The returning members of the Liberty County commissioners expressed their thanks for being re-elected and their advice for fellow elected officials.

For 1st District Commissioner Marion Stevens Sr., it was his seventh time taking the oath of office. “I want to say to the newcomers, if you’re here to take a picture, you’re in the wrong place,” he said. “If you’re here to get rich, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re here to hear thank you every day, you’re in the wrong place.”

Veteran 3rd District Commissioner Connie Thrift, who has been on the board since 1999, said such service is a “humbling experience.” She also advised the newly-elected officials of the challenges they may face.

“Liberty County has a lot of growth going on and sometimes the money is not always there,” she said, “but the need is.”

Second District Commissioner Justin Frasier has been on the board for 10 years, and gave accolades to those who paved the way for him, including his late father, who served for years on Hinesville City Council, and state Rep. Al Williams.

Frasier added that though he is elected from the 2nd District, he strives to represent the entire county.

Thrift noted that the school board and county commission representatives being sworn in together shows the level of cooperation among the different entities.

“We’re here together tonight and a lot of counties can’t say that. They don’t get along,” she said. “But the elected officials, we work together because we want to get it done and we want to get it done for the citizens of Liberty County.”