Whitfield wins race for commisssion chairman
Walker County Sole Commissioner Shannon Whitfield staved off a potential runoff in the June 9 Republican primary race for the Walker County Board of Commissioners chairperson’s seat.
After reeling in 5,813 (52%) of the votes, Whitfield will face no opposition in the Nov. 3 general election after no Democratic or thirdparty candidates qualified for the seat. His Republican primary opponents, Matt Harris and Perry Lamb, received 4,384 (39%) and 968 votes, respectively. The results are unofficial results, pending counting of a few provisional ballots, according to the Walker County
Board of Elections.
Whitfield was elected sole commissioner in 2016. As the first chairperson of the Walker
in their communities, this is the sign of a true gentleman,” Stultz wrote on his Facebook page. “To Alan Painter I congratulate you on your success and being a gentleman throughout the campaign as well.”
Stultz said he has worked in Primary Care Medicine in the Northwest Georgia area for 25 years, servicing Walker County citizens in various clinical settings during his career as a physician assistant. He has provided healthcare and medical consulting services for several area municipalities and counties.
Working along with Sheriff Steve Wilson and Sheriff’s Office Maj. Mike Freeman, he provided a high level of care to the incarcerated while instituting cost-savings. He also served as deputy coroner of Walker County from 2018-19.
Stultz identified as priorities economic growth and business development, continuing the county’s agricultural heritage and growth, improving infrastructure, improving access to high quality healthcare in the community, decreasing illicit drug activity and supporting law enforcement.
“I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to all the voters,” Painter said. “Despite COVID-19 risks, many voted in person in this historic election for Walker County.”
Painter thanked his fellow candidates and their families. He said all of the candidates can take pride in how the campaigns were conducted.
“Putting yourself in the spotlight for public service is no easy matter,” he acknowledged.
“From now and until the Aug. 11 runoff, I look forward to sharing my skills, ideas and experiences on how we together as a Board of Commissioners can navigate through these times,” he said.
A semi-retired software ar
chitect, Painter said he believes in public service over politics on his campaign website.
“As a former chairman of the Walker County GOP, my conservative values are deep rooted,” according to his website. “I will always stand ready for the protection of an unborn child, and I will be a strong defender of the 2nd amendment.”
His platform included using his project management exper