AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Congressional Candidate Questionnaire - 2024 General Election
Completed by John "Bongo" Salvesen
on September 24, 2024
What is your name?
John Salvesen
What office are you running for?
U.S. House of Representatives, Georgia's 5th Congressional District
Are you the incumbent?
No
When is your birthday?
May 4, 1965
Tell us more about yourself
I'm just a guy that went undercover to see what my representation was up to, wasn't happy about it and decided to do something about it for us.
Where did you go to school?
I went to school in New Jersey. I also had some schooling in California.
Campaign Website
www.bongoforcongress.com
Social Media Links
Phone Number
(404) 453-3438
What is your job/occupation?
Handyman
What city/neighborhood do you live in?
Inman Park
What is your top policy priority if elected? How would addressing this issue make a difference for the people you are seeking to represent and what skills or qualities do you possess that will make you an effective elected official?
I'm effective at interviewing and gathering information. Prison reform is a top agenda item. So is police reform and education reform.
Share an example of a time when you had to compromise or adapt your position on an issue.
Several times I have to compromise my position in favor of a position that might be wiser than the one I came up with. This happens sometimes, sometimes not. The trick is to be able to determine the best solution for a problem whether it comes from myself or a constituent.
The rising cost of living, including housing, health care, and childcare, is a concern for families in Georgia. What would you advocate for in Congress to help alleviate these pressures? What would you do to continue to control inflation?
The problem we have here in Atlanta is one company buying up all the property, which I'm going to address.
What is your position on term limits for members of Congress? How do you believe term limits would impact the effectiveness of and trust in government?
I believe in term limits. I myself am only going to do two terms. And that's only if I deserve it and was good enough to be reelected.
A recent poll shows a majority of Americans across partisan lines want to see reforms take place on the Supreme Court. Do you support a judicial code of conduct, and term limits or any other changes for Supreme Court justices? Why or why not?
I haven't studied the Supreme Court issues with intensity. I'm satisfied with the system in place and I'm not interested in trying to change the Constitution or the courts. That said, I am very interested in reforming the Fulton County justice system as well as DeKalb and Clayton. This war against my Black American constituents is going to end after I am elected.
What steps, if any, would you support to secure the southern border? What is your stance on pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for many years?
I support a strong border and for keeping the kind of people we don't want out. I also support a fast track citizenship agenda for the worthy immigrants that we want here in our country and share in our American values.
How would you address the spread of misinformation and disinformation? What role do you believe social media companies and the government should play in combating these issues? Are you confident that elections in Georgia are conducted freely and fairly?
It's tough to censor media and it's up to us as the people to discern what's truthful and what isn't. On the second question, I am not confident that our elections in Georgia are conducted freely and fairly.
