What is your name?

Chakira Johnson

Tell us more about yourself.

I am running for District 4 Commissioner because I have a passion for public service and giving back to my community. My years of experience as a city council member in Stone Mountain combined with my years of experience as a professional civil engineer makes me uniquely qualified to lead District 4. While on city council I gained knowledge and experience in leading a government. In addition to my proven leadership, I have over 20 years experience in engineering. I know how to create safe, economically viable, thriving communities. I will work with the citizens to engineer progress for DeKalb.

What office are you running for?

DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- South High School, Pueblo, Colo., 1996 - B.S., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2001 - M.S., International Relations, Troy University, 2012

Provide the link to your campaign website.

https://www.chakira4commissioner.com/

What is your job/occupation?

City engineer, City of South Fulton

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

City of Stone Mountain

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

I was elected to four consecutive terms on the Stone Mountain City Council. I left that office on December 31, 2023. I have served on the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority, ART Station Board, Community Garden Committee, Stone Mountain Historic Society and Leadership DeKalb Class of 2020. My over 20 years of experience as a civil engineer working for and with the government provides me with unique experience that will be beneficial as the next County Commissioner for District 4.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

As a civil engineer with over 20 years of experience, my top priority is improving the aging infrastructure. This includes the water and sewer system, stormwater conveyance system and roads and bridges. Another top priority is improving public safety, ensuring our law enforcement has the training, personnel and salaries needed to effectively protect the citizens. My third priority is economic development, ensuring that the county and especially District 4 has a strong economy. Our stronger economy will not only bring jobs to the district but start to address issues with affordable housing and the unhoused population.

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

I personally will provide open communication from my office on the actions taken by the BOC. Through a monthly newsletter and regular community meetings my office will ensure the citizens are knowledgeable of what is happening in the county government.

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

I do believe our elections are secure. I will work to ensure that they remain secure and to ensure that all citizens have access to the polls and the ability to exercise their right to vote.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

The county should work with developers to provide incentives to encourage the building of affordable and work force housing. Access to affordable and workforce housing will ensure that our employees can live in the county that they serve.

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 will work with staff to ensure that we are strictly adhering to the open records laws. If we are lacking in this area, I will work with staff to improve procedures and policies to improve public access to records.