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Economy, service and growth would be Thurmond’s priorities
3 Billy Thurmond - Candidate for Dawson County Comission Chair.jpg
Billy Thurmond

Candidate for County Commission Chairman

Name: Billy Thurmond

Age: 60

How long have you lived in Dawson County: 59 years

Occupation: Current Dawson County Commission Chairman

Education: 2018 Georgia Certified County Commissioner, 2012 GEMA Professional Manager Certification, 2009 GEMA Masters Certification in Emergency Management, 2005 Carl Vincent Institute of Government (UGA) Management Development I, II, and III, 2001 Professional Career Development Institute – Small Business Management Degree, 2000-2001 Georgia Public Safety Training – Management I, II, and III, 1985 Lanier Technical College - Paramedic Technology Certification.

Political Experience:

Commission chairman for the past 3 plus years.

Career Experience:

• 2017 - Current Dawson County Commission Chairman

• 2012 - 2015 Chairman, Region II EMS Director’s Association

• 2001 - 2015 Dawson County Emergency Services Director

• 1987 - 2001 Dawson County EMS Director

• 1979 - 1993 Dawson County Parks & Recreation Athletic Director

Community Involvement:

Kiwanis Club

Head Usher at Zion Christian Assembly

Why are you running for the County Commission Chairman Seat?

Dawson County is a growing and vibrant community. I bring a proactive and dedicated leadership style which the county needs to meet the demands we will face over the next four years.

What makes you the best Candidate for the position?

I have 33 years of experience in budgeting, management and planning, which are the primary responsibilities of the chairman.

How are preparing to take office?

I currently serve as the chairman. My experience in county government over the past 40 years will allow me to continue to move the county forward in a proactive way. 

How much time are you willing and able to contribute as a County Commissioner?

As your current chairman, I put in the necessary time to effectively perform the duties of chairman. I will continue to do so.

What do you consider to be the county’s biggest challenge now and looking forward, and how would you address this concern?

Implementation of the County’s Transportation Plan with a proper funding source. This will allow us to take care of our road and bridge infrastructure. The Board placed the TSPOST on the May 19th ballot. If passed, this would provide the proper funding needed to put this plan into action.

What are the top three issues you believe Dawson County is currently facing and what are your plans to address each?

Diversifying our economy: I will work with our Development Authority to enhance all our current businesses while bringing in more medical, technical, light industrial and manufacturing. This will provide higher-paying job opportunities for our citizens.

Improve our service delivery strategy: Look for innovative ways to improve service that are more productive and cost-efficient. For example, we can address peak service hour needs for public safety.

Effective growth management: Continue updates to our land use ordinances. The BOC updated them in 2019 for the first time since 1998. Continued updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map that allows for the type of growth the county needs and wants, which will enhance our way of life.