What is your name?

Arlene Beckles

Tell us more about yourself.

After 18 years in New York, I moved to Norcross, Georgia, 20 years ago. I worked in finance, banking, media entertainment and now health care. I joke that I'm famous for "trying to stay out of trouble." A graduate of several leadership programs, I am a founding Corpus Christi-based Transformational Emotional Intelligence Foundation, and a member and researcher with CyberMinds Research Institute — a past member of the state of Georgia's Cybersecurity Planning Committee. I have one daughter, who will graduate in May with a bachelor's in economics and pursue her studies at Mercer University.

What office are you running for?

State Representative, House District 96

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Florida State University College of Law, expected graduation May 2025 - Texas McCombs School of Business, post graduate program, cybersecurity, 2023 - Northcentral University, organizational leadership, 2018 - Keller Graduate School of Management, project management, 2007 - City University of New York, computer science and management, 1999 - New York Technical College, marketing and sales, 1995

Provide the link to your campaign website.

www.arlenebeckles.com

What is your job/occupation?

IT, InfoSec and cybersecurity professional

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Norcross

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

Having served diligently on Norcross City Council, the experience I gained will provide invaluable insights into the needs and concerns of the broader community, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle more significant issues at a higher level. My proven track record of effective governance and dedication to public service makes me a compelling candidate, capable of enacting positive change on a larger scale. The trust and support garnered from my constituents serve as a strong foundation, and I can continue to advocate for my constituents proactively and drive meaningful progress.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

I firmly support reproductive health care access, restoring and extending reproductive health care alternatives, and protecting personal medical autonomy. I also support economic opportunity for vulnerable populations and equal compensation for equal effort. I want to advocate for fair work and remove financial barriers to women's economic success in our district. Community well-being depends on quality education and inexpensive healthcare. I will diligently improve maternal health care, reduce inequities, and improve education for all our constituents to increase access to both.

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

To enhance government transparency and trust, I would implement regular public reporting on government activities and spending, establish clear channels for public feedback, and promote open access to government data. Additionally, I would advocate for laws that strengthen accountability and ethical standards for public officials. Engaging citizens through community forums and using technology to make government processes more accessible are key strategies to ensure every citizen feels informed, involved, and represented in government decisions.

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

I believe there is always room for improvement in securing Georgia's elections. To enhance security, we could implement regular audits of voting machines, strengthen the security protocols for electronic voting systems, and increase training for election officials on cybersecurity threats. Additionally, using paper ballots as a backup can ensure verifiability. Collaborating with cybersecurity experts to continuously update and refine security measures is crucial to safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

The government's responsibility in ensuring affordable housing involves creating and implementing policies that facilitate access to affordable homes for all income levels. This includes subsidizing housing costs, revising zoning laws to allow more residential building, and offering incentives to developers to include affordable units. Additionally, preserving existing affordable housing and supporting rental assistance programs are vital. These actions help stabilize communities and promote economic diversity by making housing accessible and sustainable for everyone.

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 public access to public records in our jurisdiction could be improved. To enhance transparency, I support the implementation of more user-friendly online platforms that allow citizens to easily access records. Additionally, reducing fees associated with obtaining public records and shortening response times for record requests are crucial steps. These changes would empower citizens to stay informed about government actions and foster greater accountability and trust in public administration.