Elections 2020: Meet Georgia Rep. District 22 Candidates

WOODSTOCK, GA — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Cherokee County and Forsyth County, will choose other candidates to represent them, including the seat for Georgia House of Representatives, District 22.

Incumbent Wes Cantrell will be running against Charles Ravenscraft to represent District 22, which encompasses parts of Cherokee County and Forsyth County.

As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has invited the candidates in contested races to participate in our election profile series. We will continue to update the profiles with links to responses to our questionnaire.

Candidate

Wes Cantrell

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

I've been married to Jane for over 34 years. We have 5 children. Jacob, Josh, Olivia (daughter in law), Katelyn Ortego & Ryan Ortego (son in law). We welcomed our first grandchild in July - Jude.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology (1982) & a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary (1985)

Occupation

Young Marrieds Pastor at Woodstock Baptist for 14 years. I've worked in ministry and been a public school educator for the rest of my career

Campaign website

www.cantrellforhouse.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative for House District 22 for the past 6 years

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

School Choice - I intend to file legislation which would provide families with more options for educating their children. The legislation prioritizes low income families who are trapped in the cycle of poverty.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support the statement that Black Lives Matter. I believe in equality of all people and all lives. I oppose the organization called Black Lives Matter because of its radical leftist positions including the elimination of the nuclear family. I support peaceful protests and would encourage people to know the facts before they protest.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

Ridiculous is the word that comes to mind. If anything, law enforcement needs greater funding not less.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

I think the state and national response has been about as good as it could have been giving the changing nature of what we know about this awful virus. Policies have changed as the data has changed. I believe we should trust citizens so I do not favor extreme limitations on businesses. Although I personally wear a mask when I am out and about, I do not favor a nationwide mask mandate.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I'm pro-life and believe in smaller government and personal responsibility & liberty.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Term Limits, Lower Taxes, Criminal Justice Reform, less government regulation on small businesses

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I've passed multiple pieces of legislation and have successfully opposed legislation which would harm our state.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

More options for parents to successfully educate their children, especially those who are trapped in underperforming school districts

Why should voters trust you?

I'm honest, transparent & accessible. I post all my votes on social media.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

We need to lower overall government spending with targeted reductions that remove unnecessary and/or redundant services.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

no

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Obey God & leave the results to Him.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I'm accessible. Call me if you have questions or concerns.

*Charles Ravenscraft did not reply to Patch's email with the questionnaire.