Veteran commissioner announces retirement

At least one incumbent will not sign on the dotted line when qualifying opens next month.
District 5 County Commissioner Bobby Burns announced this week he will not seek a fifth term on the board.
“I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Grady County for 15 plus years, but I feel it’s time for a change. Grady County has changed these past 15 years, and I think for the better,” the veteran commissioner said.
Reflecting on his tenure on the board, he points out a new jail was constructed, the new Grady County Senior Center was built, the Health Department was expanded, as well as new ball fields installed at Barber Park.
One project Burns had hoped to complete before retiring from his public service is the Tired Creek lake.
“The Tired Creek 404 application is still pending. That’s a disappointment that the permit has not been issued,” Burns said.
In fact, it was Burns who was the commission chairman in May 2005 when the permit application was signed and submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“When I signed the application in 2005, we felt the permit would have been issued in 18 to 24 months, but that did not happen. However, I continue to believe it will be issued sometime this year,” Burns said.
He added, “I want to thank everyone who supported me during my four terms in office. It has been a wonderful experience and, finally, I want to thank all of the board members past and present that I had an opportunity to serve with. I think we’ve worked together very well considering our different and varying opinions.”
Burns is the first candidate to discuss the upcoming election for the District 5 seat.
Qualifying will open on Monday, April 26, at 9 a.m. Other offices up for election this election cycle include State Court Judge, State Court Solicitor, District 2 & 5 county commission and school board members.