide the law, and a justice system without favor except for the truth.Children: The demographics of America and Georgia are changing at a dramatic pace, as well as the American culture. We must support children in every endeavor as they are the future support for aging citizens. We must give them resources to be competitive in a global marketplace from the very beginning. It's archaic only to teach 1 +1=2, when the Law of Synergy states that the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. We need robotics in play as early as pre-K3.Healthcare: Our livelihood depends on employment, relationships with others, housing, the environment, and even Earth's climate. Our health, on the other hand, is independent in its stake of our being. Without physical wellness and a healthy state of mind (mental health) and spirit, we have nothing.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a victim of stalking by a person with mental illness, I am personally passionate about domestic violence, stalking legislation, and expanding State resources for mental health.

I also understand that no one lives isolated without the consequences of another person. Therefore, I believe it is vital to support re-entry citizens, juveniles with criminal records, the homeless, veterans, persons with disabilities, those with mental illness, and parents of children in low socio-economic environments.

As a Christian, that respects all faiths, my higher power shows me the beauty of the world. Therefore, it's important to me to support the environment as I am a steward of it.

I am an empathetic person, and my profession has taught me compassion and the ability to be an active listener. I ultimately seek to lead my legislative efforts from a place of humility to serve District 56 residents and others in the State of Georgia, by pushing policies that affect their livelihood personally.

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

I look up to the women elders in my church, and older women in general. The stories they tell, the expressions on their faces, and knowing they've struggled while wearing graceful smiles is worth striving for to me. I want to smile at 85, 90, and beyond. My grandmother died earlier this year in January at 104 years old. She was happy, witty, fashionable, and charming! Happiness is my mentor.

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

I do not have a recommendation, but my campaign has tried to provide as many resources online through video, social media, and other marketing to get my philosophy into the eyes and ears of voters. I have a Vimeo and Youtube channel showing a database of videos we've created. I also have posted frequently on social media sites. For those people that do not have access to those platforms, I'd state that my philosophy is #ONEGeorgia. Even though the world isn't perfect and never will be, I will strive to make a dent towards perfection every day.

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

When serving as a public official, a person's moral character should exude truth, honesty, equality, and kindness. I've done several studies at the doctoral level on ethical leadership and best practices for servitude.

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

The primary responsibility of a State House Representative is to vote on Georgia's budget. It is my responsibility as a District 56 leader to make sure I am voting for resources that directly impact the communities I serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to be an example for my two girls to never stray from your principles regardless of societal and peer pressures. They are already incredibly proud of me and think I am strong. My legacy is Chloe and Alexis. I see warm, loving, kind children that know the word of God. They are smart, eager, playful, charismatic, and witty.

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

I remember Reverend Jessie Jackson visiting Washington High School during his bid for President of the United States. His visit was memorable, not only because he was black, but Washington Highschool was also my neighborhood school. I was 13. I walked up to the school alone and got an opportunity to see him up close, which was quite exciting for me.

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

I have always been diligent. My first job was at Chic-Fil-A at the CNN Center in the Omni Hotel in downtown Atlanta. I was 14 years old. I was able to work only during my spring break since I was a minor. I appreciate the manager giving me a chance. In the summers, I was a lifeguard for the City of Atlanta, working in local pools in the heart of blighted communities. During my senior year in high school, I was a pharmacy aide at the Eckerd Drug store on Piedmont Rd.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Experiencing God" by Henry & Richard Blackaby, and Claude King. This bible study teaches you how to listen to the Holy Spirit within you. I learned I am a steward of not only my body and my children but also to the people around me. It is a powerful book! My second favorite book is The "Armor of God" by Priscilla Shirer. This book teaches you the evil we see in the world is a distraction from something much more profound.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Georgia has a lower (house) and upper (senate) chamber. I am running for the GA House of Representatives in the lower chamber for District 56. After approval in the House, the House chamber of the General Assembly is responsible for writing legislation that is forwarded to the Senate chamber. The Senate, unlike the House, is responsible for approving appointments from the Governor.

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

I do not think previous experience as a legislator makes you an effective leader. Similar to corporate America and the global marketplace, public and private organizations succeed with a diverse pool of employees with varying perspectives, ideologies, religious affiliations, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, and physical & mental capabilities. I believe our democratic system has been partly damaged by showing injustices to marginalized populations because they have no voice at the State Capitol.

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

Our greatest challenge is recovery post-COVID. The budget for Georgia has been devastated by the pandemic. The budget supports social services that I advocate for, and that my district desperately needs. As a former manager with Emory Healthcare overseeing a multi-million dollar budget for its physical rehabilitation department, I also understand its vital for all collaborative efforts to be non-partisan to heal our state.

The unemployment rate has skyrocketed, food banks are depleting, and the Medicaid system is being exasperated.

It is also not lost upon me that marginalized citizens feel further marginalized, leading to contempt of failed systems. As such, I support the hate crime bill not only for families like Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, but for all who feel like they are judged, harmed, or hurt by the hate of another person.

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

The separation of powers between government bodies is essential for an optimal democratic system and to promote fairness within its operations. Ideally, I would like to see a bipartisan committee elected by legislators representing the diversity of Georgia to meet at least biannually with the Governor to support efforts that move Georgia forward with a bipartisan philosophy.

Right now, politics, in general, is too biased based on party affiliation, leaving the point of it all a distant blurb. The people should be our focus, not the party. I am a Democrat that supports people over politics.

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

You cannot be effective in the legislative body without teamwork and collaborative techniques. To work well with others, you need "people" experience. I have that as a physical therapist, and I have that based on my past career experiences. I am also quite familiar with diversity and inclusion principles, which define how to work with others that are different from you.

Collaboration and working with others is my best asset. There are 180 legislators, and only bills passed with a majority vote are cleared to pass on to the Senate.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

As a doctoral student, I believe in the process of using science and math when applicable, especially when it comes to redistricting. The State should use the human capital resources in our college communities to commission a third-party non-partisan group to perform redistricting to prevent gerrymandering from any political party.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

1) Governmental Affairs: oversees legislation concerning the operations and management of the state, county, and municipal government; and state election laws.

2) Judiciary: legislation related to the law, courts and judges, constitutional amendments, and laws that carry the possibility for civil penalties.

3) Rules: oversees the flow of legislation and determines which bills will be debated and voted on.

4) State Planning & Community Affairs: oversees legislation that affects Georgia's local governments, state planning activities, election laws, and county redistricting

5) Small Business Development: oversees legislation that promotes small businesses and job creation.

6) Science and Technology: oversees legislation that promotes the appropriate and safe development and use of science and technological advances in the state.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

NA

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would accept any role the Democratic Party believes will best utilize the skills and experiences I bring to the Party.

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

Absolutely! It could be no other than Grace Towns Hamilton. She was the first black woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly, serving nearly 20 years. She was an Atlanta native, passionate about civil justice, educated at the Atlanta University Center (AUC), and Harvard and active in her faith. She fought for education reform and was able to get the first kindergarten classes for black children in 1945. She was also integral in getting the first black hospital in Atlanta, collaborating with R. Hughs Wood of Emory University School of Medicine, civil rights leader Benjamin E Mays, attorney Hughes Spalding, and AUC President Rufus Early Clement. The hospital is known today as Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding.

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

I am not. I am focused on serving Georgians at the State level to the best of my abilities.

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 a victim of stalking, I met so many women affected by domestic violence. In Georgia, stalking and domestic violence are grouped as "Family Violence." Albeit, I was not related to my stalker; my case was treated in the same manner as the countless men and women that suffer violence at the hands of people they believe love them.

In court, a sister of victim stood to say her sister couldn't be in court that day because she was in the hospital after being beat to unconsciousness. She stated she came to court because she didn't want the system to drop her sister's plea for a restraining order.

One of several life-threatening problems in domestic violence is the assailant fleeing the system. They know how to hide, yet live. In my particular case, the police knew my stalker, and I was told verbatim they didn't believe he could do that. I also told the police I was afraid of due process because he employs law enforcement officers. Incidentally, they weren't able to find my stalker (even while working off duty to support his business), until my family members in law enforcement and my Church helped me get justice.

Getting justice, especially in domestic violence and stalking cases, shouldn't involve a web of steps. It should be streamlined to prevent death.

Georgia is ranked 25th in the nation for its rate of men killing women. 37% of cases have children that witness a death from domestic violence. There were 61,824 "reported" cases of family violence and 26,327 protective and stalking orders issued in Georgia in 2017. Crisis centers received 45,715 calls for domestic violence in 2018. The issue isn't just about women, its about families, children, and men.

For more statistics, visit https://gcfv.georgia.gov/resources/annual-stats-facts

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Civic Engagement: volunteerism, neighborhood pride festivals and programs, holding government responsible for public works, holding businesses accountable for their property appearance, creating cross-collaborations among nonprofits, establishing The Historic Westside as a historically preserved community, and keeping constituents informed about all city functions, actions, policies, and ordinances.

2) Public Safety: create communities and neighborhoods where children can play outside and feel safe; make mobile transit laws (scooters, bikes, etc) safer for riders and drivers; collaborate with police and first responders to increase participation of our neighborhood watches; invest in police cameras on high crime streets; ensure Atlanta's beltline remains safe; install more street lights in poorly lit areas known for crime

3) Create job opportunities by increasing small business development, skills/tradesman training, ex-offender eligibility to work programs, and young adult empowerment activities

4) Housing: increase affordable housing for students, seniors, single-parents, and families with combined lower than average wages; decrease homelessness; hold property owners accountable to abandoned homes.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1) Youth education, advocacy, and empowerment

2) Healthcare accessibility

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

As a single mother, I know my mom, as a single mother, in the same community I am running for office in, provided me with the best opportunities she was able to. I truly believe all mothers do everything in their power to provide for their children. I look up to every mother across the world as a role model. The human beings that God blesses us with come with no instruction manual or guide for updates as technology advances. We just love with the resources we have.

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

Kunreuther, F., Kim, H., Rodriguez, R., and Klein, K. (2008). Working across generations: Defining the future of nonprofit leadership.

Carr-Ruffino, N. (2012). Managing diversity, 9th edition.

Harley-McClaskey, D. (2015). Developing Human Service Leaders.

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

Ethical Character

Inclusion Practices

Strategic Collaboration

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

As a clinician and healthcare provider for 20 years, I have mastered the skill of effective listening, strategic compromise, and SMART goal implementation. I am only privvy to reaching goals. As a physical therapist, social entrepreneur, and director at a multi-million dollar nonprofit corporation, I only know success. My patients walk again, go back to work after injuries, and continue to live independently after strokes. Success in true small business "without loans" requires mastery in budget analysis, and accuracy in projections. I am well-rounded, having worked with people across all generations and nationalities to get things done.

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

To listen to the people, get their problems resolved, and be an effective collaborator between my constituents, government, businesses, and nonprofits.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Whether I win or not, I will be known as the person that spearheaded a community-wide initiative to make District Three beautiful! The Martin Luther King Jr. Drive highway exits will look like you are getting off of the highway in Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, the higher income residential communities!

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

My first job was at Chic-fil-A in the Omni Center in Atlanta during my spring break for one week. I went everywhere to get a job. Everyone said I wasn't old enough. When I went to Chic-Fil-A, the manager said I could only work when school wasn't in session, and he would give me a job for one week during my spring break!

What happened on your most awkward date?

I can't say that has happened, thankfully. I'm not a person that wastes my time. It is too valuable.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I love celebrating my children's birthdays! Their birthdays are holidays in my eyes. Both dates are extremely important to me. These two days are days of a blessing remembered. Everyone doesn't get the opportunity to be blessed in this way, and I am grateful.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I am a non-fiction reader or Audible fiction listener. I cannot say I have a favorite. The first book I bought for others was the Celestine Prophecy after I read it in college. I gave it to everyone in my family and my friends for Christmas that year. And of course, the Bible, above all else, is my navigator.

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

Why not Cinderella! But, only the timeframe from when she meets her fairy God-mother and she dances in bliss with a beautiful dress and smile that gleams to the heavens.

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

I love that my grandfather, Julius Hutto Mainor, built the house I live in with his brothers in the 1950s. My grandfather was a U.S. Navy SeaBee and retired from Lockheed Martin. The Mainor men were great craftsmen of wood. My home sits on top of a hill that overlooks the Atlanta skyline.

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

I struggle with seeing my community in the devastation our current leaders have left it in. Our former councilman who was in office for 16 years was extremely nice, but very ineffective. It is my prayer that his legacy of ineffectiveness isn't carried over by his wife whom is running to continue his plan of action. Albeit, Ms. Young seems to be a lovely woman, her platform is a continuation of her husband

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

District Three in Atlanta is known to have the lowest turnout at the polls, but is also known as the swing vote. In times past, our former council members are known to be followers. Hence, our community has been in shambles for greater than 1/2 a century. I hope to change that beginning March 19th!

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I am the only candidate that has previous knowledge and experience of policy, legislation, and Board development in a leadership position versus married to a previous elected official.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

Atlanta's District Three seat is known to be the swing vote. This election will determine whether the current administration's promises (Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms) will be fulfilled, or not.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. Although a person may not have been an elected official, it is important for the constituents to have a leader that does not require on-board training as my other candidate will require. I've worked side by side by former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General, Dr. Helene Gayle, led Emory Healthcare as a Center Director for Outpatient Rehabilitation, worked with Congressman John Lewis in Washington, DC, and other agencies including Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), CDC, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).