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Image Link 07/28/2016

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Election

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Never a dull moment in the political process in Elbert County government!

On the road to the election for county commissioner in District 1, it was discovered that one of the candidates (who had been certified to run for office by our county clerk) DID NOT, in fact, live in District 1. As a result, the vacancy committee of the Elbert County Democrats has appointed me, Jill Duvall, to run for county commissioner in District 1.

Yes, I have run for this office before. Yes, I fully understand the uphill battle a Democrat faces in Elbert County. Yes, I understand the difficulty of giving Republicans permission to vote for a non-Republican in Elbert County.....and Yes, I understand the challenges that require immediate and corrective action to right the ship in our county.

However, I have remained engaged, active and very involved attending county commissioner meetings, planning commission meetings, and agenda/staff meetings.....many times as the only county citizen in attendance.

My campaign will be based on COMMON SENSE.....NOT MORE OF THE SAME.

My focus will be:

  • Budgeting: reprioritize spending to focus on the departments that create revenue. Produce, analyze and make available a monthly financial statement.....you can't manage what you can't measure.
  • Serving the citizens: open the county offices 5 days/week, schedule meetings to fit citizens' schedules (i.e., nights and weekends, town hall meetings, etc.), improve customer service.
  • County administration: hire candidates whose resumes match the job description (end cronyism.....I'm obviously not part of the good ol' boys' club), end employee contracts with outlandish golden parachutes/severance packages.
  • Roads: fix and repair roads CORRECTLY the first time by engaging with other counties to improve our processes.
  • NO MORE LAWSUITS

I bring fresh insights and common sense solutions compared to the group that has been in charge in our county for the past 30+ years. The clinical definition of insanity is repeating the same actions over and over, yet expecting a different outcome. Let's stop the insanity and bring in common sense.

Unlike my opponent Chris Richardson, I am NOT ENDORSED by Commissioner Robert Rowland. I consider that a favor!

In addition to my Democratic support, many Republicans and Independents have encouraged me to run for office and are supporting me in this campaign. I am ready for the challenge!

--Jill Duvall