Today’s Long County election preview focuses on the 1st District commissioner’s race between incumbent David Richardson and challenger Gerald Blocker. Each candidate was given the same questions.

David Richardson

Can you provide a brief biography?

I am a lifelong resident of Long County, having been married to Julie Richardson for 31 years. We have one daughter, Fallon. I served 30 years in the Georgia National Guard and worked four years with Homeland Security. I’m a member of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church and have been the owner and operator of Richardson Farms for 30 years.

What makes you qualified to be a Long County commissioner?

I have served as the vice chairman for the current board of commissioners for the past 3 ½ years, and I am a graduate of the certified commissioner’s advance program. I also have 30 years of business experience.

What would be some of the first actions you would take on the commission? Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over your term?

I plan to keep the county moving forward, work toward bringing in new business, keep revenue in the plus and maintain the current tax rate. I wouldn’t make any major changes, but would be open-minded to any new projects and also continue to promote more businesses coming into the county.

What are some issues specific to your district you would address?

I plan to work on grants to help many of the needy people in my area, continue to upgrade the roads and continue to protect the interest of my constituents and keep them informed.

How do you see the county changing with population growth?

Long County is growing faster than we can provide service for it. We need to stop and look at where we are and assess what the county is capable of doing. The schools have already reached their capacity, and there are several other services our population is receiving that we can barely provide to them as it is.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

Taxes will remain the same. I will work to keep spending within budget. We have a three-month contingency fund, so we are financially sound.

Do you have any comment on roads?

I would like to do more paving in the county, but the funds are not there, especially without any state help. Hopefully, TSPLOST will pass and free up some money to the county.

Anything else?

I will work diligently with the other elected officials to see that the needs of the Long County citizens are met. Citizens need to have the right to know about the decisions that affect them directly. Thank you for letting me serve you, and I would appreciate your vote on July 31.

Gerald Blocker

Can you provide a brief biography?

I’m a lifelong resident of Long County and graduated from Long County High School. I’m married to Cheryl Avera Blocker, and we have two daughters and one grandson. I’m retired from the Georgia National Guard Training Center on Fort Stewart and own and operate my own construction business.

What makes you qualified to be a Long County commissioner?

I own, operate and manage my own construction business. I have to make decisions on spending money and making the right choices when using others’ money.

What would be some of the first actions you would take on the commission? Also, would you attempt to make any major changes over your term?

I would ensure that all expenditures are voted on and approved by all commissioners and that money is spent across the county. I would review all spending and eliminate wasteful and unnecessary spending. I also would ensure that all applicants for county jobs were reviewed and equal opportunity given to each individual. I would be diligent about obtaining grant monies and work for growth in our county.

What are some issues specific to your district you would address?

I would upgrade and keep all roads maintained. I would like to see a mandatory enforcement of 911 address postings and road names posted. If an individual property owner does not post a 911 address at each residence, the county should post it and then add that cost to the individual’s taxes. It is the county’s responsibility to ensure that all roads are posted properly.

How do you see the county changing with population growth?

The county needs to build a county jail. We spend a lot of money housing prisoners in other locations and transporting them back and forth to court, doctors and etc. This money could be spent in our own county, and grants could be obtained to help pay for the jail. I also would like to see codes being enforced and get our own E-911 system. Both a jail and a 911 center would bring jobs into our county.

Do you have any comment on taxes?

I would work to keep taxes as low as possible. Getting more businesses and industry into the county would increase our tax base. I would ensure that all tax dollars are spent wisely.

Do you have any comment on roads?

I would work closely with the state of Georgia on attaining grants for paving. Prior to obtaining grants, I would insure all county roads are maintained regularly and do what it takes to keep them in good condition.

Anything else?

I promise that I will work diligently with all individuals, county departments, other county commissioners and other entities to insure our tax dollars are spent wisely to promote continued growth of the county. I am open to suggestions from all individuals of Long County and welcome hearing from you.

On Friday: A preview of the 5th District commissioner's race.