I seek to campaign for PSC under the libertarian ideals of the Non-Aggression Principle, while also reinforcing the ideas of Cooperation rather than Coercion.
I believe that the NAP transcends both space and time, and it is our responsibility to protect our environment for both our neighbors and our descendants.
However I also believe that Society works best when people are free to make choices they feel best suit themselves, their families, and their interests. Government should not be picking winners and losers; such practices create opportunities for corruption.
Mission
Biography
Born in Georgia
Paulding County High School
University of Georgia, BS Biology
Medical College of Georgia, MD
University of Connecticut, Emergency Medicine
Athens Regional Medical Center, Emergency Department
Greater Athens Libertarian Party, Secretary 2020, Chair 2021
Libertarian Party of Georgia, Executive Committee (At Large) 2021
Libertarian Party, Member Since 2020
I voted Libertarian for the first time in 2016 when I finally realized that the other two major parties were just different sides of the same coin, which exist only to oppose each other and perpetuate resentment among their constituents. I sought a Party of Principle, and found that the LP platform was something I could actually be proud of, rather than holding my nose and voting for the “Lesser Evil.”
The Public Service Commission
The Georgia PSC “has exclusive power to decide what are fair and reasonable rates for services under its jurisdiction. It must balance Georgia citizens' need for reliable services and reasonable rates with the need for utilities to earn a reasonable return on investment. The Commission protects consumers' interests while abiding by legal standards in setting rates.”
Why would a Libertarian want to be involved in such a thing?
Any language describing the State’s “exclusive power” over anything is enough to make most Libertarians bristle. I believe there are three essential functions of Government:
Protect citizens from force and fraud, both foreign and domestic.
Enforce contracts among people, businesses, and governments.
Maintain a system of justice to accomplish these functions.
If elected to the PSC, I will strive to serve within these parameters, in the best interest of the people whom I shall represent. I will try my best to inspire the most free-market solutions possible. I will advocate for ending functional monopolies, which create opportunities for cronyism and corruption. I will advocate for the best interest of the consumer, who are otherwise powerless when monopolies exist.
Disclosures:
I have no conflicts of interest to report. I pledge not to receive donations from utilities or others which may benefit from my candidacy. I meet the requirements of this office (page 72):
1. Must be at least 30 years of age.
2. Must be qualified to vote as an elector, be a citizen of the United States, and a resident and citizen of Georgia.
3. Commissioners must not be directly or indirectly interested in any mercantile business or any corporation that is controlled by or that participates in the benefit of any pool, combination, trust, contract, or arrangement that has the effect of increasing or tending to increase the cost to the public of carriage, heat, light, power, or of any commodity or merchandise sold to the public. A person is eligible for membership on the Commission without regard to his or her experience in law or in the utility or transportation business.
4. During their terms of office, the Commissioners must not, jointly or severally or in any way, be the holders of any stock or bonds, or be agents or employees of any company, or have any interest in any company under the jurisdiction of the Commission. If any Commissioner becomes disqualified in any way, he or she must at once remove the disqualification or resign, and on failure to do so must be suspended from office by the Governor.
Calendar:
Greater Athens Libertarian Party: First Wednesdays of the month, 7pm at Akademia
LPGA Convention: January 15-16
Georgia Economic Outlook in Athens: February 2
Qualifying week: March 7-11, 2022
I’ll be at the Capitol March 9, 10 am
Partisan Primaries: May 24
Because LPGA nominates their candidates at convention, the State of Georgia taxpayers do not have to pay for Libertarian primaries.
LNC Convention: May 26-29, Reno NV
Primary Runoffs: June 21
Election Day: November 8
Runoffs: December 6