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VALDOSTA – The Valdosta Each day Occasions despatched emailed inquiries to candidates within the contested races for Lowndes County Fee District 4 and Valdosta Metropolis Council District 3.
India Bell, a candidate for Metropolis Council District 3, didn’t reply questions by the deadline for candidates to return responses and even previous deadline final week.
John Burton III, a candidate for County Fee District 4, didn’t present a photograph.
A number of edits had been made to some responses.
Here’s a listing of certified candidates by way of the Lowndes County Board of Elections:
Valdosta Metropolis
Council District 3
Thomas B. Mclntyre
India Searra Bell
Dr. Mattie L. Blake, Ph.D.
Lowndes County Commissioner District 4
John Burton III, Republican
Demarcus Marshall, incumbent, Democrat
Voters may forged ballots for statewide races akin to governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and so on., within the November normal election.
Early voting runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 4 and can run 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. Mondays by Fridays, and contains 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, and noon- 5 p.m. Sundays. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The Lowndes County Board of Elections is situated at 2808 N. Oak St.
Valdosta Metropolis
Council District 3
Thomas B. McIntyre
Occupation: Engineer, Air Pressure and Military veteran
Age: 55
What makes you certified for public workplace?
McIntyre: “I’ve an extended historical past of service to my nation, state and group. I started that service in 1988 by enlisting within the U.S. Air Pressure, finishing that time period in 1993. I continued to serve the state of Georgia by enlisting within the Georgia Military Nationwide Guard’s 121st Infantry division within the 12 months 2000 finishing that time period in 2004. As well as, I’ve been energetic in the neighborhood for about seven years, working with neighbors and residents in District 3 and throughout town. I’ve additionally constructed robust relationships with town managers, division heads, metropolis staff and many of the Metropolis Council and mayor. I’ve served and proceed to serve on a number of metropolis and federal boards along with two nonprofit organizations.”
What are a few of your accomplishments in work and life?
McIntyre: “I’ve been a single mother or father for the final 10 years. I just lately attended the highschool commencement for my youngest son, Thomas Jr. Doing this away from dwelling was an extra problem as I had no assist system akin to a grandmother, aunts and uncles to lean on for help. I raised my kids whereas working 12-hour shifts on the weekends at Lowe’s distribution heart whereas attending Wiregrass and VSU throughout the week for 5 years. On the finish of the 5 years, I graduated with three levels. Two from Wiregrass and one from VSU. I additionally earned an affiliate of science diploma from VSU in 2009 for a complete of 4 levels. My highest diploma is a BAS in human capital efficiency, which is basically a level in administration with the usage of know-how. I’ve exploited my skill to study new expertise shortly and due to this fact, I’ve realized avionics, and labored on tanks and heavy-wheeled automobiles. I’ve labored within the discipline of business development, millwright work, steel fabrication, hanging iron and pipe becoming. I constructed yachts for eight years and held the place of supervisor. Whereas yacht constructing, I submitted many engineering and specification modifications (greater than 80) compelling the employer to create a brand new monitoring system known as the CAR system. CAR stands for corrective motion request. I at the moment have eight years of expertise within the discipline of data know-how with an extra talent monitor in cyber safety.”
If elected, what do you hope to perform in workplace?
McIntyre: “I’d wish to see the accepted park that (me) and my neighbors requested by the Neighborhood Motion Affiliation accomplished subsequent 12 months after mid-year’s finances approvals by the council. I’d additionally wish to see extra householders and a rise in high-wage jobs and a inhabitants enhance. As well as, I’d wish to see the blighted properties downside addressed, which can foster property worth will increase.”
What do you see because the three greatest challenges dealing with town?
McIntyre: “Firstly, Valdosta is among the poorest cities within the U.S. Poverty is chargeable for larger crime charges and 30% of the working class is at or under the poverty fee. That is the largest menace to town. Subsequent is the true property situation and the lack of know-how regarding actual property, dwelling wills, trusts and life insurance coverage.”
The place would you wish to see town in 10 years?
McIntyre: “I’d wish to see infrastructure growth, medium to massive companies right here, the median wage elevated to the nationwide common, extra dwelling possession and crime charges minimize in half. Town additionally must be in an ‘intercept’ place in relation to interstate site visitors for tourism.”
If elected, what would you do to make sure transparency in workplace and entry to the general public?
McIntyre: “I’d encourage residents to attend Metropolis Council conferences that are already recorded and posted on town’s Fb web page. I’d wish to see a revamping of town web site to incorporate managers and worker salaries, job descriptions, and a ten to fifteen historical past on worker attrition charges and COLA or lack thereof. Additionally listed must be companies’ makes an attempt to return to Valdosta in the event that they’re coming and why or why not. As well as, each time a mid- to upper-level administration place is opened, it must be posted on the web site and marketed together with place necessities. And, as potential managers apply, their names and credentials must be posted so the general public can observe alongside to see who’s in management positions and why they’re certified to be there vs. one other candidate.”
Dr. Mattie L. Blake, Ph.D.
Occupation: Director of Nursing
Age: 66
What makes you certified for public workplace?
Blake: “My life’s experiences in Valdosta, my entrepreneurship successes and my group involvement does qualify me for public workplace. Moreover, as a resident of Valdosta for over 40 years serving in a wide range of positions that talk to the wants of the residents whereas not being an elected official has supplied me with the perception wanted to satisfy the wants of District 3 and Valdosta.
“I’m sincere to a fault. I imagine that each elected official ought to diligently (strive) to embrace honesty in all their selections and actions.
“Skilled: I imagine that being elected as a consultant for District 3 would require me to be an goal consultant. Subsequently, I need to meet the wants of District 3 and Valdosta as a complete. As a enterprise proprietor, nurse and property proprietor, I perceive the need to delegate my time in a fashion conducive to attaining the objectives that I aspire to acquire. That mentioned, in my enterprise I’ve at all times significantly deliberate for required conferences, learn in depth quantities of supplies in preparation for conferences and I’ve been accessible to district neighbors. I’m certified as a result of I perceive the method and the efforts required to attain the objectives needed to maneuver our communities ahead.
“Self Motivated. As an elected official for District 3 and the Metropolis of Valdosta I stand able to serve the first pursuits of the folks. I’d think about myself as a conduit for the group to go on their wishes for his or her group.”
What are a few of your accomplishments in work and life?
Blake: “Because the tenth little one of 15, I used to be the primary to graduate faculty with a BSN (VSU), grasp’s diploma in nursing MSN/Ed. (UOP), and doctoral diploma in nursing (UOP). I’m a member of the Nationwide and Worldwide Nursing Honor Society, The Nationwide Society of Management and Success, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Spring ’76, began the primary mother or father assist group in Valdosta, a member of Undertaking Change, obtained humanitarian award from Dr. Milton Basis in Tifton, Ga., and so on.
“Most rewarding accomplishment is elevating my 4 coronary heart beats, two sons (Nakia and George) and two daughters (Angelia and Alicia).”
If elected, what do you hope to perform in workplace?
Blake: “If elected, my final objective is to create an atmosphere wherein residents are dedicated to sustaining a secure and affluent group. That in and of itself would require nice communication expertise and sincerity in my efforts.”
What do you see because the three greatest challenges dealing with town?
Blake: “For my part the three greatest challenges dealing with Valdosta are a. housing, b. crime, c. poverty/homelessness.”
The place would you wish to see town in 10 years?
Blake: “In 10 years I want to see Valdosta as a melting pot that embraces each district to advertise and plan in unison for the whole success of Valdosta’s with out territorial traces being casted.”
If elected, what would you do to make sure transparency in workplace and entry to the general public?
Blake: “In an effort to make sure transparency, I’d proceed to embrace accountability that promotes transparency. Subsequently, group conferences could be scheduled quarterly. A group publication could be posted on the web to maintain residents conscious of sources, legal guidelines and selections made by me together with the entire different members of council.”
Lowndes County Fee
District 4
Demarcus Marshall, incumbent
Occupation: Commissioner, Military and Marine veteran
Age: 49
What makes you certified for public workplace?
Marshall: “I’m the amenities supervisor for the Metropolis of Valdosta; to which, I’ve been instrumental in re-purposing and renovating workplace house in Metropolis Corridor, Metropolis Corridor Annex, Buyer Service Constructing, Georgia Division of Labor Constructing, Mathis Auditorium, Lady’s Constructing, pre- and post-COVID amenities administration response and oversight of the brand new Unity Park Amphitheater. Previous to my position because the amenities supervisor for the Metropolis of Valdosta, I served as the general public works superintendent and site visitors sign technician.
“As well as, I train for Valdosta State College’s grasp of public administration program. I’ve taught group idea & conduct, info administration, high quality administration in public administration, public administration & community-based organizations, and innovation & artistic downside fixing within the public sector.
“I’ve levels within the following: BA in philosophy, grasp of public administration, Ph.D. in public coverage and administration.
“Presently, I’m the county commissioner for District 4. Because the county commissioner for District 4, I signify the Moody Air Pressure Base space, Bemiss hall, majority of the Metropolis of Valdosta, the airport space and Naylor group.
“I’m chargeable for approving budgets for normal authorities capabilities and different county elected officers, board appointments, zoning requests, repairing roads, bridges, the infrastructure, and resolving points all through District 4 in Lowndes County.
“I try to deal with everybody honest, by no means be a stranger and worth all my constituent opinions and suggestions. I’m married to Regina Marshall and now we have three kids (Drew, Merideth and Ashlyn). We attend Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.”
What are a few of your accomplishments in work and life?
Marshall: “As a county commissioner, I’ve been appointed on the board of trustees for the Group Self-Insurance coverage Staff’ Compensation Fund board for the Affiliation County Commissioners of Georgia. I’ve served on the Nationwide Affiliation of Counties Neighborhood, Financial and Workforce Growth Committee, Veterans and Army Providers Committee, and Rural Motion Caucus. I represented the state of Georgia in attending the Nationwide Affiliation of Counties’ Excessive Efficiency Management Academy developed by the late Gen. Colin Powell.
“We now have paved and resurfaced over 25 miles of highway in District 4 since my tenure. We now have secured a number of manufacturing jobs with high-paying wages in Lowndes County. We now have supplied further full-time fireplace service and vans in District 4 of Lowndes County which incorporates the Bemiss location.
“We now have supplied funding to help the youth and adults in diversion applications to scale back incarceration and recidivism. We adopted a coverage to handle personal filth roads and dedicating roads. As effectively, now we have performed wage research for county staff.”
If elected, what do you hope to perform in workplace?
Marshall: “I hope to help in transitioning Lowndes County right into a post-COVID normalcy. I wish to proceed serving to stimulate our native economic system by offering an employee- and business-friendly group. I hope to assist present further venues for our youth and younger skilled age inhabitants.
“I plan on helping in addressing the crime throughout the cities situated in Lowndes County and to make sure the security of all our residents. As effectively, I hope to work with different native, state and federal elected officers in offering further sources for our county.”
What do you see because the three greatest challenges dealing with the county?
Marshall: “Presently, our county is doing effectively when in comparison with different counties and communities. Our funds are so as. We just lately supplied extra fireplace safety for our residents. One other manufacturing firm is shifting to Lowndes County and our property taxes are among the many lowest in our area.
“Albeit, we will use some enhancements in addressing a few of our blight areas, water infrastructure and web service in Lowndes County.”
The place would you wish to see the county in 10 years?
Marshall: “I want to see Lowndes County as persevering with to be the financial engine hub for our area and probably a state contender in top-of-the-line locations to stay in Georgia.”
If elected, what would you do to make sure transparency in workplace and entry to the general public?
Marshall: “We now have an obligation and a accountability as commissioners to maintain our work public document. We on the county work with our county supervisor to make sure all requests are fulfilled in a well timed method. I intention to be open and sincere with constituents as a result of there’s nothing to cover. I make myself out there to reply any questions at anytime.”
John Burton III
Occupation: Fleet Superintendent
Age: 52
What makes you certified for public workplace?
Burton: “I’ve lived and labored in Lowndes County, Georgia, for the previous 30 years. I imagine I’ve the data and expertise of dwelling within the space to own the perception wanted to signify my district efficiently.”
What are a few of your accomplishments in work and life?
Burton: “I served honorably a four-year enlistment in the US Air Pressure as an F-16 crew chief. I made a decision to remain within the space and moved from engaged on fighter planes to engaged on automotive, development and farm automobiles. Upon my tenth 12 months within the space, I accepted a chance to work for the Metropolis of Valdosta as a heavy gear mechanic. After eight years of working as a heavy gear mechanic, I turned the fleet superintendent for the Metropolis of Valdosta, a place I at the moment maintain at present making this the twentieth 12 months working for the Metropolis of Valdosta.
I say work however I really feel extra just like the duties I carry out are within the service of the group.”
If elected, what do you hope to perform in workplace?
Burton: “If elected, I hope to work with fellow commissioners to kind coverage that may convey alternative to the world that may markedly elevate the usual of dwelling for the residents of Lowndes County.”
What do you see because the three greatest challenges dealing with the county?
Burton: “Educating our youth, offering alternative for our residents and future proofing our native economic system.”
The place would you wish to see the county in 10 years?
Burton: “Truthfully, in 10 years, I want to see zero unkempt vacant tons and nil deserted companies.”
If elected, what would you do to make sure transparency in workplace and entry to the general public?
Burton: “If elected, I’ll create a County Commissioner District 4 Fb web page that may show all agendas and the way all commissioners voted.
“A straightforward method for all to see the entire recorded minutes of each assembly throughout my time period. It’s a pure tendency for all to carry out at a better customary once they know their conduct is well noticed.”
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