What is your name?

Jasper Watkins III

Tell us more about yourself.

Jasper Watkins III is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and licensed nuclear pharmacist. As CEO of Watty Consulting LLC, he leverages extensive military and executive experience. Jasper's notable contributions include post-9/11 Pentagon support and COVID-19 Pandemic mitigation. He holds a pharmacy degree from Florida A&M University and a Master's from Central Michigan University. Jasper, the first African American in the armed forces to achieve nuclear pharmacy board certification, has been recognized with the Legion of Merit. He is active on multiple committees and lives in Grayson, Georgia, celebrating a legacy of leadership and dedication.

What office are you running for?

Re-Election County Commissioner District-3, Gwinnett County

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

Jean Ribault Sr. High, Jacksonville FL - 1976 Florida A&M University School of Pharmacy, Tallahassee, FL - 1982 Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan - 2001 U.S. Army Fellowship Program - ASHP, Bethesda, MD. -2003

Provide the link to your campaign website.

www.watkins3for3.com

What is your job/occupation?

County Commissioner Gwinnett County GA, and Senior Healthcare Consultant, MMCAP Infuse.

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Grayson, GA

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

25 years Military service and over 20 years executive leadership positons

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

Upon re-election, I will enhance public health services and emergency preparedness, including mental health and substance abuse programs. I will improve infrastructure, transportation, housing, and public spaces for sustainable growth. I will support local businesses, attract investments, and create job opportunities to boost our economy. I will advocate for vital training programs to empower our youth. I will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure all voices are heard. My commitment to service and community engagement will build a stronger, more vibrant Gwinnett County.

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

I will hold regular town hall meetings to enhance government transparency and trust, provide easily accessible online information on government activities and finances, and use newsletters, social media, and forums to keep the public informed. I will implement participatory budgeting, giving residents a direct say in budget allocation. Meeting agendas, minutes, and recordings will be made available online and in my monthly newsletters. I will also create channels for residents to provide feedback and report issues. These actions will foster an open, accountable, and trustworthy government.

Do you believe Georgia elections are secure and what additional security measures can be taken?

I believe Georgia elections are secure, but continuous improvement is essential. Additional measures include regular post-election audits, investing in updated voting technology with robust cybersecurity, and providing comprehensive voter education on security measures. Enhanced training for poll workers, increased collaboration between state and federal agencies, and ensuring physical security at polling locations are also crucial. Maintaining transparency and establishing clear channels for reporting suspicious activities will strengthen election security and public confidence in the democratic process.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

The government must ensure affordable housing through key actions: creating policies for diverse housing types and densities, providing subsidies and tax incentives to developers, and fostering public-private partnerships to increase supply. Additionally, implementing rent control measures, offering rental assistance, and funding repairs for existing affordable housing are essential. Utilizing public land, streamlining approval processes, allocating sufficient financing, and involving the community in planning are also crucial. These actions will ensure safe, affordable housing for all residents.

Do you believe public access to public records is sufficient in your jurisdiction and, if not, what steps do you support to remedy that?

I believe public access to records is crucial for transparency and accountability. While we are currently enhancing online accessibility through a user-friendly portal and updating the database regularly, there is always room for improvement. We are increasing public awareness through community outreach and simplifying the request process. By allocating more resources and staff to manage records efficiently, implementing robust transparency policies, and establishing feedback mechanisms for reporting access difficulties, we will further ensure adequate public access, fostering a more transparent and accountable government.