Mike Berg has announced that he will seek a third term as chairman of the Dawson County commission in the July 31 primary.

A Republican, Berg was first elected to the five-member board in 2004, when he outlined a series of goals based on a principle of balance.

"I will continue the same vision and goals I announced the first meeting I chaired Jan. 6, 2005," he said.

Berg's vision includes preserving the county's rural heritage while offering urban amenities. He advocates a balanced land-use plan that does not take away property rights, but gives residents an idea of what can be expected to go in around them.

He also supports a tax balance that depends more on retail than residential.

"We have not raised taxes in the last eight years and I do not intend to recommend we do so in the future," he said.

Berg said he believes a successful chairman must have experience as a leader and be accessible to the public.

As chair, Berg acts as the commission's spokesman, sets the agendas and presides over meetings. He also prepares and presents the county budget, recommends appointments and votes to break ties.

"During my seven plus years, I have attended all but seven weekly meetings, presented a balanced budget each year and recommended appointments of very qualified people," Berg said.

He's also proud that Dawson is one of the few counties in the state that maintains a three-year budget projection and will be nearly debt free by 2014.

"The question I always ask myself is: Have I helped make Dawson better than when I took office? That's what drives me and makes the position of chairman so fulfilling," Berg said.

A retired manager with the Georgia Power Company, Berg holds a bachelor's of business administration degree in management from Georgia State University and advanced commissioners certification.

He also serves as vice president of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, sits on the group's board of managers and is in line for the presidency in 2013.

Berg is also a member of the Dawson County Rotary Club and serves on the boards for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, Family Connection and Dawson County Board of Health.

He and wife Jane Alexander Berg have been married 43 years. The couple has two adult children and three grandchildren. They attend Christ the King Church.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no other candidates had announced they would challenge Berg.

Qualifying will be held May 23-25 at the Dawson County Board of Elections and Registration office on Academy Avenue.