By Shane Scoggins
Publisher
Editor’s note: The Franklin County Citizen Leader submitted questions to each candidate running for city offices in the Nov. 2 election.
The questions were: 1. Please provide information about your background, education, past service in government or with community organizations, church and family. 2. What qualities and/or qualifications do you feel will serve you best in the position you seek? 3. What are your plans if you are elected to the position? 4. As the lone natural gas provider in Franklin County, what should Royston’s policy be when deciding where and when to expand its gas system? 5. If you had a chance to speak one-on-one with each registered voter in Royston, what would you say to secure his or her vote?
Candidates were welcomed to respond to the questions any way they wished.
Their answers were then used to write the profile stories below.
Bob Hollingsworth
Bob Hollingsworth said his years of experience in the Royston community will serve him well as the new council member for Post 2.
“I am a current business owner for over 40 years and have the knowledge as to how concerns or issues can be handled,” he said. “If elected I will be available to discuss and address any issues or concerns that the citizens of Royston have.”
Hollingsworth has been the State Farm Insurance agent in Royston for 40 years and served the Royston Fire Department as assistant chief for 11 years.
He’s also been active in the Franklin County Rotary Club, where he was president for two terms, and the Masonic Lodge, where he has received his 50-year pin and is a 32nd degree Shriner.
Hollingsworth also has elected official experience. He previously served as a member of the Franklin Springs City Council.
“I am a 40 year business owner and know the importance of planning and researching sources and how important it is to attend and keep up to date on continuing education classes,” he said.
A graduate of Warner Robins High School and ABAC, Hollingsworth also attended Berry College for two years.
He and wife Linda have a daughter, Shannon Cleveland, and two grandchildren, Connor and Leah Cleveland.
Hollingsworth attends Royston Methodist Church, where he serves as a Sunday School teacher and head usher.
The candidate emphasizes his plans to work with the mayor, council, city departments and citizens.
“I will work with the mayor and city council, and the citizens of Royston for what is best for the city of Royston,” he said. “I will work to upgrade and train our fire department, utilize our Wellness Park and work on the proposed elementary school location to be kept in the city of Royston. I will work with the city of Royston Gas Department and research and serve the most needed areas for new gas lines.”
Jason Phillips
Jason Phillips’ message to voters in Royston is a simple one: “I will be dedicated to the City of Royston’s citizens as well as the business owners to keep Royston growing in the right direction.”
Phillips is running for the Post 2 seat on the Royston City Council in a special election on the Nov. 2 ballot.
Post 2 was not up for election this year until Keith Turman resigned the post to run for mayor.
Phillips is actually seeking a return to the Royston Council and to continue a long history of service to the city.
He previously served four years on the council and has served 12 years as chairman of the Royston zoning board.
Phillips has also served as a firefighter with the Royston Fire Department.
“I feel that my previous experience as a council member, being very active within the city over the past years, my desire to see the City of Royston continue to grow in the right direction and my dedication to the community will all help me serve as a councilman for the city,” he said.
Born and raised in Royston and a Franklin County High School graduate, Phillips is the parts and service manager at Tri County Chevrolet in Royston.
He and wife Alison have three children and are members of Double Branches Baptist Church.
If elected, Phillip said he wants to work to continue the development of the downtown area, city park and “try to begin bringing new businesses into the city to fill the empty buildings and commercial lots throughout the city.”
When considering future gas system expansions, he said the city should first conduct a study.
“I think that a study should be performed and if the project can be paid for in a reasonable amount of time that we should move forward,” he said. “I also think that the city should work closely with the county and Industrial Building Authority on future developments that will need natural gas to provide more revenue for our city.”