Candidates for District 2 commission seat give views, goals

The Franklin County Citizen Leader submitted a list of questions for candidates qualified to run in the May 21 primary. The answers to those questions were used to write a profile of the candidate. The questions were: 

1. What experience (professional, personal or service) do you feel best qualifies you and will serve you best in the position you seek?

2. Growth has been a big topic in Franklin County of late. What are your feelings on how to manage residential, commercial and industrial growth in our county?

3. Other than growth, what is the number one challenge facing Franklin County? What is the best way to deal with that challenge?

4. What will be your top short-term goal to get accomplished within the first year of your term? How will you get it done?

5. Give four longer-term goals that you would like to see the county accomplish by the end of your term.

6. If you had a chance to speak one-on-one with each registered voter in the county, what would you say to secure his or her vote?

Candidates were also asked to provide information about background, education, past service in government or with community organizations, church and family.

 

Sam Freeman

By Shane Scoggins

Publisher

 

LAVONIA – Sam Freeman said his education and professional experience and military service qualifies him and inspires him to help lead on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

“My dedication to faith, family and community underscores my commitment to uplifting the values that we cherish here in Franklin County. I am inspired to lead our community toward a vision of prosperity and well-being for all of our county,” Freeman, a candidate for the Post 2 commission seat, said. “I am eager to utilize my skills and experiences to serve my fellow citizens and protect our conservative way of life.”

Freeman is a pharmacist for Maddox Drugs in Toccoa. He earned his undergraduate and doctorate of pharmacy degrees from the University of Georgia.

He has 18 years of service in the U.S. Army, including combat service in Afghanistan, and in U.S. Air Force Reserves. He left his role as an infantry platoon sergeant for an appointment as captain and medical officer for a U.S. Air Force National Guard disaster relief unit.

Freeman and his wife Ashley have been together since high school and been married since 2011. They have two daughters, ages 4 and 7, and are members of First Baptist Church Lavonia.

The couple also serves as coaches for Franklin County Little League.

“With a diverse background in healthcare, military service and community involvement, I bring a unique blend of professional, personal and service experiences that uniquely qualify me to serve as county commissioner,” Freeman said. “My journey, from earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to my military service, has instilled in me the values of dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our community. My career as a pharmacist has honed my skills in healthcare management and community engagement. Additionally, my combat service has equipped me with leadership skills, integrity and a deep sense of duty, essential qualities for effective governance.” 

Balancing growth while preserving agricultural land is key, Freeman said.

“Balancing the preservation of our agricultural land with the demand for residential and industrial development is essential to maintaining our quality of life and continuing to feed the nation,” he said. “A trip down I-85 to nearby counties serves as a glaring example of what we don’t want to happen to us. Banks, Jackson and Barrow counties were all rural, agricultural communities in the not too distant past.

Sure there are still farms in those counties but many of them are struggling to stay profitable due to increased property values and taxes. Do not be deceived by the fallacy that more houses means less taxes, this is simply not true.”

Freeman said he is an advocate for strict enforcement of the zoning the county currently has in place rather than adding more regulations that the county can’t enforce.

“We don’t need a 400 page document that can hardly be interpreted without help from a lawyer,” he said. “We can keep it simple and enforceable. We can protect our agricultural land by guiding growth with infrastructure. If we don’t want a high density neighborhood in an area, don’t run sewer and water to that area. If zoning prohibits a certain type of development, do not make exceptions.”

The county should prioritize business that align with the county’s values and needs, Freeman said.

“Encouraging the establishment of industries that provide fair wages to local citizens, respect our environment and contribute positively to our local economy is key,” he said. “Strategic development within the I-85 corridor and respective city limits can help concentrate commercial and industrial growth while minimizing the impact on our rural areas. Guiding sustainable economic growth, coupled with diligent infrastructure planning, will be critical in managing the effects of growth on our resources and essential services. We must ensure that growth does not outpace our capacity to provide crucial services such as public safety, education and healthcare.”

Economic opportunity is the number one challenge, other than growth, for the county, Freeman said.

“Economic opportunity stands as a pivotal challenge for our county, with skyrocketing rent and home prices placing significant strain on residents’ livelihoods, while wages remain stagnant,” the candidate said. “Inflation and supply chain disruptions have only compounded the burgeoning cost of living.”

Freeman said he has a “multifaceted approach” for economic growth.

“It centers on fostering increased participation in trade and skilled labor training for our youth, especially by empowering them with the practical skills needed to thrive in the job market,” he said. “Additionally, my vision entails a concerted effort to promote and revitalize our small businesses and downtown areas, breathing new life into our local economy. Attracting the right kind of industry to our county, that not only provides sustainable employment but also aligns with our cherished rural character and values, is crucial. Simultaneously, I am committed to advocating for our hardworking farmers by defending against tax increases, recognizing their indispensable role in our local economy. While we may not have direct control over nationwide inflation, I firmly believe that through a readily available skilled workforce, flourishing local businesses, and a reduced tax burden, we can surmount the financial challenges that confront us. With this holistic approach, we can pave the way for resilient economic growth and enhanced opportunities for all residents of our county.”

Promoting economic opportunity, family-centric community development, thoughtful future planning and supporting the new sheriff are Freeman’s long-term goals if elected.

“Addressing the concern of our youth leaving the county in search of better economic prospects, my goal is to attract industries that offer living wages while respecting our valued way of life and pristine environment,” he said. “Strategic growth guidance focusing on the I-85 corridor and city limits will facilitate the recruitment of industries that not only secure financial freedom for our citizens but also contribute positively to our local economy and community.”

Freeman said he wants to cultivate a culture that values and supports the family unit and is attractive to new families seeking a safe, wholesome environment to raise children.

“I am passionate about welcoming hardworking families who share our Christian values and will positively impact our community,” he said. “We will support our churches in their community outreach, encourage and mentor our youth, continue to support our city leaders as they work to improve our recreation areas for families and work with educators to find creative solutions to the challenges they face in the classroom. Investing in and inspiring our families is the groundwork necessary for a brighter future for Franklin County.”

Strategic planning is “paramount,” Freeman said.

“It is vital to simplify and justify the rules governing our county, ensuring they are clear, concise and enforceable without undue overreach,” he said. “We will back up to go forward, refining our county code to facilitate comprehensive thought and effective enforcement. Planning beyond the build, considering the long-term impact of development projects, is key to fostering quality jobs, citizens and income for the county, while aligning with a positive future for the next generation.”

It is also a goal to support a new sheriff that will be elected this year, Freeman said.

“I am fully committed to collaborating with the sheriff, fellow board members and county officials to provide support as the sheriff embarks on his term, facing significant challenges including constrained budgets, the need for jail expansion, addressing salary gaps for deputies, and implementing a new communication package,” he said. “It is crucial to provide the sheriff with the resources and support required to effectively address these challenges, ensuring the safety and security of our community.”

Freeman said that his long-term goals “will not only guide our county towards a more secure and prosperous future but will also uphold the cherished values and character of our community.”

Shorter-term, Freeman wants to improve communication between “all segments” of the comunity and the commissioners.

“It is essential to ensure that their voices are heard, their concerns are addressed and their perspectives are taken into account in the decision-making process,” he said. “To accomplish this, I am committed to being approachable, accessible and actively engaged with farmers, healthcare providers, educators, first responders, local business owners, retirees as well as individuals from diverse working backgrounds and life experiences. I will actively engage with citizens to create an environment where  everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs and aspirations for our community. By actively listening and understanding the diverse needs of our citizens, I will be better equipped to advocate for policies and initiatives that genuinely reflect the best interests of our community. Understanding the diverse perspectives within our community is essential for effective governance and for navigating the complexities of growth and development. By prioritizing open communication and inclusive decision-making, I am dedicated to creating a transparent and participatory governance structure that ensures all citizens have a voice in shaping the future of Franklin County.”

Freeman said it is his goal to talk with every voter he can and that voters can reach him by email at  Freeman.4.Franklin@gmail.com. 

“For those that I won’t get to speak to I would say, ‘Your opinion matters. I am here to listen to your concerns and to fight for you and our way of life in this county for our children, grandchildren and generations to come. Vote Freeman for Franklin,’” he said.

 

Mark Sewell

By Shane Scoggins

Publisher

 

LAVONIA – Mark Sewell said the lessons he’s learned in business and his retirement make him a “great” candidate for the District 2 seat on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

“My career in concrete has spanned over 44 years. I have been a general manager, sales manager, plant manager and sales,” he said. “It has given me a lot of opportunities to see how business are supposed to be run and sometimes what happens when a business is not run well and the wheels come off.  I have dealt with building budgets, looking for holes in budgets, forecast and all sorts of cost, trend and growth analysis. Many other things go into running and being part of a successful business and all of these would help make me a great candidate for being your next District 2 county commissioner of Franklin County. Add to that that I am going to be retired and will have the time available to devote to being a county commissioner.”

Sewell was born and raised in a small town where most people worked for a cotton mill or BF Goodrich.  

“It was a lot like Franklin County as far as the people go, friendly and caring,” he said.

Sewell is a member of Lavonia Mason Lodge No. 241, where he currently serves as treasurer.

Sewell said that future growth is “inevitable.”

“It is how we manage it or don’t mange it that will be the key to our success and growth,” he said. “I feel we must develop near the cities and interstate exits to encompass a true growth parameter. A balanced growth should give us the tax base that will make it more fair for all tax payers.”

Sewell said he has a couple of short-term goals if elected.

One is to clean up some areas of the county.

“No one wants to see properties that are dilapidated in residential areas and it would be so much nicer to have it cleaned up,” he said. “No one wants to ride around and see areas like this, whether it be in the north, south, east or west part of the county. Our current marshals cannot do it all and need the help from time to time from good neighbors.”

The other short-term goal is “to work with all departments to develop a goal for planned growth and how we want to handle it.”

He also wants to “stay in tune” with community organizations in the county and cities to keep them informed. 

Longer-term, Sewell said he wants to promote a strong financial position and unity in the county and to promote interest in the county from developers.

Sewell said he wants to create a financial position “whereby we can handle any mandates or emergencies that may arise and start building a plan where we don’t have to rob from Peter to pay Paul.”

He said he wants to “aid in defense of unity within” the county.   

“I am talking primarily from the people of Franklin to the governments of Franklin,” he said. “There needs to be more effort with regard to working together as a county  and cities.” 

Sewell said he wants to pique interest in the county from developers.

“We need to make sure we are working with developers to pique their interest in Franklin County,” he said. “Work with the IBA and economic development groups to make sure we are taking every option to get people interested in Franklin County.”

Sewell said he wants to be the District 2 commissioner and needs citizens to vote for him to become that.

“if I could speak with every voter, I would let them know that I intend on being fair and honest in being their voice for the county and represent all the people of the county in a fair and equitable manner,” he said. “Thanks and God bless you.”

 

Cory Pulliam

By Shane Scoggins

Publisher

 

LAVONIA – If Cory Pulliam had a chance to speak to every voter in Franklin County, he said he would reassure them that if he is elected to the District 2 commissioners’ seat, he will seek God’s guidance and use common sense to make every decision.

“I have made the choice to raise my family in Franklin County because I truly believe that Franklin County is the best,” he said.  “Faith, family and Franklin are what I will always rely on.”

Pulliam is a life-long resident of Franklin County, with more than 35 years of public service and 20 years in ministry.

Pulliam graduated from Franklin County High School in 1993 and earned a bachelor’s degree in theology in 2015.

He is currently the pastor of Flat Shoals Baptist Church and a poultry farmer.

Pulliam is an active member of Franklin County Young Farmers and supports the Franklin County FFA program.

He has also served on the St. Marys’ Sacred Heart Hospital chaplain board.

Pulliam and Carrie, his wife of 30 years, have three children, Chasey Whaley, Carah Pulliam and Chloe Pulliam; a son-in-law, Chance Whaley; and a granddaughter, Falyn Whaley.

Pulliam said he has served the community since age 16 and that every job he’s held has involved serving the public.

“The past 35 years of serving this community has equipped me with skills that will be useful in this position,” he said.  “From public relations, managing employees/budgets/multi-divisions, and ministry needs, I feel as if I can serve the public in this position.”

Pulliam said the key to managing growth is electing the right people.

“The way that I feel that we can manage residential, commercial and industrial growth is for the public to elect individuals that will ensure sustainable, smart and positive growth takes place in areas that can withstand and handle it,” he said.  “I will vote to ensure that Franklin County stays Franklin County.  The county must have good healthy growth, but not at the expense of pre-existing residents, landowners or businesses.”

The UDC is hindering citizens, Pulliam said.

“From talking with the residents in Franklin County, I have found that the UDC is hindering a lot of citizens,” he said.  “The best way to deal with this is by taking a serious look at the guidelines of the UDC and use the citizens input to revise the guidelines.  The permits and inspections are punishing the residents and business owners from thriving in Franklin County.”

Amending the UDC is one of Pulliam’s longer-term goals if elected.

He said he wants to amend the UDC “to benefit and protect the residents, landowners and business owners.”

Pulliam said he also wants to see responsible industries with “good-neighbor policies” in the county. At least 75 percent of Franklin County residents are employed outside the county, he said.

Safety must also be a top priority, Pulliam said.

“We should listen to the concerns of the sheriff’s department, Emergency Medical Services, fire departments, etc.,” he said.

Pulliam said the maintenance of county roads needs to be addressed.

Shorter-term, Pulliam wants to build relationships within the county.

“My top short-term goal would be to build relationships with county officials, county employees and residents,” he said. “I will accomplish this by actively being involved in all aspects of the Franklin County community.  I will stand for things that benefit our county while still preserving the sense of local community.”