Harrison Lance
Occupation: Financial Advisor, MassMutual
Previous elected offices held: None.
Other community service experience: Member of Hospitality Business Networking Foundation Board (fundraising for the Shepherd Center Military SHARE Initiative); parishioner and volunteer at Cathedral of St. Philip; alumni mentor for UNG Corps of Cadets; Georgia Steeplechase Advisory Board; Kiwanis Club member and volunteer.
What is motivating you to run for this office?
I was born and raised in my district and have seen everything change as we advance in capabilities and goals for our cities and state. I want to support law enforcement so they can keep our families safe. We must also eradicate human trafficking, as it is a terrible crime that is plaguing our state. Lastly, we need to continue to promote an environment where Georgia can be the number one place in this nation to do business. These are bipartisan goals that should rise above party politics and political posturing.
What is the biggest issue facing the district and how will you address it?
My platform focuses on four main points: reducing crime, investing in our infrastructure, stopping human trafficking, and eliminating government waste. I believe the most pressing issue of the day is our soaring crime rates. We must do a better job supporting our law enforcement so they can protect our families and neighborhoods. If I was in the state Senate, I would have voted for House Bill 838; my opponent did not. This bill punishes those who commit crimes against police officers. We must elect men and women who will stand up for law enforcement!
Why should voters choose you instead of the incumbent?
At a time when “rule by one party” seems to be the standard operating procedure and both sides can’t seem to talk to each other to solve kitchen table issues, we need someone who is willing to work with both sides of the aisle and actually solve the problems we face. My family stems from two long political lines, with my grandfather Bert Lance who served in President Carter’s Cabinet, and many from my mother’s side working for Republican lawmakers. I am willing to work across the aisle and, as I mentioned above, I will support law enforcement.
What would be your policy priority in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic?
This pandemic has affected Georgians in many different ways. People’s health, our children’s education, and the state’s economy have all been impacted during 2020. Ensuring adequate medical infrastructure and care is available to those who are suffering from COVID and protecting our elderly population through regulation of contact and advanced sanitization practices are crucial priorities that must be continued. If elected to the state Senate, I will work very hard to promote policies that protect people’s lives and livelihoods.
What state law changes, if any, should follow as a result of this year’s protests about racism and police brutality?
I would like to see Georgia’s attorney general have the power to call statewide grand juries, which would prevent another instance similar to the Ahmaud Arbery case, which is riddled with conflicts of interest.
Buckhead this year has seen an increase in gun crimes and street racing. What state law changes, if any, should be made to tackle these crime problems?
Our country, city, and community have all seen an explosion of crime over the past few months. Our problem in Atlanta is troubling. In addition, we see APD doing an excellent job of catching criminals, only to find them walking on the streets the next day, having been released by our courts and activist judges. We need to reopen the partnerships with our federal allies, ensure mandatory minimum sentencing for repeat violent offenders, remove the availability of signature bonds for violent crime, and ensure the majority of a sentence is served before an individual is eligible for parole.