Our local elected representatives of Bulloch County continuously ignore the will of the people. Over the last ten months our commissioners unanimously voted for a thirty percent property tax increase, and did their best to obfuscate their plans to drill wells in the southeast part of the county in order to supply water for the Hyundai plant in neighboring Bryan County. Despite the vocal protests of their constituents, these elected officials continue to do as they please; all while mocking, belittling, and in at least one case, threatening citizens of Bulloch County.

Our current Chairman of the County Commission was first elected to the Commission in 2004, served three terms as a commissioner, then was elected as Chairman in 2016. This year he will run for his third term as Chairman, and has run unopposed since his first election in 2004. George Washington, the father of our nation, voluntarily stepped down after two terms in office. President Washington promised to serve only two terms to avoid unfair power as a government official and to avoid the formation of a monarchy in the newly founded United States. In my mind, if two terms is good enough for George Washington, it should be good enough for our local elected officials.

Elections are a vital check in our system of government. Elections are designed to force a “performance review” of our elected officials, allow discussions of ideas and policy on a regular basis, and offer alternatives to the current leadership. In regard to the Chairman of the Bulloch County Commission, I think its time that we have a rigorous discussion about the direction that Mr. Thompson is taking Bulloch County, and I think the people should have an alternative to that direction. This year I want Bulloch County to elect a Chairman, not have a coronation like there has been the last two terms.