2024 Georgia General Elections

2024 GA Primary Election

2024 GA Primary Election Runoff

Andy was born and raised in Chattooga County, where he has lived for 46 years. He graduated from Chattooga High School and later attended Georgia Northwestern Technical College. He holds degrees in business, metal fabrication, and blueprinting from Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Andy is married, and has twins. The family resides on North Little Sand Mountain, and attend Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church.

Andy is the owner and operator of Jackar Cattle Company LLC, a business involved in raising beef and replacement heifers. Previously, he incorporated Double A Timber Co., and employed a full staff including truck drivers, mechanics, machine operators, and timber buyers.

As of May 16, 2024, Andy Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Said, "To rebuild the basic services... and to stand up for the voters in this county... These are just a few of the many challenges I see, and if the people of the county are willing to accept my candidacy for County Commissioner, with the community's help, we can solve these issues and more."

Plans to rebuild basic services in the county and listen to voters.

- Plans to rebuild basic services in the county and listen to voters.

Public Services

The candidate's website says, "Senate bill 420 would ban these entities from making these purchases and add valuable protection to farmers and agricultural land. Please pray that Governor Kemp will see the urgency and need for this bill."

Supports the passing of Senate Bill 420, believing it to protect farmers and agricultural land.

Believes heavy regulations hinder small business growth; supports limiting local government impact to boost job creation and backs non-interference to aid trades and service industries' success.

Believes heavy regulations hinder small business growth and supports limiting local government impact to boost job creation.

Supports limited government focused on basic services, fair taxation, and minimal regulations to foster small business growth and economic efficiency.

Plans to reallocate county funds to ensure efficient taxpayer service, competitive wages for employee retention, and accountability for county officials.

Backs non-interference to aid trades and service industries' success.

Said, "My commitment to everyone is that I will use the least amount of regulation possible to let the free market prosper while ensuring safe and effective development for the future of our county in the most cost-effective way possible."

Said, "Our federal and state governments get a large portion of all of our incomes through all of the ever-increasing taxes they levy. As a local government, it is our responsibility to get as much of our money back as possible."

Said, "We will all see additional benefits from someone working full time to get us our fair share of the available funds... If our government can hand out billions of dollars to some far-off country, they can help us here locally find the funding we need."

Said, "I had a productive meeting with Tyler Harper, the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner... I fully support his effort to prevent the sale of agricultural land to foreign adversaries... Our food security demands it."

- Supports the passing of Senate Bill 420, believing it to protect farmers and agricultural land.
- Believes heavy regulations hinder small business growth and supports limiting local government impact to boost job creation.
- Supports limited government focused on basic services, fair taxation, and minimal regulations to foster small business growth and economic efficiency.
- Plans to reallocate county funds to ensure efficient taxpayer service, competitive wages for employee retention, and accountability for county officials.
- Backs non-interference to aid trades and service industries' success.
- Supports private landowner rights.
- Said, "My commitment to everyone is that I will use the least amount of regulation possible to let the free market prosper while ensuring safe and effective development for the future of our county in the most cost-effective way possible."
- Said, "Our federal and state governments get a large portion of all of our incomes through all of the ever-increasing taxes they levy. As a local government, it is our responsibility to get as much of our money back as possible."
- Said, "We will all see additional benefits from someone working full time to get us our fair share of the available funds... If our government can hand out billions of dollars to some far-off country, they can help us here locally find the funding we need."
- Said, "I had a productive meeting with Tyler Harper, the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner... I fully support his effort to prevent the sale of agricultural land to foreign adversaries... Our food security demands it."

Economy

As of March 23, 2024, Andy Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

The candidate's website says, "The gear is only NFPA compliant for ten years of service. Using out-of-service gear for training is not allowed and puts these departments at extra liability."

Wants to ensure that law enforcement gear stays up-to-date to eliminate extra liability and ensure safety.

The candidate's website says, "As a County, we cannot afford to lose one of these Departments. The protection and health of all citizens should be the number one priority of the Commissioner."

Said, "The protection and health of all citizens should be the number one priority of the Commissioner."

Said, "When I become Commissioner, I will make it a priority to collaborate with stakeholders to address the needs of our fire and emergency services, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to continue safeguarding our community."

The candidate's website says, "God, 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, and private landowner rights"

Opposes gun control and supports the Second Amendment.

Said, "As we work together to make Chattooga County a better place for everyone, one area of concern I have is for the fire and emergency services provided in our County."

- Wants to ensure that law enforcement gear stays up-to-date to eliminate extra liability and ensure safety.
- Said, "The protection and health of all citizens should be the number one priority of the Commissioner."
- Said, "When I become Commissioner, I will make it a priority to collaborate with stakeholders to address the needs of our fire and emergency services, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to continue safeguarding our community."
- Opposes gun control and supports the Second Amendment.
- Said, "As we work together to make Chattooga County a better place for everyone, one area of concern I have is for the fire and emergency services provided in our County."

Public Safety

Said, "Our county needs to implement a high-density residential housing land ordinance... the local county government should have a set of guidelines and stipulations for such developments."

Wants to implement a high-density residential housing land ordinance.

Said, "I see the newly adopted ordinance as a device that lets the land commission have control over the division of our land... I cannot support legislation that gives five un-elected citizens the ability to tell landowners how they can divide their property!"

Said, "First, we need some guidelines for high-density, residential subdivisions... As we are a rural community, I propose that 5 acre minimum tract sizes would be a good place to start."

Wants guidelines for high-density, residential subdivisions, proposing that "5 acre minimum tract sizes would be a good place to start."

Plans to submit any proposed land ordinances to a county-wide vote, ensuring public engagement through advertisements, meetings, and discussions with the county attorney for feedback before any approval impacting residents.

Believes incorrect property valuations lead to unfair tax burdens and criticizes the Board of Assessors for shifting appraisal responsibilities onto citizens, despite county funds allocated for assessment services.

Plans to address property tax disparities by reassessing the tax digest, correcting overvaluations, and ensuring uniformity between residential and commercial properties, acknowledging an existing imbalance where residential owners bear a disproportionate tax burden.

Plans to model Washington County's ordinance, noting its relevance due to comparable distance from Atlanta, population size, and income levels, for Chattooga County's housing and urban development discussions.

Plans to ensure tax equalization by collaborating with the Board of Equalization and supporting reviews by the Board of Assessors if discrepancies arise, as per OCGA 48-5-311(d)2.

- Wants to implement a high-density residential housing land ordinance.
- Said, "I see the newly adopted ordinance as a device that lets the land commission have control over the division of our land... I cannot support legislation that gives five un-elected citizens the ability to tell landowners how they can divide their property!"
- Wants guidelines for high-density, residential subdivisions, proposing that "5 acre minimum tract sizes would be a good place to start."
- Plans to submit any proposed land ordinances to a county-wide vote, ensuring public engagement through advertisements, meetings, and discussions with the county attorney for feedback before any approval impacting residents.
- Believes incorrect property valuations lead to unfair tax burdens and criticizes the Board of Assessors for shifting appraisal responsibilities onto citizens, despite county funds allocated for assessment services.
- Plans to address property tax disparities by reassessing the tax digest, correcting overvaluations, and ensuring uniformity between residential and commercial properties, acknowledging an existing imbalance where residential owners bear a disproportionate tax burden.
- Plans to model Washington County's ordinance, noting its relevance due to comparable distance from Atlanta, population size, and income levels, for Chattooga County's housing and urban development discussions.
- Plans to ensure tax equalization by collaborating with the Board of Equalization and supporting reviews by the Board of Assessors if discrepancies arise, as per OCGA 48-5-311(d)2.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports prioritizing maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, and county buildings, funding rural fire departments for compliance, and adequately resourcing the Sheriff's Office for safety before financing non-essential projects or substandard roads.

The candidate's website says, "In a separate policy, we need clear guidelines for any road that will be incorporated into the county system... Commissioner Parker implemented a county road policy that worked great for our county, and I feel there is no need for new regulations as the ones in place just need to be enforced."

Said, "In a separate policy, we need clear guidelines for any road that will be incorporated into the county system... Commissioner Parker implemented a county road policy that worked great for our county, and I feel there is no need for new regulations as the ones in place just need to be enforced."

Said, "If elected Commissioner, I will seek out and hire someone to work full time on ... improving infrastructure, county buildings, equipment assets and emergency services."

- Supports prioritizing maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, and county buildings, funding rural fire departments for compliance, and adequately resourcing the Sheriff's Office for safety before financing non-essential projects or substandard roads.
- Said, "In a separate policy, we need clear guidelines for any road that will be incorporated into the county system... Commissioner Parker implemented a county road policy that worked great for our county, and I feel there is no need for new regulations as the ones in place just need to be enforced."
- Said, "If elected Commissioner, I will seek out and hire someone to work full time on ... improving infrastructure, county buildings, equipment assets and emergency services."

Transportation & Infrastructure

Facebook

Andy Allen

Andy Allen was born and raised in Chattooga County, where he has lived for 46 years. He graduated from Chattooga High School in 1996 and later attended Georgia Northwestern Technical College. Andy is married to Whitney, with whom he has twins named Jackson and Karsyn, and the family resides on North Little Sand Mountain. They are members of Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church.

Andy Allen is the owner and operator of Jackar Cattle Company LLC, a business involved in raising beef and replacement heifers. Previously, he incorporated Double A Timber Co. in 2000, a company that served corporate and private landowners across North Georgia, Alabama, and Southern Tennessee, and employed a full staff including truck drivers, mechanics, machine operators, and timber buyers. He holds degrees in business, metal fabrication, and blueprinting from Georgia Northwestern Technical College.

- Said, "To rebuild the basic services... and to stand up for the voters in this county... These are just a few of the many challenges I see, and if the people of the county are willing to accept my candidacy for County Commissioner, with the community's help, we can solve these issues and more."

- The candidate's website says, "Senate bill 420 would ban these entities from making these purchases and add valuable protection to farmers and agricultural land. Please pray that Governor Kemp will see the urgency and need for this bill."
- Believes heavy regulations hinder small business growth; supports limiting local government impact to boost job creation and backs non-interference to aid trades and service industries' success.
- Supports limited government focused on basic services, fair taxation, and minimal regulations to foster small business growth and economic efficiency.
- Plans to reallocate county funds to ensure efficient taxpayer service, competitive wages for employee retention, and accountability for county officials.
- Said, "My commitment to everyone is that I will use the least amount of regulation possible to let the free market prosper while ensuring safe and effective development for the future of our county in the most cost-effective way possible."
- Said, "Our federal and state governments get a large portion of all of our incomes through all of the ever-increasing taxes they levy. As a local government, it is our responsibility to get as much of our money back as possible."
- Said, "We will all see additional benefits from someone working full time to get us our fair share of the available funds... If our government can hand out billions of dollars to some far-off country, they can help us here locally find the funding we need."
- Said, "I had a productive meeting with Tyler Harper, the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner... I fully support his effort to prevent the sale of agricultural land to foreign adversaries... Our food security demands it."

- The candidate's website says, "The gear is only NFPA compliant for ten years of service. Using out-of-service gear for training is not allowed and puts these departments at extra liability."
- The candidate's website says, "As a County, we cannot afford to lose one of these Departments. The protection and health of all citizens should be the number one priority of the Commissioner."
- Said, "When I become Commissioner, I will make it a priority to collaborate with stakeholders to address the needs of our fire and emergency services, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to continue safeguarding our community."
- Supports God, 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, and private landowner rights. 
- Said, "As we work together to make Chattooga County a better place for everyone, one area of concern I have is for the fire and emergency services provided in our County."

- The candidate's website says, "Land Use Ordinance: ... It is too overbearing for where our county is at this time. It oversteps private landowner rights and discourages growth from the businesses in our community."
- Said, "Our county needs to implement a high-density residential housing land ordinance... the local county government should have a set of guidelines and stipulations for such developments."
- Said, "I see the newly adopted ordinance as a device that lets the land commission have control over the division of our land... I cannot support legislation that gives five un-elected citizens the ability to tell landowners how they can divide their property!"
- Said, "First, we need some guidelines for high-density, residential subdivisions... As we are a rural community, I propose that 5 acre minimum tract sizes would be a good place to start."
- Plans to submit any proposed land ordinances to a county-wide vote, ensuring public engagement through advertisements, meetings, and discussions with the county attorney for feedback before any approval impacting residents.
- Believes incorrect property valuations lead to unfair tax burdens and criticizes the Board of Assessors for shifting appraisal responsibilities onto citizens, despite county funds allocated for assessment services.
- Plans to address property tax disparities by reassessing the tax digest, correcting overvaluations, and ensuring uniformity between residential and commercial properties, acknowledging an existing imbalance where residential owners bear a disproportionate tax burden.
- Plans to model Washington County's ordinance, noting its relevance due to comparable distance from Atlanta, population size, and income levels, for Chattooga County's housing and urban development discussions.
- Plans to ensure tax equalization by collaborating with the Board of Equalization and supporting reviews by the Board of Assessors if discrepancies arise, as per OCGA 48-5-311(d)2.

- Supports prioritizing maintenance and repair of roads, bridges, and county buildings, funding rural fire departments for compliance, and adequately resourcing the Sheriff's Office for safety before financing non-essential projects or substandard roads.
- The candidate's website says, "In a separate policy, we need clear guidelines for any road that will be incorporated into the county system... Commissioner Parker implemented a county road policy that worked great for our county, and I feel there is no need for new regulations as the ones in place just need to be enforced."
- Said, "If elected Commissioner, I will seek out and hire someone to work full time on ... improving infrastructure, county buildings, equipment assets and emergency services."
- The candidate's website says, "Many departments have deferred maintenance on equipment for several years. For instance, currently, the Gore Fire Department needs to replace an onboard generator on their truck, costing $25,000.00."

As of May 3, 2024, Andy Allen’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "I understand what is needed to help sustain and work with these departments around the County to ensure the protection of citizens..."

The candidate's website says, "Also, homeowners' insurance will skyrocket if ISO ratings aren't maintained and can be almost non-affordable if a department ceases to exist."

The candidate's website says, "Land Use Ordinance: ... It is too overbearing for where our county is at this time. It oversteps private landowner rights and discourages growth from the businesses in our community."

The candidate's website says, "With no funding increases and the rising cost of equipment, gear, fuel, tires, and repairs, these departments' financial needs are not being met."

The candidate's website says, "Many departments have deferred maintenance on equipment for several years. For instance, currently, the Gore Fire Department needs to replace an onboard generator on their truck, costing $25,000.00."

All On Georgia

LinkedIn

Blake graduated from Georgia Northwestern Technical College with a degree in invasive cardiovascular technology. He resides in Chattooga County with his wife and two children.

Blake worked as a cardiovascular technologist and personal trainer for Floyd Hospital. His work experience includes healthcare, department of corrections, and public works.

Blake Elsberry currently serves as Chattooga County Commissioner. He was elected in 2020 and has served one term.

Worked to increase access to healthcare through the Free-Standing ER project.

Said, "...I felt that it was important that state and federal leadership knew that my administration supports the right to life for the born and unborn alike."

Supports transparency with the community through monthly public meeting and updates to the county website.

- Worked to increase access to healthcare through the Free-Standing ER project.
- Said, "...I felt that it was important that state and federal leadership knew that my administration supports the right to life for the born and unborn alike."
- Supports transparency with the community through monthly public meeting and updates to the county website.

Prioritized agriculture through the Home Grown Chattooga Program and local farm grants.

Worked to reduce the county debt by lowering the amount borrowed from $4.5 million annually to $2 million.

Advocated for homestead exemption freeze legislation.

- Prioritized agriculture through the Home Grown Chattooga Program and local farm grants.
- Worked to reduce the county debt by lowering the amount borrowed from $4.5 million annually to $2 million.
- Supports lowering property taxes.
- Advocated for homestead exemption freeze legislation.

Supports bringing a satellite location "in partnership with the University System of Georgia and/or the Technical College System of Georgia."

- Supports bringing a satellite location "in partnership with the University System of Georgia and/or the Technical College System of Georgia."

Said, "I will continue to be an advocate for our constitutional right to bear arms..."

Wants to work towards constructing a new jail.

- Said, "I will continue to be an advocate for our constitutional right to bear arms..."
- Wants to work towards constructing a new jail.

Supports a subdivision development ordinance, which requires additional accountability from corporations, developers, and outside investors.

- Supports a subdivision development ordinance, which requires additional accountability from corporations, developers, and outside investors.

Worked to replace non-functioning equipment in multiple departments and make repairs to the county courthouse, courthouse annex, public works maintenance building, and the 911 facility.

Secured a $1 million grant for the replacement of water lines.

Secured $22,600 in funding towards the restoration of Tooga Theater.

Worked to expand broadband access through a $10 million project.

- Worked to replace non-functioning equipment in multiple departments and make repairs to the county courthouse, courthouse annex, public works maintenance building, and the 911 facility.
- Secured a $1 million grant for the replacement of water lines.
- Secured $22,600 in funding towards the restoration of Tooga Theater.
- Worked to expand broadband access through a $10 million project.

Blake Elsberry

Blake worked as a Cardiovascular Technologist and Personal Trainer for Floyd Hospital. His work experience includes healthcare, department of corrections, and public works.

Blake Elsberry is married with two children. He is a member of Sonrise Baptist Church. Blake's website says, "we raise our family rooted in deep Biblical principals’ and a firm Christian faith."

As of May 16, 2024, Blake Elsberry’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Blake Elsberry was elected County Commissioner in 2021 and has held the position since. 

As of March 23, 2024, Blake Elsberry’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Believes "capitalism is key."
- As County Commissioner, Blake created the first Rural Free-Standing ER in the state of Georgia, bringing lifesaving healthcare to Chattooga County citizens and creating 44 new healthcare jobs.
- As County Commissioner, Blake formed the Home Grown Chattooga Program to support local agriculture.
- Website says Blake is "working to stretch our tax dollars further and reduce the county debt."
- Under Blakes leadership, Chattooga has the lowest tax rate in 13 years.
- As County Commissioner, Blake has lowered county debt by $2 million.

- Blake is pro-second amendment.
- As County Commissioner, Blake is working towards building a new jail.

- As County Commissioner, Blake worked with the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing program to meet housing needs.

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county

Chattooga County Commissioner, Republican Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)