Lonnie Henderson II
Lonnie Henderson II said he is running for sole commissioner in Walker County in the upcoming election.
Bebe Heiskell is the incumbent.
Mr. Henderson, 31, has lived in LaFayette since 2008.
He said, "While I may not seem like an orthodox candidate, I feel that is my greatest strength. I do not belong to any clubs or organizations save for the North Georgia Animal League, for whom I have organized several fundraisers over the past year. I am completely unaffiliated both by association and political party. I am a correctional officer for the state of Georgia and have held that position for eight years. I have two children, Bailee, 14, and Sharie, 9. I am currently engaged to Chelsey Collins. I make less than $30,000 a year as a correctional officer for the state of Georgia and feel that I know best the struggles of the everyday citizen of our county. I also feel the sole commissioner has far too high a salary and, if it is possible, I will work to lower the salary of the commissioner by 25 percent my first year in office.
"I have a hard line stance on many positions. I don't sidestep any issues whatsoever. I feel that if a candidate does not answer a question in a straight-forward manner, they do not deserve the position for which they are running. I am an advocate of a multi-member commission. I feel the sole commissioner system is antiquated and there is a reason we are one of only eight counties in the country to still utilize that form of government. I advocate a five-member board, as I feel that would allow adequate representation of the entire county.
"I am also an advocate of small government for the most part, as I feel our county is spending far too much money on different things. I want to see the county rid itself of all unnecessary property to help pay of the massive debt accrued by current commissioner Bebe Heiskell. I'd like to see more transparency as well, with a budget finalized and published well before the fiscal year begins. I will push for a forensic audit to get down into the details of the budget and make a plan to save money wherever humanly possible. In line with my wish for transparency, I will hold monthly meetings on weekends when people are able to attend. I will encourage cameras and record keeping at those meetings."