The Citizen Q&A: 3rd Dist. candidate Pace wants to change ‘tone’

The decision by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland not to seek re-election led to Fayette County businessman Jim Pace announcing that he will run for the Georgia 3rd Congressional seat. Pace responded to several questions posed by The Citizen.

State Sen. Mike Crane (R-Newnan) was also asked to respond, though his answers were not available by press time. The responses of Crane and other candidates will be covered in a future edition of The Citizen.

Pace was asked several questions pertaining to his candidacy and his personal beliefs.

One of those questions asked what sets him apart from Rep. Lynn Westmoreland.

“Lynn Westmoreland and I share many common values and over the years we’ve had our differences in opinion,” Pace said. ”Lynn has served the 3rd District for a dozen years and I admire the fact that he is walking away to spend more time with his family. Anybody can criticize and find fault; it takes a leader to find solutions. I am a pro-active person. I have a natural bias for getting things done. I place a high value on integrity and having a positive attitude.”

Following up, Pace was asked what sets him apart from Crane. Pace said he does not really know Crane so he could not comment on him personally.

“But our mission is not about any ‘opponents’ in this race, it is about changing the tone and direction coming from Washington, D.C. I believe we can’t expect different results in Congress from the same career politicians and out of touch bureaucrats who’ve have created this mess,” said Pace.

”I believe in servant-leadership and that we need more businessmen handling our nation’s business. I do not seek a job, another line on my resume or a stepping-stone to a higher office. With over 40 years in business, I’ve seen first-hand how government can stifle economic growth and impede job creators.”

Pace said his entire career has been spent managing businesses, building the economy and creating jobs.

“I want to take my private sector experience to Congress, so we can take back our country and put the power back in the hands of ‘we the people’ of this great country,” Pace said. ”I want a chance to make a difference in our nation’s capital and I am running because I truly believe that together we can make a difference and can solve our nation’s problems.”

Another question centered on who Pace listens to and whose opinions he respects in his private circle.

“I listen first and foremost to the Word of God. I listen to my wife Mary who I have been married to for 43 years. I have found her wisdom and insight to be invaluable,” Pace said. ”I listen to my friend Dan Cathy. He has been a mentor to me in many areas of my life. I believe the Golden Rule is still golden. I know that great achievements are possible if you only believe.”

Continuing with his response, Pace reflected on the days of his youth in Mississippi.

”Growing up on the Mississippi River I marveled at the amazing bridges at Vicksburg and St. Louis that span that mighty river. I can see a 30-year-old Andrew Carnegie standing on the banks. Standing by his side was an older man who gave him encouragement. He reached deep within himself and accomplished the ‘impossible.’” Pace said. ”I believe together we can make a difference. I am a bridge builder. I have spent a career building teams that accomplished things that would be viewed as impossible by most people.

“I believe with God ‘all things are possible.’ Our country is drifting fast into enemy territory. I believe I can make a difference in Washington. History is filled with individuals who went beyond themselves for such a time as this. We need more of them in Washington, D.C., today. We need bold and courageous leaders in Washington like Joshua. I get my boldness from the same source as he did.”

A final question was intended to go beyond the candidate’s obvious conservatism. Pace was asked to speak about his personal beliefs and how those beliefs figure into his candidacy.

“I am a businessman who understands balanced budgets are mandatory for business; they should be for our government as well. I support the constitution and all of the amendments. I particularly like the 1st and 2nd amendments. That sounds like the right approach to me,” said Pace. “Our country was founded on the foundation of biblical Christianity. As it has been washed away our liberty and our character have been sure to follow.

“I have a straightforward view of life. I built my foundation on the same principle as the liberty-loving people of 1776. Amos 3:3 asks, ‘Can two walk together unless they agree?’ The answer is obvious. It is not just about the direction you choose but also the cadence and the starting point. While you can apply this question to many areas of your life, the core question is, do you want to walk with God? If yes, you have to agree with Him. Once this decision is reached, it allows the core beliefs to fall in place easily.”

A resident of Peachtree City, Pace is co-founder of real estate and construction firm Group VI and project manager at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayetteville.

As CEO of Group VI, Pace is responsible for long-term planning, strategy and growth of all related Group VI companies.

Pace was one of a small group of people who were instrumental in what became Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayetteville. Pace today is project manager for the development which includes the studio property and adjacent areas planned for academic, residential and commercial ventures.

Pace served one four-year term on the Peachtree City Council from 1996 to 2000.