Chamber Chief Wants Rogers' Seat

Republican Brandon Beach of North Fulton wants Georgia Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers' seat. The announcement came nearly one week after Rogers (R-Woodstock) garnered endorsements from all Republican members of the North Fulton Delegation. 

Here's the full text of Beach's release:

Brandon Beach announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for State Senate District 21 today. Beach comes to this race with real experience as an effective leader with a keen ability to represent the community's needs. As a leader and advocate in his community and Greater Atlanta he has worked diligently to bring sorely needed relief to residents. He advocated for more jobs in North Fulton and effectively got them, even in this recession. Beach's efforts to increase the homestead exemptions led to significantly lower taxes for Alpharetta homeowners. As a member of the State Transportation Board, Beach has brought vital traffic relief solutions to Cherokee and North Fulton Counties.

"We need leadership with integrity in the State Legislature. More importantly the people of Cherokee County and North Fulton need effective representation, we need a Senator that is responsive to the people of the 21st district; a Senator who is solutions-driven. I believe I have the experience necessary to provide this leadership," said Beach.

Beach, no stranger to public service was elected as a member of the Alpharetta City Council. He served on the council from 2000-2004. Since he left council Beach has served as President/CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce where he fought for local businesses and economic growth.

Beach added, "I am proud of my work leading the charge to increase Alpharetta's homestead exemption to one of the highest in the state; which resulted in significantly lower taxes for every homeowner."

Since 2008, Beach has served as the 6th District Representative on the State Transportation Board, elected by legislators in North Fulton, Cobb, and Cherokee counties. He is still a member of the Board.

"Serving on the State Transportation Board is an honor and it has enabled me to meet many leaders in both the public and private sector. The 6th District has seen many transportation improvements; two recent examples are the opening of Westside Parkway in Alpharetta and the interchange at I-575 and Rope Mill Road which is currently under construction.

"I'm a conservative, solutions-based leader who believes in lower taxes, less government and local control."

While acknowledging that creating jobs and strengthening the state and local economy is his highest priority, Beach says there are a number of other issues, notably improving education, and transportation infrastructure, which he believes are important to the people of the 21st Senate District.

The foundation of our community is providing excellent education. Beach said, "We have excellent schools in Cherokee County and North Fulton because of dedicated parents, teachers and principals. Cherokee and North Fulton need a Senator who is an advocate for improving and sustaining our children's education."

He continued, "My opponent cloaks his top down, Washington-like control of education with terms like 'educational freedom.' Real educational freedom is allowing teachers to teach and principals to manage schools. School boards and the parents that elect them know what is right for their school district, not bureaucrats in D.C. and Atlanta."

Brandon and Shuntel, his wife of 28 years, are both residents of North Fulton. They have two children: Courtney, a graduate of the University of Georgia and now a law student at College of Charleston, and Hunter, a golfer at North Georgia College. Both children are graduates of Milton High School. The Beach's are long time active members of the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church. They are also natives of Louisiana.

"We came to Atlanta 20 years ago, because Louisiana had lost its way. The politicians squandered opportunities to invest in education, transportation and lay the foundation for economic development. I want my children to have the choice to return to the 21st Senate District to raise their families, not to be forced away because the politicians failed to step up. The citizens of the 21st district deserve a Senator that will work hand in hand with their other elected officials to get things done at the Gold Dome. The people of the 21st District deserve a Senator that is approachable and in touch with the needs of the community."

Beach says that he was approached by numerous people asking him to seek office because the 21st District has not been effectively represented in the State Senate. Something he says needs to change immediately.

"I'll bring a new approach to representing our District. By understanding the needs of business and job growth as well as understanding the inner workings of government, I will provide effective solutions-driven leadership for our citizens." 

Open the attached PDF to read his announcement.