Fun 101, Ed Searcy II, Announces Candidacy for Upson County Commission Chairman

Ed is a local pastor and the founder and executive director of a youth foundation. Ed and his wife Janice have three children and one granddaughter together. Ed has owned a business since the age of 19 and has previously served as the president of the Upson County Ministerial Association. He is an active member of Kiwanis, having held various positions and received leadership awards. Ed was honored as one of the ten chosen Pastors of the Year by the Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards, sponsored by Church’s Chicken, in 2015.

Ed is the Human and Spiritual Values Chair for Georgia and is a candidate for vice governor of Kiwanis.

Ed Searcy II's campaign for County Commission Chair in Upson County is his first entry into politics.

As of July 25, 2024, Ed Searcy II did not have a website.

Public Services

Economy

“My pledge is to do my best to bring our county generational inclusiveness by grooming our young people to work collaboratively with our seasoned citizens, which includes listening to the people, educating the people, and doing right by the people of Upson County to progress our county."

- “My pledge is to do my best to bring our county generational inclusiveness by grooming our young people to work collaboratively with our seasoned citizens, which includes listening to the people, educating the people, and doing right by the people of Upson County to progress our county."

Education

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Ed Searcy II

Dan is a native Georgian, born in Macon, GA, and spent his early years in Lumber City before moving to Bainbridge, GA. He is a husband and father, married to Dana Elise Williams, and together they have four children. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Historical and Political Studies at Chaminade University, a Master's in Educational Leadership at Touro University, and a Master's in Information Technology Management at Webster University.

Dan Brue is a retired Colonel from the United States Army, where he served for over 34 years. During his military career, he held various leadership roles, including Advisor to the Iraq Ministry of Defense in Baghdad, Iraq. He completed a Fellowship in International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, GA.

As of July 25, 2024, Dan Brue’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Said, "I will work tirelessly to make our community better for everyone and make Thomaston and Upson County a place where everyone is proud to ... play, work and call home."

- Said, "I will work tirelessly to make our community better for everyone and make Thomaston and Upson County a place where everyone is proud to ... play, work and call home."

Said, "We must do what we can to attract higher paying manufacturing jobs for the citizens of Upson County. While it will improve the lives of those who work in these jobs, it will also spur economic growth through local spending."

Said, "We must eliminate unnecessary permitting and licensing which serve only to fill government coffers... We must also reduce regulations and cut through red tape to help small business grow."

Supports safeguarding Georgia's top industry, agriculture, by defending farms against urban expansion and unwarranted legal challenges to ensure food security and protect farming communities.

Plans to ensure fiscal responsibility by holding officials accountable for managing millage rates and budgets, respecting that tax dollars originate from the community's paychecks and pensions.

Said, "We must have reliable high-speed Internet access to enable work-from-home opportunities which can have the same impact on the lives of current Upson County residents and attract new residents looking for our small town atmosphere."

- Said, "We must do what we can to attract higher paying manufacturing jobs for the citizens of Upson County. While it will improve the lives of those who work in these jobs, it will also spur economic growth through local spending."
- Said, "We must eliminate unnecessary permitting and licensing which serve only to fill government coffers... We must also reduce regulations and cut through red tape to help small business grow."
- Supports safeguarding Georgia's top industry, agriculture, by defending farms against urban expansion and unwarranted legal challenges to ensure food security and protect farming communities.
- Plans to ensure fiscal responsibility by holding officials accountable for managing millage rates and budgets, respecting that tax dollars originate from the community's paychecks and pensions.
- Said, "We must have reliable high-speed Internet access to enable work-from-home opportunities which can have the same impact on the lives of current Upson County residents and attract new residents looking for our small town atmosphere."

Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County, expects prudent fiscal management from the County Commission and School Board, and understands the necessity of funding county services.

Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County

- Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County

Believes the county must prioritize funding for road and bridge repairs, and implement comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and replacement plans, similar to household budgeting for unexpected expenses.

Believes Georgia overemphasizes Atlanta in state planning, noting that expanding I75/85 increases congestion and advocating for a statewide Export/Import Highway to distribute economic benefits and reduce Atlanta traffic.

Said, "Thomaston is situated perfectly between Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon. Many of us commute almost an hour to work because of the economic benefit and commute back because we love small-town USA. That is not ideal for everyone."

- Believes the county must prioritize funding for road and bridge repairs, and implement comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and replacement plans, similar to household budgeting for unexpected expenses.
- Believes Georgia overemphasizes Atlanta in state planning, noting that expanding I75/85 increases congestion and advocating for a statewide Export/Import Highway to distribute economic benefits and reduce Atlanta traffic.
- Said, "Thomaston is situated perfectly between Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon. Many of us commute almost an hour to work because of the economic benefit and commute back because we love small-town USA. That is not ideal for everyone."

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Dan Brue

- County Commission Chairs oversee the Board of County Commissioners, which create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- The County Commission Chair is specifically responsible for preparing the county budget, which must be passed by the rest of the County Commissioners. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commission Chairs have additional executive duties including coordinating with the office of the Mayor for your county, appointing Commissioners to committees, and representing your county at official functions.
- County Commission Chairs are elected to 4-year terms in county-wide elections.