Kat Howkins brings experience as a farmer, landscaper, animal advocate, and grandmother to her campaign for House District 124.

The district includes east Clarke county and portions of Oglethorpe, Greene, and Taliaferro counties. “My goal is to help Georgians in these counties have better lives by focusing on education, health care, and the environment,” she says. “My platform includes sensible gun regulations, expanding Medicaid, and passage of regulations for development which protect our lands and state waters.”

An Atlanta native and UGA grad, Kat retired to Winterville after a career as an Atlanta landscaper. For the past 10 years, she and her wife Susan Pritchett have operated Sweet Olive Farm Animal Rescue, a non-profit safe haven for four-legged and fowl animals.

The expansion beyond rescue dogs began with a potbelly pig, but soon expanded. “We were basically on speed-dial for any farm or exotic animals what needed a home,” she said of the animals which primarily come from Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties.

Up to 10 volunteers help each day in the care of an array of animals which includes “about 120 four-legged animals and about the same in fowl animals between turkeys, chickens, geese, and a lot of ducks. Our mission is not only to help and save animals but also to work with the community to help them learn about the sentience of all beings, and give people a place to experience something new. Kids love being here and so do adults.”

During her 25 years in landscape construction, Kat says she built foundations which allowed for the creation of structures and improved, more beautiful outdoor spaces. “If elected, my goal will be to create the foundations to support stronger and more vibrant communities. I will be an advocate for clean state waterways and an environment which is not polluted.”

Key elements of Kat’s campaign platform include the following:

• Healthcare — Our healthcare system should heal. us, not pick our pocket every time we turn around.
• Economy — Our economy should benefit Georgia’s families before corporations.
• Housing — Every Georgian should be able to build a life anchored in dignity, freedom, and respect – and that starts with affordable housing.
• Voting Rights — We must protect voting rights and the integrity of our elections.
• Agriculture/Nutrition — Every Georgian should have daily access to fresh, health food.
• Education — Schools are the cornerstones of every community, and we should treat them as such.

Campaign Links:

• Website 
• Email