How long have you lived in Newton County? I have lived in Newton with my wife, four children’s and two dogs since 2018 and have been actively engaged with communities across the state, including Newton County, for many years.
If elected, what do you hope to achieve in office? If elected, my goal is to ensure that the needs of all residents in District 5 are addressed through transparent and accessible governance. I aim to prioritize public safety, improve infrastructure, and manage growth in a way that preserves the character of our community. By working closely with residents, I hope to create a collaborative environment where everyone feels their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed.
My focus will be on three key issues: enhancing public safety, managing the county’s growth, and improving local infrastructure. I believe that safe communities are the foundation of economic growth and quality of life. Additionally, as Newton County grows, it’s crucial to plan development in a way that balances new opportunities with the preservation of our community’s rural character. Improving our roads, public utilities, and emergency services will ensure that both current and future residents can thrive.
What’s one thing your district is in need of that you’ll look to accomplish?
One immediate need for District 5 is improved access to public safety resources, including quicker response times for emergency services. By ensuring that our fire, police, and EMS departments have the resources and training they need, we can enhance safety across the district. I will work to secure additional funding and support to expand these critical services, ensuring that every resident feels secure in their homes and communities.
Standing united and working together on prevalent issues have arguably been a challenge in recent years for the commissioners. How will you look to address this?
I believe that unity starts with open communication and a commitment to putting community needs above personal agendas. If elected, I will foster a culture of transparency and respect among commissioners, prioritizing regular, open dialogue with both my peers and the public. By finding common ground on shared goals like safety, infrastructure, and economic growth, I believe we can build a collaborative environment that moves Newton County forward.
What is your overall vision for Newton County?
My vision for Newton County is one of balanced growth, where economic opportunities are matched by a commitment to preserving our community’s unique character. I envision a county where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and residents of all backgrounds feel welcome and heard. By focusing on smart development, quality education, and enhanced public safety, I believe Newton County can be a model of sustainable progress and community spirit for Georgia.
Coroner Candidate: Tommy Davis
Name: Tommy Davis
Position sought: Coroner
Educational/professional background: I graduated from Gupton-Jones College Mortuary Science in 1988 and have been in the funeral business since 1984. Along with my duties as the Newton County Coroner, I also own J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home in Covington.
Political party affiliation: Republican
How long have you lived in Newton County? 30 years
If elected, what do you hope to achieve in office?
I hope to continue serving the people of Newton County like I have for the past 21 years and provide them with trained, experienced leadership in a vitally important office.
What will you look to institute in the coroner’s office as part of your term?
We are growing here in Newton County and I have started the conversation already with those in charge about the growth of the coroner’s office and our needs. Those needs are not tremendous, and my hope is that we can partner with another agency such as the Sheriff’s Office to reduce cost and build a small but updated morgue facility that meets our needs while again being mindful of cost.
Transparency is considered to be a big component of this position. How will you ensure that the coroner’s office is transparent? Transparency is important in any position when you serve the public. We are always transparent with our spending in the coroner’s office but we have to hold close to our chest when discussing deaths and the cause and manners of those deaths that we investigate. Death is a very sensitive matter and should only be discussed outside of those who truly need to know when it is a matter of public concern such as a matter of public health concern or public safety.
The 2020 election for this position ultimately ended up with the winner leaving office early. What do you say to anyone that may have concerns of history repeating itself? It is my belief that this position should be held by someone with experience, training, and knowledge of the functions of this office. I worked as a deputy coroner for five years prior to being elected to the position of Coroner and proudly serving the community.
There are currently no standard requirements in place for the position of Coroner. To run for sheriff, you must first be a certified peace officer, to be a Judge you must first be an attorney, but to be a coroner you must be 18 years old, have graduated high school, and have lived in the county for two years with no other training, or knowledge required. My opponent has no experience working in a coroner’s office and therefore I am concerned that history may repeat itself. This is a job that requires knowledge, training, and experience prior to the first day on the job when leading such an important office for the public.
What is your overall vision for Newton County? My vision for Newton County is bright with unlimited potential for positive growth. We have grown too fast and have, in some areas, outpaced our ability to keep up. We need to have leaders in place that have Newton County and the best interest of Newton County in the forefront everyday while they are working to improve our county. We need experienced people in our elected offices and those that have knowledge of where we have been and the best vision of our future.
Coroner Candidate: Kimberly Griggs
Name: Kimberly L Griggs
Position sought: Newton County Coroner
Educational/professional background: Funeral Service Profession, Attended Gupton-Jones and Mid-America College of mortuary Science.
Political party affiliation: Democratic Party
How long have you lived in Newton County? I am a native of Newton County. Born and Raised
If elected, what do you hope to achieve in office?
I would like to see the coroner’s office grow with the growth of the county. Education for the community on death and more of what the coroner’s office provides at the time of need.
What will you look to institute in the coroner’s office as part of your term?
I would like to have a part-time pathologist for Newton County, a grief counselor, and more education for the community on death and the importance of life insurance.
Transparency is considered to be a big component of this position. How will you ensure that the coroner’s office is transparent?
All records would be open to the community at all times regarding the budget and how it is handled. Also, I will be as transparent with all family as from as the law with allow with information requested about their love ones.
The 2020 election for this position ultimately ended up with the winner leaving office early. What do you say to anyone that may have concerns of history repeating itself?
I am not her! I am qualified, educated, skilled, informed and ready to serve my community.
What is your overall vision for Newton County? Newton County has been the place in which I have called home all of my life. The county is growing rapidly and I plan on being apart of this growth in a positive manner through the coroner’s office.
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