Goals and Plans
Many folks have asked, "Mark, why did you run for Chairman"? Well, first of all I want to make it perfectly clear that my campaign and candidacy is not a personal attack against the current chairman. I decided months ago that I would not seek re-election as Post 2 Commissioner. As this decision became known, I was humbled and overwhelmed by support and encouragement, unsolicited I might add, to seek the office of Chairman. In our blessed democracy, government only has a chance of working when there is competition in the market place and choices at the poll. Since I do have a solid working grasp of the current state of affairs in the county government and a deep desire to see enhanced and improved government services while cutting waste and stretching the tax dollar, I decided to offer myself to my fellow citizens as a candidate for the office of Commission Chairman. This was a decision that I did not take lightly.
Luckily for all of us, the county is in much better shape than in certain times past. There is fortunately no pending disaster or shut-down of government services. There are however vast opportunities for improvement and prosperity. The improvements that I will make are stated in great detail elsewhere on this web site. My plan for the prosperity for Gilmer County may seem dreamy, but let us set our goals high and work diligently toward them.
I envision a Gilmer County where our children are afforded an opportunity to raise the bar and expand their horizons, a county where they can actually use their talents and abilities at home rather than having to "export" them to other communities. I hope for a Gilmer County that doesn't fit the mold of other rural counties in the Southeast, but one that continues into the future the unique charm and personality that we have all came to love and appreciate. I will work for a Gilmer County where our senior citizens can not only afford to live, but where their needs will be met comfortably when crisis arrives. I long for a Gilmer County where business and industry want to locate, not for tax write-offs and give-aways, but for the people and environment that we have to offer. Most of all, I pray for a Gilmer County where all of her citizens are proud to call themselves such.