My name is Jamie Hensley and I am running for Fannin County Commission Chairman.   I would like to share why I am asking for your vote on May 19th.  I am a lifelong resident of Fannin County, raised in the Mineral Bluff area. Growing up in our home, my mom, Marie and my dad, the late “Verl” Hensley, taught me and my sisters the importance of faith, family, and giving back to our community.

I currently reside in the Epworth area with my wife of 26 years, Faith.  We have raised our two wonderful daughters, Lauren and Kaelyn, to have the same values.  Our son-in-law, Josh, currently serves our country in the Army National Guard, and our beautiful granddaughter Lainey rules the roost. I am an East Side Wildcat and a 1989 graduate of Fannin County High School.  I am a member of Mineral Bluff Lodge #483 and a member of Helping Hand Fellowship Church.  Now, I want to use my deep-rooted values to serve all of Fannin County.

• Experience
The qualities I feel the citizens of Fannin County expect and deserve from their Commission Chair go hand-in-hand with the leadership skills I have acquired during my 24-year career at Circuit World.  I started out as a delivery driver, was quickly recognized for my hard work, dedication, determination, and was soon promoted to General Manager.  I have been the General Manager of five locations for over 15 years.  One of my main responsibilities is managing the operation of the businesses within a budget.  I have had to be a good steward of the company’s money and not waste it.  My success in business has been due to my ability to deliver on promises. I keep my word. If I tell you I am going to do something, you can count on it. I thoroughly understand budgets, purchasing, negotiations, hands on training, and public relations. I excel in leadership qualities.  Leadership is not telling people what to do – it is listening to ideas, prioritizing the needs, and finding the best solution to accomplish the goal.  As Commission Chairman of Fannin County, I will never forget it is YOUR money.

• Community
I have a long-time record of community involvement. For years, I have been involved with youth sports. I have coached softball since 1999 and enjoyed every minute of it! I was part of the coaching staff that landed Fannin County’s first ever 14U State Champs.  Currently, I serve as President of the Fannin County Lady Rebels Softball Booster Club, and I am an active board member of the Blue Ridge Humane Society.

• Leadership
I believe Fannin County needs positive leadership.  Fannin County, as you know, has grown immensely in the last 25 years. I feel we need to take a more proactive approach instead of simply being reactive to our community’s growth. We are proud of our history and must remember our past, but we must accept the fact that we are growing.  If we don’t proactively plan for future growth and steer the “ship” properly, the county will experience uncontrolled growth.

• Communication
I will improve communication between county offices, departments and government.  We must work as a team to ensure that all departments are properly staffed and equipped to give the best service to our citizens that they so richly deserve.   A better line of communication needs to be established with volunteers.  Our county has a wealth of volunteers wanting to serve, especially in the area of animal control.

• Safety
I support our public safety and will work diligently to ensure that our EMS/EMA, law enforcement, and first responders are given the resources necessary to do their jobs, which is to KEEP US SAFE. Additionally, I will work daily to see that our roads are maintained for all travelers. It is my belief that the main function of government is to provide for the peace, safety, and prosperity of its citizens.

I fully understand the scope and responsibilities of the Chairmanship of the Fannin County Board of Commissioners, and I am committed to making Fannin County an even better place to live.