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Bill Griggs, left — Stephen "Doc" Ayers, right
Early voting is set to begin Oct. 14 and run through Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the elections board office at 182 Cade St., Suite C, in Hartwell.
Stephen “Doc” Ayers, Hartwell
• Family: Two sisters and one brother
• Career: Retired Hart County teacher. Partner in Website HartwellandBeyond.com, studio host for “This Week” television program on HTC. Also a Member of the Hart County Chamber of Commerce and a Member of the Hartwell DDA
• Why are you running for Hartwell City Council? As a life-long resident of Hartwell, I have benefitted from the work of many people who have chosen to serve in government, and in particular the city council. These individuals invested their time and effort in the future of this community, the future that I am enjoying today. I have decided that it’s now my time to step up and pay it forward, for those who follow.
• What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected? Hartwell has come far the last few years and has nothing but opportunities ahead. It is important to me that we continue growing, without sacrificing what makes Hartwell, Hartwell. I want to ensure we grow the tax base, not taxes.
• What is the most important issue facing the city right now? The most important issue facing any community, not just Hartwell, is the idea of how to meet the financial demands of running a government and providing for the needs of its citizens. Further, making sure that we are not sacrificing our unique community for just any growth.
We are blessed with the addition of 1,200-plus new jobs coming from businesses such as Purina, Haering and more. These jobs are quality jobs and essential to our citizens and our students in the College and Career Academy. Working together, thinking creatively and smartly, we can continue to grow and create opportunities for all of our citizens
George William “Bill” Griggs, 71, Hartwell (Incumbent)
• Family: My beautiful wife, Cheri, of 48-plus years
• Career: I served in the U.S. Army until 1976 and returned to go into the pallet building business with my father.
• Why are you running for Hartwell City Council? I have always been a big supporter of Hartwell. I have grandchildren who are growing up in Hartwell and I want what is best for them.
• What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected? I would like to see fewer executive sessions and more council time in front of our citizens. Also, I want more called sessions during the work days.
• What is the most important issue facing the city right now? The old state park revival. I would like to see more homes, apartments, etc. built in Hartwell and better infrastructure, as well as better services provided to the citizens to include the lowering of our ISO rating to a one. I am also interested in a city-owned solar farm that would provide electricity at a reduced rate for our citizens as well as lower property value.