Lateefah Conner, Democratic Candidate for US Congress in the 14th District

The North GA Blue: Getting into Good Trouble podcast covers democratic politics in North GA, the 9th Congressional District, and across the state of Georgia. The podcast is in Q&A/Interview format with various democratic politicos including county chairs, democratic operatives, politicians, and more. It is our mission to deliver crucial information to our listeners in a timely manner as we fight for community values and principles in the 3rd most Conservative district in the state. Our website is: https://www.fcdpga.com/podcasts

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Transcript

Meral Clarke: 0:18

Welcome back to the North Georgia Blue Podcast produced and distributed by the Fannin County Democratic Party. I'm your host, Meral Clarke and we're getting into some good trouble today with our special guest, Lateefah Conner running against Marjorie Taylor Greene to represent Georgia's 14th district in the US House of Representatives. Welcome to the show Lateefah. We're so happy to have you with us today.

Lateefah Conner: 0:43

Thank you. Thank you, Meral. I'm actually honored to be here.

Meral Clarke: 0:46

Well, fantastic. Let's let our listeners know a little bit about you. Lateefah is excited at the prospect of defeating Marjorie Taylor Greene in Georgia's 14th congressional district. She is married to Dr. Chauncey Conner and they are small business owners of a successful dental practice for more than 16 years now and going strong. Her prior work experience spans over a decade working as a public servant administering federal and state funded initiatives including community development block grants. Lateefah is a proud Spelmanite having graduated from Spelman College with a bachelor's degree. She is also a Rutgers University graduate earning a Master's of Public Policy and mother of two who is running on a platform to positively impact working families in rural Northwest Georgia. She is a believer of servant leadership. To this end, she is currently a member of Kiwanis Georgia Online, she sits on the Paulding County Boys and Girls Club board, the West Atlanta Metro NAACP board, American Legion Post 111 board and is a member of the Hiram Police Community Alliance, North Paulding, Georgia business connections the Paulding Chamber of Commerce and chairwoman of the Kennesaw Public Safety Foundation. As a congresswoman she will listen to her constituents and fight for more federal dollars for education and on the job training through workforce development programs. Lateefah's website to donate or volunteer is Conner, c o n n e r for congress.com completely spelled out and you can follow her at Lateefah the numeral 4 Georgia on social media. She looks forward to representing the voters of Georgia's 14th congressional district and improving the quality of life for all Georgians. Her motto is hashtag united we can. Well that's great. You're extremely busy. You have a lot on your plate. So let's jump in and get started. Okay, first, I wish to address what happened recently to several black high school students in Rome, Georgia, where they were suspended for planning a protest against white and Hispanic students waving Confederate flags, while the white and Hispanic students were expressly not disciplined. This is clearly an egregious civil rights violation. What are your thoughts? And what would you do as a United States Congresswoman to repudiate these blatant acts of bigotry in our state?

Lateefah Conner: 3:18

Well, thank you, Meryl, for that question. And yes, I am aware of the incident that happened. I know that there was also a prior incident that happened with the flag. And I think this was the students way of coming together to defend or protect their stance on the whole issue with the flag. And I do think it's unfortunate that the students of color were the ones who were suspended. And I heard that there were other Caucasian students who were also involved with the planning of the event who were not suspended. I have reached out to the NAACP, I know that there was a meeting held this past Sunday at four o'clock, and I also had another commitment at that time. So I will be following up to find out what the parents really wanted to do. That was the purpose of that meeting, was really to find out more or less get the parents' input, because I wanted to know, what was there going to be any planned protest or anything of that nature. I'd be more than happy to comment support in any way that I could. And in terms of in Congress, I think that the best thing I can do is just to continue to set the example and set the standard that we all should be treated equal, everyone should be treated fair. And that's something that has to transcend down to the local level is not necessarily, I don't think something you can legislate, but it's just a matter of helping people to understand how important it is to value and respect everyone's opinions. And the Confederate flag is a very sensitive topic. And I think the students have all the right because this is America. So they do have a right to express their opinions, this dissatisfaction with how they have been treated at the school.

Meral Clarke: 4:52

That's fair enough. And hopefully that situation the Rome folks will rectify that situation and keep that from happening again. It was very very disturbing to me. And unfortunately, I don't think it's necessarily an isolated incident. Georgia has a long way to go right in that regard. So I'm glad that you're working on that. So let's jump in to your campaign issues and your stances on those issues. You have stated that you support the expansion of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare for all. And you've said that you will create mechanisms for achieving these goals of affordable health care, introduce preventative dental service in health care plans and ensure there aren't any more surprising bills from insurers. Let's talk about that. How do you plan to make an impact on these issues once elected, and why is dental and eye care not included in health care plans? It that makes no sense to me.

Lateefah Conner: 5:47

I think it has to just do with the trends over time. And many, many years ago, I think dental was just seen as something separate. So I feel like society in general just needs to be brought up to speed. And there needs to be more education around the fact that dental care is definitely a part of your overall medical health, especially because there's already proven studies that if you have the harmful bacteria in your mouth, that they could travel to your heart and other organs in your body and cause major health issues. So it's really past time for us to see Dental. And the reason why I said preventative because I want to see it as something similar to like you would get a checkup. And most insurance plans have a free physical at least one a year. And I would like to see at least that preventative side of that, which means at least your cleanings for patients to understand more about their importance of their gum health, of course, making sure they're flossing and brushing. And I will say that my heart is actually somewhat saddened because I feel like there's more of an effort that can be done in the area of dental care in the 14th district. When I'm out and about, I'm seeing a lot of young families. And to me, they don't look like they've been using drugs like meth or anything like that they look healthy, it's just that their teeth are in bad shape. And I feel like I personally have to do something about that. And if nothing else, just help the public understand the importance of taking care of their teeth, and also figuring out a way in Congress, how to get more federal dollars, so that even if it's a mobile unit that can go out into the rural areas, I think that would be great. I'm sure there's federal dollars that can support that. And the other thing in regards to the Medicare for all the governor is in the power position to determine whether or not to release the funds that are there to help those that are not covered by Medicare right now. And so that's something I intend to do. I know that Senator Warnock right now has legislation that's pending in Congress. They're trying to find a way around what happens when a state doesn't want to release those federal dollars that are there actually, to serve people. So I see myself in the future is basically linking up with other like minded people in Congress. And hopefully, the measures that are there now will get passed. But if for some reason they don't, I'll be a part of the 118th Congress, and I will take it upon myself to join up and continue to move forward.

Meral Clarke: 8:06

That would be extremely helpful. And I would add that eye care is also equally important. And trying to expand Medicaid is vital because there are over 1 million uninsured Georgians in our state, and many of those folks are in rural areas. So we appreciate your turning your attention to that. Let's talk about veterans. You believe our veterans are a key pillar of the community because of their sacrifice and service. And you come from a military family. Your father was a Marine Corps vet, thank you for his service. Your brother retired from the US Army and your nephew is a former naval officer, even your father in law enlisted at the age of 17. So he could fight in World War One. And that's not a typo. Right? That's correct. World War One. Wow, you stated that you will fight for increased budgets for housing for homeless veterans increased access to VA medical care systems and reduce the barriers to mental health support for all who need it. Tell us more about your plans once in Congress, and why is mental health not included in our healthcare as well? That's something that's been vastly overlooked for decades. Why is that?

Lateefah Conner: 9:18

Right. And I appreciate your questions that asked me why. I may not have the answer to the why part. But I'm more solution oriented. So regardless of how it came to be the way it is, I feel like I'm just more focused, and I'm very high on implementation. So I just believe that there is a solution for everything that we're facing. And yes, unfortunately, mental health is set out on the side and of course, our veterans with PTSD and other issues. They need that. And one of the things I wanted to mention in terms of the homelessness, I have done a couple of meet and greets, but it's through Zoom and it was with two different groups of veterans just to get their input on what was really happening. And I actually learned that If there's a homeless veteran, he can be treated, but his family can't. And I just thought that was very surprising. I mean, just think of it that way. So that's one thing for sure, I would like to change that the whole family unit of the veteran can receive services. So a lot of times the homeless veteran won't go into a facility or shelter because it's exclusive for the veteran. And let's see if he had a wife and children, they can't come. So again, that's very unfortunate. That's one of the things I would like to work on. And, as you mentioned, with my dad, unfortunately, he did pass this February. So sorry, thank you. But I had a chance firsthand just to see how the inner workings of the VA works. He was at the Atlanta facility. And then when COVID hit, he had to move to another facility down south, which was the comprehensive facility in Dublin, Georgia. And it was interesting, because I could see just the difference, not necessarily in care, but sometimes just in terms of the way that you know, the workers could tell like how they felt the pride in their work, and actually saw more of that down south. And then one of the other issues that happened on the floor where my dad was, they had a, like an ant infestation. And unfortunately, one of the patients passed away. And from what I heard, when they pulled the covers back, he was just covered in ant bites. That's terrible. I believe that story made the news. And what happened was they shut that whole wing down, and then they had to exterminate and everything. And so that's just very unfortunate. And I think that things like that just shouldn't happen. One of the other things that one of the veterans said was that, why should they have to fight for what they've already earned. And I wholeheartedly believe that. So I'm not sure which committees I would have. But Veterans Affairs, I think that would be awesome committee to participate in. In the US Congress, my goal would be to seek out legislation that's going to strengthen the system. And I think, to just do an overall analysis of where the breaks are in the system, so we can just go ahead and get it right and fix it. I just feel like in this day and time, we shouldn't even have to be talking about taking care of our veterans. And I feel like we can do better. And I would put all my effort in Congress, and even locally, recently, I joined, as you mentioned, the American Legion Post 111. that's specific for helping veterans. So I plan to continue to do that locally in the meantime.

Meral Clarke: 12:18

Fantastic. And certainly something needs to change after all these years, not taking care of the folks who have fought bravely for our country. And it's dismal how we treat our veterans. So I'm happy to hear that. And we agree. You've said that other issues important to you. And we've talked about this health care for all, which means that everyone would be insured, regardless of status, or income, or color or employment or any other reason, it should definitely be for all and education and the economy. So let's take these topics one at a time and talk about your views on healthcare first. You believe that as we spoke of earlier, in expanding Medicare and ensuring health care for all, how would you get that done? Should Brian Kemp, God forbid, win reelection? How would you work around the Republican General Assembly and the Republicans currently in power across the state?

Lateefah Conner: 13:13

Well, as you said, they are currently in power. And our elections for the General Assembly, that won't be until the same cycle as my election next year. So I think that one of the things where I think I can help right now, for example, even if Governor Kemp is reelected, is really just reaching out to the network of like minded individuals. I know there a lot of other agencies that feels the same way. And sometimes I think what happens is there's not enough quote unquote, regular people involved or aware of what's going on. And I do think that the elected officials, they are there to serve the will of the people.

Meral Clarke: 13:51

Well, they're supposed to thank you oftentimes do not. Oh, go ahead.

Lateefah Conner: 13:57

I know that sounds a little idealistic. But I'm just thinking that maybe more of us come to the aid of those who are less fortunate. And sometimes, maybe we're busy doing what we're doing. And either we aren't aware, or, like I said, we're just busy. Or sometimes people could just be overly burdened with just trying to make ends meet themselves. But I do know, just different agencies that are out there. And then maybe we could form something that would put the pressure out whether it's just people calling just more of the average person standing up for those who do not have insurance.

Meral Clarke: 14:30

Yeah, it definitely needs to happen because there are too many people who are suffering and dying needlessly across our state, especially in underserved populations. Thank you for that.

Lateefah Conner: 14:41

And the other thing, if I may add sure I know that the State of Georgia has a surplus of funds, and my thoughts are okay, even if they're not going to release the money to them directly, then maybe they go ahead and spend their money and then they can reimburse themselves back into that overall pot. I just feel like there are ways, and I believe this in the billions if I'm not mistaken, the excess that the State of Georgia had. So I feel like we can advocate for those dollars to help people with health care to get covered.

Meral Clarke: 15:11

What are they doing with that money? Are they just sitting on it, letting it gain interest? Or accumulator? How does that

Lateefah Conner: 15:17

It's probably somewhere gaining interest. I believe that some of it is earmarked for the first responders, I believe that is coming out of that money. If you heard, I think they were 1,000 first responders, or however many they were, I think they all got $1,000 bonus. And I believe those monies were coming out of the surplus of funds. But I'm definitely aware that the funds are there. I don't know exactly what the intention is going to be for them, but for the use of them. But I do think that just basic medical services and helping people and using the money for that. So if they're not willing to release the federal dollars that are there.

Meral Clarke: 15:51

So there's not much you could do, though, even on legislative level, which is why these upcoming elections in 2022, and 2024, and I want to throw in the municipal elections going on right now are so important for people to come out and vote vote blue. Every time. Let's talk about education. That's a topic that's near and dear to your heart, I believe. What is your stance about what we need to do to improve educational opportunities for everyone across the state? What would you do to address and rectify glaring educational gaps right now, especially in underserved communities? And what are those gaps, specifically? And what is your feeling about technical schools and programs versus attending a traditional four year liberal arts college? So that's quite a bit. So let's talk about education and educational opportunities across Georgia or the lack thereof? What are your feelings on that?

Lateefah Conner: 16:47

Well, and I may hop around because I was listening to all of the questions. Sure, that's fine. But I think in general, every school district or system is going to be different. For example, some schools are Title One schools. And then there's others like North Paulding, for example, where they're not Title One schools. But the interesting dynamic is that I've learned that there are studies show that the kids of color in the non Title One schools, they are actually slipping through the cracks. So I know that's one thing that should be addressed. The other thing is just the need for more wraparound services in the schools. I think that also is an integral part of, of education, what are wraparound services, those services is basically where the whole family's needs will be assessed, and where the whole family can be seen as a unit and how to help and serve the family. Gotcha. So it's more of a holistic approach, right. And, for example, there's only one social worker in the whole school system for Paulding County, just one. So that's something I do intend to push for in terms of more federal dollars that can come in so that more positions can be funded, there's just no way, especially with the effects of COVID. And just the things that the young people are going through, they just gonna need more support services. So I'm definitely for that. Also, in terms of early education. I know, for example, Rome has, I think, eight slots for Headstart, I would like to Well, I am actually going to be meeting with one of their representatives and finding out was the dynamics that's causing that. So I feel like we should have more slots for Head Start as well. And you mentioned technical colleges, I'm very much aware that most kids coming out of high school today, they probably won't take the path that I've taken, which I think is great. And in terms of four years of college and then going straight on and getting my masters, but I think we should really be gearing the youth towards other skills that they can learn from a technical college, because if you really analyze it, those jobs actually pay more and can help their families have a livable wage. So I'm definitely in support of technical colleges, seeing if there's a need to have more of those I know they're kind of spread out, especially Chattahoochee Tech is all throughout the Northwest district. So I'd like to investigate that more. See what else can be done, again, from the Federal standpoint, and in the meantime, just continue to educate and be supportive of gearing our kids towards that. And actually not even just the youth. But early I was looking at something that was talking about ageism. So even for older adults, it's probably good for them, possibly to go back through and attend a technical school, if not, of course, a regular four year college degree. But maybe some of the older adults like their skills. I think they call it upskilling. They can go through that process too.

Meral Clarke: 19:29

That would be terrific. Because it's never too late to learn a trade. And if you have a trade, you're never out of a job, or rarely do you have to worry about job security. So I would have to agree and speaking of education and our kids, what are your views on expanding broadband coverage for rural areas here in the ninth district where we reside many rural residents suffer from lack of Internet access or reliable access barely a step above dial up so it makes it very difficult for kids to compete, how would you address the lack of access and how it affects school children, small business owners and families?

Lateefah Conner: 20:07

Well, the best way to address that in Congress would be to make sure that the funds are there for that. And right now, that's the bill that has been voted on. And I think it's going to come back again. But the President's infrastructure plan, broadband will be included in that. And so I'm definitely in support of that legislation. And I'm really hoping and keeping my fingers crossed, that we come out with something and not with empty hands in Congress right now. But broadband Yes, is something I think will help to equalize the playing field in terms of education is definitely needed. Seeing as I think about 40% of the 14th District is rural. So yes, broadband is needed, even with that will come jobs to make that happen. But we have to get the funds and have to get that legislation passed, and get the funds here. So I will continue to work on that. But I think that's one way is basically using the infrastructure dollars wisely, and getting those into the rural areas here in the district.

Meral Clarke: 21:03

Terrific. And it's something that definitely needs to be done. We need an equitable playing field for all kids across these rural areas. So let's turn our attention to the economy. How will you attract business and bring more industry to your district? How will you increase the median income? And you've mentioned that you wish to create jobs that support infrastructure? What does that mean to you? And then we'll talk about green energy and technology as well. So go ahead.

Lateefah Conner: 21:31

Well, I will just say that one of the things I'm not necessarily a member of because you have to be part of the council, but I do attend the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission meetings, they're actually based in Rome. And they do receive federal dollars. And that's really where all of the heads like the board of commissioners from each of the counties in the area, and also the major cities, they come together and plan. And one of the areas that they have is workforce development, for example, I know through that program, they keep track of the businesses in the area, they know if a business is going to be downsizing, and they're constantly working to partner and let the workpool know where the jobs are. So I think that's one thing that's already in place that can continue. And the other thing and I know you touched on it about the green technology, I know that we're going to be moving more towards electric vehicles. I'd love to see an electric battery plant come to the area, I know that there's one that was opened recently in South Georgia. So my plan is to investigate and let whoever that company is know that there's land here, there's great opportunities here. So that's what I intend to do in terms of bringing business in. I think it also helps the economy to make sure we're always supporting small business owners, because they're really vital to the growth of the community and the economy. So just continue to support buy local, for example, I will look out to attract other businesses in and basically looking at what has been done in other areas and seeing Okay, well, how can we get this done here? And that means talking to the local elected officials finding out where a great area would be to do that, but I think we're prime we can have some larger industry coming into the district.

Meral Clarke: 23:13

And certainly small businesses have been impacted negatively because of COVID. Let's talk about the Small Business Administration and micro loans. What are your thoughts on that?

Lateefah Conner: 23:24

Having been a small business owner and having gone through the pandemic, and survived, thankfully, yes, I know, thankfully, it was a challenge. And I think just being a small business owner on any day without a pandemic presents challenges because as an owner, you're responsible for everybody and everything. So if something breaks, you have to fix it, of course, you make sure your employees are paid. And I will say that we did apply for the PPP loan, they had, I think, like around one and then it was also a phase two. And so our business did apply for that and receive those funds. And it definitely helped. It would have been great. I think if more funds could have reached the very small business owners such as our business, I know there's different levels of what a small business is, but I'm thinking of like the micro micro small business owner. So I would like to see more funds be able to come directly to them. And if there's a way to do it without it being a loan, that would be awesome. I know with the PPP funds, those were forgivable if you had a certain amount, I think it was less than 150,000. It wasn't too much to submit something and then to have that forgiven. So just some type of forgivable loans that I think would be great coming out of the SBA. Just really again, just to help those micro small businesses. I think the other businesses can make it. The other thing I was thinking too, is that what we probably should look at something a little different than the PPP because well, as you know, there's a gap we have right now between the open jobs and then finding people to actually come into work. So we may not want to tie it to the paycheck? Because it's hard for employers to find employees right now. So there may be some other creative things we can do just to help secure the small businesses, even if it's in terms of just making sure that there's protection for their checks or whatever, that they're writing on their account. But something

Meral Clarke: 25:17

Right, more focused on small business than big business, obviously.

Lateefah Conner: 25:21

Right. And I recently became a member of the National Small Business Association, I'm on their leadership council, I actually just had my first orientation class with them last week, but this organization, they really advocate for small businesses. And they do that to their representatives in Congress. So I'm actually hopefully one day I'll be advocated to myself. But in the meantime, I'm on board. And I'll be advocating for small businesses. So I'm not sure if I really answered your question.

Meral Clarke: 25:48

No, you did. You did. You're definitely pro small business. So that's a very good thing. What about your focus on maintaining unemployment insurance benefits? And we already talked about payroll assistance more so for smaller employers than bigger businesses? What are your thoughts on insurance benefits continuing for unemployed individuals as well?

Lateefah Conner: 26:09

Yes, well, I can see that as a need. And when we went through the whole issue with the pandemic, it was a major learning curve. So I know that there's still a possibility. And a lot of employers don't fully understand all of the laws and just the legality of everything I know, I had to learn how to go in and put the unemployment request into their state system, which sometimes had glitches. And then of course, there wasn't anybody that you could actually call. But with that being said, I do think it was definitely helpful. And actually, for myself, and my husband, even as business owners, we were able to have access to the unemployment benefits, because we had to shut the practice down for about three months. And so we actually have our card that we received. And again, I just think that's something that should be available and should continue. I know there's a stipulation, for example, if a person was offered work, and they didn't take that work, they're not supposed to get benefits. And I'm in agreement with that. So if there is work available, and the person chooses not to come into work, then no, I don't think that we should use the resources that way. So I think that's all I wanted to say on that.

Meral Clarke: 27:13

Okay, well, that makes complete sense. So what's wrong with Marjorie Taylor Greene? What's wrong with her? She's not well, obviously.

Lateefah Conner: 27:24

You asking me that question?

Meral Clarke: 27:25

Yes, I'm asking you that question. I'm serious. I'd like to know, I'm asking you that question. Because she's a non sequitur. She doesn't make any sense. When she speaks. And she harasses all of our young people and other Congress people, she certainly isn't serving her constituents. So how will you make an immediate impact once elected to her seat? Presumably, you'll be sitting on committees, and you'll be able to play nicely in the sandbox with everyone else. So yeah, what are your thoughts on just her dismal record, and inability to serve her people?

Lateefah Conner: 28:00

Well going back I think, to your first question, since I'm not a degree professional in mental health, I won't be able to address that. That's fair enough. And I will say that, you know, even when I'm making calls, and I'm out meeting people, I'm more or less just let them share how they feel about Marjorie Taylor Greene, I don't usually have to say much. So I don't really spend a lot of time pointing out the issues that everybody else is already pointing out. And in part, that's because I want to just stay focused on what's most important. And I know, of course, that her being out of office is going to be great. And in my mind, I just say, well, and then what? So, I'm that type of person I'm already thinking about. Okay, and then what? So let's say she is out of office, and then what what is the plan? So I just want to make sure that my constituents are taken care f number one that's most mportant to me. And in terms f, I know, one time, a couple f times people want to know, ell, you know, how will I deal ith that in terms of the ehavior that she displays, and pray, and I am confident. And know a lot of times when a erson is very strong like that hey are showing signs of being war like a bully. And a lot of imes they couldn't take that if omeone was doing that to them. ut just to be clear, that's not y goal. You won't see me being ggressive and just going after im and attacking her. The eality is, obviously she has a ore people that believe in her nd who support her. So that's he reality that we cannot verlook that. So my goal is ust to be a contrast, a ifference to give people an ption, but when it comes time o vote, and hopefully more eople will catch on. I think hey already are. I just want to e unified. They're tired of all he division. And I didn't want o mention too, so she brought t up that I did attend the town all that MTG had was held in aulding County last week. And I ent to that as a citizen. So I idn't go there to protest. I ill admit those different you now, I just had to sit there here was some times was like, on't start tapping your fingers n the paper or doing anything ecause you're gonna stand out. o I just Yeah, you were efinitely outnumbered. I'm sure just had to listen. But I also elt it was just time I was like hat this is the person I tend o go up against, then I need to ee her in person. And so I just elt it was time. Listen, like I aid, it wasn't really there to ause a disturbance. That is one f the things I'm doing ifferent. I do put myself out here. And I go in places where emocrats don't usually go. And'm not saying that in a raggadocious way, I just mean hat I just don't think it hould be that way. So I feel ike I don't want Democrats to e afraid in this district. I eel like no one should be fraid. But I do know that fear, t does exist. I do know this ncomfortable feeling or nfortunately. So it's just here we are, but really want to ake a difference. So I figured hat I have to represent that. o that's why I will go to vents, if it's something that I elieve in, in my heart, like, f it's veterans or the ilitary, then I'm there, hether it's hosted by epublican or is mostly going to e Republicans, it doesn't atter to me. So my campaign is eally about let's find out what e have in common work on that. nd we can build on that. So I'm ery good at just showing up and ust letting it be known. I'm ere. I'm a person, I'm a human. nd hopefully everybody can see hat and just kind of bring down ome of the divisiveness th t's happening. But I can tell yo that I am not easily in imidated. So that's why I kn w I'd be fine to square off wi h her. And I mean, on the ba lot, not any other kind of wa.

Meral Clarke: 31:34

Sure. I understand. It's a study in contrasts. Very happy to hear that. So finally, and we've learned so much through this interview, so thank you for that. And I asked all my guests this tell us a fun fact about yourself something not related to your campaign or your business or politics. And can we talk about your adorable bunnies? are adorable bunnies that you take with you on the campaign trail or the fact that you're an avid motorcyclist?

Lateefah Conner: 32:03

Yes. Tell us about that. Yes. Well, you just mentioned it. So that would be a fun fact that most people don't know is that I'm a Harley girl. So actually, I ride. And it was actually one of the things that was on my list of things to do. So really, my early 40s That's when I took a motorcycle safety class, and I passed the class and I got my motorcycle license. So I think I was about 42 at that time when I did that. So basically, it's never too late.

Meral Clarke: 32:30

No, it's not.

Lateefah Conner: 32:33

I'll share that. And I had a two wheeler, I had 1200 cc Sportster, it was the 100 year anniversary bike, of Harley. And at that time, I didn't know what my issue actually was. I just knew I wasn't able to ride because I was having some back issues. I ultimately wind up having back surgery. So with all that being said, I didn't keep that particular bike, and I sold that one back, but I never gave up on that desire. And I was able to find a trike. That's what I have now is a trike. And my husband doesn't ride. But I appreciate him for just let me be me. So the trike is safer, because you know, three wheels instead of the two, actually out this coming Saturday, I'll be doing a benefit ride. It's actually called a poker run, this would be my first time doing a benefit ride. And this is to support the public safety foundations that are part of Cobb County.

Meral Clarke: 33:21

Fantastic. That's wonderful. And do you take your bunny rabbits with you when you ride? Or would they not appreciate it?

Lateefah Conner: 33:28

No, they haven't been on the motorcycle. And I think what the noise, I'm not sure how that would work. But usually when I'm out and about it, I have four total and two are bonded and the other two are bonded. Long story about that. But that's how I want it with four. And they've all been spaded and everything so there's no babies happening. So they're not multiplying that way. So I have a stroller for them, and I'll put two in at a time and take them out. So when I'm out walking around, I did hear that I might be referred to as the crazy bunny lady. I'm not 100% But that's what I heard, but it's okay.

Meral Clarke: 34:02

It's like being referred to as a crazy cat lady. It's It is okay.

Lateefah Conner: 34:08

Like, that's the lady who pushes the bunnies around, right?

Meral Clarke: 34:10

I need to see a picture of that so you can get a photo over to me that would be

Lateefah Conner: 34:15

and I also have two hermit crabs. I have a American green tree frog. And I have a snail that I just found outside and put into keep my frog company. So those are all my pets.

Meral Clarke: 34:26

Oh, we do love our animal lovers. Well, thank you latika for joining us today and sharing more about your campaign your critical work to support Democrats and maintain our democracy. I'm Meral Clarke and on behalf of our team, I'd like to thank everyone for listening to the North Georgia Blue Podcast. We hope you'll join us next time when our special guests will be Georgia Representative Eric Allen running to be our next lieutenant governor. To learn more about us and the work that we're doing, please visit us online at Fannin County, Georgia Democrats dot com. Share the North Georgia Blue Podcast with your friends and family. Be sure to subscribe and follow. And finally if you enjoy our podcasts consider becoming a founding patron and friend of the show at North Georgia blue podcast.com/patron so we can continue getting into more goo