Former Dawsonville City Councilman Chris Gaines announced last week that he plans to seek Dawson County's District 2 commission seat.

"My desire to continue to serve my community and others during the next four years is driven by the fact that Dawson County is in a critical stage as we continue to experience tremendous growth and new challenges that come with that growth," he said.

Gaines, 38, served on the city council for three years, resigning on November 2014 when he moved outside the city limits.

At the time, he had petitioned to have the new home annexed from the county into the city, but the motion failed to gain council approval.

The District 2 seat is currently held by two-term Commissioner James Swafford, who announced late last year he will not seek reelection.

"The county will need strong leadership that listens to its citizens to help shape a community we all continue to enjoy and love," Gaines said.

Gaines said he believes his knowledge and experience in local government would allow him to transition seamlessly into the county commissioner role.

"As a family man with three young boys, small business owner, deep community involvement and former city councilman, I bring a new perspective to this seat that has helped shape me to understand what it takes to be a leader and work on providing a community that families are proud to call home and where business thrives," he said.

A graduate of North Georgia College & State University with a bachelor's in business management, Gaines is a commercial insurance agent with PointeNorth Insurance Group.

Gaines and his wife, Jessica, have three young sons: Carson, Tyler and Ryan. The couple attends First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.

"It is exciting to know that I already have so much support from my family and many in the community, as this will require me to balance my time, energy and efforts amongst all aspects of my life," Gaines said. "I will keep my priorities in line as my faith and family come first followed by my work and community."

Qualifying for the May 24 primary election will be March 7-11.