Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- Rep. Pedro Marin will have competition in his bid for another term.

Brian Mock, who describes himself as a conservative Democrat, who believes in smaller government, announced he would challenge Marin in the July primary.

"Our state is in a financial mess, we have serious transportation issues and educational funding has been cut to the bone," said Mock, who lives in Norcross. "You can't drive through any commercial area without seeing numerous vacant storefronts and our neighbors have lost their jobs and homes. We can do better than this. It's time for a change."

Mock said he hopes to use his knowledge of the hospitality industry to strengthen tourism in the state to create jobs.