What is your name?

Diane Clair

Tell us more about yourself.

Diane Clair was born and raised in Atlanta. She attended Roswell High School. Following high school, she enrolled in Bethune-Cookman College in 2005. She later returned to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2009. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she moved to New York City and worked in the nonprofit sector for two years. She then pursued her legal education at Florida A&M University College of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor degree in 2015. With nearly a decade of legal practice, she is the founding partner of The Clair Firm, LLC.

What office are you running for?

State Representative, District 60

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School, 2001-2002 - Roswell High School, 2003-2005 - Bethune-Cookman University, 2005-2007 - Georgia State University, 2007-2009 - Florida A&M University College of Law, 2012-2015

Provide the link to your campaign website.

forclairity.com

What is your job/occupation?

Attorney, business owner, college instructor

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Atlanta (Bolton)

Is this your first time running for office?

Yes

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

I have advocated and represented my clients for nearly a decade in several matters, focusing on equal and affordable housing, criminal justice and elder care. I've also worked on several campaigns and elections, canvassing, phone banking and, most importantly, serving as a poll watcher for voter protection since law school. These experiences prepared me by allowing me to advocate and represent clients in the same way I will represent the people of District 60 and Georgia as a whole, has allowed me to work directly with laws and policies that effect the community and see first hand how those laws are implemented.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

Introducing legislation that addresses gun violence, improving our education systems, and creating affordable and quality housing.

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

In order to enhance government transparency and trust there should be more events, rallies and town halls that encourage citizen participation in the political process but also explains the bills that are being put forth by legislators and what those bills really mean and how they effect the people. Being both a lawyer and having been a lay person, I can understand that most lay persons do not always understand the language of the laws and it is our duty as legislators and representatives to make sure they do. This will build trust that the politicians representing them are putting forth legislation that truly has their best interest.

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

Yes, I believe Georgia elections are very secure and there has never been any voter fraud.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

Housing is a basic necessity for all human beings. Homelessness and lack of housing creates issues that the government then has to deal with separately, like increased crime and overpopulated jails, lack of education for homeless or displaced youth, and health issues that cause over crowded hospitals. If the government addresses affordable housing with aggression, they can help eliminate some other major issues. The government has the responsibility to ensure everyone has affordable housing as a basic need.

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 access to public records is sufficient but I disagree with the financial charges it takes to get those records. I do not believe many citizens have been educated about their rights to access those records.