To the Citizens of Gilmer County:
Some people today are not proud of where they came from, but I love Gilmer County. I am a Gilmer County native and have been invested in this community my entire life. Someone asked me the other day why I was running for this office and the first answer that popped in my head was, “Because I love helping people.” I’ve spent the last twenty-three years trying my best to help people. As a preacher and a pastor, I have a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. “The Probate Judge deals with families and individuals as they enter into marriage, let go of loved ones and many other life events. As a pastor, I have been with families throughout these time and I believe these experiences will allow me to compassionately carry out my duties”. We all have trials and tribulations, but when it is your trial and your tribulation, it’s the most important thing in your life. At that time, you need someone who will truly listen to you. I believe that I am the person that will do that.
Outside of my college years, I have lived in Gilmer County my entire life. My parents are Claude and Betty Chastain, and I have two sisters, Cheryl Chastain Koller and Ginger Chastain Cantrell. I am a 1990 graduate of Gilmer High School and a 1992 graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC). I have been married to Tanya Simmons Chastain for twenty-two years, and we have three daughters – Madison, Macie, and Sara. I was raised in the Cartecay community and still live there today. I am an ordained Baptist preacher, a member at Oak Grove Baptist Church, and currently serve as the Pastor at Berean Baptist Church. I am a Georgia Licensed Land Surveyor, and I am currently serving my second term as the elected Gilmer County Surveyor. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors for The Greater Gilmer Community Foundation, and the Gilmer County Park and Recreation Advisory Board. It is my honor to also serve in the role of Chaplain for the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the Gilmer County Fire Department, and the Gilmer County Optimist Club. I am a member of the Oak Bowery Masonic Lodge, the Gilmer County Optimist Club, and an associate member of the Georgia High Country Builders Association. I believe that my background and responsibilities have uniquely qualified me to be Gilmer County’s next Probate Jude.
I truly believe the position of Probate Judge is a full-time position, and if elected, I promise that I will devote my time and my resources to this position full-time. For the past six years, I have been the owner of Chastain Land Surveying, but if elected, I will transfer daily operations to my very capable staff and step away from the day-to-day affairs of the business. I do not feel that it would be in the best interest of the taxpayers for me to attempt to have two careers at once.
I have more than a decade of experience managing employees and handling other administrative duties. State law does not require Gilmer County to have a licensed attorney serve as our Probate Judge. Although I respect the job that our attorneys do, this office needs someone that can compassionately apply the law as they listen to the citizens. I believe that I am that person.
I look forward to continuing my love for serving others as your next Probate Judge. I ask for your prayers, support, and your vote in the upcoming Republican Primary on May 24, 2016. If anyone has any questions, feel free to call me at my office number, 706-276-3057. Thank you and GOD bless you all!