Throughout my life, I’ve always been proud to call Gwinnett County home. I am a progressive raised by progressives. Thus, I’ve spent a lifetime embracing, and working for, change. My parents were politically active in the anti-Vietnam war effort in the late 1960’s and into the early 70’s. When I graduated from Shiloh High School, I pursued my college career at the American University. While in college, I started my own work in politics. This included volunteering on the 1988 Al Gore for President campaign and volunteering at the 1988 Democratic Convention in Atlanta. I received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and international studies, and went on to receive my J.D. from Georgia State University.

Most recently, I served in the Georgia State Legislature for the last 16 years. My biggest legislative accomplishment that affects people locally is the bill I helped pass to create Community Improvement Districts (CID’s) in Gwinnett County. I served on the Gwinnett Village CID for 10 years (now the Gateway 85 CID) and  I was the first, and founding, president. This work on CID’s gave me experience working on local government issues and local planning. Much of this experience focused on the transportation planning for mass transit that, along with the work of countless others, has ultimately grown into the Connect Gwinnett plan that is part of the 2019 Transit Referendum.

Throughout my career, I have continued to stand up for progressive causes. As a constant advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, I continuously opposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. In 2003 and 2004, I led the fight against the state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. I also co-sponsored legislation to address hate crimes, bullying and voting rights.

As a legislator, I was the first in Georgia to propose a referendum that would allow Georgians to vote on the legalization of retail marijuana sales. Additionally, I was the first to propose full-spectrum medical marijuana legislation. Each year, I worked with the state legislature to expand Georgia’s medicinal cannabis CBD oil laws.

I am also proud to have been a co-sponsor of the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act – the bill that created the tax credits that have brought so much movie and television industry business to Georgia. Gwinnett County has specifically benefited from Eagle Rock Studios.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with, and serve on the boards of, AID Gwinnett, Gwinnett Sierra Club, Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity, and Norcross Cooperative Ministry. Currently, I am a member of the Sierra Club and the Peachtree Corners Rotary Club.
I continue to live and work in Gwinnett and want to ensure that we build a bridge to a bolder and brighter future for our county and all those in it. My values are to ensure that my fellow citizens are safe, treated with respect, have equal opportunity, and are free from discrimination of any kind. I hope you join me in our campaign for Gwinnett’s future.

To check out others who have been in the Good Morning Gwinnett Spotlight Click Here

​My guest today was Nicole Love Hendrickson.  She joined me at the Noise Factory to share with me and all of you why she has decided to jump in the crowed race for Gwinnett County Commissioner Chairman's seat.  Below is what Nicole had to say in her own words.  
Public service is and has always been my passion. I have dedicated my entire career as a social worker serving people, empowering communities, and giving a voice to those who have been historically underrepresented in the decision-making arena. As leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that all citizens thrive. In order to do that, our decisions need to reflect the needs of all of our citizens. As the county's' founding director of the community outreach program, I have experienced first-hand the role citizens can play in promoting good governance. I want to continue building on that success while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. I have a vision for our future and the demonstrated leadership to move us forward.

Today on Good Morning Gwinnett I got a chance to sit down with Attorney Andy Morgan and we talked about his run for the Gwinnett County Commission Chairman seat.  Right now there are 7 candidates running and I wanted to find out what Mr. Morgan has planned for Gwinnett County should he win this upcoming election.  

Take a listen to this podcast episode to see what Andy had to say about his qualifications to be the Commission Chairman and his vision for the future.
More About Andy Morgan
Like many others who call Gwinnett home, I came here from somewhere else. I was attracted to this quickly growing Atlanta suburb by its vibrant economy, nationally recognized school system and good quality of life.
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My origins are routed in a small Caribbean Island called Jamaica. At the age of 4, my industrious and very hard-working Jamaican parents brought me to New York City where I grew up. My parents exemplified for me the importance of hard work, perseverance and ambition. Starting out with little to nothing, they learned their trades and worked hard at their blue-collar jobs to provide for all of our needs and gave me and my siblings a good start in life.

Aside from their work ethic, my parents also instilled in me the importance of education. They regretted the fact that due to family circumstances they were not able to advance their education and wanted to make sure that I and my siblings took advantage of the opportunity that they never had. With the encouragement of mom and dad, my two forever role models, after graduating from New York city public schools, I went on to earn degrees in Electrical Engineering and Law.
After earning my engineering degree, I worked as a technology associate for a large bank writing code and helping with network design. Upon earning my law degree, I worked for a number of years as an Associate for an international law firm on large scale business transactions. After leaving the law firm, I served as Vice President and General Counsel for a privately held company. I presently have my own law practice in Lawrenceville, where I have provided legal services and advice to individuals, small business owners, corporations and entrepreneurs for the last 12 years.

I am not a politician and my decision to run for Gwinnett County Commission Chairman didn’t come lightly. I have never run for public office before. I am a regular citizen, but passionate about giving back to my community. It is this passion and my belief that I can make a positive difference that has driven me to take this step.

I have been actively involved in our county for many years as a small business owner and through public service activities, such as serving on the board of directors for Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity and as an area manager for Gwinnett County Elections.

I believe that we are at a critical time in Gwinnett’s history. Our population is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, making Gwinnett the most populous county in the state. In light of this growth, our elected officials will be required to work together to implement forward looking strategies that will permit us to grow in a sustainable way while also leveraging the opportunities that will most likely come as a result of that growth.

The decisions our County Commissioners make (or fail to make) in the coming years will have repercussions for generations to come. I am looking forward to engaging in that dialogue and contributing to the decisions that will chart our future. That is why I am running for Gwinnett County Commission Chair and am asking for your support and your vote.

Until Next Time
​Make It A Great Day!
Audrey