Timothy Burson

Timothy Burson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in 1981 and a law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1985. His career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a retired 36-year trial attorney, my goal is to lower or eliminate property, income and sales taxes, improve scholastic performance of local schools and lower crime in Ga House District 87.

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?

Dekalb County is paying higher taxes than almost every jurisdiction in Georgia.We need lower property taxes and millage rates and we need to cut and/or eliminate state income taxesDeKalb County Schools spend $4000 more per student than the rest of Georgia, yet our scholastic performance is only at 1/3 grade proficiency. We need better proficiency in Reading, Math, and Science.The crime rate in DeKalb County is 3 times the National Average. We need to be safe and secure in our homes, on our streets, and in our businesses.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Taxation; Scholastic proficiency of students; Safety and security of citizens and businesses

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

I am a Christian. Jesus Christ is my savior. I follow Him, and pray for His forgiveness and blessings!

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

Responsive to constituent's needs combined with ability to pass legislation benefitting constituents

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

The citizens of Georgia House of Representatives District 87 need lower taxes (Property, Income, and Sales); better Public School scholastic performance and school choice; lower crime surrounding homes and businesses--they need someone who will champion these issues and who can sponsor and obtain passage of this legislation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Sponsoring and passing legislation lowering/eliminating taxes, improving school scholastic performance, lowering crime in DeKalb County.

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

After finishing High School football as a senior, I got a job at Jack's Hamburgers at Southlake Mall in Morrow Georgia. I worked there the rest of my Senior year (7 months)--until struck by a truck on my senior trip the day after graduation.

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

Playing football through High School, I didn't study very hard. After graduating and being severely injured on my Senior trip, I struggled to learn to walk, made it to college on crutches and in a back brace--learned how to study and barely got into law school--where I excelled and practiced law as a fiduciary trial attorney for 36 years.

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

That question presumes that the executive and legislative branches have conflicting purposes--not necessarily true. Both represent Georgia citizens even if the political parties of each are different. The ideal relationship is achieved when each branch strives to do what is best for Georgia citizens.

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

The State of Georgia and the United States face significant fiscal and moral obstacles-Family structures are deteriorating, government spending is out of control, elections are distrusted, and government representatives are corrupt or controlled by NGOs.

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

Yes

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

DeKalb GOP Committee

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

The assassination, burial, and national mourning of President John F. Kennedy.