JoAnne Taylor addresses reasons why she’s running for mayor
Community, Election August 18, 2021
Dahlonega, Ga.- Former city council member JoAnne Taylor has announced that she plans to run for mayor in the upcoming November election. Taylor was a council member from 2017 till recently when she stepped down in order to run for Mayor. She has lived in Dahlonega since 2004 with her husband.
Taylor has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and is currently retired after working for 32 years for IBM with their Global Telecommunications Industry. She is a mother of three grown children. When she started working in the 60s, it was out of necessity as her husband a Vietnam Vet had several challenges he was dealing with that made it difficult for him to work.
JoAnne has always enjoyed volunteer work and tries to stay active with one to two non-profits groups at a time. She also is a mentor to women for their career paths. She also served in Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition, Corporate Board member with Connect North Georgia.
She is Poir President of the Community Helping Place and was a volunteer mentor in the Lumpkin County School System. Currently vice-chair of the North Georgia Interfaith Ministry Jeremiah’s Place, and she also received Kids First recognition from Family Connection in 2018.
On August 8, Taylor was elected President of the Georgia Municipal Association District 2. In this role, she is a liaison between the GMA and municipal officials in GMA’s District 2. If elected mayor, the GMA is expected to hold positions for her so she can get back involved.
Her goal if elected Mayor is to help ease the difficulties of the coming growth in the community. One way she seeks to help this is by helping the council be mindful of the effects that new zoning will have on the city residents.
Taylor also has concerns about the loss of life due to COVID-19. She acknowledges that there are many decisions to be made before she would possibly be elected and also that the governor has enacted limits for what cities will be able to do.
“We have a low vaccination rate here for many, many reasons, and I would just encourage people to reconsider their vaccination decision and protect themselves and their families,” stated Taylor.
The reason Taylor thinks she is most qualified for this position is that she has the necessary experience working with the city government. She also has the business credentials needed to be the help run the city. When asked if she would run again for city council or mayor if not elected this time she said maybe.
“I care about this city, I love this city. That’s my biggest thing I just love living here, I love the people and I have the experience and business credentials,” commented Taylor.
JoAnne Taylor at one of her final City Council meetings.
To the candidates for her position on the council, she warned that they need to get as much training as fast as they can. They also need to be aware of the city’s needs. An example would be the 28% living in poverty. The 2020 census shows that Dahlonega has grown 38% so the candidates need to be aware of what services and infrastructure are needed to meet with this growth.
“To the people of Dahlonega know I’m in this for you,” explained Taylor.
Qualifying for the November election is August 17 through the 19. Forms are available at City Hall for the process. For more information on qualifying visit https://dahlonega.gov/2021-municipal-election-qualifying/
Former county commissioner Sherrill announces campaign for mayor
Business August 16, 2021
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Former Lumpkin County Commissioner Doug Sherrill has announced his campaign for Mayor of Dahlonega.
“After careful consideration and prayer, I am officially announcing my candidacy for the Mayor of the City of Dahlonega,” Sherrill said Sunday. “I believe we live in the best community in all of Georgia and I am proud to call this city my home. Dahlonega needs a fresh perspective of leadership and I am looking forward to serving this community as your next mayor.”
Sherrill earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Business from North Georgia College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Georgia.
Sherrill said during his tenure on the Board of Commissioners he played a key role in establishing budgets that cut taxes while promoting smart growth. “We worked to improve economic development, voted to allocate funding for the Development Authority and facilitated bringing business to Lumpkin County,” he said. “We kept government regulations within reason and assisted all property owners in protecting their interests. We kept government regulations within reason and assisted all property owners in protecting their interests.”
In addition to his service on the Board of Commissioners, Sherrill, is a professional land surveyor, a lecturer at the University of North Georgia, and an ordained minister. He also served on the District 2 Board of Health and is Vice Chair of Resource and Environment for the Association County Commissioners Georgia.
“I will provide the City of Dahlonega the leadership and conservative principles needed in this tough political climate,” he said. “I am not new to politics and most of you are well acquainted with my conservative record. I have strong relationships with our current elected officials and am well acquainted with the needs of our community. I am proud of my experience and intend to use my abilities to benefit the citizens of the City of Dahlonega. I look forward to speaking and engaging with each of you and I humbly ask for your support and vote.”