A lifelong county resident is the third candidate to announce her plans to run for the county's District 1 commission seat.

A former teacher who later served as director for the Dawson County Department of Family and Children Services for nearly a decade, Sharon Fausett, 63, and husband Danny are farmers. They run an agritourism destination on the county's west side.

Her experience in the agriculture industry, she said, sets her apart as a candidate for the commission.

"I think I can help people, because I've got the rural perspective, the agritourism perspective. We've got a niche here that we can really capitalize on if we'll keep on and preserve what we have," she said. "People have told me they want our rural areas preserved. Once everything is gone, it's gone."

Fausett currently serves on the county tax assessor's board, as well as the comprehensive land use committee. She's also involved with the local tourism committee.

"I've just got so interested and so intrigued to see how everything works, and I'm impressed with what I see," she said.

She said her longtime relationships with members of the current board will also be an asset in resolving issues that arise in county government.

"I went to school with [District 4 Commissioner] Julie Nix. I've known Jimmy Hamby all my life and James Swafford, I've known him all my life. So I think I could get along with them and I think we could really do well," she said. "They've pulled us forward in so many ways. They've done so much."

Fausett said there's always room for improvement and finding ways to increase revenue, while preserving the rural heritage.

"We're in a good place, but we're just going to have to keep moving forward. And of course, we've got to have revenue to do the things that needs to be done," she said. "It's a balancing act."

A graduate of Dawson County High School and North Georgia College & State University, Fausett said she wants to be a part of the county's growth while preserving what makes it special.

"Of course, I'd like to be a part of it," she said. "I love it here. If I didn't, I would have left a long time ago."

Fausett joins veteran lawman Kevin Ellison, 49, and local engineer Corey Gutherie, 36, who also filed paperwork during last week's qualifying period for the May 20 General Primary.

The post is currently held by Gary Pichon, who is not seeking re-election.