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Public works manager announces for commission
GaryGilliard
Gary Gilliard
Wanting to give back to the community of his childhood and bring about more coalition building in local government, Hinesville resident Gary Gilliard announced this week his intention to run for a seat on the Liberty County Board of Commissioners.
The 51-year-old CH2M Hill/OMI public works project manager is eyeing the District 5 seat, currently held by commissioner Kenny Fussell, and said his main objective is to "work for a unified Liberty County."
"I'm touting myself as the next generation of leadership," Gilliard, a Democrat, said. "And my goal is to work with all appointed and elected officials throughout the city, the county, the state and the other municipalities to create unity in the county."
Gilliard said the first step in establishing this unified front is creating a level playing field so that residents, no matter what part of the county they may live in, can feel they truly have a share in the decision-making.
He said he is fit to lead this effort as a county commissioner because through family and work-related relationships throughout the county, he has an understanding of what residents in each community need and will fight for those issues in the commission board room.
OMI operates Hinesville public works department under contract, as well as other projects in the area.
"I'm more than willing to listen to the concerns of the people not just in the fifth district, but the people throughout the whole county, and get to the bottom of any issue they have," Gilliard, who lives in the Azalea Street neighborhood, said. "I'll listen to (the people) and if need be, I'll stand up for (the people). There's no issue too small."
And one of the first issues he plans to standup for is improving the county's infrastructure, namely paving the dirt roads that exist in many communities.
His first foray into politics, Gilliard said he hopes to hold community meetings throughout his campaign to listen to residents' concerns and introduce his platform, as well as let voters know he will always have them at heart.
"Before I vote on any issue, it's going to be well thought out and I will get feedback from the people in my district," he said. "My vote will always be based on feedback from the community and what's best for the citizens and the county as a whole."
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