Copyright The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Candidates for a state House district in Gwinnett County said the increasing cost of living was the top concern they heard from voters in the district, but they have different views for how best to make the community more affordable. Two Democrats, Akbar Ali and Marqus Cole, and one Republican, Jamie Parker, are competing for the House District 106 seat in a special election Nov 4. Candidates for a state House district in Gwinnett County said the increasing cost of living was the top concern they heard from voters in the district, but they have different views for how best to make the community more affordable. Two Democrats, Akbar Ali and Marqus Cole, and one Republican, Jamie Parker, are competing for the House District 106 seat in a special election Nov 4. The winner will replace former Democratic state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, who resigned this summer to care for a family member with serious health issues. “People are just being crushed under the weight of too high prices,” Ali said, “mainly with health care, insurance and housing.” He’s raised about $31,000, the most of any candidate, and has been endorsed by Hutchinson, former Gov. Roy Barnes, House Democratic Whip Sam Park and several state lawmakers and local elected officials. Cole raised about $4,200 in campaign donations, and Parker received about $5,300, according to filings. Ali is the first vice chair of the Gwinnett Democrats, the youngest elected to that position. The winner will replace former Democratic state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, who resigned this summer to care for a family member with serious health issues. “People are just being crushed under the weight of too high prices,” Ali said, “mainly with health care, insurance and housing.” He’s raised about $31,000, the most of any candidate, and has been endorsed by Hutchinson, former Gov. Roy Barnes, House Democratic Whip Sam Park and several state lawmakers and local elected officials. Cole raised about $4,200 in campaign donations, and Parker received about $5,300, according to filings. Ali is the first vice chair of the Gwinnett Democrats, the youngest elected to that position.
