Incumbent Democrat Terry Johnson has represented this central-Cobb district since 2005. He did not respond to this survey. Mark G. Koch is a school bus driver in Cobb County. The primary winner will face Republican Jason Shepherd on Nov. 2.

Q. Do you favor extending MARTA rail lines into Cobb?

Koch: Yes, MARTA system is an asset to Cobb businesses, and it will help generate revenue for the county. In addition, it will assist in alleviating the traffic problem associated with Cobb County.

Q. Are you in favor of light-rail lines for Cobb? If so, where?

Koch: I would support light-rail lines for Cobb once again to help alleviate the traffic problems in Cobb County. Preferably, the proposed location along RT 41, which is currently being looked at during this time.

Q. Do you think Cobb's light-rail lines should link up with MARTA trains? Where?

Koch: It would be of greatest assistance located within the Powers Ferry Road Area.

Q. Do you favor adding or converting Interstate lanes to toll lanes?

Koch: I believe that using the HOV lanes located on the interstate, as a toll lane, would be an excellent revenue for providing funds towards mass transit, and at the same time for maintaining the road.

Q. Do you support adding reversible lanes to I-75 through Cobb?

Koch: Research shows that reversible lanes are safer and provide a large impact on alleviating traffic during peak hours. With that in mind, I am in favor of utilizing reversible lanes.

Q. Should reversible lanes be built before or after light rail lines?

Koch: Light-rail lines are more cost efficient if connected to the MARTA system. In contrast, reversible lanes are costly to install and operate, and also must be maintained on a day-to-day basis, which will add to the cost of operating. Therefore, while I am in favor of reversible lanes, I feel it would be more beneficial for Cobb County to construct light rail lines before reversible lanes.

Q. Do you plan to vote to approve and fund the Transportation bill in 2012?

Koch: Yes, I plan to vote to approve the transportation House Bill277 of 2012. I believe it is necessary to hike the sales tax in Georgia to bring additional revenue in for funding roads and infrastructures.



Q. Do you favor more restrictions on lobbyist gift to legislators? Exactly what type of gifts and what amounts would you ban?

Koch: I do believe there should be more restriction placed on lobbyist gifts to legislators. Currently, the legislation has not implemented a cap on the amount of gift spending by lobbyists, and as part of the ethic's bill SB17, I agree that in the future, realistically, gifts should not exceed $100.

Q. Do you favor legislation that would deny admission to state universities to all illegal immigrants, even those who graduated from a Georgia high school?

Koch: The term illegal implies the student is currently not a U.S. citizen. Therefore, he or she needs to fulfill the criteria to become an American citizen prior to applying for college.

Q. Would you vote for an immigration law similar to the one recently passed in Arizona?

Koch: I would not vote for an immigration law similar to the one recently passed in Arizona. It not only appears that it would lead to racial profiling, but at the same time, Hispanic US citizens have a constitutional right to go about their daily lives without being targeted due to their skin color. While illegal immigrants is a problem in Georgia, the recent law passed in Arizona brings Americans back to a period before the civil rights movement.

Q. Do you favor a state law that would outlaw furlough days for teachers in the future?

Koch: Educators have been the brunt of the budget cuts in Georgia. They have received pay cuts, furlough days, and a significant number have lost their jobs. It is unreasonable to think that teachers are treated so pathetically, when they have such a responsible and important job. My wife is a fifth-grade teacher in Cobb County School District, and she devotes many hours to her job and her students.



Q. At what point would you consider increasing taxes in Georgia?

Koch: With the budget crisis currently in public education, I agree that it is a necessity to implement a minimum of cent sale's tax increase for a set amount of time, in order to generate additional funding to support schools in Georgia.

Q. If Georgians elect a governor from a party that is not your own, do you think you can work constructively with that governor?

Koch: I absolutely am a strong believer in bipartisanship. What ever party the governor happens to be, the goal is to improve the standard of living for all people living in Georgia.

Q. What do you think will be the biggest issue facing the General Assembly in 2011?

Koch: The biggest issue facing the General Assembly in 2011 will most likely be the budget.