What is your name?

Keisha Sean Waites

Tell us more about yourself.

During her three terms in the Georgia General Assembly and as a citywide member of the Atlanta City Council, Keisha Sean Waites remained a fierce advocate for seniors, youth and small business owners. Waites also has an impressive service record in emergency/crisis management. Waites provided leadership and administrative support for 27 presidential federally declared disasters and large-scale domestic and international incidents such as: Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Harvey, Flint Water Crisis, Hurricane Sandy, BP Oil Spill, Haiti Earthquake, H1N1 Pandemic, and Hurricane Katrina.

What office are you running for?

Fulton County Superior Court Clerk

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Lakeside High School, Atlanta, Georgia - Georgia Southern University, 1992 - Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Executive Education, 2014

Provide the link to your campaign website.

www.keishawaites2024.com

What is your job/occupation?

Former member of the Atlanta City Council, Post-3 citywide and 3-Term State legislator, Georgia House of Representatives, state representative, District 60

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Atlanta

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

Proven Record of Experience and Results • Former member, Atlanta City Council, Post-3, citywide elected 2021 • Senior policy adviser, U.S. Congress House District 5, special election, 2020 • Former state representative, Georgia House of Representatives, District 60 (three terms) • Served on the Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton County state legislative delegations, 2012-2017 • U.S. Small Business Association, Disaster Assistance Division • Social Justice Ministry, Rehoboth Fellowship of Atlanta • Professional affiliations and organizations • Keep Atlanta Beautiful, board member • Georgia Municipal Association, third district board member

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

Streamline and improve service delivery for Fulton County residents, taxpayers and stakeholders. Utilize technology to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of the clerk's office. Partner with my former colleagues and members of the Georgia Legislature to strengthen policies and penalties in an effort to reduce mortgage and deed fraud by educating the public on the benefits of House Bill 1292. Under current law, IDs are not required when filing a deed in a clerk’s office. Proof of ownership is not required, meaning anyone can file a deed on any property. HB 1292 would also increase penalties in proven forged-deed cases.

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

Sunlight is the best disinfectant. The public policy lesson is that good communication and trust between constituents and elected leaders is critical. Fulton County residents, taxpayers and business owners want competent, transparent, and streamlined efficient service delivery. The clerk's office carries the vital task of providing essential services that directly impact the lives, liberty and property of all Fulton County residents. Use of enhanced technology is necessary to ensure Fulton County residents right to access information without delays and complications via online portals and a user-friendly secured website.

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

Georgia continues to set records for voter turnout and election participation. In an effort to maintain election integrity, I am supportive of continuing protective measures such as the companion paper ballot system. However, note the role of the Superior Court Clerk does not have any purview or jurisdiction as it relates to this matter.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

Although the primary responsibility for housing policy and funding lies with federal and state governments, local and county governments play a major role in facilitating housing delivery and retaining existing affordable housing. Congress can take additional steps, including: 1. Reduce the shortage of affordable rental housing. 2. Prevent the loss of existing affordable housing. 3. Remove barriers to homeownership. 4. Reform existing public and multifamily housing. 5. Improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program.

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

Based upon democratic values, I believe every Fulton County resident and taxpayer should have access to public records, while balancing the need for privacy. In an effort to maintain privacy and infrastructural security, technological upgrades and enhancements will be necessary. To ensure accessibility for all Fulton County residents, fees and costs should be kept a minimum.