AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire
Completed by Kirt Beasley
on April 20, 2024
What is your name?
Kirt Beasley
Tell us more about yourself.
I'm Kirt Beasley, originally from the Mississippi Delta, now rooted in Atlanta since 1988. I've dedicated over 20 years to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office while running a successful Smoothie King franchise for a decade. Family means everything. I'm married to Kenneth Feagins and blessed with two daughters and two grandchildren. Community service is my passion. I volunteer with seniors and engage youth to prevent justice system involvement. As a devoted member of Fairfield Baptist Church, my life revolves around service and community impact.
What office are you running for?
Fulton County Sheriff
What is your party affiliation?
Democrat
Attach a photo of yourself
https://branch-production-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com/images/candidates/1718289582593_DSC_0428%20copy.jpg
Where did you go to school?
- Coahoma Agricultural High School, 1979-1983 - Coahoma Junior College, 1983-1985
Provide the link to your campaign website.
www.beasleyforfultoncountysheriff.com
What is your job/occupation?
Retired Lt. Colonel of Fulton County Sheriff's Office; entrepreneur
What city/neighborhood do you live in?
Southwest Atlanta
Is this your first time running for office?
Yes
What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?
My experiences include starting as a deputy and rising to second in command, learning under various sheriffs, and serving on the executive command staff responsible for goal setting and execution. I've handled large budgets, managed sizable teams and upheld overall responsibility, all of which have prepared me to run for office.
What would be your top priority upon winning office?
My top priority is to rebuild community trust and restore integrity within the sheriff's office. I will achieve this by engaging with the command staff to end senseless deaths at the jail and ensure the safety of both detainees and staff alike. I will also collaborate with justice departments to reduce the jail population and implement programs aimed at providing growth opportunities and support for re-entry into society, ensuring a pathway to rehabilitation for those in our custody.
What actions would you take to enhance government transparency and trust in government?
To promote transparency, I will institute a comprehensive check and balance system, conducting routine audits to ensure accountability and uphold true transparency.
Do you believe Georgia elections are secure and what additional security measures can be taken?
I believe the Georgia elections are secure. To enhance this, it's vital to ensure everyone can freely exercise their voting rights. Additionally, we must prioritize implementing further security measures to safeguard both voters and poll workers against potential backlash from political supporters.
What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?
The government can ensure affordable housing by enacting laws to cap rent and prevent price gouging of houses. It should establish consequences for biased loan allocation among different races and implement programs supporting individuals striving for self-improvement and financial literacy. Furthermore, it should not treat homelessness as a crime but rather find ways to support those experiencing homelessness.
Do you believe public access to public records is sufficient in your jurisdiction and, if not, what steps do you support to remedy that?
I believe that access to public records is currently inadequate. Requests are frequently delayed or ignored. To address this issue, it's imperative to establish deadlines and penalties for missing them, thereby ensuring a more efficient and responsive process for accessing public records.