The July 31 primary for Georgia House District 114 will decide who will serve as the representative in the new term. The district was formed as a result of redistricting following the 2010 Census.

With no Democrat to run against, either current District 107 Rep. Tom Kirby, or newcomer, Rodney Upton, will be the District 114 representative-elect after next month’s primary. The district includes north Rockdale, western Walton, a portion of Gwinnett in the Loganville area and southern Barrow counties . 

The follow is basic information on the two candidates as well as links to their websites. We also have a poll asking who out of the two you think should get your vote.

Tom Kirby, 51 (I), Loganville

Occupation: Human resource/safety consultant

Email:   tom@electtomkirby.com

Website: www.electtomkirby.com

According to his website, Kirby has been married since 1991 and he and his wife, Rosemary, have three daughters. They are active members of The Church at the Grove. Since being elected to District 107 in a special election at the beginning of the year, Kirby has served in the Georgia House of Representatives. He is a member of the following committees.

• Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
• Industrial Relations
• Human Relations and Aging

Kirby says he is a fiscal conservative and is a proponent of the Fair Tax. On his website, he points to some of the current legislation that he has been a part of since taking office.

More information on Kirby’s legislative participation and platform can be found at www.electtomkirby.com

Rodney Upton, 31, Conyers

Occupation:  Contractor

E-Mail: electupton@gmail.com

Website: electupton.com

According to his website, Upton has lived in north Rockdale County since 1997. He is married to LaRae Upton and the couple has six children - three boys and three girls. Upton calls himself a conservative Christian and is a member of the Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church in Covington.

Upton said he believes in the Fair Tax and supports efforts to end the IRS and replace the tax code with one that is more equitable. He supports the basic institution of family and said he has a simple fiscal plan – “Don’t spend what you don’t have.”

More information on Upton’s platform can be found at www.electupton.com