Chairman Paris Announces run for “Final Term”
Election, News January 7, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – With his current term completing at the end of 2022, Gilmer’s current Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Charlie Paris has announced his candidacy in this year’s election for the chairman position.
However, it is a note in his message that some are focusing in. Along with his announcement for candidacy, it seems that Paris is also announcing far ahead of schedule that, if elected to this term, it will likely be his last. Paris stated, “I ask for your vote and support as I now announce for one final term as your chairman.”
Chairman Charlie Paris at the location of the Cherry Log Fire Station.
When asked why he was already announcing it as the final term, Paris said that he wanted time left for himself after his service. Planning ahead to make this a final term will allow time for family and personal goals. While those plans include time with grandkids and family in Auburn, Alabama, Paris also noted, “Going fishing on a Wednesday instead of a Saturday.” A small goal it may seem, but Paris said its a major difference between the number of people on the lake.
With those plans to look forward to, Paris also said that one final term allows him to finish several projects before leaving office. Paris said, “I have spent seven years trying to bring Gilmer County to the point that we can start doing the things that we should have been doing all along.” Paris said the best example of this for him is the Road Department. With the equipment so old and rusted as it was when he took office, Paris said a lot of effort has gone into getting the road department the equipment they need to be to the point where they can accomplish the needs of the county.
Paris noted that with so much effort put into getting them to that point and being so close to that point, he now wants to switch from fixing issues and equipment needs to utilizing the department in actually accomplishing those needs. He noted that there is still more work to be done in the Road Department as well as others, and he wants to continue that, but he also wants t o see the fruits of that effort.
Left to right, Kevan White, David Ralston, Charlie Paris, and Travis Crouch take a photo in front of a new playground at River Park.
Additionally, plans in 2022 have already started on improving the county’s fire department to, as he said, a “mountain fire department.” Equipping the county with some advanced equipment will accomplish needs for citizens in situations such as high grade driveways for homes. Driveways that a full tanker fire truck may not be able to climb. Utilizing things like mini-pumpers that can get up these driveways, the department will be able to leave the truck at the bottom of a dangerous incline on a driveway and the mini pumper reaches the fire and allows the firemen to accomplish their jobs.
On top of finishing the pool project and fully completing the county’s lift station at the landfill, there are still projects to complete in the final term before a new chairman takes over. Paris said, “What I’d like to do with whoever succeeds me is… I’d like to be able to just hand them the key to the office and say, ‘Everything’s great. Now improve on what’s there.'”
Gilmer Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Paris
Explaining further, he noted he didn’t want to leave anything half done or have a mindset of leaving a problem for the next person. Paris noted how far River Park has come in seven years. Cleaning the park, new playgrounds, putting up new bathrooms, and repaving and extending the walking paths are completed projects that he is very happy with. Looking ahead, there is more that can be done and is being done for the next journey. But he said the difference between the park now and seven years ago is huge.
Not quite done, but looking to the future, Chairman Charlie Paris announced his candidacy as a final term. He said, “I love what I do. I’ve enjoyed the first seven years of it. I hope I can have one more term.”
Yet, when asked about potential service after he finishes as Chairman, Paris admitted that he might still volunteer for something if he was asked to. He didn’t offer any specific areas of the county, but when asked about the Animal Shelter, he replied, “Animal Shelter, obviously, is one of my highest interests, but it could be anywhere I’m needed.”
Regardless of volunteer service or not, Paris made one thing clear when asked about his time after serving as Chairman, “I’m not leaving Gilmer. This is my home. I love it here.”
Watkins announces final term in Board of Education
Election, News April 20, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Referencing the recent dissension over the school’s 2021-2022 calendar, board member and current Chairman Ronald Watkins said he has caught major backlash over the issue.
Watkins announced in the BOE’s public comments session this month that he will not be running again in the coming elections. Dealing with much of the frustration from the public and what he stated as “people telling a little bit of the truth and a little bit of lies,” Watkins voiced his anger over the issue and the backlash to him as a public official.
Ronald Watkins, Member of the Gilmer County Board of Education
During his comments, he denounced citizens who, according to Watkins, claimed he voted based on his own vacations. Saying that he raises chickens, he said he could not plan vacations on the calendar regardless of which one it was. He went on to say that if he had his choice, Gilmer’s Calendar would be that of Murray County.
Watkins said he has been on the board for years working for the public. He said, “I took up for every kid, teachers, and everybody.” He condemned the public’s response on the recent issues referencing something he saw in “emails.”
As if speaking directly to those people in the meeting, Watkins said, “You ain’t going to get to vote against me next year,” as he announced that this would be his final term.
However, the calendar issue may not have been the direct cause of this announcement, Watkins claimed that he had previously spoken with Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs about this being his last term and not wanting to run again. He said he had “made that promise” a while ago.
Linking in another resignation, Watkins furthered addressed the resignation of Dr. Downs saying that she resigned and that “We did not run Dr. Downs off. She had my full backing. You can sit there and shake your head no, I don’t care. She had my full backing. This was her decision.”
While it is unusual to see such an early announcement of decisions on running for office, it was made publicly, in an open county meeting. This makes two absences that the Board of Education will face in its future. However, Watkins did not tender a resignation, meaning that he will continue to serve the remainder of his term as of this time.
The board has faced member resignations in the last five years, which is how Watkins current service began as he filled the remainder of a term left from a resignation before running for office for the following term.
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson announces for re-election
Election February 26, 2020
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson announces he will seek re-election this year.
Sheriff Nicholson and his wife, Stacie, live in the City of Ellijay. They are both members and regularly attend Friendship #3 Baptist Church in McCaysville.
The Sheriff is 48 years old and will begin his 30th year of law enforcement with Gilmer Sheriff’s Office in March of 2020. He was first elected as Sheriff in 2004.
Sheriff Nicholson states, “I have devoted my entire adult life to serving and protecting the citizens of Gilmer County. I have never had the desire to pursue ANY job opportunity, professional or financial, that would take me away from serving the community in which I live. Instead, I developed the desire and vision of molding and leading this Sheriff’s Office to an agency that is second to none. In that, I have a lot of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ invested. We’re not perfect by any means, but we strive daily to provide Gilmer County citizens with the best Sheriff’s Office they can ask for. I have an excellent group of deputies and staff that have bought into my vision, and they work hard every day for us.”
On day one as Sheriff, Nicholson began working on building strong relationships with the police chiefs of Ellijay and East Ellijay. The Sheriff states, “Our agencies are small, respectively speaking. We all sometimes need each other for assistance. Cooperation starts at the top. If the Sheriff and Chiefs get along and are on the ‘same page,’ then the troops out there doing the job will typically.” Sixteen years later, the working relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments is strong.
In highlighting just a few of the agency’s accomplishments under Sheriff Nicholson, the Sheriff’s Office received its State Certification in 2008, becoming only the 12th Sheriff’s Office in Georgia to achieve this “voluntary” distinction. The Sheriff’s Office is in its ninth year of offering a “totally transparent” view of their operation through their Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy program. The Office has a strong in-house training unit, as well as outside the agency training opportunities, focusing heavily on active shooter response and crisis intervention training. Lastly, the Sheriff’s Office has just begun offering active shooter response for citizens, specifically focusing on churches.
In highlighting some recent professional recognition and accomplishments, Sheriff Nicholson was elected by the Sheriffs of the State of Georgia to serve as President of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association for 2018-2019. Prior to that, he served for six years as Regional Vice President of the Association. Most recently, he has been appointed as a District Director for the Constitutional Officers’ Association of Georgia, representing a 14-county area of Clerk of Superior Courts, Probate Judges, Tax Commissioners and Sheriffs. Sheriff Nicholson states, “It is a huge honor to be respected by my elected peers to represent them in our Associations second ONLY to the honor of being able to serve the citizens of Gilmer County as YOUR Sheriff.
Sheriff Nicholson concludes, “today’s law enforcement is ever changing, under scrutiny and sometimes even under attack. Leading a Sheriff’s Office is not for the ‘faint of heart.’ It is a fast-paced, stressful job with a lot of moving parts with 100-plus employees. I assure you that I am physically, mentally, and health consciously ready to lead this team that I have assembled for whatever comes our way.”
The record of the Sheriff’s Office, under MY watch, I think speaks for itself. Our goal is to address serious crime in a manner that might be a deterrent, using proactive versus reactive policing methods; but at the same time maintaining our small town approach to interactions with our good citizens, both young and old.
I would be honored to be YOUR Sheriff for the next four years and I humbly ask for your vote on May 19th.
Current Magistrate Judge Ken Roberts Announces Candidacy for Gilmer County Chief Magistrate
News February 18, 2020
Ken and his wife, Karen, have called the Coosawattee neighborhood home for thirteen years and describe Gilmer County in one sentence: “Friendship with a sense of community.”
Ken’s public service career began with a five-year tour in the United States Air Force, followed by a fire service career in Central Florida, where he retired as Assistant Fire Chief after 25 years.
His public service career continued with the Seminole County Department of Public Safety, serving first as the Public Information Officer, then as County Emergency Management Director, and retiring as the Director of Public Safety. All of these positions involved coordination with county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the navigation of county-level government operations.
Ken currently serve as a Magistrate Judge for Gilmer County. He has served the Magistrate Court – which is often referred to as “the People’s Court” – with one simple philosophy: Do the right thing, always. This approach has served Gilmer County well, earned him the respect of the local law-enforcement community, and proven to be especially valuable when dealing with citizens coming to court for the first time.
Ken is running for Chief Magistrate in order to continue applying his philosophy of fairness, respect, and always doing the right thing; and would appreciate your vote.
For more information, visit electkenroberts.com
Reagan Griggs Pritchett announces candidacy for Magistrate Judge of Gilmer County
News February 17, 2020
To the citizens of Gilmer County:
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Reagan Griggs Pritchett and I am running for Chief Magistrate. A multigeneration citizen and native of Gilmer County, I am the daughter of Maynard and Denise Griggs. I am married to Kevin Pritchett. The son of Doug and Lynne Pritchett, he is also a lifelong resident and now a member of the Ellijay City Council. A member since childhood, we attend the First United Methodist Church of Ellijay.
I am an honor graduate of Gilmer High School. I also graduated with honors from the University of North Georgia. I went on to get a Masters in Political Science from Georgia State University. I am currently a PhD candidate at Georgia State. My PhD is in political science with a concentration in public law. I also currently teach American Government undergraduate courses at Georgia State University. Government and the law are both my knowledge and my passion.
I am choosing to run for Magistrate because I want to help make a difference in the county that helped raise and mold me into the person I am today. My father is a retired Post Commander of the Georgia State Patrol. Before pursuing a passion for teaching, my mother was a special agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Being the daughter of both a law enforcement officer and a teacher taught me the importance of the intersectionality of toughness, fairness, and compassion. I want to build on the legacy and foundation left by those who have held the office previously. I believe that I have the honesty, integrity, and solid work ethic that will be required by this position. As a lifelong native, I am fully invested in Gilmer County. This is my home and my community and I wish to be an active member of its future as your future Magistrate. I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and your vote in the Republican Primary on May 19, 2020. If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email at: [email protected].
You can also find more information on www.facebook.com/reagangpritchett
Thank you and God Bless our great county,
Reagan Griggs Pritchett
Kevin Johnson Announces His Candidacy for the 2020 Gilmer County Chief Magistrate Elections
Election February 14, 2020
Kevin Johnson proudly announces his candidacy for the 2020 elections for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer County.
As a veteran of the Marine Corps and with over 30 years of law enforcement experience, his dedication to service continues on as he humbly asks for support in his campaign to further his community that he cares so much for.
As a former Georgia State Patrol Trooper, he has received annual training in courtroom demeanor, case law, affidavits, arrest warrants, search warrants, and courtroom testimony. He is very experienced in courtroom demeanor and procedures as it relates to trial law. During his career, he has often been called upon to give expert testimony in both criminal and civil court cases.
His background establishes a solid foundation to serve as your Chief Magistrate. He has the experience that makes him the right choice to serve our community in this role.
Election day is Friday, May 19, 2020. The elections will be held concurrently with the statewide primary election.
Learn more about Kevin Johnson and his campaign by visiting www.facebook.com/badgetobench
Contact info:
Name: Kevin Johnson
Organization: Kevin Johnson for Chief Magistrate
Email: [email protected]
Norman Gibbs III announces his candidacy for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer
Election March 6, 2020
Hi everyone, My name is Norman Gibbs III. I would like to let everyone know that I am running for Chief Magistrate Judge of Gilmer County. I am married to Ginger Logan Gibbs. We have two sons, two daughter-in-laws and 5 grandchildren. I have lived in Gilmer County for over 45 years. My wife has lived here all of her life. We are proud and very thankful to live in this wonderful county.
Over the years this nation has significantly changed, but Gilmer County has continued to be a great place to raise a family. I have decided to run for Chief Magistrate because I enjoy making decisions based on the facts using the law and because it gives me an opportunity to use my experience for the good of our county. I want Gilmer County to maintain that safe hometown feel that will allow my grandchildren and future generations to enjoy it.
I worked in Ellijay at Blue Ridge Carpet Mills for 31 years. The last 20 years I served as Vice-President of Operations and Vice President of Logistics. My responsibilities included complete control of the manufacturing operation as well as inventory control, customer service, production planning and scheduling. There were over 100 employees involved in the operation. Important decisions had to be made on a daily basis. I also learned throughout my career the importance of dealing with all situations in the correct manner. This gives me the experience needed to carry out the responsibilities of this office.
As an ordained Baptist minister for 29 years I know the importance of having integrity, honesty and treating all people equally. All people are special and should be treated as such (for we all have a soul).
I sincerely ask for you to vote for me in the upcoming Primary on May 19, 2020. Your vote will be greatly appreciated! Thank you and may God bless the United States of America!!
Michael Parham Announces His Candidacy for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer County
Election March 6, 2020
Michael Parham, Former Circuit Public Defender for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, Announces His Candidacy for Chief Magistrate of Gilmer County.
Michael and Margaret have lived in Gilmer County since 1984. After graduating from law school while serving as an assistant minister at an Atlanta area church, Michael was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1979. Since that time, he has alternated between those roles; serving as a pastor for over 20 years and actively practicing law for more than 20 years. During the early years of his law practice, Michael practiced primarily in federal courts and among other matters, was sole or lead counsel in criminal jury trials in federal district courts including Atlanta, Chattanooga, Charlotte, Birmingham, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Ft. Worth. Michael has been admitted to the United States Tax Court, the United States Court of Appeals for seven of the 12 regional circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States.
During the years devoted primarily to ministry, in addition to serving as a pastor Michael was actively involved in foreign missions. Sometimes teaching mission and ministry staff and at other times leading teams of young people, he has ministered in over 2 dozen countries and currently serves on the board of 2 mission-related 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Locally, Michael was a founding participant in Covenant Community of Ellijay.
Returning to the practice of law locally in 2002, Michael was the Circuit (Chief) Public Defender for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit from July 2004 until August 2018, leading a diverse staff of 15 with offices in each of the 3 counties of the circuit (Gilmer, Pickens, and Fannin counties) representing the indigent criminally accused. That office routinely handles well over 80% of all adult criminal cases in the circuit as well as a majority of juvenile delinquency matters. As chief public defender, Michael was part of the Accountability Court Team and was directly responsible for the representation of participants in the Accountability Courts (Veterans Court, Drug Court, HELP Court). Michael Parham’s wide range of legal experience with many aspects of criminal and civil law combined with his ministry experience will allow him to make educated, compassionate and unbiased decisions that best serve the great residents of our local community.
Michael is the Charter President of the Gilmer County Optimist Club. He and Margaret have two adult sons, 4 adult grandchildren, and 2 (very young) wonderful great-granddaughters.
See mgparham.com or email [email protected] for updates or more information.