This is the first installment of Candidate Chat, first up is Glenn Cook who is running against Representative Steven Sainz to represent district 180 in the State House. We sent similar questions to Representative Sainz and David Rainer but they have not been sent back yet. These three republicans will compete on the May primary ballot.
SGJ: For people who don’t know you, can you give us an elevator pitch as to who is Glenn Cook?
Mr. Cook: I am a dedicated public servant, Navy veteran, lawyer, and community advocate. With extensive experience in aviation, leadership, and service, I’m running to ensure that the interests of every citizen in District 180 are heard and acted upon. I bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to responsible governance, transparent decision-making, and robust community engagement.
SGJ: The majority of our district resides in Camden County, yet you reside in Glynn County. Why should voters in Camden County take a leap of faith and trust that you understand and can effectively represent their unique interests and concerns, despite not living in the same county?
Mr. Cook: In today’s world, where communication is instantaneous and the global network is just a click away, the idea of being an “outsider” in any district is outdated. Our district is no longer mired in the past where we traveled by horse and buggy; we are part of a dynamic, interconnected community where information, ideas, and support flow freely and rapidly.
As a dedicated representative for District 180, my commitment knows no county lines. My dedication to understanding and addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in Camden County is unwavering. Through extensive engagement with its residents, I have gained a deep appreciation of the local issues and a clear vision of how we can collectively enhance our district’s prosperity and well-being.
I am committed to building robust bridges of communication and cooperation that connect all corners of our district, ensuring that every community, whether in Camden or Glynn County, is equally served and heard. This is not just about geographical proximity; it’s about shared goals, mutual respect, and the relentless pursuit of progress for every citizen.
Together, we can overcome the outdated notion of geographical barriers and unite as a strong, cohesive district, ready to face the challenges of today and seize the opportunities of tomorrow. My campaign is a testament to this belief, and my actions, both now and in the future, will consistently reflect my dedication to serving and uplifting every part of District 180.
My wife Wendy and I have visited thousands of homes – personally – to talk with residents. The common theme we hear is “I haven’t heard from my representative…who is it?” They’re so appreciative that someone actually took the time to listen. They love that someone asking for their vote respects them enough to be present.
The irony of all this is that our current incumbent – up until it became a political liability – maintained his voter registration (and therefore residence) at a hotel in Kingsland. He even went as far as to brag about it on Facebook:
SGJ: If Elected, what will be your biggest priority over your first term?
Mr. Cook: My primary focus will be on listening and responding, economic development and community health. I plan to leverage my experience to enhance local infrastructure, attract quality jobs, and ensure that our education and healthcare systems meet the needs of our residents, fostering a district where families and businesses can thrive.
SGJ: Many individuals prefer to re-elect an incumbent because they believe the incumbent is more likely to be able to get legislation passed. What is your message to voters as to why they should elect a new representative rather than Representative Sainz?
Mr. Cook: At this crucial juncture, our district chooses between complacency and transformative change. We face a decision: to persist with the current situation, characterized by an often unresponsive and absent representative who resides in a hotel financed by a significant supporter, or to embrace a new chapter led by a figure of integrity, authenticity, and ethical governance.
The need for change is imperative for our district’s growth and prosperity. As your prospective representative, I am committed to reinstating these core values in our leadership. I promise to be accessible, proactive, and attentive, ensuring every community member’s voice is acknowledged and respected.
While holding office brings valuable experience, it should not come at the expense of transparency and accountability. My campaign is grounded on innovative ideas and an unwavering dedication to serving you actively. I am committed to visible, effective representation that produces tangible outcomes aligning with our collective ambitions and objectives.
Choosing me as your leader means selecting someone who will not seclude themselves in a hotel funded by political contributions. I intend to be actively involved in our community, working relentlessly across the district to realize our shared vision. Together, we can establish a future where integrity, authenticity, and ethical standards are upheld and the defining traits of our district’s leadership.
Regarding the belief that incumbents are more likely to enact legislation, let’s examine the facts. Only six years ago, voters in HD180 elected Sainz, replacing an incumbent with the hope of change. Unfortunately, that change didn’t address our district’s lack of representation at the Gold Dome. Consider this: in his initial term, our incumbent successfully sponsored legislation to establish the Camden County Spaceport Authority.
Despite the apparent opposition from a majority in Camden County, he has since failed to pass any legislation to dissolve the authority.
Being an incumbent should neither guarantee reelection nor be a reason for dismissal. We should elect incumbents who genuinely serve and benefit the community. After engaging with thousands of constituents, it is evident that our current representative has not acted in anyone’s interest but his own.
SGJ: Many Republicans have campaigned on Elimination of the State Income tax, given that Georgia has ran a budget surplus the last few years, are you in favor of this? How would you make up the lost tax revenue if it was implemented?
Mr. Cook: Fiscal responsibility is paramount, especially considering Georgia’s robust financial health, bolstered by sales taxes collected amid inflation. The reality is that when items are more expensive, and with a combined state and local sales tax rate of around 6%, people pay more in taxes. To abolish the income tax, Georgia must shift towards a revenue model based primarily on sales tax and fees.
It’s important to acknowledge that the government doesn’t create revenue; it collects it. Our main objective should be to minimize this collection, ensuring it’s sufficient to protect and enhance the quality of life we cherish in coastal Georgia. Despite Georgia’s low expenditure per resident, it’s worth noting that four states without an income tax spend even less. Yet, these states face fiscal dilemmas, like Texas’s high property taxes and New Hampshire’s taxing capital gains and dividends.
I am committed to reducing the tax burden on our citizens. I will advocate for and support whichever tax system reduces this burden, collaborating with fellow legislators to implement it effectively.
SGJ: Roughly 3,000 undocumented and DACA students graduate from Georgia high schools each year, some Republicans in the General Assembly are in favor of these students receiving in state tuition while others believe they shouldn’t be allowed to attend public universities at all, where do you fall on this issue?
Mr. Cook: In the spirit of constitutional conservatism, the right to state-funded education should be safeguarded for those who are legally present. Upholding federal and state laws is paramount, and while empathy is crucial, it must not undermine the legal processes that govern our nation. The benefits of public education and state tuition rates should be reserved for legal residents and citizens, reflecting a commitment to lawful order and fairness to those who follow legal immigration pathways.
The challenge of undocumented and DACA students’ access to education is part of a larger discourse on national sovereignty and the rule of law. Effective border security and immigration policy are fundamental to resolving this issue. Georgia must collaborate with federal agencies to ensure a coherent approach to immigration, one that upholds the integrity of our borders while compassionately considering the status of those currently protected under DACA.
