What is your name?

Gina Smith Mangham

Tell us more about yourself.

My father served in the military. I was born in Denver, Colorado, and eventually made my way to Detroit, Michigan, home to my father’s family, and where I called home for many years. After graduating from the University of Michigan, I went to work for IBM. I traveled to, and at times lived in, a number of cities both in the United States and abroad. I was finally transferred to Atlanta, but when I was offered another promotion, I chose not to leave. Instead, I decided to pursue my dream to go to law school. Now I am happy to be firmly rooted in southeast DeKalb, where I can appreciate our many different backgrounds and cultures.

What office are you running for?

DeKalb County Commissioner, District 5

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Juris Doctorate, John Marshall Law School, 1994 - Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, University of Michigan, 1979

Provide the link to your campaign website.

ginafordekalb.com

What is your job/occupation?

Attorney and counselor at law

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Southeast DeKalb County

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

I began my career with IBM, where I gained corporate experience in finance and marketing. Then I served as executive director of the Pittsburgh Partnership, a community-based nonprofit, where I was responsible for community organizing and affordable housing development. This required planning, project management, fundraising, budgeting and managing staff. As a business professional and attorney, I have drafted proposals, contracts, and legislation. I have been a community advocate in southeast DeKalb for more than 20 years, served on community boards and in leadership positions. I am well prepared to serve as county commissioner.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

My first priority is to change the way we govern by implementing sound policies for planning, development, awarding/evaluating contracts and staffing to ensure fiscal responsibility and effectiveness. DeKalb County Commissioners are legislators. We must enact legislation to: 1. Compensate our police, firefighters, and 911 operators at a competitive level. 2. Increase code enforcement. 3. Promote economic development by creating transportation hubs with nearby affordable housing, and enhancing opportunities for small businesses. Only by adopting sound policies can we move DeKalb County forward in a positive, sustainable manner.

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

Increase community engagement and inclusion, and tell the truth. I support holding the official board of commissioners meetings in the evenings (rather than in the mornings when people are at work or in school) to allow more opportunities for public comment and participation.

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

At this time, I have no reason to believe that Georgia elections are not secure.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

Government's responsibility is to meet the needs of the people, and affordable housing is certainly one of them. Yet, any development must be carefully planned so that it does not infringe on the rights of existing home owners.

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

Someone in each department should be assigned to respond to open records requests within the time frame proscribed by law, and evaluated on responsiveness as part of their job duties.