Jay Paul has opposition in his reelection bid.
Paul, the chair of the Oglethorpe County Commission, will face fellow Republican Wayne Loggans in the primary election, which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21. Democrat Patrick Bonds also qualified to run for the position. Qualifying closed on March 8 for the county positions on this year’s ballot.
Paul, a native of the county who is in his first term, said while his position can be difficult, he doesn’t intend on handing it over this year.
“One of the things that pulls me back, though, is how much I care for this county and everything that I do for it,” he said.
Paul also said he aims to keep Oglethorpe County a rural area and plans to make sure the county isn’t overrun by unregulated growth. While he said he isn’t against development, he wants to retain the county’s community aspect.
“I think that people live here for a reason, and they like it,” Paul said. “They like the quality of life we have.”
Bonds is new to politics, but said he is dedicated to improving the county, specifically by expanding programs to youth and seniors. Bonds, who has lived in Oglethorpe County for 52 years, said the county is operated like a city, rather than a rural county.
“I just want to get the county part of it back,” he said.
Bonds said he intends to focus on making Oglethorpe County a place that young adults would want to stay after they finish their education, rather than move away. In order to do that, Bonds said that there needs to be more opportunities available for youth, specifically through success programs.
“We’re stuck with traditions on everything around here,” Bonds said. “And we’ve got to move from traditions to grow.”
The Oglethorpe Echo left two messages for Loggans on Monday and texted him on Tuesday.
District 2 commissioner Andy Saxon, a Republican who is in his third term, faces opposition from Republican Sintyl Williamson and Democrat Jacqueline Bosby.
Sheriff and tax commissioner are the only other two contested races.
James “Junior” Jackson is challenging Sheriff David Gabriel. Dawn Johnson Scarborough will face Teresa Jo Campbell for tax commissioner.
Bonds and Bosby are the only two Democrats who qualified this year. There are 14 Republicans on the ballot.
The Oglethorpe Echo will publish Q&As with each candidate leading up to the May 21 primary election.