Serving on the school board is an avenue I have certainly considered, as I care deeply about our youth and their future. However, when evaluating where my professional background in executive leadership, budget management, and strategic planning can make the most immediate impact, I felt called to the Board of Commissioners. Right now, Putnam County needs strong, independent leadership to guide our overall economic and structural direction, and that is exactly what I am equipped to provide.

I did not attend any recruitment meetings prior to announcing my campaign, nor was I part of those discussions. Like any candidate, I attend local events to introduce myself, listen to residents, and share my vision for the county. While I understand why voters might have concerns about candidates running as a unified bloc, my commitment is to run entirely as an independent voice. If elected, I will serve the people of Putnam County objectively, evaluating every issue on its own merits rather than following a predetermined group agenda.

Walt and I attended school together in the late 1990s and have remained cordial acquaintances since then. While we occasionally cross paths at local events or through mutual friends, I have no involvement in his business dealings, nor do I have any involvement with the Putnam Development Authority (PDA).

My goal is to work collaboratively with all members of the BOC and county entities to ensure every organization is operating transparently and in the best interest of Putnam County residents. It would be premature to commit to drastic legal or constitutional battles before evaluating the operational realities from within. I am entering this race to build bridges and improve our county's efficiency, using data and open communication to drive any necessary reforms.

I view county ordinances as living documents that must adapt to protect our community. Specifically, we need firmer, clearer regulations regarding industrial operations—like quarries—in our lake areas, as well as tighter protections against anything that threatens our county's agricultural and residential identity. I am committed to proactively reviewing our zoning and land-use ordinances to ensure they are robust, enforceable, and aligned with the community's vision.

Throughout my executive career, I have developed a highly disciplined approach to time management and prioritization. Outside of my faith, my family, and maintaining my health, my time is entirely dedicated to public service and community leadership. I do not have time-consuming personal hobbies. I understand the heavy demands of this office, and I would not have entered this race if I were not fully prepared and capable of dedicating the necessary time to serve Putnam County effectively.

My extensive background in executive leadership directly translates to the role of a commissioner. I currently serve as a core leader in an international company, managing a budget larger than that of Putnam County. Every day, I am responsible for complex financial oversight, strategic data analysis, and driving operational efficiency. The high-level decision-making required in my private-sector career is precisely the skill set needed to manage our county's budget and operations effectively.

Community involvement takes many forms. While some establish their presence inside government meeting rooms, my involvement has been deeply rooted in the community itself for years. If we truly want to move Putnam County forward, we need fresh perspectives from leaders who are not bound by established political circles or 'business as usual.' I am bringing a new, highly analytical vision to this role, backed by executive experience and a genuine passion for our residents.

I am fully committed to open dialogue and actively engage with residents, including supporters of my opponents. To ensure my page remains a constructive space for everyone, I utilize standard moderation guidelines. Any action taken to hide a comment or block an account is strictly due to vulgarity, personal harassment, or spam. I welcome tough questions and differing opinions, provided they are shared respectfully.

I have publicly opposed the quarry since February, long before I was on the ballot, and I have always advocated for preserving our agricultural areas. As an executive, my approach to solving complex problems is rooted in thorough diligence. Rather than rushing into highly charged public forums, I spent that time conducting a rigorous review of the documentation and having private, substantive conversations with the impacted residents. My commitment to protecting this county is unwavering, and my focus remains on executing a strategy that actually delivers results.

I have not blocked Erin Olsen, nor have I ever blocked any candidate in this race. I have no personal agenda, and I am entirely open to collaborating with anyone on the Board of Commissioners to achieve the best outcomes for Putnam County.

• Strengthen Ordinances: Collaborate with our county manager and legal counsel to ensure local zoning and land-use ordinances are ironclad and protective of our county's identity.

• Strategic Economic Growth: Expand our commercial and industrial tax base in designated areas to relieve the rising property tax burden on our homeowners.

• Empower County Operations: Streamline county services by supporting our employees, eliminating inefficiencies, and restoring our county’s reputation for excellence across the state.

Without strategic industry, the tax burden will continue to fall heavily on homeowners. By leveraging regional developments, we have a prime opportunity to attract clean, secondary manufacturing jobs to our existing industrial zones. Manufacturing provides excellent opportunities across all skill levels, and current national policies are heavily incentivizing domestic production. Additionally, we must capitalize on the commercial tourism opportunities provided by our lakes and actively support the return of regenerative farming to protect our agricultural heritage.

The shortfall you are referring to is tied to the TSPLOST fund, which is driven by local sales tax. Because the State of Georgia requires balanced county budgets—and with 70% of our current revenue coming from property taxes—we must be proactive. To avoid constantly raising taxes, my first step will be challenging all department heads to audit their budgets, eliminate waste, and streamline operations. Long-term, the only sustainable solution is to strategically expand our commercial and industrial tax base so that businesses contribute a larger share to our local economy, protecting our homeowners.

Yes, a well-planned Comprehensive Land Plan is essential. With the 2027 Joint Comprehensive Plan (JCP) update approaching, we have a vital opportunity to correct the inconsistencies of the 2017 plan. In my career as a supply chain executive, my job is to analyze data, mitigate risks, and build resilient strategies for the future. I plan to bring that exact skill set to the 2027 JCP. A robust plan should dramatically minimize the need for reactionary zoning alterations, providing clear, predictable guidelines for both residents and developers.