Broady Touts Affordable Healthcare, Veterans Funding

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Voters in Georgia's 11th Congressional District will head to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 6 to decide which candidate will represent them in the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Barry Loudermilk, a Republican, is facing a contested re-election bid against Democrat Flynn Broady. The 11th Congressional District includes Bartow and Cherokee counties and parts of Cobb and Fulton counties.

Broady, a Marietta resident, is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to his campaign website. In 2014, Broady became coordinator for Cobb County's Veterans Treatment Court, helping veterans overcome drug abuse, anger issues and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 2017, he was named the prosecuting attorney for Cobb's DUI court.

Patch reached out to both candidates to see if they'd answer some questions about their platforms and issues facing the country and the 11th Congressional District. We are still waiting to hear back from Rep. Loudermilk, but you can read Broady's unedited responses below:

1. Why did you decide to run for the 11th Congressional District seat?

I wanted to make a difference, to change the narrative of hate, divisiveness, and intolerance. We need leaders who work for and answer to their constituents, putting aside their self-interest and party loyalty to pass legislation that promotes the welfare of their constituents.

2. What are the issues that are impacting the 11th Congressional District the most, and what are your ideas to address those topics?

Affordable healthcare is the number one issue most voters cite, along with affordable housing. As pertains to affordable healthcare, it will be imperative to strengthen the Affordable Care Act, bringing more insurance agencies to the marketplace, guaranteeing access to insurance for preexisting conditions, and expanding Medicaid for the poor.

3. What are your ideas to improve traffic flow and transportation options in the district? Do you believe the Express Lanes option are a good fit for residents in the district?

It will be critical to invest in public transportation in the form of light rail and more bus routes. The Express Lane option should pay for itself using tolls and will help in a small way to alleviate some of the traffic congestion, but will not reduce the need for a better public transportation option.

4. What are your ideas on fighting the opioid epidemic in the 11th Congressional District?

We should increase the use of accountability courts, which focus on treatment rather than incarceration. Through the ACA, we must provide treatment options for opioid addicts, and discuss and implement a solution with our healthcare providers to reduce the use of opioids. Legalizing marijuana at the federal level would provide opioid-free pain relief.

5. Given the events over the last several years, what do you think should be done to bring back a more civil and respectful tone in our country's political discourse?

We need to hold politicians accountable and as elected leaders, demonstrate the behavior that should be required of our youth. We cannot continue to set an example of hate and intolerance for our youth.

6. If elected, what would be your top priorities in your two-year term?

My top two priorities would be healthcare and fully funding our Department of Veterans Affairs so that it has the resources to adequately care for our veterans.

7. If the caravan of migrants making its way across Mexico reaches the U.S. border, how should the government respond to the situation?

Prior to the caravan reaching our border, we need to provide them with the knowledge necessary to legally seek asylum. We should request that Mexico help in this endeavor by providing temporary shelter and food. Also we should request that Mexico allow ICE to enter their country to vet and weed out anyone who is not eligible for legal asylum. ICE should then start the asylum process for those who are eligible.

8. Given the issue of election hacking in the news at the federal and state level, what should be done to improve and protect the integrity of votes cast by citizens in Georgia? Would you support revamping the system to include a paper trail for voters?

I believe it is imperative that we revamp the voting system to include a paper trail for voters. Voting is the hallmark of our democracy and it is the only means by which citizens can truly make their voices heard. We cannot not allow voting to be suppressed by any means.

9. What are your thoughts on the allegations that absentee ballots being are tossed out at higher rates this election cycle in Georgia, leaving some to question if these are voter suppression tactics?

I believe these are clearly voter suppression tactics. Absentee ballots can only be sent to voters who have registered to vote. There is no means that voters can use to vote more than once, especially in Georgia, which requires government-issued identification to register.

10. If elected, how will you make sure residents are informed of how votes taken by Congress will impact them in the 11th District?

I have pledged to hold monthly in-person town hall meetings in which I will cover any legislative agenda and update attendees on progress and current status. My constituents will be able to discuss and ask questions. My accessibility to them in these meetings and through my staff will allow me to be truly their voice in Washington.

Image via Flynn Broady