Incumbent Ashley Smith Hendrix is seeking a second four-year term, challenged by two opponents, Tommy Lee and Jason Wilcox, both businessmen seeking their first elected office. Since no candidate qualified in the Democratic Primary, the winner of this race will run unopposed in the Nov. 6 general election.
Hendrix, who owns a poultry farm, said she’s been going out meeting people in public places and introducing herself.
“I’ve done what I believe is right and I stand on my public record,” Hendrix said.
Lee said he is putting in 10-hour days, knocking on doors and handing out fliers, to meet as many people as he can.
“I’m going to be accessible and be the voice of District 3,” Lee said.
Lee, who works as a general contractor, said his business experience with budgets, cost analysis and value engineering would be helpful in county government. He promises what he calls a “common sense approach” to local government.
Wilcox, a nonprofit business owner and Iraq War veteran, was called several times but could not be reached for comment. He said in a June interview that he is a candidate who would work hard for the people of the county and accomplish a conservative agenda.
Hendrix said her service in office makes her the best qualified candidate.
“I have accomplished a great deal in my district,” Hendrix said. “I have expanded recreation and helped Temple with expanding recreation and green space and paving roads.
“The only agenda I have is the truth for the citizens of Carroll County,” she said, in response to charges by commission Chairman Bill Chappell that she and other commissioners have their “own agenda.”
“Just because I don’t go along with everything the chairman says doesn’t mean I have my own agenda. It means I have my own opinions. I say what I think and I’m an independent thinker. I stand up for the people of my district.”
Hendrix said she communicates regularly with people in the district through her Facebook page and her Hendrix Highlights newsletter. She also holds town hall meetings.
Hendrix was born in Carroll County and is a lifelong resident. She graduated from Oak Mountain Academy and University of West Georgia in 2001, with a BBA degree in management. She was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2008 and served as vice chairman in 2011. She and her husband have two sons, Preston, 12, and Tucker, 9.
Lee said he feels the Board of Commissioners has a “lack of cooperation” and problems working together. He has pledged to be accessible to constituents and learn their concerns.
“If you’re accessible, you know their concerns and needs and you’re able to address them for the county as a whole,” he said. “We’re pleased with the campaigning we’ve done and we’ve tried to run a clean campaign.”
Lee was born in Villa Rica, but grew up and attended school in Haralson County. He moved back to Carroll County in 1981 and has lived here since.
He co-founded his company, DCW, Inc., which he says stands for “doors, ceilings and walls,” in 1984 and later became sole proprietor. He and his wife, Anne Lee, have been married for 31 years. They have a son, Kelly Lee, who works with DCW, Inc.
Post a Comment