Aaron Brooks and Dave Belton will settle things Tuesday in the Republican runoff for Georgia House District 112, which includes the eastern half of both Covington and Newton County.
The winner will face Democrat B.P. “Patsy” Harris on Nov. 4.
In the May 20 Republican primary, Belton pulled in the most votes, 2,079 (or 37.8 percent of the total), while Brooks gathered 1,882 (or 34.2 percent). The third candidate, dropped from the runoff, was Ester Fleming Jr., who had 1,539 votes (28 percent).
A total of 5,500 votes were cast in the primary.
Republican Doug Holt has held the seat for 10 years. A total of 57,345 people live in District 112.
Dave Belton
Why are you running for office at this particular time? In other words, what is the specific impetus for your run this year?
From an early age, my father, a career Naval officer, instilled in me the value and importance of service. I served my country 23 years as a Navy and Air Force pilot. Since the end of my military career, and now as an international pilot for Delta Airlines, I have continued to seek ways serve others. Among other things, I am currently a Leader of Delta’s “Global Force for Good,” which provides support to those in need around the world. I have served on our local school board for 8 years, during which time we have raised graduation rates to among the top 10 percent in the state, while also reducing the annual budget. At this particular time, I see the opportunity to serve the people of Newton and Morgan County as their state representative and would be honored to do so.
Why specifically are you running as opposed to any other office?
Doug Holt has been an outstanding state representative for Newton and Morgan County for the past 10 years. I am running for his seat to continue the conservative, common sense leadership he has provided for our district and our state.
What is your platform?
- I support Fair Tax (eliminating state income tax).
- I support Local Control and Reducing the Size of Government.
- I support School Choice.
- I support Job Creation and Quality Economic Growth.
- I oppose Obamacare in Georgia.
- I oppose Obama’s Common Core.
What issues do you hope to address and/or what do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Job creation and quality growth remain a high priority. I want to attract businesses and industries to Newton and Morgan counties, as well as help existing businesses and industries to grow, thrive and expand in our district. Education, specifically allowing teachers to teach and returning local control to local school systems, will give our children the best opportunity to learn, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Passage of The Fair Tax will improve our business environment and give families in our district (and across our state) much needed tax relief.
Professional experience
What is your current profession?
I am an international pilot for Delta Airlines.
How long have you worked there?
16 years.
Do you have any side or part-time jobs? Can you describe these?
I am a small business owner.
To the best of your ability, can you describe all jobs you’ve held as an adult and how long you’ve held them?
23 years Military Service – Navy and Air Force.
16 years International Pilot – Delta Airlines.
Education
Did you attend college and do you have any post-secondary degrees? If yes, can you list colleges attended?
Awarded an ROTC scholarship to the University of Oklahoma – Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1986.
Civic/nonprofit involvement
Please describe any involvement you have with civic and nonprofit groups.
- Vice-Chair – Local GOP 7 years;
- State Delegate – Annual GOP Convention – 5 years;
- Member of Coverdell Leadership Institute – 5 years;
- Team Leader – Georgia Zoo;
- Pilot Leader – Delta’s “Global Force for Good”;
- VFW – member;
- American Legion – member.
Have you previously held any elected positions?
Current Morgan County School Board member – 8 years.
Have you previously held any appointed government positions?
No.
Public contact info
706-372-4114
davebelton.com
davebelton112@gmail.com
Facebook davebelton112
Twitter davebelton112
Family
Theresa Belton – wife of 26 years; three children
In which city were you born?
Subic Bay, Philippines, during the Vietnam War
In which city/area did you grow up?
As my father was a naval officer, I moved 15 times, living in four different countries. I graduated high school in Charleston, SC.
When did you move to Newton County and why did you move here?
Settled in Buckhead in 1999 and have now lived here longer than anywhere else.
Financial background
Can you please list all properties you own in Newton County?
I own my house in Buckhead and a one acre lot in Putnam County.
Can you please list all businesses in which you have an ownership stake?
None.
Voting history
Have you voted during each of the past five general elections, including both presidential and non-presidential elections?
Yes.
Aaron Brooks
Why are you running for office at this particular time? In other words, what is the specific impetus for your run this year?
I have always been lead to service. Most of my career experience comes from serving others. I have never held public office and some say that is my biggest liability. I couldn’t disagree more; I feel it is time for new and fresh ideas to combat the changes that we see in our government. As a state representative, I will fight to reduce the size and scope of government that has become too intrusive into our businesses and personal lives.
Why specifically are you running for state representative as opposed to any other office?
The timing was right with this seat being vacated by the existing representative. After fighting as a taxpayer advocate in government for some time and being asked by friends and relatives to enter public service everything just seemed right. I discussed this with my family and asked for their support. They all resoundingly told me that they were supportive of the idea.
What is your platform?
- Eliminating the income tax and adopting a FairTax in Georgia.
- Expanding school choice
- Government ethics reform
- Protecting Second Amendment rights
- Common sense over Common Core
What issues do you hope to address and/or what do you hope to accomplish if elected?
First and foremost, I will work diligently to move Georgia to a simple and fair tax structure. I believe that it is the most important thing we can do to ensure a prosperous future. It is also my belief that we must expand school choice in the state in order to have our children reach new heights in education. As a conservative, I am concerned that Georgia constantly ranks at the bottom as far as government ethics. I will make government ethics reform a priority if given the honor of serving the families of Newton and Morgan Counties.
Professional experience
What is your current profession? What are your day-to-day duties?
Manufacturers’ representative. Daily duties include working with small business owners with their needs in industrial laundries.
How long have you worked there?
11 years.
To the best of your ability, can you describe all jobs you’ve held as an adult and how long you’ve held them?
I was an aviation storekeeper during my time in the Navy. Upon returning to Covington, I worked for a local company as a traffic manager. After the factory was closed I pursued a career in the chemical products industry and have worked for three different companies in this field. I have mainly worked as a territory manager in the industrial chemical field.
Education
From where did you graduate high school? If you did not graduate high school, do you have a GED?
Graduated Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Va.
Did you attend college and do you have any post-secondary degrees? If yes, can you list colleges attended?
Associates in business administration and management from Georgia Perimeter College.
I am a senior at Georgia State University where I am completing my bachelor’s degree in Business Economics.
Civic/nonprofit involvement
Please describe any involvement you have with civic and nonprofit groups.
Missions Chair and adult Sunday school teacher at Philadelphia United Methodist Church.
I have also been involved through my church with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Have you previously held any elected positions?
No
Have you previously held any appointed government positions (any boards, committees, authorities, etc.)?
No
Public contact info
How can people get in contact with you?
Phone: 770-405-9173
aaron@aaronbrooksforga.com
www.aaronbrooksforga.com
facebook.com/aaronbrooksforga
Family
Can you please list your spouse/partner and children, if you have any? Can you list ages of children?
Spouse - Michelle Brooks
Children -2
In which city were you born?
Memphis, Tenn.
In which city/area did you grow up?
As a child of a service member I lived in many different places, but Georgia has always been home. My father is from the area and this was always a stable place for me to call home between moves.
When did you move to Newton County and why did you move here?
Officially I moved to Newton County in 1993, but as stated previously it was a place that I considered home.
Voting history
Have you voted during each of the past five general elections, including both presidential and non-presidential elections?
Yes
