Randy Bell Announces Candidacy for Commissioner Post 1

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My name is Randy Bell and I would like to announce my candidacy for the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners, Post 1. I have been a full time resident of Gilmer County for almost 20 years and have been active in the political arena most of that time.

I attended Floyd Jr. College near Rome before transferring to West Georgia College in Carrollton. I worked for CBS Records while finishing my business degree. Starting as a machine operator, I worked my way up to Lead Coordinator with a staff of 7. I was responsible for coordinating component acquisition and plant production of 490,000 cassettes per day with an average of 200 different titles on the floor on any given day.

After 5 years, I left the coziness of the corporate world and jumped back in the pool with mainstream America. I started a small business that I have successfully operated for 25 years. I have survived the good times and bad times without the insulation of a corporation around me. I know what it’s like to be slapped down and I know how to get back up. I know what it is like to struggle to make ends meet while feeding a family. I know the problems facing the average person in Gilmer County because I live the same type of life as you do. And that is the reason I am running, because I feel I can represent you, not “rule” you. I will not forget that County money is your money, not a corporate credit card.

I have served the last 1.5 years on the Gilmer County Board of Assessors. During that time we have made significant changes but many more need to be made to assure all property owners are treated fairly and equally. I will continue to pursue that goal.

Gilmer County is facing a complex set of problems, the greatest of which is our massive debt. While the past cannot be changed it will be difficult to guide the County through these trying economic times while paying the bills and delivering services without placing additional burdens or taxes on the property owners. I think the current Board of Commissioners have done a great job of managing County finances given the situation, but, with Commissioner Will Beattie’s decision to not seek another term, I have decided to seek election to Post 1.

I have long worked to bring accountability to County government that I feel the citizens deserve and will continue to do so. There are many things that need to be done to get Gilmer back to prosperity and growth. We can aggressively pursue renegotiating our bonded debt that could save us hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions. We need to pursue economic development to bring jobs and growth to the County by equalizing our tax base and digest. We can give tax incentives to businesses to try to attract them, but we have to keep a moderate millage rate for everyone. The situation Gilmer County is in is a complex one, and there is no “magic bullet” that will cure it. I have attended many Commission meetings and am very familiar with our situation. It will take dedicated leadership, hard work, and persistence. Those of you that know me, know that I am honest and hardworking. This will not be an easy task, but I humbly ask for your vote and support on July 31st.

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