Senator John Albers Solution Oriented By Patti Richter Citizenship is an old-school word we don’t hear much anymore. It denotes social responsibility, which adds to the quality of life in our chosen community. For those who serve in the Georgia State Legislature — comprised of citizens — such public spirit is a necessity, especially in times of distress. Senator John Albers is in his 9th year of representing the 56th District that includes portions of Fulton and Cherokee counties. Albers is also a business owner and executive, so when COVID-19-related issues demanded his full attention, he relied on his deep commitment to public service. The senator’s usual amount of incoming calls and emails from citizens in need of help surged to over a thousand on some days in the early months of the pandemic. “People had concerns regarding unemployment, business paycheck protection, special-needs-child waivers, tuition refunds, and other unexpected needs,” Albers says. Many of these requests required supportive action from the senator. Seeing Good Things Come From Bad Things That large demand on Albers’ attention suggests residents of the seven cities comprising his district (Roswell, Sandy Springs, John’s Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Woodstock, and Mountain Park) know they have an advocate in their senator. Many of the approximately 200,000 people in these communities have interacted with him at one of 70 or more local events he has hosted over the years — town hall meetings, homeowner association and community meetings, and other gatherings. “Knowing I make a difference is why I do this job,” Albers says. “With a yearly salary of $17,000, the state senator position is considered ‘part-time.’ However, during the legislative sessions — 40 days/3 months — this means 80-100 hours per week. But it’s a service I take seriously, and I’m a solutions-oriented person.” Those hours included work on one big issue that impacts the 56th District. “Roadwork on the I-285/GA 400 highways is the largest transportation project ever in the history of the state,” Albers says. “We are also working to alleviate the east-west bottleneck at GA 400 through improved roads, bridges, and new infrastructure.” Albers was glad to see at least one good thing coming out of the bad pandemic — less rush hour traffic. “This problem in our district could be completely resolved,” he says. “Let’s spread out the congestion by embracing people’s ability to telecommute. This will improve our lives, help our local economy, and allow people to become more engaged in our community and with our charities. Let’s change the question from ‘Why should you work at home?’ to ‘Why should you come to the office?’” The senator is working with local business leaders to promote this option as good for the area. And there’s evidence that many residents already engage in their communities since this district contains six of the top 10 safest cities in Georgia. These cities rank consistently among the best places in the state. “We all work together without acrimony — with the mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and school board members,” Albers says. “This area has great public and private schools and some of the best charities. There’s also a job network through my church, Roswell United Methodist. This district is an enviable place. People want to come here, live here, and work here.” As a testament to the teamwork, Albers is endorsed by all North Fulton mayors and numerous council members, school board members, county commissioners, and others. “There Is No Neutral” Sen. Albers serves as chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee. A long-time volunteer firefighter, he has witnessed firsthand the sacrifice so many law-enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, and firefighters make daily. In late May, Albers announced he would donate his legislative salary to benefit first responders and those in need in his district, saying, “It is important now, more than ever, that we look after those who have dedicated their lives to looking after us. In addition, this pandemic has upended the lives of many Georgians.” As COVID-19 continued in late spring, and national unrest moved to center stage, the senator said, “There is no neutral. We’re either going forward or backward, even in challenging times.” In June, Albers joined Georgia lawmakers in returning to the Capitol after the necessary hiatus. One critical piece of legislation especially represented a way forward: House Bill 426 — the Hate Crimes Law. Regarding HB 426, Albers said, “Demonstrating and supporting change is foundational to everything American. In addition, HB 838 passed to assure we support and protect our first responders. I was honored to be part of history in support of these two bills.” That well-focused session further included the passage of Senate Bill 359, the Georgia Pandemic Business Immunity Act, and other important bills to help prevent human trafficking, protect the elderly, and more. “In working together,” the senator says, “we ensure our greatest days are still to come.” Senator John Albers421 State CapitolAtlanta, GA 30334404-463-8055SenatorAlbers.com
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