Editor’s Note: These articles are part of a series of questionnaires profiling candidates running for City Council Post 2 in the upcoming Richmond Hill municipal elections. (Tuesday, November 4). Answers were edited for length and clarity. Follow the Bryan County News for more election coverage.
About Sabrina
Sabrina Watkins is a disabled combat vet living in Richmond Hill. Originally from the Bronx, Watkins spent 13 years in the military and came to coastal Georgia through Ft. Stewart, having served in the Iraq War. After leaving the military, Watkins has worked in several companies and organizations; she was the first logistics specialist to work at the Target Distribution Center in Midway, Georgia.
Watkins has also been serving as a leader in Christian ministry since 2010, and is the founder of Inspired by God International Ministries, a Christian non-profit organization based in Richmond Hill.
Why are you running?
“As a resident of Richmond Hill, I just believe that I can add to the aesthetics of Richmond Hill with the ideas, leadership, compassion, and training that I received in the military as well as in ministry. I believe that I can add to what's going on, as far as solution-wise to Richmond Hill, with the ideas and the ability to listen and be transparent.”
“I would like to be a voice for all people in Richmond Hill, especially for those voices that have not been heard yet.”
What sets you/your ideas apart?
“I’m a resident that’s not tied to any organizations in Richmond Hill…I’m a resident that has lived in affordable housing…I am a resident that knows what it is to struggle, to make ends meet and put food on the table."
"I don't sit on any boards, so I'm coming in fresh and neutral with the ideas that I have and the experience that I have gained in my life [in military and ministry]. And I believe by having that background and that leadership, that I can bring those ideas to the forefront and take Richmond Hill where they want to go, and open up different avenues of conversation that will yield success and our growth and us moving forward in Richmond Hill.”
From your perspective, what are the three biggest issues facing the city of Richmond Hill?
Infrastructure and fixing issues related to flooding
The proposed airport
Bringing in revenue to the city
How has social media affected local government, if at all?
“Social media has affected government because everyone is able to make their opinion on what's being done and what's being said in government. But sometimes the information and the opinions are not coming from a true source, and it causes issues and ripples. It causes panic, and it can put people on opposite sides of one another.”
Where do you see the city of Richmond Hill in 10 years?
“With the right leadership, I see the city of Richmond Hill in a very productive way. I see, you know, with, as far as you know, commercial property. I see us having restaurants where we can sit and enjoy nights out with our family, our friends. I see plazas, parks, and visibility for the city.”