Planning and Community Development
This department is one of the most critical when it comes to embracing and managing the county's growth. Mark worked extensively to draft the first Land Use (Zoning) ordinance in Gilmer County during the 2005 first year of office as Post 2 Commissioner. The effort is to keep things simple enough for most folks to understand, while managing the county's growth and protecting both our way of life and natural resources. Mark has worked with zoning and development ordinances and laws in several counties and three states during his 21 year professional career in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering. He knows what works and what doesn't, and most importantly he knows what the best fit is for the people and property of Gilmer County. This department also conducts inspections and oversees the construction that occurs in the unincorporated areas of Gilmer County.
Growing up as a builder's son, Mark knows what it is like to have to work for a living and to deal with inspectors. A Georgia licensed Residential and Light Commercial Contractor, Mark will provide oversight to this department as no other candidate can and will insure fair and impartial implementation of all applicable rules with a dose of common sense.