County Commissioner Patty James

Taylor County, Georgia

In September 2000 I decide that I was going to seek the office of county commissioner in District 1 of Taylor County, GA. I was once an employee for the county and was very displeased with the leadership. I became concerned about the youth of county. It seemed that no one in a leadership position was interested in the future of our youth. The board at that time consisted of elder men. I was told that the board didn't need any women on there, especially one that was young or black. Although I was motivated, I was not totally convinced I could win, but my faith in my heavenly father is very strong and I know without any doubts that I am just where he wants me to be.

I immediately begin to put my plan into place for Election Day July 2004. I was already heavily involved in the community, but I began to become heavily involved with its people. I attended all the public commission meetings so I could get a real sense of what they do and how they do it. I won the election with more 65 percent of the vote over a young man whose father had served in that same position for the same district for nearly 20 years.

Since the election I founded a community leadership program for citizens of the county 18 and older called Leadership Taylor. Currently in the second year of the program, the board of commissioners hosts the program and I serve as the coordinator. The program has been a huge success in the community for the past two years and because of our efforts I was recently named President of the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce. In conjunction, I have hosted successful summer camps for the young girls in my district, ages 12-18.

I am currently the Vice-Chairperson for the board and will be up for the Chairman position in January. Last year I was named as "40 Under 40 Rising Stars in the State of Georgia", by Georgia Trend Magazine for positive change throughout the state and community. Georgia Trend Magazine is the leading magazine in the state for business, education, and politics.

I have enjoyed my years on the board and I am looking forward to entering the race to run for a second term. I feel I am a servant too, and am forever grateful to the people of District 1 of Taylor County, GA for selecting me to be their representative.