Local small business owner Vincent Mendes says he never envisioned himself running for political office. But concerns about the economy and what he describes as a lack of support for Rome and Floyd County from state leaders prompted him to enter the race for the Georgia House of Representatives.
Running as a Democrat, Mendes said his campaign is focused less on party politics and more on addressing issues that directly impact Northwest Georgia families and businesses.
Among his top priorities are efforts to address PFAS contamination in Rome’s waterways, secure funding for infrastructure improvements, and bring greater attention to the needs of Floyd County at the state level. Mendes said he wants to pursue legislation aimed at cleaning up PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” that have been a longstanding concern in the region’s three rivers.
He also pointed to deteriorating roads and aging bridges throughout the area, arguing that critical infrastructure projects have not received the attention they deserve. Mendes noted that despite the area’s representation on transportation-related legislative committees, many local infrastructure needs remain unmet.
“If we’re going to grow our economy and improve quality of life, we need to invest in our communities and tackle the issues that have been ignored for too long,” Mendes said.
As the campaign moves forward, Mendes said he hopes to connect with voters across Floyd County and present what he believes is a fresh perspective on the challenges facing the region.
Watch the full interview with Vincent Mendes to hear more about his campaign, his priorities for Northwest Georgia, and why he believes now is the right time to seek elected office.
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