Candidates announce their intention to run as Commission Chair of Columbia County

Friday, Sept. 29, 2017

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- There are now at least three candidates officially running for Columbia County Commission Chair, a seat currently held by Ron Cross.

Business owner Mark Herbert announced his campaign for the seat on Thursday. He s current county commissioner Doug Duncan and former EMA Director Pam Tucker who are also running their respective campaigns.

“Columbia County is a special place and investing in the county is very important to me," said Herbert. "I believe the citizens of Columbia County deserve consistency, transparency, and crystal clear color. Columbia County is home to me and my wife, my family, and my friends. I am running for commission chair to help make Columbia County the best it can be for my grandchildren and future generations.”

Duncan launched his campaign on Tuesday.

“I’m running for Commission Chairman to keep moving our community forward,” said Duncan, “For years, I have worked to grow jobs, secure investment, and ensure economic opportunity in Columbia County. During my time on the Commission, we have implemented smart solutions to fix our transportation challenges while holding the line on taxes and government spending.

Tucker launched her campaign back in March, a little over a month after she tendered her resignation as the county's longtime EMA director claiming a hostile work environment at the hands of County Scott Johnson.

"I have worked tirelessly for Columbia County for the last 18 years and have spent a total of 39 years as a loyal public servant," said Tucker back in March, "I feel that we are now at a time of new beginnings and I would like to continue protecting and serving the citizens of this great county."

Longtime Commission Chairman Ron Cross has not made an announcement on whether he will seek reelection yet.