Candidate Forum Candidates

For Tax Commissioner

Robbie Cornelius-Long

1. What Prompted You to Seek Office - A few years ago I wanted to run for office. But at the time I was on the city council & needed to fulfill my obligations. I have been preparing to seek this position for a few years now. I have about 10 years left before I plan on retiring. With the knowledge & experience I have I felt like I'd be a great asset to Fannin County.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? - I have been employed in our office for more than 10 yrs. I have taken the opportunity to go the training & classes that were offered. I do all aspects of the job. I am the hardest working in our office. I am dedicated to our office. I care about our customers & I strive to be the best person I can be. I have been trained & can do anything that arises in the office. I'm not afraid to stand up for the employees and our taxpayers.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I'd like to see our office grow with experience and technology as it advances daily. I want to alternate each employee going to the trainings. I think it's beneficial for all employees to have the opportunity to learn more on the new laws & new things being offered to our county. I want to be the best office with customer service and promptness of each task we have in front of us.

Julie Walker

1. What Prompted You to Seek Office - With 15 years of experience working in a tax commissioner office. I was excited for the opportunity to run for this position due to the retirement of our current tax commissioner. I strive to bring excellent customer service to all, and help with any problems and find a resolution. I am ready to serve my Hometown, as I grow in this job opportunity.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? - I feel I have the experience, drive and passion for this position. I enjoy my job and look forward to using my experience to lead as your next tax commissioner. I give excellent customer service to all and go above and beyond to help. I have had the opportunity to attend several training classes offered by the state. These with my love for my job, will guide me as your next tax commissioner.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? To lead our office in unwavering customer service and to uphold our tax office mission statement to bill, collect, and disperse all taxes according to the laws of the state and act as motor vehicle agent for the state of GA to the best of my ability.

For Clerk of Superior Court

Dana Chastain (Incumbent)

1. What Prompted You to Seek Office? I worked 12 years for the prior Clerk staring in 1989 and ran for office in 2000. I truly enjoy working for the citizens of Fannin County and the court system.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? - Having 12 years experience prior to becoming clerk and 8 of those years as deputy clerk of Superior Court Experience in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court was the best teacher along with becoming certified through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through UGA and continuing Ed.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? To continue the high standard of customer service and to continue protecting the integrity and accuracy of public and private records. Whether filed by a judge, an attorney or the general public. Also to continue implementing other electronic methods throughout the office to better serve the public.

A. Phillip Owensby

1. What Prompted You to Seek Office? Working in a law office I've seen many things that need changed. My first experience with the Clerk of Court's Office was not a positive experience and I believe most people in Fannin County believe as I do. I had a telephone call with the Clerk's Office and was told that they can't give out their name. I have asked around everyone that I've talked to have had the same experience. Also, there are many filings that are not timely, taking weeks/months to get back. Another thing that I would like to do is put the passport money directly back into the Fannin County Clerk of Court budget, making it tax exempt. Another experience I've seen and heard is how people can't get a certified document at the time of request. I've talked to many surrounding counties that allow all staff member to do. I want to make a positive change to the office to be more public friendly and run more efficiently. I would like to add email to our services and I would also like to have a receptionist that greets people as they come into the office, currently you have to ring a bell, tap on a window or wave to get someone's attention. I want put the citizens of Fannin County First.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I've seen first-hand how a law office is run and I believe that customer service is a big part of running a business or public office. I've worked helping people out my whole life and know how the people feel when they come up to the Clerk's Office and how I would want to be treated.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I want to put the people of Fannin County first, not myself. I believe there is room for the office to be more public friendly in many ways. I also believe that the office needs to be updated with email and have employees cross-trained so that everyone can help people as they come in. I also want a receptionist that greets people with a smiling face as they come into the office.

For Judge of Probate Court

Manda C. Gwatney

1. What prompted you to seek office? I decided to seek office because am willing to serve as a full-time Probate Judge. I believe that the Probate Judge should be devoted to that office and should not continue to have a private practice. I will close my practice before taking the bench, if elected. Although it is legal for a Probate Judge in a county our size to continue practicing law, I feel that elected officials have a duty to perform their role with the utmost commitment, which can be compromised if a Judge is continuing the private practice of law.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I have 16 years of experience in various areas of law, including many probate matters. I also have a desire to serve my community in a role for which I believe I am well suited.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I will increase the efficiency of the court process and implement ways to increase public service aspects of the office. Using a variety of formats for individuals to access public documents makes it easier for people to obtain what they need in a format that is easiest for them to access. The Probate Court office should operate with the goal of assisting the public to the greatest extent possible within the confines allowed.

Judge R. Scott Kiker (Incumbent)

1. What prompted you to seek office? Have held the office for the past 12 years and seeking re-election. I enjoy serving the public through the office of Probate Judge.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? Currently the sitting Judge completed the 5 year certificate program required by the counsel of Probate Judges and taught by the University of Georgia continuing education center.

Attorney for the past 28 years.
Trial lawyer, practiced in GA, TN, and Federal Courts in three states.
Have tried numerous jury trials including civil and criminal.
Argued cases in the Appellate Courts of Georgia.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? Continue to improve cases to current and public records by implementing the CJT advancement coming in the year to come. Expanding current hearings and trial case load to handle the numerous cases that are coming into the traffic court as a result of increased tourism.

For Sheriff

Billy Brackett

1. What prompted you to seek office? I am running for Sheriff because of my passion for law enforcement and wanting to better our community and Fannin County.
I feel that I am prepared due to my experience and training. Everything I have I have been blessed with. I have a passion for helping people and I want to make a positive difference in all lives.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I have 27 years of Law Enforcement experience. I have risen through the ranks during my career and I have countless hours of on the job experience. I am confident in my abilities and I have a great working knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, and I am able to create relationships with every office I will be working with.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I will be a proactive sheriff in all aspects of the job. I will enforce the law fairly and make our county and our citizens a lot safer and secured in their homes. I will get the citizens involved and will be transparent and accountable to the people.

Barry Wayne Johnston

1. What prompted you to seek office? For the last 14 years I have watched Fannin County go downhill because of drugs. I see a lot of this from being in the towing business. I also see a lot of things that our county is not taking care of. I am a father of 4 kids and 7 grandbabies, I want them to be safe when they get of age. I hope they follow in my footsteps. It's not just my family its everyone's family in the county.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I do not have formal training. I am one of the people. I am standing up for the people of Fannin County. It's supposed to be serve and protect but that is not necessarily true with the laws Fannin County has. There is not qualification for me but I would like to learn. Everyone in my family has been sheriff, troupers, and city police and it runs in my blood.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? Clean up the drugs and the crime. If I got office I would be out there meeting the people like the sheriff should. He is supposed to protect the people around him. I would be there to serve and protect like a sheriff should. And we need a change. If anyone ever wants to talk to me I would be there to answer any questions.

Matthew “Matt” Kaylor

1. What prompted you to seek office? I have worked for three different departments. I have been honored to work with some great supervisors that have taught me I may not know all the answers but I know where to find them. I treat every person no matter where they come from and who they are the same as I would my own family. I receive calls all the time about things not being done correctly or handled properly. The only way I can fix this issue and help the citizens of Fannin County is if they put me in the position to do so.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I am a certified peace officer with that state of Georgia. I have 13 years in law enforcement.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I am bringing drug enforcement back into the county. I will have a county drug task force, and will be working towards more k-9 officers. I also want to have a community oriented department. I want the county to know what is going on with applicable.

Dane Kirby (Incumbent)

1. What prompted you to seek office? I am seeking re-election because the Office of Sheriff is a big responsibility and not everyone who wants the job can do the job. I have confidence in the ability of myself and my staff. I know that as long as I am the one calling the shots, things will be done right. I don't trust anyone else to do it.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I am in my 32nd year of my law enforcement career. I am in my 16th year as Fannin County Sheriff. Under my leadership, the men and women of the Fannin County Sheriffs Office have built and maintained one of the finest, most respected law enforcement agencies in the state. I maintain close relationships with some of the most distinguished law enforcement leaders in the state and stay in tune with current isues. What you see in the Fannin County Sheriffs Office has all come under my leadership.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? To keep the relationships with all local, state and federal agencies strong. This is a lifeline that provides support, finances and resources at our disposal to allow us to operate on a much higher level than we can alone.

For County Board of Education at Large (To Succeed Terry Bramlett)

Terry Bramlett (Incumbent)

1. What prompted you to seek office? A desire to empower youth and represent the citizens of Fannin County

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? Education, experience, integrity, and leadership ability.

AS degree in Business Administration
BS degree in Ag Economics
20 Years teaching experience Gainesville College
20 Years service on the Board od Education
Over 200 hours of Board of Education specific training
12 years of service on a state wide policy development committee
10 years as Chairman on a National Education Committee
3 years of service on a National Economic Policy Advisory Committee

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I hope to keep our students safe while providing them with the best education possible and retain the fiduciary responsibility that we have provided the taxpayers of Fannin County.
We have the highest performing school system in Georgia and the lowest education property tax rate in the state. We have acquired additional property for future growth and we are entirely debt free.

Ashley Herendon-Weeks

1. What prompted you to seek office? I'm a former educator. I have a passion for the Fannin County, education, and our students and their futures.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I am a mother of 2 students currently enrolled in the Fannin County school system. I am a former educator with 15 years of experience. I have taught Physical Education, health, coached, drove a bus, been a paraprofessional, and have taught Special education severe and profound and inclusion in the classroom. I have also owned and ran a small business in Fannin County for the past going on 10 years.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? I would like to change to morale and culture within our school system. To take care of our employees and make them feel appreciated and valued. To allow all staff to have opinions, share input and offer suggestions on how things are being taught and ran on a day to day basis.

For County Board of Education at Large (To Succeed Lewis T. Deweese)

Adam M. Born

1. What prompted you to seek office? I have 2 kids and a grandchild currently in Fannin County Schools - will soon have a 2nd grandchild in the system. Our kids are facing information overload from every direction. I think it is important that we don't lose track our core values that we hold dear. I also see the world that we are facing years from now and I think we will need to be progressive in our education methods and technology adaptation so that we can prepare our children for life after school and in the workforce.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I am a lifelong resident of Fannin County. I have been a part of the Fannin County Community for over 40 years and I have served my community in several capacities (Volunteer, Coach, Work related service, etc.) As a Father, I am dedicated to work for the best interest of our kids, and as a taxpayer I am dedicated to be a good steward of Fannin Countys tax dollars. In my professional career, I have gained skills in construction, finance, and general budgetary management - I have spent the last 22 years building a career as a Banker - and I currently serve as President of United Community Bank in Union County. I believe that my life skills and career skills have afforded me a skillset that will complement the Board

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? My hope is to continue our current plans for Fannin County - and get our new CTEA building and programs up and running so that each kid can have the opportunity to gain critical skills necessary to be prepared to enter the workforce, college, whatever they choose to do after high school. I will also work towards fostering a great culture in our schools and to provide our teachers with the best facilities to do their jobs so that they too can succeed.

Lewis T. Deweese (Incumbent)

1. What prompted you to seek office? My 2 daughters then I found out I have 3,000 children to protect and help give a good education for their future. Friends encouraged me, I prayed.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I love kids. I want them to have the best education for their future. I am Christian, I am a daddy and grand dad and I love to serve to help people. I seek advice.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? To keep kids first. Kids safe to provide the best education possible. To get our kids ready for a productive life.

Greg Staffins

1. What prompted you to seek office? The best for all children of Fannin County. To stop wasteful spending on unnecessary things! To be a taxpayer watch dog. To make sure 2872 children have a voice, and their parents can be in the driver's seat as they should be.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? As a longtime resident of Fannin County and a father, coach, parent, grandparent, businessman and a conservative republican leader in the Fannin County Republican Party at a local level. We have many projects on the horizon, and I have construction experience and can understand the building process for the future of Fannin County Schools.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? The children deserve the best state of the art facilities giving them the best education experience we can offer them. Promote a positive atmosphere for teachers and students and not micromanage teachers. Let's make learning fun again.

For County Board of Education at Large (To Succeed Chad Galloway)

Chad Galloway (Incumbent)

1. What prompted you to seek office? 8 years ago, I had the pleasure of sitting in Speaker Ralston's office in Blue Ridge and he asked me if I had ever considered giving back to the community. After a short talk he encouraged me to run for the school board. I believe he knew something that I soon found out to be true. That I love to see children learn and Education is deeply woven in me.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I have 8 years of experience in being a school board member and I still have a great love for our school system. I have two daughters in the High School and a wife that is a paraprofessional at East Fannin Elementary School.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? My object is to provide a transparent and open board with conservative values to further the development of students learning and to provide a safe as possible learning environment. To be a voice for the students, faculty, staff and the citizens.

Robert Patterson

1. What prompted you to seek office? For me it all started a few years ago when i started attending the school board meetings concerning Title 9. My wife and I attended regularly and the more we attended the more we started to see that things were not being handled appropriately.

2. What makes you qualified to run for this office? I'm a father of two children in Fannin schools. I am very active in our community and I spent fifteen years serving the public, in emergency services, as a fireman. I love people and I have a love for our community.

3. What is the number one initiative you hope to accomplish if elected to this office? Honestly the greatest accomplishment for me would to hopefully help reunite our community. I would love to see our school system, staff, BOE, Superintendent, parents, students and community as a whole, working together for the better wellbeing of our children.