Independent Contractors, Tax Overpayment, Local Elections, Democrat Narratives & more

As disappointment with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden grows, the importance of local elections becomes clear. Local elections, from school boards to state legislatures, shape policies that directly impact our lives. They determine resource allocation, public safety measures, and address community-specific concerns like infrastructure and education.

While the federal political climate can feel disconnected, participating in local elections empowers voters to champion accountability and responsiveness where their voices truly matter. Focusing on local governance helps rebuild trust in the political process and ensures communities reflect their residents’ values and priorities.

In this article, we delve into a snippet of my conversation with Georgia State House Candidate Cassaundra Burks who is running as a Republican in GA State House District 64. She’s a black conservative taking on a blue district. During the full interview, we discuss her campaign, the reclassification of independent contractors, tax overpayment issues, the significance of local elections, and the narratives within the Democratic Party.

Welcome to Candid{ate} Conversations, a unique platform for candid discussions with elected officials and individuals striving to be elected. We embark on insightful conversations that explore the challenges, aspirations, and visions of political leaders and aspiring candidates. Whether you prefer to listen to podcasts or read about our discussions, we aim to provide valuable insights into the political landscape, policies, and the people driving change in our communities and nation.

[Below, you’ll find an edited snippet from our conversation, streamlined for clarity and ease of reading. This excerpt is taken from various parts of the discussion, not necessarily from the beginning.]

Enjoy!

Cassaundra Burks: I noticed that when people who look like me began moving into certain neighborhoods, it brought changes, including increased crime and lowered property values and equity. I’m unsure if this was due to mismanagement, but these changes led to gentrification. I witnessed this firsthand. When I moved to Douglasville about five years ago, it was important to me to address some of the issues I observed during my upbringing.

Cassaundra Burks: Okay, it was actually during that time when I saw these changes. So, I moved here and I see different things. I see that we’re in a bit of a gentrification area now, and I’m noticing various things on the news, including indictments and…

Cassaundra Burks: I had two options: ignore the situation or do something about it. I chose to take action. Initially, it wasn’t my idea to run for office; I was asked to do so. They told me, “We need fresh faces, entrepreneurs, and people who aren’t afraid to speak to those who may oppose them. Not everyone will think like you, and that’s okay, but we can all come together on some things and understand that, in the fight for survival, this is where we need to be.

Cassaundra Burks: Jehovah’s Witnesses have no interactions with the government whatsoever. that’s not what they believed. So I was not raised anywhere around politics had no background back in politics whatsoever.

Janelle King: What would you say were some of your early influences or mentors that shaped your views?

Cassaundra Burks: But there are a few things about myself that I thought would make me a great candidate. One is my inability to hate; no matter what you do to me…

Janelle King: You’re running as a Republican. How did you get there? Were you raised Republican?

Cassaundra Burks: Despite any wrongs, I will find the part of you that needs love and love it. I’ve been inspired by the Bible, God, and Jesus Christ, particularly His humility. Some people resist humility because they think it lowers them, but I see no issue in saying, “I hope you have a blessed day” or asking, “How are you today?” Simple acts of kindness like holding a door are often considered outdated, but there are still many people, like me, who care. While they may not be celebrities, these people make a difference through their kindness.

Janelle King: Yeah.

Cassaundra Burks: But those people as I met them throughout my walk in life. Those are people who inspire me.

Janelle King: You don’t often meet people with an  A-political background. I think that makes a big difference. Do you feel that it shapes how you view politics?

Cassaundra Burks: I believe my different perspective is beneficial. Have you ever heard a singer who thinks they sound great, but to others, it may not be so harmonious? Without a background in that area, I’ve been able to notice things others might miss. When I was asked to manage for some people, I noticed various aspects within those campaigns. My personal background, upbringing, and patience helped me understand why certain things were happening. This gave me more insight. It didn’t necessarily give me an advantage over others because many people feel entitled to these positions. I’m currently writing a book called “Running from Office,” which addresses this sense of entitlement and arrogance.

Cassaundra Burks: But what they don’t realize is that by doing so, they disconnect themselves from the people or the voters. Therefore, I always strive to keep myself in check, regardless of how much information I acquire or what I learn behind the scenes.

Janelle King: Before we delve into your race, what are your thoughts on the current state of the country politically?

I hope you’ve enjoyed this snippet of my discussion with Cassaundra Burks. To hear the entire interview, please click on the link below. https://youtu.be/MmniIM8B4CU