After numerous contacts from friends and other citizens of  Putnam County, I made a decision last Thursday to become a candidate for Chairman of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners and qualified to run in the Republican primary to be held July 15th.   As many of you know, this was not an easy decision for me to make.  I had resisted, thinking I had reached the time in my life to reduce responsibilities and relax, and honestly telling many of you I did not intend to offer for the post.  A broad, cross-section of Putnam County citizens ultimately convinced me that civic duty should prevail over

personal comfort.

I love this county and its people.  In my youth I decided that I wanted to return to Putnam following my graduation from Emory University’s School of Business and the completion of my active duty with the U S Air Force.  I knew I wanted to come back home and go into business here.  Over the years I have served my community and my

industry in ways that I hoped would be beneficial.  I continue to have a deep desire to serve in any way I can and give back to this community.

I want to see Putnam County achieve what I believe is possible:  a county that is a better place to live and whose county government is run efficiently and harmoniously.  It is my belief that we must have communication and participation of the entire Board of Commissioners, and leadership to mutually reach the best decisions possible.  We need to analyze the functions of county government and determine what is the best, most cost effective way to deliver the services required of government.  We need open communication and cooperation between the Board of Commissioners and other governmental entities, including the Sheriff’s Office, the Board of Education and the City.  All of this needs to be conducted in a business-like, courteous way that is open to the public and reflects not only the letter, but the spirit of Georgia’s open meetings law.  We need a government that is all inclusive, valuing and using the talents and contributions of all interested citizens, regardless of their race or whether they recently moved to the county or have lived here for a century.

I believe that public service is a bond of trust.  A strong sense of ethics was instilled in me from my youth by parents and teachers who understood the value of integrity and a good reputation.   If elected Chairman, I promise that I will make every attempt to earn the trust you place in me. 

I am excited about what can be accomplished.  I look forward to the  discussions that will take place during the elective process as well as those  discussions and decisions that will take place after the election.  Together we can make a difference!

Tom Thompson

Paid for by

THOMPSON FOR CHAIRMAN, PUTNAM BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Pam K. Lancaster, CPA, Treasurer

284 New Phoenix Rd

Eatonton, GA  31024