Mathis to explore 12th District run
Bogart resident Janice Mathis, general counsel to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, gets a hug Friday from Thomas Oglesby, vice president of the local NAACP chapter, at Wilson's Soul Food in downtown Athens. Mathis was at the popular restaurant to announce the formation of an exploratory committee as she weighs a run for the new 12th District congressional seat.
With the renowned buffet line at Wilson's Soul Food as a backdrop, Bogart resident Janice Mathis expressed her interest in the new congressional district that stretches from Athens to Savannah.
Mathis, general counsel to the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition -- founded by Jesse Jackson to promote social, racial and economic equality around the world -- announced the formation of an exploratory committee to decide whether she should run in the new 12th Congressional District.
''We will look at whether or not the candidacy makes sense for Athens, first, and for the rest of the 12th District,'' she said, noting that she will make a decision before qualifying begins in June.
The district won approval from a three-judge federal panel on Friday.
Mathis, who would run as a Democrat, said the exploratory committee will evaluate the support it can attract throughout the district, her ability to attract campaign funds and how her goals coincide with those of voters in the district.
The issues on which Mathis will focus include economic development and the creation of jobs, affordable health care, education, containing urban sprawl, assuring basic fairness in the criminal justice system, and promoting conservation and sustainable development.
Nearly 20 people showed up in support of Mathis, and Homer Wilson -- son of Wilson Soul Food's founder M.C. Wilson -- played the gracious host.
''This is the real soul food,'' said Wilson, speaking of the spread of fried chicken and mashed potatoes he offered to Mathis's supporters. ''It's all soul. I like very much to be a part of this (Mathis's announcement).'' Mathis has operated a general practice law firm, collected child support for the state of Georgia, helped run multiple political campaigns and is vice president of The Citizenship Education Fund which operates the Wall Street Project, the Peachtree Street Project in Atlanta and six other regional offices across the nation. The fund is a non-profit research and education organization associated with the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.
Mathis's husband, Harry Johnson, grinned as he watched his wife speak.
''Well, it's going to take a lot of time, but she helped me raise two kids,'' he said.
Athens attorney Jay Cook, a member of Mathis's exploratory committee, told the crowd how fortunate they are to have her considering a political career. He said that she is a very good listener, and a true public servant.
''She's not seeking office to be a public servant. She has been one all her life,'' he said.
Athens-Clarke County Commissioner Alvin Sheats joined the lunchtime festivities and said, ''She's a warrior from way back. She's been in the trenches a long time.''
Others Democrats seeking the 12th District seat are Robert D. Finch of Athens, a former college administrator; Floyd Adams, Savannah mayor; Ben Allen, a state representative from Augusta; Savannah attorney Tony Center; Augusta attorney Chuck Pardue; Merwyn Scott, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney; Marc Smith, Augusta teacher and community activist, and Charles Walker Jr. of Augusta, son of state Senate Majority Leader Charles Walker.
Republicans seeking the seat are Cleve Mobley and Woodrow Lovett, both Burke County farmers. Qualifying for the position is set for June 19-21.