Mark Simmons Formally Announces Candidacy for Gilmer County Commission Chairman

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Hello my name is Mark Simmons, I am running for Commission Chairman of Gilmer County. Public service has always been my passion, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring new, responsible leadership to the county I have always called home.My wife Amanda and I are lifelong residents of Gilmer County. Our families have been a part of this community for generations. Gilmer County is our home and the home of the family business. Over the years we as a community have seen growth in the county alongside new friends that now call Gilmer County home. I am running for County Commissioner because it is important to me that we all have a strong and vibrant community for generations to come.

I began my career with Gilmer County in 2001 as a volunteer firefighter so that I could make a difference in my community. After that I worked with the Gilmer County 911 center and then on to becoming a Full Time EMT/Firefighter. All of this I did while working the family business on my off days. In 2012 I left the full time position and went back to a volunteer position so that I could work in the full time management position that I now have with the family business.

My true passion remains public service, and I learned at an early age the importance of giving back to my community. My father and mother were very devoted to the Gilmer County Jaycees for many years of my life. I continued the family tradition of community involvement by joining the Coosawattee Shrine Club, eventually accepting the office of President for 2 terms. I have been the chairman of the Shrine Circus committee for many years. In this role, I have had the pleasure of taking the school kids from our local community to the circus as a result of fundraising efforts and collaboration with local business people. I have also been the co- chairman for the Gilmer County Relay for Life and co-chairman of a committee that continues to work diligently to bring the Traveling Vietnam Wall to Ellijay this coming Memorial Day.

Now it is time for me to try to make a difference in a new way for my family and yours. I would be proud to serve my hometown. Together we can fight for effective government in these challenging times. Now more than ever we need strong and responsible leadership to keep our county moving forward. Gilmer County is a wonderful place to live, to enjoy recreation and to raise a family. I appreciate the service and sacrifice of the current and past commissioners of Gilmer County, but I see the need for a change. We must make sure all Gilmer County citizens have the opportunity for fair and interested representation. I am not the kind of person who sits back and waits for information to come to me. I will reach out to the people in this community and will be receptive to their feedback. I believe in an “open door policy”. If I know an issue is going to have wide ranging impact on the community, I want to talk to those affected, whether they can make it to the commissioners meeting or not. I support responsible growth that preserves the beauty of Gilmer County. I will work to encourage and support local businesses while creating a favorable environment for businesses to relocate to Gilmer County. Thus creating a win, win for jobs, and growth in our local community. Being a landowner and taxpayer, I will be sensitive to decisions concerning county tax dollars. I will work to maximize use of county tax dollars with a goal of being able to lower taxes in the future. I will work to utilize state resources to help relieve the burden on local property owners.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to help serve the citizens of Gilmer County and make a difference. With your vote together we can lead our great county in to the future.

Please give me a call 706-889-6100 for any questions you have.
I hope you find this website to be useful. I am honored by your interest and hope for your support.

Sincerely,

Mark Simmons

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