Fr. Co. Commissioner Ryan Swails Takes Early Departure from Board

Another member of the Franklin County Commission leaves before his term was up.

Commissioner for District 3 Ryan Swails officially announced his early departure to WLHR News Monday.

Swails, who chose not to run for re-election, said in an email to WLHR News Monday evening that his resignation took effect July 15, and that he notified fellow commissioners and the county manager Derrick Turner last week.

Swails’ term officially ends on December 31.

He said the reason for not filling out the rest of his term was because he had closed earlier than expected on the sale of their home in Carnesville and had now moved to Blairsville where he started a new job.

“My family closed on the sale of our home Friday and have now moved the remainder of our belongings to our new home in Blairsville. When I made my announcement about accepting a job offer in Blairsville a few months ago, I really couldn’t give an exact timeline for stepping down because of having to purchase a new home in Blairsville and selling our home in Carnesville. Amazingly, that process went much faster than I could have imagined and so now that commission seat is officially vacant,” he stated.

In May Elizabeth Busby won the District 3 seat over Chris Snider and will succeed Swails beginning in January 2023.

County Manager Derrick Turner said the Board of Commissioners is expected to name an interim commissioner for District 3 later this month and he said it will likely be Busby.

“The Board can appoint someone to start September 1. We would just have to get permission from the Secretary of State. But it would probably be more logical to consider Elizabeth because she won that seat. To officially say they’re appointing her would take a vote. So, they would plan on voting for that at the end of the month,” he explained.

Swails concluded his email by stating he only wishes good for Franklin County going forward.

“My heart has always been to approach each challenge with fresh eyes, take in as much information as possible, weigh the benefits and risks, and ultimately try to make a decision that would do the most good for the most people. Working with the other amazing people at the BOC office and in the other county offices has been a joy and I will take my memories with me and hold them close to my heart. I wish only good for Franklin County going forward and pray that the incoming commissioners will have the same heart and will hold up the entire county in consideration for every new decision they face. With every challenge comes an opportunity to grow, do better than before, and make a lasting difference for good. May God continue to bless Franklin County and those that honorably serve,” he said.