Up against an 18-year Republican incumbent, State Representative candidate Erick Allen showcases a viable alternative to the comfortably apathetic Representative who’s failed to create real change in District 40 since the 90s. At a recent candidate forum, a Cobb county teacher pointed out, “We are at 95% school lunches; I have homeless kids at my school; I have kids that have nothing; they go home to a vacant apartment…they sleep on the floor.” State Senate Candidate Dr. Howard continues, “…and blocks away from this school, you have the school that everybody’s running to: Teasley…and they’re literally next door neighbors.” Allen’s plan to expand economic development, block the “Opportunity School District” bill and provide more local support to schools solves the problem, maneuvering out of bureaucratic inefficiency and money re-routing. Apart from education, he believes in gun safety on college campuses, ease of transportation through the traffic-relief transportation bill and the differentiation of business, church and politics.

But apart from his candidacy and plans in office, who is Erick Allen? Get to know him as he shares his background, inspiration and advice for young people.

What made you want to go into public service?

Well, I really care about my community, and I want to make sure that Georgia can still be my home for me and my family. There are a lot of things changing right now, and I don’t necessarily agree with that change.

What do you like the most about campaigning, and what do you like the least?

The most – talking with people. The least - lack of family time. (So it’s hard to keep a work-life balance?) Yes, but I don’t really like the term “work-life balance”; it’s just life balance.

So what’s the one most pressing problem that we face right now?

Education. I mean, I want my daughter to be able to go to public schools, and I want her to be able to go to strong public schools. And right now, with the state of funding for our schools, we are going in the wrong direction.

What influenced your current political affiliation? Have you always been a Democrat; do you match your parents’ affiliations?

I chose to be a Democrat myself, mostly for social issues. I’m very fiscally conservative, but I don’t believe that we should be legislating our faith. That flies in the face of what our constitution is about. You shouldn’t legislate Christianity; your faith should be your guiding principle, but you shouldn’t write that at the law. And I think we’re moving too close to that. I also believe that people should be able to make their own decisions about what they do with their body, their life and who they love, and I don’t think the Republican party agrees with that.

So, who are you voting for in the upcoming Presidential election? I know that being fiscally conservative and social liberal, you almost fit the description of a Libertarian candidate.

Oh, I’m voting for Hillary Clinton. I mean, it’s not even close. You have to look at – I put country over party – and when you look at who’s prepared to lead our country, regardless of what you think about them, who can really be the leader that we need, I don’t think it’s any question in my opinion. The Libertarians are close to the Republicans in fiscal thought and philosophy, and are very liberal in life or social philosophy. And I do come from that camp of – you need to vote on who’s the most responsible, and not have a protest vote. A lot of people are going to be doing protest votes and, it’s a waste. It’s your prerogative to vote for who you want to vote for, but you need to vote for the person who’s most qualified to lead. And if that person is Gary Johnson, then… hey! (breaks into laughter)

How do you even go about starting a campaign? You had a job – I mean – you have a job. How do you even go about doing that?

Well, first you get good people around you; a team of people who are willing to do some work. We started from what I like to call the “kitchen cabinet,” people, friends that will volunteer, friends that will write you a check. You just tell them what you’re thinking about doing, see if you get some support, and it just rolls from there. I mean, it takes money. That’s the sad part about running for office. It takes a lot of money, and you have to have people who believe in you, who will work for you. And it’s tough to ask people, “Hey, take your whole Saturday and walk around neighborhoods with me and knock on doors and drop stuff on people’s porches.” Most people will go like, “Yah..I’m thinking no.” So it’s very difficult, but you have to really make sure you have that base of supporters.

Have you ever had any interesting experiences while canvassing?

Absolutely! I’ve had people tell me to get off their porch. And then you get into these long philosophical conversations with people. And just so you know, I’ve been a consultant for candidates since the 90’s, so I’ve been around politics for a long time. And one of the things I used to tell candidates was that “You have to understand – you’re not going to win every vote.” There are going to be some people who just won’t vote for you; you’re not going to be able to convince every person to switch over. I mean other than that, it’s pretty fun. You’ll have good conversations, most people are good and reasonable, and they’ll talk to you.

How do you think the campaigning process is different for you as a person of color?

Well, you already start with a barrier. I’m running as a black man in a predominantly white area. It’s hard to get those high profile surrogates because it’s just a harder sale.

Who has influenced you the most?

My father. He’s a pastor, and he was very involved in politics when I was growing up. He also taught me how to be socially responsible, and that was very important.

Do you have any political leaders you look up to?

As far as political leaders go, Cory Booker. I watch his documentary quite a bit; I’ve met him; I love listening to him talk. He has a documentary called Street Fight, and it talks about both of his runs for mayor. Most people don’t know that when he ran for mayor the first time in Newark, he lost badly. He ran twice, and it was tough - no it was tough. But he fought through it by knocking on every door, making every phone call, working his ass off. He really worked, and I admire him for his grit.

How risky would you say this is? And what made you want to take the risk?

I don’t really think it’s that risky. I mean – win or lose – what do you have to lose from walking around, talking to your neighbors, learning about your community, learning about the challenges your community faces? The only risk, honestly, is the amount of time you’re not going to have with your family.

You said earlier that your dad was into politics and later you became a political consultant. At a younger age, did you always want to go into politics?

You know, it’s funny – I always knew I wanted to work around politics; I never knew I would be a candidate.

So the transition from one career to another – do you think you should have switched over sooner?

No, I think it was right for me. Because I know have the experience and perspective to be effective. But when I was younger, I didn’t have the right perspective.

Do you have any advice for people who want to go into public service in the future?

Do it. (me: haha ok). No really, do it. It’s honestly the most rewarding experience. There’s nothing like having a conversation with somebody, and they tell you about their life, their struggles. And, you can make a difference; you can push them forward. I mean it’s a wonderful thing, it really is.

Do you still have more questions about his policies or plans for office? Attend a candidate forum – become a vocal member of your community by having an active role in choosing your next state Representative.