Franklin Commissioner to Run for County Commission Chair

Franklin County Commissioner David Strickland has thrown his hat into the ring for job of County Commission Chair.

Strickland has not yet qualified, but has until Friday at noon to do so.

In an open letter to the citizens of Franklin County, Strickland said he has decided to seek the County Commission Chair job because of what he says are irresponsible practices by some elected officials.

“Over the past several months, I have done my best to alert the people of Franklin County to some of the irresponsible practices of our elected officials, and I have been greatly heartened to hear through your letters, emails and phone calls that you are as fired up as I am over the fact that some members of the political establishment here in Franklin County would seek to keep critical information from you for their own personal and political gain,” Strickland wrote.

Strickland, in his letter, said the people of the County must take action and demand answers in order to make informed decisions.

Strickland has found himself at odds with current Commission Chair Thomas Bridges over a number of issues this past year.

Last summer, he opposed the Board’s decision to raise property taxes by 2.67 mils,  contending the County could use money from bonds still sitting in SPLOST IV funds to supplement the lack of reserve funds.

And in December, he went toe to toe with Chairman Bridges over whether to hire a new County Attorney, at one point accusing Bridges of being prejudiced against current attorney.

Strickland was first elected to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners in 2012 and serves District 2.

He is the owner of David R. Strickland & Associates in Royston.