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Giovanni Shumake (Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1, Georgia, candidate 2024)
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Giovanni Shumake (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1 in Georgia. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Shumake completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Giovanni Shumake provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on June 13, 2024:
- Birth date: April 21, 1969
- Birth place: Millen, Georgia
- High school: Jenkins County High
- Bachelor's: Augusta University
- Graduate: Luther Rice College and Seminary
- Graduate: Liberty University
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Baptist
- Profession: Human Resources Professional
- Prior offices held:
- City Councilman (2022-2023)
- Incumbent officeholder: No
Elections
General election
General election for Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1
Giovanni Shumake and Tracie Coney ran in the general election for Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
Giovanni Shumake (D)  | ||
| Tracie Coney (Independent) | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1
Giovanni Shumake ran in the Democratic primary for Jenkins County Commissioner Board District 1 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | ||
| Giovanni Shumake | ||
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Shumake in this election.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Giovanni Shumake completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Shumake's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Transitioning into corporate America, I spent twenty-two years in a Fortune 500 company, navigating its complexities while never losing sight of my values. Despite the demands of the corporate world, I remained deeply connected to my community, advocating for the voiceless and researching topics that impact the lives of Jenkins County citizens.
In meetings, I am not content to simply move and second motions. I actively engage, digging into the issues, and advocating for what's right for our community. My background in history and divinity informs my perspective, allowing me to approach challenges with empathy and understanding.
Balancing my roles and responsibilities hasn't always been easy, but my passion for making a difference keeps me driven. Whether in academia or the corporate world, I've always remained committed to being a voice for those who need it most.- Transparency is essential in everything I do. From my interactions within the community to my involvement in meetings and decision-making processes, I prioritize honesty and openness. I believe that transparency fosters trust and accountability, both of which are crucial for effective governance and advocacy. In my role as a voice for the voiceless, transparency is particularly important. I strive to communicate openly with the citizens of Jenkins County, keeping them informed about important issues and decisions that may affect their lives. By being transparent about my research, motivations, and advocacy efforts, I aim to build trust and ensure that everyone's concerns are heard and addressed.
- Transformation is the essence of growth and progress, both on a personal level and within communities. Throughout my journey, I've embraced the concept of transformation as a catalyst for positive change. On a personal level, I've experienced transformation through my education, career transitions, and advocacy work. Each new experience has shaped me, helping me evolve into the person I am today. Whether it's gaining new knowledge, developing new skills, or challenging my own beliefs, I see transformation as an ongoing journey of self-discovery and improvement. Within the community of Jenkins County, I believe in the power of transformation to create a better future for all.
- Tenacious describes my approach to overcoming obstacles and achieving my goals. It's a quality that has served me well throughout my life, allowing me to persevere in the face of challenges and adversity. Whether it's advocating for the voiceless in my community, navigating the complexities of corporate America, or pursuing my own personal and professional growth, I approach each endeavor with tenacity and determination. Tenacity is about refusing to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you. It's about staying focused on your objectives and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles along the way. I believe that with enough persistence and resilience, almost any challenge can be overcome.
Social Justice: I am deeply committed to advocating for policies that promote social justice and equality for all. This includes addressing systemic inequalities, advocating for criminal justice reform, and protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
Nelson Mandela: Mandela's unwavering commitment to justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness in the face of oppression and adversity serves as an inspiration to many. His dedication to peaceful resistance and his role in ending apartheid in South Africa exemplify the power of perseverance and moral leadership.
Malala Yousafzai: Malala's fearless advocacy for girls' education and human rights, despite facing violence and persecution, demonstrates incredible courage and determination. Her resilience and passion for creating positive change serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young people around the world.
Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance and his tireless pursuit of social justice and equality continue to inspire generations. His emphasis on truth, love, and compassion as catalysts for change offers valuable lessons in peaceful activism and moral leadership.
Rosa Parks: Parks' courageous act of refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. Her quiet strength and determination in the face of injustice serve as a powerful example of the potential for ordinary individuals to ignite extraordinary change.
Marie Curie: Curie's groundbreaking contributions to science and her trailblazing achievements as the first woman to win a Nobel Prize inspire generations of scientists and women. Her dedication to advancing knowledge and overcoming gender barriers exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and intellectual curiosity.
"The Republic" by Plato: This ancient philosophical work explores the nature of justice, governance, and the ideal state, laying the groundwork for many political theories that followed.
"The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli: This classic treatise on political power examines the strategies and tactics used by rulers to maintain control and influence, offering insights into the complexities of political leadership.
"Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville: Written in the 19th century, this influential work provides a comparative analysis of American democracy and European society, examining the strengths and weaknesses of democratic governance.
"The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: This seminal text outlines the principles of communism and critiques the capitalist system, shaping the trajectory of socialist and communist movements worldwide.
"The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek: A classic work of libertarian thought, this book warns against the dangers of central planning and government intervention in the economy, advocating for individual liberty and free markets.
"The Conscience of a Conservative" by Barry Goldwater: This influential book articulates the principles of modern conservatism, emphasizing limited government, individual freedom, and traditional values.
Integrity: Elected officials must demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all their actions. Upholding the public trust is paramount, and integrity forms the foundation of accountability and credibility.
Accountability: Elected officials are accountable to the people they represent. They must take responsibility for their decisions and actions, listen to feedback from constituents, and be willing to explain and justify their choices.
Leadership: Effective leadership involves inspiring others, making difficult decisions, and guiding the community toward shared goals. Elected officials should demonstrate vision, courage, and the ability to bring people together to address challenges and pursue opportunities.
Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the needs and concerns of constituents is essential for effective representation. Elected officials should listen actively, show compassion, and strive to address the diverse perspectives and experiences within their community.
Communication: Clear, open, and respectful communication is vital for building trust and fostering collaboration. Elected officials should communicate their priorities, decisions, and reasoning effectively, while also listening attentively to feedback and concerns from constituents.
Commitment to Public Service: Serving the public should be driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Elected officials should prioritize the public good over personal gain, remain dedicated to their constituents, and work tirelessly to address community needs.
Integrity: Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior is crucial for maintaining public trust and credibility.
Leadership: Demonstrating vision, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire and motivate others toward common goals.
Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with the needs, concerns, and perspectives of constituents is essential for effective representation and policymaking.
Communication: Articulating ideas clearly, listening actively, and engaging with constituents and stakeholders to foster understanding and collaboration.
Problem-Solving Skills: Analyzing complex issues, identifying innovative solutions, and making informed decisions to address challenges facing the community.
Commitment to Public Service: Prioritizing the public good over personal interests, remaining dedicated to serving constituents, and working tirelessly to address their needs and concerns.
Collaboration: Building coalitions, fostering partnerships, and working collaboratively with colleagues, community members, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Adaptability: Being open-minded, flexible, and responsive to changing circumstances, emerging issues, and diverse perspectives.
Resilience: Demonstrating perseverance, resilience, and the ability to overcome setbacks and challenges in pursuit of long-term objectives.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, being transparent about motivations and intentions, and being willing to be held accountable by constituents and oversight mechanisms.
Representation: Elected officials are tasked with representing the interests, concerns, and values of their constituents. This involves actively listening to the needs of the community, advocating on their behalf, and making decisions that reflect the will of the people.
Policy Making: Elected officials participate in the development, review, and implementation of laws, regulations, and policies that impact their jurisdiction. They must engage in informed decision-making, consider diverse perspectives, and prioritize the well-being of the community when crafting legislation.
Constituent Services: Elected officials provide assistance and support to constituents in navigating government services, addressing concerns, and accessing resources. This includes responding to inquiries, resolving issues, and advocating for individual constituents when necessary.
Oversight: Elected officials have a responsibility to oversee the actions of government agencies, officials, and programs within their jurisdiction. This involves conducting hearings, investigations, and audits to ensure accountability, transparency, and effective governance.
Budgeting and Fiscal Management: Elected officials are responsible for overseeing the allocation of public funds and resources. This includes developing and approving budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility to maintain the financial health of the community.
I hope to be remembered as someone who worked tirelessly to create a better world, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, and dedication to serving others. My ultimate goal is to inspire future generations to continue the work of building a brighter future for all.
Teaching is not just a job; it's a calling—a commitment to empowering the next generation and building a brighter future. My time in the classroom gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities within the education system. I witnessed firsthand the impact that effective teaching and supportive policies can have on students' lives.
My experience as a teacher continues to inform my perspective and drive my passion for education policy and reform. I understand the importance of advocating for policies that support teachers, prioritize student success, and ensure equitable access to quality education for all.
Set in rural Mississippi, the story follows a family grappling with the complexities of their past and present. The novel is narrated by multiple voices, including Jojo, a young boy coming of age, his troubled mother Leonie, and the ghost of a young boy who haunts their journey.
Ward's lyrical prose and vivid characterizations bring to life the struggles and resilience of her characters as they confront their personal demons and the harsh realities of systemic racism and poverty. Through the interweaving of past and present, memory and myth, "Sing, Unburied, Sing" explores the enduring bonds of family, the search for identity, and the quest for redemption in the face of profound loss and injustice.
Overcoming adversity: Whether it's facing financial difficulties, dealing with health issues, or navigating personal crises, overcoming adversity can be a significant challenge in life.
Finding balance: Balancing work, family, relationships, and personal well-being can be a struggle for many people. Finding time for self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential but can be challenging in today's fast-paced world.
Self-doubt and insecurity: Dealing with feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, or insecurity can be a constant struggle for some individuals, impacting their confidence and ability to pursue their goals.
Managing stress and anxiety: Coping with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges is a common struggle for many people. Finding healthy coping mechanisms and seeking support can be crucial in managing these issues.
Navigating relationships: Building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners can be complex and challenging. Communication, empathy, and boundary-setting are essential skills in navigating these dynamics.
Achieving goals: Setting and achieving personal and professional goals can be challenging, especially when faced with obstacles and setbacks along the way. Perseverance, resilience, and adaptability are key qualities in overcoming these challenges.
Finding purpose and meaning: Discovering one's purpose in life and finding meaning in work, relationships, and other pursuits can be an ongoing struggle for many individuals. Reflecting on values, passions, and long-term aspirations can help in this journey.
Because they make up everything!
Financial Transparency: Transparency in government finances is essential for fostering trust, accountability, and informed decision-making. Citizens have a right to know how public funds are collected, allocated, and spent. Transparency helps to prevent corruption, mismanagement, and the misuse of public resources. By making financial information accessible and understandable to the public, governments can promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
Government Accountability: Government officials must be held accountable for their actions and decisions. This includes being accountable to the public, as well as to legislative bodies and other oversight mechanisms. Accountability mechanisms such as audits, investigations, and performance evaluations help to ensure that government officials are fulfilling their duties responsibly and ethically. When officials are held accountable for their actions, it strengthens trust in government institutions and promotes good governance.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ [Email from Georgia Secretary of State Election office, "Candidate list," March 12, 2024]
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