What in your opinion makes a good county commissioner?
To serve your community with an open and honest heart. Leave it better then you got it!
What qualities, education and/or experience makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have lived here for over 50 years. I have given many hours of my time and knowledge serving on many boards in Jones County and the State of Georgia.
I was lucky enough to grow up with parents that served in our community, I spent many weekends at the Hwy 18 Morris Bank Ball Park when it was just lots of pine trees and volunteers with tractors and chainsaws. And those are some of the best memories of my childhood.
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 those projects and why?
The water expansion is the top of list. We have residents that are unable to keep enough water in a well to serve that home for the day.
The ACCG (Association of County Commissioners Georgia) offers training for board members. Do you feel attending that training is important for a commissioner?
It is extremely important. Not only for the personal knowledge but also the professional knowledge. Once you walk into the government business world you learn just how little you really know.
These classes are led by some of the best educators from the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
I have completed my core training and will be receiving that award at the April Conference.
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 Transportation Special Purpose Sales Tax is very important to our county. It is a fair tax that everyone that spends money in Jones County will help pay. It is the only way that we will be able to fund many of the paving and bridge repairs that are needed around the 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?
We are great shape, our board has been great stewards for the county. We have not raised the millage rate in the four years that I have served and would like to see us get to the point of discussing the possibility of lowering the millage rate.
At this time we have some big items in the work that every penny is accounted for (Water, Courthouse, Road Improvements, Bridges, Sewage, Parks and Rec).
What do you think about the working relationship between Jones County and the City of Gray? If you feel it’s important, how would you improve the relationship?
I have seen an improvement with our relationship. The line of communications is always open, and I am very proud of the positive things that are happening in the City of Gray.
Do you feel residential growth is good for Jones County? How about industrial growth?
We still have room for growth, everyone wants to move here for our beautiful country setting, laid back-family feel and our wonderful school system.
Industrial growth is needed in our county.
With industries, we would be able to drop millage rates and have that much needed revenue to complete water/sewer projects. Our Jones County Development Authority members are working diligently to draw the right industry into Jones County.
What would you like voters to know about you before casting their ballots?
I would like them to know that I serve this position with my heart. I know that sometimes my decisions disappoint people that have been lifelong friends and mentors. But I also know that many of the decisions will make Jones County a better place for my children and grandchildren. So, it will also make it better for everyone in Jones County.
Wendy Vaughn
