TIFTON — Fred Swann, a Democratic candidate for Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, has his first goal in mind if elected in 2018.

“Rural infrastructure is a thing that nobody wants to work on, but it is the bedrock of economic development for these areas,” said Swann. “If we don’t get this right and get it right soon, then some of these communities are getting ready to evaporate.

“We are going to have to work on a big investment in rural infrastructure. It’s a “have-to” because these places are dying. Through no fault of their own—they are fighting with every thing they have got to do well with what they have, but they just need some help to create that foundation that they can grow.”

Swann lists several areas of infrastructure development he’d like to focus on: roads, water and power and broadband internet access.

“That digital divide is enough,” said Swann. “Even if they didn’t have other issues like smart grid electrification or not enough access to major roads, etc. That one thing would be enough to push them apart where they’re no longer able to compete. And that divide continues to grow as our technology continue to evolve and advance.

“These are investments that needed to be done over the decades that have been forgotten and ignored. They are very well overdue.”

Healthcare is another area he wants to focus on.

Swann’s wife, Rebecca, was involved in an automobile accident a few years ago, one that resulted in her having 21 surgeries and procedures.

“Fortunately, I have really good health coverage,” Swann said. “She was able to be taken care of. She didn’t lose her leg like she could have.

“I don’t think that you should have to have a really good job in order to insure you have access to healthcare. I think in our country, we should be able to at least meet minimum needs of people.”

While Congress spent a good bit of time this year arguing about healthcare, Swann argues that rural healthcare is suffering while the argument goes on.

“It’s this big national drama that we’ve been going through. Meanwhile, rural hospitals have just been suffering in the state.”

Since announcing his campaign, Swann has visited with rural hospitals in Georgia.

“Most of them are having difficulty making pay roll, keeping doors open,” said Swann. “We can figure out the best health insurance or health care delivery system in the world, but if you don’t have a local hospital to go to, what does it matter?”

Part of the problem is Georgia’s refusal to accept the Medicaid expansion, said Swann.

“I just don’t know that we can continue to trust people who will hijack people’s healthcare for their own political reasons,” said Swann. “Personally, I’m fighting for Medicare for all as a solution.”

Swann wants to see expansions and development for Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County and Robins Air Force Base in Houston County.

“If we can make them to where they can continue to operate with their mission and be expanded, they can take on more 21st century operations as time goes on,” said Swann.

He points to the J-STARS program at Robins as an example.

“If it’s closed, the future of the base is in jeopardy,” said Swann. “So while, yes, we want to continue to fight to sustain J-STARS, we also need to be looking at how can we make it so Robins is ready for the next mission.”

Swann and Jimmy McInnis are currently running for the Democrat nomination.

Incumbent Austin Scott and Danny Ellyson are expected to run for the Republican nomination.

The primary election is set for May 22, 2018.

The election will be Nov. 6.

“My opponent [Scott] does not do enough in terms of constituent services,” said Swann. “That includes doing town hall events, that includes coming back and explaining yourself and letting the people tell you how they feel about the things you’ve done.

“If you’re not wiling to do that, don’t step up. That’s the job.”