If I had to chose one word to describe myself I would call myself “passionate.” I am excited about the opportunity to share my thoughts and musings with GeorgiaPol.com. My name is LaDawn “LBJ” Jones and I have lived in Georgia for as long as I can remember and consider myself a native. There are many titles that describe me. I’m a mother, a wife, a lawyer, an entrepreneur, a political consultant, and an author. My current day job is running The LBJ Group, a criminal, family, and business law firm. I have recently opened PolitaCoach, LLC a political consulting partnership. My dream job, however, is to get paid big bucks to write stories that become big budget films and capture the imagination of people of all ages.
I like to write about things that I am passionate about. I like to explore deep into those things that make us yell at the television, argue with an imaginary opponent in the car, and make you think, “I should have said …. “ Topics of race, political stupidity, the criminal justice system, and anything that provokes the reader to think about the alternative side of a debate are my favorite topics. My litigator training allows me to argue fervently for a point that I oppose or explore the other side of any issue. My ability to understand my opponent while also disagreeing with everything they believe made it easy for me to work with political colleagues on the other side of the aisle.
I was never really into party politics before I ran for office. Serving in elected office as a State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly for the 62nd district has changed my perspective. I find that politically I am all over the map. If I had to describe myself I would say I am fiscally conservative yet socially conscious. I believe in term limits, redistricting, and balance. I believe most elected officials do work because they care, but I also think there are some long overdue for a good cursing out and a retirement plaque.
I ride on the borderline between the generations. I have the work ethic of a gen-X and the technical savvy and passion to challenge the status quo of a millennial. My experiences influence my point of view. I’ve had the pleasure of being the only woman, the only African-American, or the youngest person in many rooms and at several tables. I grew up in the anomaly known as metropolitan Atlanta where, due to the demographics of my communities, I did not experience as many of the ugly sides of race or class that others have. I grew up in the little bubble of African-American success that reinforced that the sky is the limit and that race, class, age, or gender may be a factor … but that just makes conquering the task that much more exciting.
Depending on how you feel about the issue I am addressing, my sarcasm may come across as snarky, shady, or silly. I am okay with that as long as I can get someone to smile. I never pass up the opportunity to use a good #hashtag.
Above all I am a people person who loves all of God’s people. I give respect when it is given. I’m not easily intimidated. I am the sweetest most gentle person until I am not. A true #gemini who can switch things up without warning. Work ethic is my secret to success. I cannot be outworked unless its physical labor, in which case I quit before I start. I cannot wait to get to working on your political nerves. It is such a pleasure to meet you!
Connect with me, Twitter/Instagram/Facebook @LaDawnLBJJones www.LaDawnJones.com