DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Doug Sherrill, a land surveyor and small business owner says he is a “leader of leaders” at a time when Lumpkin County needs new leadership, which is why he has decided to vacate his District 1 seat on the Board of Commissioners at the end of his first term and run for Chairman.

“The mentality of our government is to just maintain the course…in other words, keep spending in all the wrong places,” Sherrill said. “We cannot afford to keep doing the same old things and expect to get ahead. I’ve been appointed to a number of leadership positions around the state and I want to continue that here.”

Sherill said his most important accomplishment during his first four years on the Board is, “building unity among other board members and building consensus.”

If he is elected, he says continuing that unity and spirit of cooperation will be his number one priority.

“I’d like to bring together all the county’s elected officials and build a ‘team of teams’ to do the county’s business,” he said.

Sherrill says that while government can’t create jobs, it can foster an environment that will attract new jobs and he will do that by using SPLOST funds to encourage development, resisting unnecessary regulations that tie the hands of business and by encouraging “Buy Lumpkin” campaigns.

He plans to cut government spending by reducing utility bills through efficient power management and by opposing grant acceptance that increases operational expense.

Sherrill says Lumpkin County has a lot to offer given the right leadership. “If we position ourselves properly, we can market the quality of life our community offers and entice growing businesses into our area.”

Sherrill earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical studies at Louisiana Baptist University and his Masters Degree in Public Administration and International Affairs at what was then North Georgia College and State University.

He is the owner of The LandPlan Group, a professional land surveying company, who has ministered to several area churches.

He and wife Lori have four children Hannah, Cassie, Stephen and Isaac.