Ed note: This is the second article in a series highlighting County Commission candidates.
District 4 Baldwin County Commission candidate Andrew Strickland has never held an elected office, but he is no stranger to community service.
Strickland, a certified flight paramedic, is seeking the board seat currently held by Henry Craig, who opted not to run again this year, and will face Carol Ballew and Jay Wright in the May 21 Republican Primary.
Strickland, whose wife, Gracie, is a native of Milledgeville, moved to Baldwin County 13 years ago. Since then, the candidate has been appointed twice to the Milledgeville Planning and Zoning Board and is a former chairman of the Baldwin County Republican Party. He was an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2012 and has worked on various committees at the district and state level with the party.
Also, Strickland helped relaunch the Milledgeville Jaycees and was appointed to the state board of the Jaycees organization.
“A life of service to my community is my mission,” he summarized in a question-and-answer election interview, emphasizing he listens to the people.
“Serving as the next commissioner for the 4th district of Baldwin County is not about me. It’s about the people. When you hear me talk about issues like litter, roads, recreation, or emergency services, you hear the echo of your neighbors’ concerns.
“This campaign was built on your issues,” Strickland added, “and I am staying on task to fixing the issues important to you.”
Strickland says his community involvement and ability to work with others makes him the best choice in this election.
“I have a lifelong record of service to community above self,” he said. “I am the only candidate with a record of success in building consensus with others to accomplish goals.”
Strickland emphasized his commitment to solving the litter problem at the Republican candidates’ forum this past Monday night. He acknowledged then that his plan to address that problem is not his.
“It is the plan of Dr. Jeff Wells, the president of Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful. I will immediately go to work instituting his plan,” Strickland said. “The work that KMBB has done must be front and center, and we must support organizations that seek to improve our community.”
He said there are three components to the plan: 1. Strengthen ordinances and require covered loads; 2. Build a robust Adopta- Road program; 3. Request monthly updates from KMBB on progress to keep a spotlight on the issue.
Strickland questioned the way the recent airport hangers and multi-use path proposed projects were handled.
“Baldwin County has had to give back nearly $3 million in grant money over this debacle,” he said. “Meanwhile, our population is suffering with over 25% living below the poverty line. We’ve been devastated by job loss. It’s hard to imagine arguing overgrowth anywhere at this point.
“If elected, and a vote for the East Apron expansion or a grant for sidewalks comes before me, I’ll review the plan, ask for input, and make a decision based on the facts.”
Strickland listed four areas he considers key issues for Baldwin County now:
1. Litter: “If we can’t pick up our trash and take care of our community, we will never be viewed in a good light by investors or as a prospective residence.”
2. Roads: “We must maintain our crumbling roads and plan for growth and safety.”
3. Recreation:
“Baldwin County must be a place more people want to be. We must invest in areas that will improve the lives of our citizens.”
4. Emergency Services: “It is time for updated fire stations that can house ambulances and ladder trucks. We need a certified swiftwater rescue team for river rescues and compensation for additional certifications.”
The candidate suggested a cautious approach to the idea of a planning and zoning process in Baldwin County.
“I would be willing to consider that as long as the mission of Baldwin County P & Z is to protect property rights and value of your property,” he said. “I would support a referendum on the creation of P & Z once the details are worked out with stakeholders.”
Strickland explained his reasoning for a referendum.
“A planning and zoning board has the potential to change how our government functions. It is a new entity that will have power to approve or deny applications. That’s why I prefer putting the question before the people of Baldwin County rather than five commissioners.”
Strickland believes underfunding in most county departments exists but says there is a way to address that.
“Nearly every department is underfunded, with the exception of those within the new administration building,” he said. “Tour our fire stations or recreation department to get an idea of the situation. I believe working to grow our economy will help increase our tax base. When we increase our tax base, we can address funding these departments.”
Strickland said he believes there is a solution to perceived issues of transparency and accountability, too.
“I think our main issue is communication,” he said. “If we, as commissioners, have a commitment to real communication with constituents we can solve a lot of our problems.