Candidates for County Commission District 3
The Polk County District 3 county commission race will see incumbent Ray Carter face two challengers in John Paschal and Billy “Butch” Garrett. Paschal is a retired firefighter and spent nearly 30 years in public safety, while Garrett is a business manager. Carter was first elected to the board in 2018 as part of a special election.
NOTE: The candidates’ answers were taken from the April 23 and April 24 Candidate Forums presented by the Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Answers have been edited for content and length.
Q: What inspired you to run for county commissioner?
Carter: I previously served in Rockmart City Council for over nine years … I thoroughly enjoyed my service there and the many accomplishments of those years. And I think we obviously made our place a better place to live, work and play.
As an opening was created on the county commission in 2018, I was approached by numerous citizens across the county and encouraged to seek the opening seat. I took that challenge, actively engaged in an election campaign and engaged the role of Commissioner. I did that with a desire to again bring meaningful improvements to our local quality of life. To say that I love my community is an understatement. The rural traditions, the greatness of family, it’s everything I wanted in life. My desire is to see that Polk County citizens have an opportunity enjoy life here as much as I have.
Paschal: I was born and raised here just like everybody here on this stage. I take pride in Polk County and being from Rockmart. I worked for the city of Rockmart for 10 years. The city of Cartersville fire department for 18 years. So 28 years of public service has inspired me to continue what I was doing.
I’ve been told by numerous people that I have a servant’s heart. In some ways I see that because I care for people. I didn’t make it 28 years of public safety by doing anything different. And the characteristics of someone who’s a servant is to provide duties for others, be devoted and be helpful. And I feel I’ve always been devoted to my community, to myself, to my family, and this was my way of continuing to give back to the community at this time.
Garrett: I would say that I’ve never aspired to be a politician. I’ve never worked in public service whatsoever. I’ve decided to run for office because I feel that the common man at this point doesn’t have a voice and I think the government tries to control way too much. So if elected I plan to do something about that.
I’ve had many jobs throughout my life. Most of my jobs have been businesses that I’ve run. I’ve come across many problems during that time and I’ve always been able to solve them and solve them well. I’m very good at making things ergonomic to save time and save money. I feel that I could do the same for the county.