The Georgia House of Representatives District 124 race has come down to Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro) and Kat Howkins. Rhodes has held office since 2015. Howkins, a Democrat, is the director and owner of Sweet Olive Farm Animal Rescue in Oglethorpe County. Election Day is Nov. 8, but early voting is underway. Both candidates spoke to The Oglethorpe Echo about their policy positions and the needs of District 124.
Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: What made you want to run and represent the 124th District?
Howkins: I chose to run for office because I wanted to be a Democratic choice on the ballot. Because of my extensive background in land development and construction, I have the experience to help build a foundation in our state to make it better for our future generations, which include my five grandsons. I want to see us all be willing to reach across party lines to work for a better Georgia. I believe that now is our time, a time for peace in our nation, a time to grow and a time to put away differences.
Rhodes: I first ran because this district is my home, and I wanted to give back by serving the people of this district and providing them with the leadership they deserve. I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to run for office. I have a deep-rooted commitment to helping this district be the best it can be — a place of opportunity where our values are protected. I ran with the promise to provide strong, honest and hardworking leadership that listens to those I serve and do what’s best for the people of this district. I believe I have kept that promise and will continue to do so.
Q: What do you think are the top three challenges facing voters in District 124?
Howkins: 1. Access to polling places is a real concern since we have only three voting locations, and Oglethorpe is a large county. This will be a problem for the elderly, disabled and people who don't have cars. Folks will need to make an effort to organize friends or relatives to give them rides to the polls. 2. The fact that there is such a divide between the Democrats and Republicans is a definite issue for all citizens. If we follow the Golden Rule and treat our neighbors as ourselves, then we can have genuine discussions about community issues that will lead to working together for a better Georgia. 3. There are many new laws based on SB 202 that make it harder for citizens to register to vote, vote early and vote on an absentee ballot.
Rhodes: Above all else, the people in our community, like everyone across the state and country, are struggling with crippling inflation caused by reckless policies and spending. In D.C., historic inflation is hurting us all — at the grocery store, at the gas pump and in our monthly budgets. That’s why this year, I was proud to help lead efforts to provide some relief by suspending the state gas tax, returning over $1 billion directly to taxpayers and passing a historic income tax cut. I will continue to join efforts to do everything possible to fight against D.C.’s inflation.
Q: What are a few of your top priorities, if elected, for the term?
Howkins: My top priorities are expanding Medicaid, lowering health care and prescription costs, protecting our Social Security benefits, increasing our school funding and ensuring a higher living wage for Georgians. Making sure our state waters, native forests and the quality of our air are protected are also at the top of my list, and that includes ending sludge dumping.
Rhodes: My top priorities remain keeping our economy strong and our families safe, protecting our students and safeguarding our values. That’s what I have been focused on in my time in the state capital. I have joined efforts to keep our economy open and growing, lower taxes on families and our veterans, increase funding for law enforcement, protect our students from indoctrination and raise teacher pay, and make sure our freedoms and values are protected. I will continue to do the same in my next term.
Q: What do you think makes Oglethorpe County unique in your eyes?
Howkins: Oglethorpe County is the perfect place to live. We have a combination of farmers, professors, professionals, artists and retirees who all choose to reside in this beautiful part of Georgia, a place with historic value, present-day opportunities and a bright economic future.
Rhodes: It’s an honor to represent Oglethorpe County. Oglethorpe, and really all of District 124, represent the values that make Georgia strong — faith, family and hard work. Those are the values that I am working to protect every day in the state house.
Q: What do you hope residents of District 124 will say about you at the end of your term?
Howkins: Folks will say that Kat Howkins really listened to me and my concerns. She helped Oglethorpe County expand economic development, increase school funding, helped protect the environment and end sludge dumping. Mainly, I hope people say that she brought us all closer together.
Rhodes: My hope is that they know that I have worked to put them and their interests first. I have worked hard to represent the interests of our district at the state capital and have strived to make our community stronger. I have been responsive to the people and in addressing their concerns. I think the record speaks for itself — historic tax cuts, keeping our economy open during the pandemic, teacher pay raises, protecting students from indoctrination and strengthening the voice of parents in our schools, balanced budgets, supporting law enforcement to keep families safe, healthcare reform that ended surprise medical billing, protecting our constitutional rights, and so much more.