Thursday is the final day for District 1 residents who want to be considered for appointment to the open County Commission seat, and the list now is up to 5 people for the board to decide upon next month.
Previous Commission candidate James Vines was one of the latest to sign up for consideration of the post, submitting his information on Monday, January 22.
A native of the region, Vines and his wife run a rental property business in Polk following a career in military and law enforcement. He remains active with the Polk County Republican Party, the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center, the Polk County Chamber of Commerce and other organizations around the area as well.
The Vines family have called this part of Georgia home for generations, but Vines specifically grew up between Polk and Haralson counties. He served in the U.S. Navy before going into law enforcement.
“I believe that public service is one of the highest goals that a person can strive for,” he said in a statement to Polk Today. “Service to your fellow citizen is woven into the fabric of our country.”
Here is Vines’ Letter of Intent to the Polk County Commission for consideration:
My name is James Vines. I am writing you to submit my name for consideration as a candidate to fill the remainder of the commissioners term for Polk County District 1. As a long time resident of Polk County, I have close ties to the community. I have devoted a good portion of my adult life to public service.
While serving in the United States Navy and as career law enforcement officer, I have worked to protect and serve my fellow citizens. I have worked to educate myself and I have been involved in my community through church based, civic and political organizations.
Since retiring, I have been a local business owner and have worked to provide for opportunities for prosperity and growth in the Polk county community. If chosen to fill this position, I will bring a strong work ethic and a belief in community service to the position.
I appreciate your taking the time to review my application.
Sincerely,
James Vines
The County Commission will take up the last of the applications for consideration by email through Thursday afternoon, January 25, 2024 at close of business. County Clerk Jaime Armstrong is receiving those applications, so send an email to her at jarmstrong@polkga.org with a Letter of Intent and resume.
Other potential options for the County Commission to choose from include former City Commissioners Jordan Hubbard and Andrew Carter, along with Janet Jolly Edwards and Deborah Connelly.
The five currently up for contention will get to field questions from Commissioners during a February 12 Forum. More details on that will be available following the Thursday deadline for applications.
Check back for any additional names that come in for consideration following Thursday’s deadline.
