Dawson County District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby last week announced his intention to seek a second term.

"I want to see some things that got started finished up. We need to concentrate on fixing the roads, get some more industry in here and get people back to work," he said.

Hamby, 60, took office in January 2011. His four-year term expires Dec. 31.

"I'd like to serve the people another four years," he said.

He is the first candidate to announce a run for the seat. The primary is set for May 20 for the Nov. 4 General Election.

A lifelong resident of Dawson County, Hamby said while the county is in good shape, there is always room for improvement.

"Basically, I just want to keep Dawson County the way it is," he said. "As a board, I think we've made good decisions. It's common sense, if you don't have the money, then you don't spend it."

According to Hamby, the most important issue the board will face in the coming year is the SPLOST extension and what to do with the tax dollars if voters approve the measure.

Roads and bridges, he said, should be top priority.

"They're in bad shape. That's my thought on the whole situation that if SPLOST passes, we need to spend the majority of that money on roads and bridges and get everything up to par," he said. "I don't care what you can get in to this county, if they can't get there on the road, they're not going to come."

Hamby said he believes he's done a good job for the people of Dawson County the last three years.

"I always look at both sides of the issue, and I've been listening to the people because I think that's what you should do," he said. "Basically, I just want to keep Dawson County the way it is and do what we need to do to preserve our way of life."

Married to wife Shirley Hamby, the couple has an adult son, Chess.