What does Alex believe in?

First things first. We at the Somer Campaign firmly believe that human rights are not a political issue but a moral issue. We as a society function best when we lift up the bottom instead of knocking them down. Policy designed to harm to a marginalized community, that’s not us having a differing political opinion. That’s a moral failing by someone who does not respect human rights. There is no political reason for any of the anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. I did not have “defending the hiring of PoC in 2025” on my bingo card. So you will not see below a policy position on certain topics because I wholehearted believe they are not up for debate. If you have a question about this, feel free to reach out.

I’m sure that immigration will come up because it is a hot button issue. I enjoy telling this story - one of my great-grandmothers came to this country from Southern Europe in 1909. She walked barefoot across Europe with no money, no papers, and no command of any language other than Yiddish. She came through Ellis Island (as did all of my ancestors with the last arriving in 1911). She was greeted with a doctor, translator, and resources for finding a place to live and securing employment. And you know what, she complained about the experience because they had the audacity to keep her waiting a total of 6 hours...SIX HOURS. If in 1909, barely having electricity, we as a country were able to process, document, give medical aid, and provide resources in 6 hours, we can do it in 2025 with minimal effort. It does not have to be rocket science. We did this in 1909.

Here are some of my policy positions that will highlight my vision for the future of Sandy Springs.

Economy - A society is only as strong as those at the bottom. We believe in a trickle-up economy. When you lift up the lower classes, everyone benefits. While the mayor of Sandy Springs does not control inflation nor poor actions by the current administration in Washington, it is important that we make our local economy as strong as possible by supporting small-businesses (especially minority owned), having community events that bring in folks from our neighbors in the Atlanta metro, and providing whatever care we can for those in need. We should support food banks and give people a little extra help if they need.

Environment - Sandy Springs is home to beautiful parks, nature preserves, waterways, and outdoor adventures. We need to protect our natural beauty. It makes us a destination in metro-Atlanta. Our environment is important to us and we will ensure we do everything we can to be as eco-friendly as possible. As someone who drops off my LaCroix cans and Kirkland boxes at Keep North Fulton Recycling Center weekly, it’s important that we remind everyone of the resources we have and get more people excited to pitch in.

Healthcare - While it would be super fun as Mayor of Sandy Springs to find a way to create a local single-payer system, let’s talk about reality. Sandy Springs is home to top-tier physicians of all specialties. Helping people find access to the care they need is something that we would work hard on doing. We also as a community need to work together to prioritize mental health. Our schools need top notch guidance counselors and our residents need to know they can find help when in need.

Firearms - At the Somer Campaign, we are respectful of the Constitution. If the Constitution explicitly states that they are legal, we cannot do anything about that. What we can do is continue to make it difficult for bad actors to acquire them and more importantly, offer resources to people to see mental health professionals to determine if they’re capable of the responsibility.

Education - Let’s be honest with ourselves. Our country’s education system needs an overhaul. There are reasons that certain states vastly outperform others. It is our responsibility as citizens, parents and guardians, siblings, spouses, and friends, that our schools prepare students not only for their futures, but also an understanding of the past so we are not doomed to keep making the same mistakes. I was educated on all sorts of history - and not always sugarcoated. I am grateful for my educational experiences but I know that many do not have the same privilege I had as a kid. We need to work to fix that. Whether you’re the child of a CEO or of a single-parent who can’t keep food on the table, you deserve the same chances in life.

Public Resources - The Somer Campaign will always be a champion of the local library. I take my son to the Sandy Springs branch on Mt Vernon Hwy (not too far from Costco, my favorite place in the world) every month to get new stories to read. The selection is outstanding. The staff is knowledgeable, kind, and willing to help. There are computers for people to use, quiet rooms, private study, and safe spaces for different groups including teenagers and children. It is important that we continue to invest in our libraries, bring more programs, seminars, workshops, and so much more to enrich our lives. We also must remember our local food banks, shelters, and emergency plans in case of natural disaster or human made problems. Safety is exceedingly important.

Historical Preservation - While the city has only been incorporated since 2005, there are many decades of history in our community. It was not always 110,000 folks but it has been home for so many. As someone who studied history in college, preserving the past is a fantastic way to keep people invested in the community and bringing us closer together.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"