BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Announcements continue to pour in of candidates running for local elected positions in Fannin County. The Feb. 19 Fannin County Republican Party meeting saw Post 2 Commissioner Larry Joe Sosebee declare his intent to run for re-election and announcements by two current school board members who will seek re-election for their positions.

The first announcement came from current school board member Bobby Bearden.

“At the end of this year, I’ll have 16 years as a school board member, and there’s nothing in this world I’ve enjoyed more than where I am right now,” Bearden spoke of his experience.

Bearden, a life-long Fannin County resident, spoke to attendees about living here his entire life with the exception of three years during the Vietnam War.

Bearden keeps his platform simple and listed his priorities if re-elected: “Children, children, children, and tax payers come after that.”

In regard to possible challengers, Bearden, while wanting to win and continue his legacy with the Board of Education (BOE), did say, “I’ve heard somebody is going to run against me this time and that’s fine. I think the voters of Fannin County need to elect who they think is going to do the best job.”

Bearden concluded by reminding the crowd that he continues to stand by his promise that he made years ago when he first ran for a seat with the BOE: “If I ever do anything that will cause your children, your grandkids, not to be able to go to college, lose that GAC (Georgia Accrediting Commission) accreditation, I’d step down in a heartbeat.”

The second announcement came from fellow school board member Steve Stanley. Stanley who has served with the Fannin County BOE for eight years is seeking re-election in November.

While Stanley expressed that he has issues with state funding in regard to our local school system, he stated that safety is his number one priority: “From the moment they (school children) step foot on that school bus until you pick them up at night they better be safe.”

Stanley also spoke of current grants that are being looked at and pursued for the Fannin County School System. One grant in particular would help promote literacy in Fannin County, and Stanley says it is among his top priorities: “We’re wanting to give people any materials we can to start reading.”

Stanley ended his announcement by stating, “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.”

Both Stanley and Bearden will need to qualify to be seen on the May General Primary ballot. Qualifying takes place this week and will end Friday, March 9, at noon.

 

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