Q&A with state Rep. Teddy Reese, candidate for District 15 seat in Georgia Senate
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running for the contested Georgia State Senate District 15 primary. Early voting for the Georgia primary begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
Georgia state Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) announced last month he isn’t seeking reelection to the District 15 seat. His son, public policy specialist Edward D. Harbison, state Rep. Teddy Reese (D-Columbus) of Georgia House District 140 and community organizer Alyssa Nia Williams are running in the Democratic primary for the District 15 seat. Only one Republican candidate is running for that seat: Charles Herbert Hand III.
District 15 comprises most of Muscogee County and all of six other counties: Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Reese:
Why are you running for this position?
“Before I answer the question, I want to thank Senator Ed Harbison for his over 30 years of service and sacrifice as the State Senator representing Senate District 15. His body of work and legacy will have a long-lasting impact on our region, and for that, I am so grateful.
‘To answer the question, I think experience matters.
‘I have been blessed to spend most of my adult life serving the public, with a large part of my work focused on supporting and serving marginalized communities.
“I have also been honored to serve the last four years as the State Representative for Georgia House District 140, which covers a large portion of Senate District 15.
“As we prepare for the future, the next legislative session, and consider the monumental challenges that face the people of Georgia, we are best positioned for success by embracing leaders with the experience and relationships to move the needle under the Gold Dome.
“I also think time is of the essence. I would argue that we should not waste time and opportunities with candidates who will require on-the-job training. I am ready, Day One, to hit the ground running for the citizens of Senate District 15.
“I am running because the voters of this senate district know me, and they know my body of work. I was active in the community before I became an elected official and remained active after that time. I am not the type of candidate who shows up only during election season and think that it is important for voters to consider.
“I love this community, I love the people who live here, and I love serving the people in this area. It would be a great honor to continue working with our state delegation as a ‘well-oiled’ entity, producing for the citizens of West Central Georgia.”
Why should District 15 residents vote for you?
“I’m a proven leader with a record of delivering for my constituents over the past four years as a state legislator.
“I have successfully participated in and led efforts that have delivered millions to this district, including funding for academic buildings and programs at Columbus State University, Columbus Technical College, the Chattahoochee Library System, local non-profit organizations, and many more entities.
“I have been directly involved in steering resources to this region for highway construction, bridge replacement, crime reduction and prevention, health care advances, resources for senior citizens and resources for our veterans and youth.
“There is a difference between making promises about what you will do, versus what I’m doing, which is highlighting work I have already done and the experience I have in delivering results for this region.
“In Atlanta, just like at home, relationships are critical. I think the voters of this region understand that it benefits them to elect someone with relationships in Atlanta and in Senate District 15 to be effective.
“I think I am the only candidate in this race with the relationships needed to deliver for the citizens of West Georgia. Because of my track record of delivering results for this area, I am humbled and blessed to have the support of many great leaders and citizens of this senate district.
“Secondly, I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to this office, while not causing the district to lose out on experience and leadership.
“Being raised in the very small town of Gordon, Georgia, I have the lived experience of the challenges of rural Georgia.
“I am not a stranger to animals, farming, everything in the city closing at 10 a.m. and shelling purple hull peas.
“At heart, I am a country boy who lives in the big city. But I was blessed to be the first in my family to attend a college or university.
“My great uncle and I planted a garden every year, not as a hobby, but out of necessity to supplement our food supply during the wintertime.
“Not one inch of Senate District 15 will be overlooked or forgotten about under my watch. My relatability, experience, education and familiarity are strong reasons voters should vote for me.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if elected?
“Right now, our economy is not working for all Georgians.
“Housing costs are too high. Food costs are too high. Healthcare is too expensive. People can’t afford insurance. Electric bills and water bills are too high. Taxes are through the roof. Things are simply no longer affordable for the average person.
“Regardless of your background, whether you are a lawyer, doctor, educator, barber, beautician, veteran, lawncare serviceman, engineer, carpenter, nurse, babysitter, recent college graduate, law enforcement official, fire fighter, it doesn’t matter, the issue I stated above impacts everyone.
“So, I am fighting for greater affordability for all Georgians, I am fighting for everyone, leaving no one behind.
“Affordability is a significant problem I plan to continue addressing in Atlanta. I lead with the philosophy that the rising tide should lift all boats.
“During the last four years, we have worked to address this persistent, long-lasting issue.
“I voted and supported a tax cut for all Georgians. I voted yes for HB 463, which will reduce income taxes in Georgia to 3.99% by 2028.
“I worked diligently on the Public Health Committee to address healthcare disparities in our region, and I have strongly supported funding for Mercer Medical School, bringing healthcare professionals to our doorsteps.
“I have sponsored and co-sponsored several legislative actions that would totally eliminate taxes on the retirement checks of our veterans because we are the only state in the Southeast that fails to give that relief.
“I will not stop fighting for that for our veterans because they deserve a fighter. I stood on the front lines fighting for greater teacher pay, and we didn’t forget the angels who prepare the meals for our children and turn the heat on, so the building is not cold when they arrive.
“I have strongly supported and often communicated with (Muscogee County) Sheriff Greg Countryman and (Columbus Police) Chief Stoney Mathis to see what was needed from our law enforcement entities.
“A safer Columbus is a better Columbus for everyone, and not only benefits the residents of Columbus but also everyone in the region. Due to the work of the brave men and women of both agencies, the Muscogee County Sheriff Department and the Columbus Police Department, we have seen significant improvement in our community. I’m proud to have supported those efforts.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“Occupation Title: Attorney (Licensed)
“Occupation Description: Progressive advancement in positions of legal, analytical, managerial, financial, and problem-solving leadership. In-depth knowledge of current laws, trends and practices of governmental operations, constituent expectations, and corporate analysis.
“Cumulative supervision of 2,000+ employees as Customer Service Manager, Regional Supervisor, Lead Business Analyst, Director of Recreation, and other managerial positions. Excellent presenter with great articulation skills and negotiation abilities. Administrative expertise solidified by completion of programs focused on budgeting, planning, hiring, recruiting, diversity, goal interpretation, strategic planning and working with others.
“Additionally, knowledge of academic environments through institutional leadership and committee appointments.
“I hold a Juris Doctorate, a Master’s of Public Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science with Business Emphasis.
“In addition to having an extensive operational knowledge of public and private sector organizations, I effectively motivate staff, improve efficiency, solve problems, heighten morale and promote growth while maintaining the essentials of excellent customer and constituent service.
“Moreover, I integrate theory and technological applications to organizational practice in a seamless interface that enhances the learning capability and bottom line.
“I am Lean Six Sigma certified (Master Black Belt) and resourcefully use that methodology to ensure the proficiency and productivity of streamlined processes and research projects.
“My extensive leadership experience is rooted in the corporate sector, the public sector, academia and non-profit organizations.
- Florida A&M University College of Law, Orlando, FL - Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, May 2012, State Bar of Florida, State Bar of Georgia
- Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, GA, Masters of Public Administration, General Management, December 2005
- Albany State University, Albany, GA, Bachelors of Science, Computer Science with Business Emphasis, May 2003.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
- “May 2022 - elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, House District 140. Serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Public Health and Agriculture committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management
- “Served as the Student Government Association President at Albany State University between 2001 and 2003.
- “In 2002, founded and held the first Annual Student Leadership Conference at Albany State University. Served as Vice President of the Delta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
- “Named the Alpha Phi Alpha District of Georgia, College Brother of the Year in 2003
- “Served on committees at the request of the former Governor of Georgia, Sonny Purdue, the former Secretary of State, Cathy Cox, and the University System of Georgia.
- “Received the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals Outstanding Student of the Year Award in 2003, the Center for Legal Education Opportunity Diversity Leadership Award in 2012, and the American Bar Association Law Student Division Golden Key Award in 2012.
- “Previous employers include GEICO Corporate, Wilkinson County, Georgia, the City of Atlanta, and Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. Previous legal association involvement includes the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association.
- “Served as the American Bar Association Law Student Division National Chair for the 2011-2012 year.
- “Worked with Georgia Appleseed Center for Law and Justice as a Staff Attorney and Director of Community Engagement, 2013-2017 and worked with The Wright Legal Group as a Senior Attorney from 2017 - 2018.
- “Currently, the principal owner and managing attorney of The Reese Firm, LLC., and serves as the Executive Director of the Chattahoochee Valley Office of Poverty Reduction.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about your campaign?
“I love this country and love this state.
“These are trying times for all of us, so I want to deliver steady leadership, help people and provide a sense of hope for those who are concerned about where things are heading.
“I am always here to help and believe no problem is too big or too small if we communicate with each other, think boldly with regard to the solutions to our problems and pursue actions that benefit as many people as possible.
“Lastly, let’s treat others the way we want to be treated.
“As we learned from the great Maya Angelou, ‘People will forget what you say, and they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’”
