What is your name?

Maura Keller

Tell us more about yourself.

I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a military policewoman in 1978 and retired as a lieutenant colonel after 26 years of service. My career was distinguished by many honors, including the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. I transitioned to a role that supported the readiness of our forces as a senior readiness analyst, later pursuing a degree in radiologic sciences as a nuclear medicine technologist, which allowed me to provide essential care to patients at various Atlanta hospitals and our veterans at Atlanta’s VA. I have been married to my husband, David, for 29 years, and we share 4 children and 2 grandchildren.

What office are you running for?

U.S. House of Representatives, District 3

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

- Weymouth South High School, 1977 - University of the State of New York, 1994 - Command and General Staff College, 1997 - August University, 2017 Detailed military schooling is available.

Provide the link to your campaign website.

www.maura4ga3.com

What is your job/occupation?

Nuclear medicine technologist

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Fayetteville

Is this your first time running for office?

Yes

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

My military career taught me how to be a leader through effective communication and listening skills. As a young lieutenant, my NCOs taught me two things: never forget where you came from, and remember that the decisions you make or don’t make will affect the soldier in the field. I take that to heart, which will guide me as I vote on bills that impact the real people here at home. As an analyst, I used data to find solutions to any problem. Whenever I saw a veteran struggling at Atlanta’s VA, I would stay with them from start to finish to fix the issue, no matter how hard. I will use this determination and commitment as I fight for District 3.

What actions would you take to enhance government transparency and trust in government?

It all starts with accountability. Holding politicians accountable ensures they are properly serving their constituents, and this process can help rebuild trust. In Congress, I will not be afraid to speak truth to power. As a former readiness analyst, I know that data is powerful but often inaccessible unless you know what you’re looking for. I believe that government data needs to be communicated in a way that allows everyone to understand it, so the people know exactly what’s going on. Trust can also be achieved by acknowledging our underserved communities and making sure they have equal access to both resources and opportunities.

How do you plan to overcome political polarization to get things done for your constituents?

I plan to overcome polarization by finding common ground and goals that we all share. I want to be the common sense candidate with common sense policies, ensuring that my constituents have a say in big issues that affect their lives. When issues like reproductive rights appear on the ballot, people vote to keep their rights. I know that Georgians would make the same choice, and this participation in democracy proves that issues affecting the average citizen can transcend party politics. If the American people can work together, so can our elected officials. We can promote this bipartisanship and move past the polarization of our country.

What would you do to address the cost of living for Georgians?

I believe in economic equity for all, and raising the minimum wage for Georgians is essential. We’ve been stuck at $7.25/hour since 2009, but we’ve experienced economic crises and a global pandemic in that time. Our wages are nowhere near what they need to be to match 15 years of inflation. We also need to address the affordable housing crisis, and I want to incentivize the local governments in charge to prioritize starter homes and low income housing. Currently, Georgia ranks 8th highest for health care costs in the nation, and I want to expand Medicaid and keep lowering prescription drug prices to protect those at or below the poverty line.

What specific elements would you push for in a border security/immigration bill?

We all know that the recent bipartisan border bill should have passed. This would have provided $20.2 billion for U.S. border security improvements, which would give the American people exactly what they’ve been asking for. Border security starts with proper funding, and I want Homeland Security to have all the resources they need for the current crisis. We can secure our ports of entry without separating children from their families. I want to reform our immigration system to provide better legal pathways, reduce the backlog of cases straining our system, and allow those stuck in the DACA program to get citizenship. I would do what is right.

What should Congress do to address concerns about climate change?

Congress needs to trust our scientists and understand the long term ramifications of climate change. It has increased health conditions such as asthma, heart attacks, strokes and skin cancer. It has made our agricultural industry lose crops, which makes our food cost more. Extreme weather damages our homes and we have to pay to rebuild. Congress needs to take action by investing in clean energy initiatives and reducing pollution. Climate change has a disproportionate effect on rural and low income areas, and communities of color. Many have already lost access to safe drinking water, and Congress taking action is the only way to fix this.