In my opinion, a good county commissioner possesses a combination of experience, compassion, community engagement, investment in the community, ethical decision making, and diverse experience. Ultimately, a good county commissioner balances administrative expertise with empathy, actively engages with constituents, and strives to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
What qualities, education, and/or experience makes you the best candidate for the job?
There are several qualities, types of experience, and education that make me a strong candidate for the job: integrity and ethics, firm beliefs and advocacy, team player and collaboration, education and experience.
While formal education is helpful, it’s not the sole preparation for this role.
Building relationships with constituents, collaboration with board members and other county officials, acting with integrity, and making ethical decisions are even more important.
Practical experience as a commissioner, tax assessor board member, regional farm service agency committee member, and the required training as a DCA (Department of Community Affairs) arbitrator for city and county annexation disputes, has provided me with valuable experiential education and training that positively impacts me as a commissioner.
I believe it is a combination of these qualities, along with my commitment to the community, that make me a strong candidate for the job.
The county has several unfinished projects underway, including water expansion, road paving and repairs, a bridge replacement, completing recreational complexes and courthouse repairs.
What would be your priority of these projects and why?
Ensuring community well-being and infrastructure improvement is a multifaceted endeavor.
They are all a priority and very important to the community. These types of repairs, replacements, and funding all require collaboration among the commissioners, community partners, and some even require state and federal funding. When it comes to state and federal funding we have to work with other governmental partners.
They are all a priority and very important to the community. This all requires a tremendous amount of time and patience from the commissioners and community.
No one likes to wait when it comes to these types of projects, but unfortunately, the governmental processes in place take time, a lot of time, and progress is gradual. It is my priority to continue working with other board members, our local, state, and federal government elected officials to see these projects to completion as soon as possible.
The ACCG (Association of County Commissioners Georgia) offers training for board members. Do you feel attending that training is important for a commissioner?
Absolutely! Training is very important for commissioners. While the pandemic had disrupted training opportunities, it’s essential to stay informed and enhance skills. It was more difficult to register during the pandemic due to smaller class sizes/Zoom and not as much variability in scheduling of classes.
However, I am looking forward to completing more training classes to compliment the training classes I have already completed as they come available.
Are you in support of the proposed transportation special purpose sales tax? If so, what transportation projects would you like to see funded with the collected money?
The proposed Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) is a significant initiative aimed at funding transportation projects.
This is a combined effort for city and county transportation projects.
While I cannot speak for the city, it’s essential to recognize that they have their own transportation priorities. For the county, here are some areas where the TSPLOST funds could make a positive impact: Paving Dirt Roads (Minimum 30%), Rebuilding and Paving Existing Paved Roads, Bridges and Safety Upgrades.
Aging bridges need attention to ensure safety and reliability. Upgrading bridges and addressing safety concerns should be a priority. Many counties in our region already have some form of a TSPLOST in place, whether it’s a single-county or multicounty initiative.
Collaborative efforts can lead to more efficient transportation systems and benefit both city and county residents.
Supporting the proposed TSPLOST can significantly enhance transportation infrastructure, promote economic growth, and improve the overall wellbeing of residents in Gray and Jones County.
Jones County is in good financial shape. Would you be in favor of cutting the millage rate or keeping the current tax rate and using the money to finish current projects?
Yes, Jones County is in good financial shape.
The board and financial department is committed to be good stewards of county funds to keep Jones County in financial good standing.
Over the past several years our property assessment values have risen to reflect the current market which does lead to an increase in property taxes being collected. There has also been a significant increase in sales tax collections. As tax collections increase, I believe there should be a decrease in the millage rate. This is a balance in budgeting necessary to complete and start new projects as needed while maintaining current and improving county services.
What do you think about the working relationship between Jones County and the City of Gray? If you feel it is important, how would you improve the relationship?
The working relationship between Jones County and the City of Gray is vital for the well-being and progress of our community.
The Golden Rule applies— treating others as we wish to be treated. When the county and city collaborate, we create a stronger, more resilient community.
Shared goals could include improving infrastructure, enhancing services, and ensuring the overall quality of life for residents. Regular communication channels between county and city officials are crucial. Transparency and open dialogue foster trust and understanding.
Other important aspects are joint planning, resource sharing, joint task forces and regular meetings between county commissioners and city council members. A strong working relationship between Jones County and Gray is essential. Together, the county and city can build a thriving community. We are one community, many of us work here, all of us live here, and we can all play here. This is home.
Do you feel residential growth is good for Jones County? How about industrial growth?
Balancing residential and industrial growth is crucial for the well-being of Jones County. Residental growth brings in new families and diversity and a broader tax base, but rapid residental growth can strain infrastructure.
Industrial growth attracts businesses, creates jobs, and stimulates economic activity. Industries contribute significantly to the tax base, supporting public services.
But some industries may impact air, water or soil quality.
I support a balanced approach that meets the needs of both residential and industrial growth while safeguarding our environment and community. This balance is essential for Jones County’s prosperity.
What would you like the voters to know about you before casting their ballots?
I love this county and the citizen’s well-being are my top priority. I was raised here and will die here.
There is no place I would rather be and I am proud to call Jones County home.
I am a 31 plus year property and business owner.
My family history in Jones County dates as far back as to the 1800’s. My roots are here.
I want nothing more than for this county to be loved by its citizens as much as I love it. It is my intention and has always been my intention to keep Jones County safe, prosperous, and beautiful for all of its citizens to live, work and enjoy. I want Jones County to have every opportunity to flourish and succeed so all citizens can be proud to call Jones County home.
