Candidate Profile: Eric Richards For Cherokee Board Of Ed. District 5

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Four candidates are running for Cherokee County Board of Education District 5 in the May 24 General Primary Election, in addition to to others running for District 3, 4 and 6.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary draws near.

Eric Richards is running for Cherokee County Board of Education District 5.

<b>Name</b>

Dr. Eric Richards

<b>Campaign website</b>

https://drericrichards.com

<b>City or town of residence</b>

Woodstock

<b>Office sought</b>

Board of Education District 5

<b>Party affiliation</b>

Republican

<b>Education</b>

Bachelors International Trade and Commerce, SUNY Buffalo; Masters Exercise Physiology, Life University; Doctor of Chiropractic, Life University

<b>Occupation</b>

Chiropractor - 21 years in Woodstock; Real Estate Developer (ATL Metro) - 15 years

<b>Family</b>

Wife of 26 years (dating for 35 years), Daughters, 17 and 14

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

None of my immediate family. I have a cousin in California who has led the greater San Diego Republican Party for a number of years.

<b>Age</b>

50

<b>Previous public office, appointive or elective</b>

No

<b>Why are you seeking this office?</b>

The reasons go on for days. I have owned businesses and real estate in Cherokee County for 21 years, and continue to pour my life into Woodstock. I see the schools as the source of my neighbors, my employees, my partners, and my friends. Watching the parents take up arms these last two years to voice their concerns over CCSD has given me an inspiration to lift my voice and speak on behalf of the majority of this county... a majority that has been unrepresented as it relates to political opinions and agendas making their way into the schools. I know the CCSD board and their most vocal supporters would call this a lie, but the truth is there. The fight to secure the schools is a statewide fight and even a national fight, but it starts here in our locale. And if I am known as anything to the people with who I have come in contact through business or pleasure over these 21 years in Woodstock, it is as a fighter.

<b>Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

The WOKE agenda... I will be vigilant in search of removing it from our curriculum and voicing the opinions of our county in state forums, and ultimately fighting to bring this conversation to the steps of the capital as needed.

<b>What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

I would say there are two candidates seeking this position who are aligned with the way things are today, and one other who has greater ambitions in politics than fighting this battle on behalf of parents.

<b>If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?</b>

No incumbent is running.

<b>What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?</b>

Job readiness. College readiness is all that is talked about, yet college has in many cases been the most significant debt burden with no ROI for people in their twenties. Many would prosper if given the support they need to pursue skilled trades, apprenticeships, military and other opportunities for successful careers outside of college.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

I am highly effective at what I take on. Building 7 practices, and selling them off to launch chiropractors into business ownership. Opening 4 gyms, launching a worldwide fitness event company that continues to thrive and growing my real estate development from failed commercial development in 2008 to building Market District Crabapple, and Adair Park as two thriving developments in New Urban downtowns, while adding projects in Alpharetta, Eastpoint and Clarkesville is all credit to living a committed life, where daily goals are attacked routinely. I have maintained a thriving family life while fitting highly effective hours into a very fluid yet strict schedule.

<b>What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?</b>

Trust Jesus, followed by pray the prayer of Jabez daily.

<b>Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

I am confrontational in ways, but only because I believe in getting to the heart of issues. I am really a loving guy, and I will love you through our differences... but there is no part of me that is going to be quiet while we disagree UNTIL we have fully vetted that disagreement. I am willing to admit I am wrong, and many times identifying I should have asked what would Jesus do prior to "doing". And lastly, though I let my beliefs direct how I act in almost every interaction, I don't press those beliefs on you. I will treat you (when I am in line with those beliefs) the way Jesus would guide me to, but I don't expect the same from you.