Elect a plain-spoken problem solver and bridge builder!
Shelbey Diamond-Alexander
Shelbey has a long-time reputation among family and friends as a plain-spoken problem solver who works hard, is a good listener, loves the color red and knows how to balance budgets.
A native of Natural Bridge, a community in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia which takes its name from a unique geological feature, a 215-foot natural arch spanning 90 feet which has been listed as a National Historic Landmark. “It is a little country place just like Winder,” she says with a broad smile.
“Having grown up with such a unique landmark as inspiration, if elected I will be a bridge builder for my community. I will find the common ground between opposing political parties and between the long-time residents and those new to our community who have moved away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities for our quieter and more family-centered way of life.” she says.
“My first priority will be giving people a true voice,” she said. “I will listen to learn what everybody – not just Democrats – wants and needs. Then, I will fight for the needs of our district.”
Shelbey and her husband of 30 years, Welton, moved to Georgia in 1995 due to a job opportunity with State Farm Insurance Companies, Inc. She advanced from receptionist to Systems Coordinator in the Georgia-South Carolina Operations Center. She retired in 2019. The family settled in Winder in 2003. She and her husband have two daughters, one son and three grandchildren.
As a young single mom in Virginia, she became the first in her family to get a college degree through the adult degree program offered at the prestigious Mary Baldwin University in Stanuton, Virginia. She graduated summa cum laude while also working and raising her children.
Within the Democratic Party, she has served as a poll worker, and as Second Vice Chair, then First Vice Chair before becoming Barrow County Chair two years ago. Under her leadership, the local party has become increasingly active with voter outreach efforts, particularly during the 2022 General Election and the more recent runoff re-election for Senator Raphael Warnock. Party members have manned booths at county fairs and festivals and actively canvassed for the Democratic ticket as well as running local newspaper and radio ads.
“Mama is fiscally conservative and really knows how to balance a budget. She is very detail oriented – nothing gets past her – trust me,” says her daughter Nicole Diamond-Smith who has often been recruited for door-knocking and sign placement duties. “She inspires all of us.”
Shelbey is a long time member (46 years and counting) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. While she worships at First Baptist Church of Duluth, she maintains her church membership in her hometown at the First Baptist Church of Natural Bridge.
Mark Your Calendars! January 31, 2023
Runoff Election
There are five Republicans also on the ballot with Shelbey Alexander for the HD 119 Special Election which has been called for January 31, 2023. If no candidate reaches 50 plus one percent of the votes, a special election runoff is set for February 28, 2023. The seat became vacant after Republican Representative-elect Danny Rampey resigned following his arrest on multiple felony counts arising from an investigation by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Department. Only those voters who were registered to vote on January 3 will be allowed to vote and early voting began January 9.
SHELBEY ON THE ISSUES
If elected, Shelbey pledges to work toward finding solutions for quality of life issues facing her rapidly growing community and to join with other Democrats to work toward full Medicaid expansion, the creation of meaningful jobs, and the protection of reproductive freedom.
Medicaid Expansion
It is long past time for Georgia to expand Medicaid for all those who would qualify at the Federal level. Filling prescriptions should not be a difficult process involving coupons and “shopping” for the best price. The medical care you receive should not be dependent upon the name of your insurance carrier. Nor should anyone have to choose between buying food or obtaining their life sustaining medication.
Reproductive Freedom
What a woman decides about reproductive medical care should between her and her team of medical professionals. It is nobody else’s decision. The state should not be dictating to girls of 10 or women of 35 for that matter whether they should carry an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy to term – especially in cases of rape or incest. I will fight for a woman’s right to choose.
Affordable Housing
The quiet family focused place as a rapidly growing bedroom community for both Atlanta and Athens, Winder is no longer the place I moved to two decades ago. Housing has become a troublesome issue because it is difficult for first time homeowners to find affordable options and apartment rents are soaring. The $350,000 starter homes are not even brick construction. Our citizens and young families need decent affordable options.
Child Care and Elder Care
Since the COVID pandemic, several of the day care options for young families have closed and not re-opened. It is difficult for families to find affordable, high quality childcare options and this expense takes a big toll on budgets. At the other end of the spectrum, it also difficult for families to find care options for elderly family members who can no longer stay at home. Social Security checks can’t cover these expenses and we need better solutions.
Education
Education should be available to everyone. Education should not be limited to the comfort zone of the loudly protesting few. Our schools should teach the truth, face the truth and equip students to learn from the past. This will decrease the chances of repeating the same mistakes and help us to learn to work together to address the issues.
Civil Rights and Voter Protection
“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” – Quoting the Honorable John Lewis, a tweet from June 2018
We all have rights as outlined in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments of the United States Constitution. These rights are backed by the blood, sweat, and tears equity of our ancestors. We must build upon their legacy and pass on a stronger legacy to our future generations. Your vote is your voice and your power! It is time to get into some ‘Good Trouble’!
House District 119
HD 119 is a newly created and heavily gerrymandered district in which includes most of Barrow County and portions of Jackson County. Towns in the district include Winder, Russell, Statham, Bethlehem, and Ravenwood.
