GOVERNANCE

As your candidate for the representative for District 3, I bring with me a unique blend of experience and expertise that I believe can truly benefit our community. I have operated a successful law practice for over 23 years gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of governance, regulations, and the importance of legal compliance. I have had to, on a few occasions, represent individuals against the county due to what I perceived as avoidable missteps by the County. I’ve had the opportunity to closely examine county documents, and in doing so, I’ve uncovered loopholes, missing information and disconnects that have put our County in jeopardy. This experience has reinforced my commitment to diligent and responsible
governance.

On December 5, 2023, District Attorney Randy McGinley and Chief Public Defender Anthony Carter appeared before the Board of Commissioners to request a pay scale adjustment for their respective offices, with the goal of improving the recruitment of new Assistant District Attorneys and Public Defenders. During the meeting, both McGinley and Carter underscored the urgency of their request as both offices were critically understaffed and having difficulty attracting applicants. In response to their request, our District 3 Representative noted that other departments were also seeking additional staffing. As an attorney, I found this comment concerning. Unlike many other departments, the District Attorney’s Office and the Public
Defender’s Office are particularly vulnerable to constitutional violations when understaffed. It is crucial for our Board Members to have a deep understanding of effective governance principles and to grasp the potential legal liabilities associated with their decisions.

I have a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in Local Government. This education has equipped me with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of public governance. This education has opened my eyes to the particulars of policy-making, public service delivery and the critical role of transparency and accountability in our County’s affairs. I will work with my fellow commissioners to ensure that our County’s operations are conducted with the utmost integrity and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

If elected, I will champion policies that prioritize responsible use of public resources. I intend to embrace the ‘five loaves and two fish’ approach to government spending, a strategy of maximizing the impact of limited resources. This philosophy serves as a guiding principle for
my approach to assessing spending and creating fiscal policies. We must stretch every dollar, focusing on innovative and strategic methods to ensure that even with limited budgets, our community’s needs are met effectively. My vision for our community is founded on ethical governance, fairness, equal opportunity, and the well-being of all our citizens.

Thank you for considering me as your representative for District 3. I look forward to working alongside you to achieve our shared vision for a prosperous and responsible Newton County that benefits everyone. My commitment to safeguarding our County’s and your interests makes me
the ideal candidate to serve you. I am dedicated and ready to selflessly and diligently handle the People’s Business.