What is your name?

Sonya Allen

Tell us more about yourself.

With over 30 years of legal experience and deep roots here in Cobb County, I am a committed public servant, proud mother and a fearless advocate for justice. As district attorney for Cobb County, I will bring comprehensive, diverse legal experience and an extensive knowledge of developing legal strategies for complex cases, as well as the administrative, budget management and supervisory experience required to effectively manage one of Georgia’s largest district attorney’s offices. For more information, go to www.sonyaallenforda.com.

What office are you running for?

Cobb County District Attorney

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Sprayberry High School. 1987 - University of West Georgia, 1991 - John Marshal Law School, 1999

Provide the link to your campaign website.

http://www.sonyaallenforda.com/

What is your job/occupation?

Deputy district attorney, prosecutor

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Marietta (East Cobb)

Is this your first time running for office?

Yes

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

Over the past 34 years, I led one of metro Atlanta's largest law enforcement agencies, comprised of nearly 900 people. I dealt with day-to-day responsibilities surrounding the complexities of Cobb County as it relates to the criminal justice system and protecting its citizens. I also have a unique perspective of understanding the dichotomy of a case from initial contact law enforcement until its final disposition. Because of this, I offer a unique balanced approach between law enforcement and the court system.

What actions would you take to enhance government transparency and trust in government?

In my 34 years as a public servant, I have personally implemented policies and procedures within different governmental agencies that have fostered a partnership between agency and community which I believe significantly enhanced government transparency and trust. For example, establishing clear procedures for the disclosure of government information during a decision-making process and enhancing or encouraging the reporting of misconduct and corruption.

The court system is increasingly seen as overtly political. What more can be done to assure the public that the courts are neutral arbitrators of the law?

True justice should be blind at every level. As the newly elected district attorney in Cobb County, I will guarantee fair and impartial prosecution of every case. Once elected, we will undertake a full review and overhaul of the current code of ethics of the district attorney’s office and set proper guidelines to ensure the public can be confident that the district attorney’s office will remain fair, neutral and equitable.

What are your personal security concerns, given the increasing attacks on judges and court officials nationwide and the rise in hostility toward judicial officials generally?

The safety and security of the entire office will be one of my highest priorities. As for my personal security, I have no concerns at this time as I have full confidence in the men and women who safeguard the Cobb County courthouse every day.

How will you manage large caseloads exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic?

To blame the astonishing backlog of cases currently in the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office on the coronavirus pandemic is misguided. The current caseload is out of hand because of the ineptitude and complete mismanagement by the current Cobb County district attorney. My commitment to the citizens of Cobb County is to fully staff the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office with the most highly skilled and trained individuals from Cobb County and across the nation, and to personally lead them in caseload management, which will improve the efficiency of the office.

Do you believe public access to public records is sufficient in your jurisdiction and, if not, what steps do you support to remedy that?

Working with the community in establishing what constitutes a “public record” is crucial. As the newly elected district attorney, I intend to collaborate with the community to identify and address perceived barriers to accessing public records. I believe this will enhance a culture of transparency and accountability.