What is your name?

Jack Zibluk

Tell us more about yourself.

I am a professor of communication at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and a "recovering journalist." I was a newspaper reporter and editor in my native Connecticut, Arkansas and Tennessee. As ethics columnist for the News Photographer magazine, I won the National Press Photographers Association Garland "educator of the year" award in 2005. I am also president-elect of the UTC faculty senate.

What office are you running for?

State Representative, District 1

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- B.S., political science, Southern Connecticut State University, 1983, - M.S., public administration, Southern Connecticut State University, 1984 - Ph.D., mass communication, Bowling Green State University, 1998

Provide the link to your campaign website.

https://sites.google.com/jackzforga1.com/jackzforga1/home

What is your job/occupation?

Professor of communication, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Lookout Mountain

Is this your first time running for office?

Yes

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

Faculty senate president, journalist, masters in public administration. I have observed and studied government all my life. I have now joined the dark side.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

Regional economic development in Northwest Georgia, Northeast Alabama and Southeast Tennessee. Access to mental and physical health care and addiction services, transportation, support of public education.

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

Weekly reporting and outreach to constituents on all activities. Polling constituents. Adherence to state and local Freedom of Information Act rules.

Do you believe Georgia elections are secure and what additional security measures can be taken?

I believe they are very secure. Further restriction might limit access to voting.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

Tax breaks and other incentives for developers to build affordable housing. Economic and employment opportunities for people with marginal incomes.

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

Theoretically it is, but in practice, journalists and citizens sometimes have trouble attaining records because providing them is a low priority for officials and government workers. Plus, police, fire and other officials do not have sufficient training on FOI rules and procedures.