City of St. Marys, Georgia Council Post 5 Candidate Forum
Forum date: 10/1/2024: St. Marys – Post 5: ###; Nick Harris; Allen Rassi (Incumbent)
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City of St. Marys, Georgia Mayor Candidate Forum
Forum Date 9/30/2024: St.Marys - Mayor Candidate ###; St.Marys - Mayor Candidate Lisa James; St.Marys - Mayor Candidate Greg Lockhart
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december 2024 election RUNOFF
City of St. marys candidates - Bio & Platform statements
Allen F. Rassi Jr.
912-552-9114 |
As an incumbent for Post 5 St. Marys City Council, I received the majority of the votes in the November 5 election but I didn’t hit that magic 50% mark required to win outright. So I’m in a runoff. It’s not my first runoff; I’ve been here before. I learned last time that it doesn’t matter how well you do in the original, the voter turnout is always much lower in the runoff. Voters are tired of campaigns so many don’t bother to vote again.
I’m asking those of you who voted for me in November to please vote again. Please take the extra time and energy to go out one more time and vote to help me retain my seat on City Council. I have been a hard working Council member. I initiated the Senior Task Force that investigated and brought new positive attention to the Senior Center and set the stage for its current success. I reinvigorated the Orange Hall Committee that has created a new interest in that city landmark. I spend hours working behind the scenes, out of the limelight, to get things done for the City and never sought recognition. |
I’ve always been a doer not a talker. I’ve seen my job as Council member to get the City’s business done for the citizens rather than make a name for myself.
If re-elected I will continue to listen rather than pontificate. I have a reputation for working hard for dozens of community organizations whose missions are to benefit the City and its residents. That’s who I am and who I will continue to be.
I’ve lived here 22 years. I know this community because I have interacted with every aspect of it. I still work fulltime. My employer understands my commitment to the City and supports me so I can spend the many hours of Council work behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see.
I am grateful for your support in the past and ask you to come out one more time and vote for me. Vote early November 25, 26 or 27 or on runoff election day December 3. Thank you in advance.
Re-elect Allen Rassi, Post 5.
If re-elected I will continue to listen rather than pontificate. I have a reputation for working hard for dozens of community organizations whose missions are to benefit the City and its residents. That’s who I am and who I will continue to be.
I’ve lived here 22 years. I know this community because I have interacted with every aspect of it. I still work fulltime. My employer understands my commitment to the City and supports me so I can spend the many hours of Council work behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see.
I am grateful for your support in the past and ask you to come out one more time and vote for me. Vote early November 25, 26 or 27 or on runoff election day December 3. Thank you in advance.
Re-elect Allen Rassi, Post 5.
MAJ (R) Nicholas R. Harris
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Nick retired from the Army in August 2004 after 22 years of service and is a motivational speaker and Special Education consultant. He has conducted assemblies for more than 10,000 parents in Georgia; travelled locally, regionally, and nationally to present his powerful message of inspiration and passion from his personal experience with his children who were born with Down syndrome and Autism.
Nick has been engaged in the special education process as a parent, school administrator and special education teacher for the past 33 years in a myriad of organizations. He has initiated two local school programs, Peer Supported Learning Support (PALS) and Parents as Partners for Advocacy (PAPA). The programs provide the opportunity for peer development and social activities through a school club and training for parents to learn how to become effectively engaged in the special education process in their students’ school. |
Nick is the Founder and CEO of The Fayette Field of Hope dedicated to providing children and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in its purest form. He recently launched a Special Education Consulting business, Parents as Partners for Achievement, which assist families in negotiating the Special Education maze.
Nick has published Topic Briefs for Dialogue Guides for Regulatory changes in IDEA 2004, for the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE); Making a Difference Magazine on Inclusion vs Self Contained Classrooms; and Father’s Voices, Unanswered Prayers Some of God’s greatest Gifts, Exceptional Parent Magazine.
Nick served six years on the State Advisory Panel for Special Education for the Georgia Department of Education and in addition he Chaired the panel for one year and served on the University of Georgia’s Special Education Advisory Board.
Nick has served all the communities in which he has lived. He served on the Saint Andrews Episcopal Church Vestry for six years; served on the Peachtree City Recreation Commission on Children and Youth; Little League International Challenger Division Assistant District Administration for the state of Georgia and served on several non-profit organization Board of Directors. Nick is a recent graduate of Camden Counties Sheriff’s Academy and the Camden County Citizens Academy. He is a member of VFW Post 8385 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Nick has been recognized for his work with Special needs children and youth. The Tommy Nobis Center honored him with the Galaxy of Stars award; The Atlanta Alliance for Developmental Disabilities honored him with The Tommy Nobis award; The Atlanta Braves organization honored him with The Atlanta Braves Community Service Leadership Award; The Peachtree City Rotary honored him with the Rotary Service award for Professional Excellence; The Volvo Corporation honored him as one of the Top 100 Leaders in the Country; and Parade Magazine honored him with their Home Town Hero Award.
Nick is a graduate of Radford University. He is certified in Educational Dispute Resolution from the Justice Center of Atlanta.
Nick resides in St. Marys, Georgia with his wife Kim and are the proud owners of Farm to Family in St. Marys.
Nick has published Topic Briefs for Dialogue Guides for Regulatory changes in IDEA 2004, for the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE); Making a Difference Magazine on Inclusion vs Self Contained Classrooms; and Father’s Voices, Unanswered Prayers Some of God’s greatest Gifts, Exceptional Parent Magazine.
Nick served six years on the State Advisory Panel for Special Education for the Georgia Department of Education and in addition he Chaired the panel for one year and served on the University of Georgia’s Special Education Advisory Board.
Nick has served all the communities in which he has lived. He served on the Saint Andrews Episcopal Church Vestry for six years; served on the Peachtree City Recreation Commission on Children and Youth; Little League International Challenger Division Assistant District Administration for the state of Georgia and served on several non-profit organization Board of Directors. Nick is a recent graduate of Camden Counties Sheriff’s Academy and the Camden County Citizens Academy. He is a member of VFW Post 8385 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Nick has been recognized for his work with Special needs children and youth. The Tommy Nobis Center honored him with the Galaxy of Stars award; The Atlanta Alliance for Developmental Disabilities honored him with The Tommy Nobis award; The Atlanta Braves organization honored him with The Atlanta Braves Community Service Leadership Award; The Peachtree City Rotary honored him with the Rotary Service award for Professional Excellence; The Volvo Corporation honored him as one of the Top 100 Leaders in the Country; and Parade Magazine honored him with their Home Town Hero Award.
Nick is a graduate of Radford University. He is certified in Educational Dispute Resolution from the Justice Center of Atlanta.
Nick resides in St. Marys, Georgia with his wife Kim and are the proud owners of Farm to Family in St. Marys.
My name is Greg Lockhart, and I would like to ask for your support and vote to be the next mayor of St. Marys. If you are anything like me, you are tired of politics and empty promises, so I hope to offer you more than that in the following paragraphs. Growing up in St. Marys, I was fortunate to experience Lockhart f irst hand the strong sense of community and shared values that make our town so special. Though I’ve had the opportunity to live and travel to other places, I always knew that St. Marys was where my heart belonged. In 1996, Sue and I moved back home because we knew it was the perfect place to raise our children. But returning to St. Marys wasn’t just about coming home, it was also about bringing back the experiences and insights I gained, along with a strong desire to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.
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I’m running for mayor because I believe in a vision for our town that balances the rich traditions we cherish with the need for thoughtful, controlled growth. Our town is at a crossroads, facing the challenges of growth while striving to maintain the character and close-knit feel that defines us. We need to attract businesses that align with our community values and provide good jobs, without compromising the small-town feel that makes us unique. As your mayor, I will be committed to guiding our town through this important time by focusing on this vision for the future. But this vision isn’t just mine – it’s ours. I believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of building consensus. While I don’t feel the need to list every group I’ve been a part of, my time serving in numerous community non-profits and service organizations has shown me the strength that comes from working together. It’s not about making decisions in isolation, but about listening to the di verse voices within our community and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. My experience as a small business owner has also taught me the importance of practical, effective decision-making. Our local government should reflect that same approach: clear goals, decisive action, and results that everyone can see. We’re at a point where we need to make important decisions – not just study issues but take action that will benefit our town for years to come. This campaign isn’t about politics for me; it’s about the future of our town. My commitment is to be a mayor who acts with integrity and creativity, makes decisions based on what’s best for the whole community, and always puts St. Marys first. I look forward to working with all of you to make our town the best it can be – for the Love of St. Marys. Please email me at greg@ greglockhartformayor.com with your questions and concerns. And coming soon, my website – greglockhart formayor.com – with my specific goals and vision for St. Marys.
Lisa James
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Dear Friends and Neighbors, I am asking for your vote to ensure that the progress we've made over the past several years continues seamlessly. Our city stands at a pivotal moment—rich in history and brimming with potential. We have many exciting projects on the horizon that will transform both the physical and economic landscape of St. Marys. As the wife of a Navy veteran and a dedicated mother, I understand the importance of service, resilience, and community.
My journey to this point has been shaped by:
• Leadership Experience: Serving on the City Council for four years, including the last three as Mayor Pro Tem, I have been at the forefront of laying the foundation for our advancements. I possess an in-depth understanding of the critical issues facing our community and how to navigate them effectively. |
• State-Level Engagement: My involvement in state organizations has afforded me valuable resources and connections that benefit St. Marys. This ensures that our community aligns with crucial funding opportunities and eliminates the financial burden of growth on our citizens. Additionally, I work closely with state and federal agencies like GDOT and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to secure essential support and funding.
• Community Involvement: My passion for service and community engagement has been ignited through countless volunteer experiences, from PTO and Girl Scouts to various nonprofit organizations.
• Personal Resilience: Raising five children while supporting a frequently deployed husband has instilled in me a strong spirit of perseverance and highlighted the importance of building robust support systems.
• Family Values: Growing up in a large family taught me the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and the power of community.
Through my finance career, I've learned the significance of:
• Relationship Building: Establishing strong connections within organizations and the community.
• Collaboration: Valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Mentorship: Lifting others, just as I have been lifted throughout my journey.
I am also proud to share that I was recently accepted into the Jacksonville University Executive Master's in Public Policy program and awarded the Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Scholarship. This opportunity, combined with the extensive resources at my disposal, will enhance my ability to serve and lead effectively in our community.
As we stand at this crossroads together, I envision a St. Marys characterized by:
• Economic Prosperity: Fostering growth and opportunities for local businesses while prioritizing blight remediation to enhance our community’s aesthetic and promote investment.
• A Strong Community: A city where quality of life is defined by the security of good jobs and the possibility of homeownership for everyone who desires it, along with access to resources and support networks for those in need.
• Youth Engagement: Creating opportunities for our young people to engage with city government, have their voices heard, and participate in recreational activities that develop leadership skills and foster a sense of responsibility towards their community.
• A Bright Future: Capitalizing on technological advancements while maintaining our infrastructure and building a safe, nurturing environment to ensure an unparalleled quality of life for generations to come.
Achieving this vision requires collaboration between city leaders and input from all citizens of St. Marys. I eagerly look forward to hearing from you and discovering how, together, we can create the St. Marys we all deserve!
With warm regards, Lisa J
• Community Involvement: My passion for service and community engagement has been ignited through countless volunteer experiences, from PTO and Girl Scouts to various nonprofit organizations.
• Personal Resilience: Raising five children while supporting a frequently deployed husband has instilled in me a strong spirit of perseverance and highlighted the importance of building robust support systems.
• Family Values: Growing up in a large family taught me the values of hard work, resourcefulness, and the power of community.
Through my finance career, I've learned the significance of:
• Relationship Building: Establishing strong connections within organizations and the community.
• Collaboration: Valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Mentorship: Lifting others, just as I have been lifted throughout my journey.
I am also proud to share that I was recently accepted into the Jacksonville University Executive Master's in Public Policy program and awarded the Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Scholarship. This opportunity, combined with the extensive resources at my disposal, will enhance my ability to serve and lead effectively in our community.
As we stand at this crossroads together, I envision a St. Marys characterized by:
• Economic Prosperity: Fostering growth and opportunities for local businesses while prioritizing blight remediation to enhance our community’s aesthetic and promote investment.
• A Strong Community: A city where quality of life is defined by the security of good jobs and the possibility of homeownership for everyone who desires it, along with access to resources and support networks for those in need.
• Youth Engagement: Creating opportunities for our young people to engage with city government, have their voices heard, and participate in recreational activities that develop leadership skills and foster a sense of responsibility towards their community.
• A Bright Future: Capitalizing on technological advancements while maintaining our infrastructure and building a safe, nurturing environment to ensure an unparalleled quality of life for generations to come.
Achieving this vision requires collaboration between city leaders and input from all citizens of St. Marys. I eagerly look forward to hearing from you and discovering how, together, we can create the St. Marys we all deserve!
With warm regards, Lisa J