PRESS RELEASE – As a 20-year resident of Pickens County, I have been blessed by the numerous friends and acquaintances that I have made, both personally and professionally, as well as the countless experiences that have heartenedmy family to call Pickens County “home.” Many of those experiences over the last twenty years havespurred conversations with concerned citizensspanning a variety of topics.

As a local business owner, I understand the challenges that we face in recruiting and retaining an educated, qualified workforce to drive our desired results.

I have heard from many young families over the years that we need better parks and more recreation options.

I understand that with growth comes challenges with public safety, water and sewage, among other things.

What is our vision for Pickens County and what will it look like in 10 or 20 years? How do we stay ahead of inevitable growth? How can we increase our tax base while also striking a balance to preserve our nature and quality of life? These are all common questions we ask ourselves as residents of Pickens County. Let’s face it, Pickens is no longer the best kept secret in North Georgia.

That’s why we need level-headed, common-sense leadership in Pickens County now!

I truly believe we have entered the most important stretch in our county’s storied history, at least within the last thirty years. That may sound dramatic, but I can assure you that the next 3-5 years will shape the next couple of decades. We need conservative leadership that will sincerely have the best interests of the citizens of Pickens County front and center. We need someone who will listen and not just speak. We need an unprecedented level of communication and transparency in government.

I have served our community in many capacities over the last twenty years. From serving and leadingnumerous boards and civic groups to being the broadcast voice of local sports in Pickens and the surrounding area. And now I want to serve YOU as Post 2 (East) Commissioner. I want to be YOUR voice for Pickens County.

There may be an occasional issue that my constituentsmay not agree on, but I will always stand with those who trusted me with their vote and elected me to do the right thing, even if it goes against popularity. I will vote for the people, not for myself.

I promise to give due diligence to budget concernswhile focusing sharply on issues that will directly impact us as residents including growth and economic development, water and sewage, parks and recreation, public safety, traffic concerns and overall quality of living.

I am looking forward to working with our many communities and municipalities while furthering our collaborative efforts between county and city government to create the best Pickens County that we can be, not Cherokee or Gilmer.

I humbly ask for your support and seek your vote on May 24th, 2022! Please visit my campaign Facebook page (Dave Garner for Post 2 Commissioner) for further announcements and information on future appearances.    

Let me be YOUR voice in Pickens County!