Matt Dubnik has spent most of his life in Hall County and recently decided to give back to the community by entering the race for the Georgia House of Representatives District 29; a position held by Carl Rogers for the last 22 years.
Rogers is set to retire at the end of the year.
Dubnik graduated from Lakeview Academy in 1999 and then spent four years at Georgia Institute of Technology earning a Management degree and Information Technology minor.
“After spending time working in Atlanta and Augusta, my wife (Katie) and I moved back to Gainesville in 2006. We welcomed our first child, James, in 2009, and our second son, Davis, in 2012,” Dubnik said. “We are proud members of First Baptist Church, where we are part of four generations of our family that currently are members.”
We recently caught up with Matt to find out more about his interests and love for the Hall County community.
Question: What is the best part about living and working in Hall County?
Answer: “I think it’s two things. First, we have it all in Hall. Great recreation, thriving business, a strong economy, exceptional philanthropy, belief in making the community stronger and a willingness to embrace growth (on all fronts). We’re “big enough” to have something for everyone, but small enough that everyone still knows your name. Secondly, we have the perfect proximity to everything. Think of the cities / areas that are easily within reach: Dahlonega, Athens, Atlanta, the mountains, a major international airport, Lake Lanier, the coast, the beach. Furthermore, so many people/businesses are willing to do business with other local businesses. It makes it easy, as a small business owner, to grow and thrive.”
Q: What is your fondest memory of Hall County?
A: “I remember vividly when President George H.W. Bush came to Gainesville in 1992. On the back of an Amtrak caboose, he spoke to thousands of people. I was only 11, but so many memories are present. My entire school went to the rally and we were very close to the President. It was a huge deal to my classmates and I. Everyone was excited. People cheered. Patriotism abounded. No one was mad, angry or upset. Everyone just wanted to be happy, enjoy the monumental day and see the President. It brought the community together, and it made me feel like a patriot for the first time in my life.”
Q: What is your favorite Hall County landmark and why?
A: “The historic homes on Green Street. How can you not enjoy looking at them and thinking of days gone by? Can you imagine what life was like 100 years ago in the middle of town with these homes, truly being used as homes (as opposed to office space today)?”
Q: What inspired you to enter the race for the Georgia House?
A: “My wife’s grandfather, the late James Mathis, Sr., had a favorite saying, ‘we all have to pay a little rent back to this community that gives us so much.’ What he meant is that we all have to give back in one way or another. We have to do our part to make Gainesville/Hall County even better. It’s time for my generation to step up to the plate and lead. It’s time for us to do our part to make this the BEST community in which to live, work and play. I was inspired to enter this race because of his comments, and my belief that this is one small way that I can give back. I believe that it’s my job to be a representative of the people and to help further the causes that they want me to champion. With all that in mind, coupled with Carl Rogers’ announcement that he wouldn’t seek reelection, it was an easy decision to enter the race.”
Q: What are some of the bigger issues that you think Georgians are facing at the moment?
A: “I believe transportation, economic development, education, healthcare and a strong foundation for future generations are the things on the minds of Georgians.”
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and where in Hall County would you have the lunch and why?
A: “Johnny Cash. He was one of the most influential musicians of his time, and his work spanned so many different genres. I can only imagine what it would be like to hear him walk up and say, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” He spoke up for so many people and stood his ground on many controversial issues so that they would be discussed openly. I would love to just sit and listen to how he responded to the aftermath of Folsom, being branded an outlaw and his trouble with the law. I would probably suggest lunch at 2 Dog.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.
PROJECT PATRONS:
