ELLAVILLE — Voters will decide two contested races for Ellaville City Councill on Election Day. Incumbent Patricia Gail Jones is challenged by Leslie Haynes-Minter in District 1 and Incumbent Matt Icard is challenged by Carlton Wilson in District 4. For the District 2 seat Janet J. Ellis is running unopposed.



District 1 Candidates

 

• Name: Patricia Gail Jones, incumbent (two terms)

• Occupation: Homemaker, community volunteer

• Education background: Bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies with focus on math from Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Fla.; Carl Vinson Institue certification training

• Civic or other affiliations: Schley County Family Connection, River Valley Regional Commission, Making A Difference In Ellaville (MADE)

• Reason for seeking office: “We needed a clear voice in District 1, not only to represent to the City but to keep residents aware and to make a connection.”

• What makes you the right choice for the office? “Because of my experience having served two terms and also because I’m a people person. I will listen to people’s concerns and take them under consideration. I’m knowledgeable about what’s going on ... I’m a good researcher and writer — I’m versatile.”



Challenger (Unavailable for comment)



• Name: Leslie Haynes-Minter



District 4 Candidates



• Name: Matt Icard, incumbent (two terms)

• Occupation: Construction, self-employed

• Education background: Studied ornamental horticulture at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton

• Civic and other affiliations: none

• Reason for seeking office: “I’ve lived in Ellaville all my life. I’ve played on those baseball and football fields ... probably rode by bike 10,000 miles on those streets. I want it to be prosperous and bring new ideas to the table. There are things that still need to be done. There’s a Downtown Development Authority that’s been established that isn’t up and running yet. I want to see that get going.”

• What makes you the right choice for the office? “I care about the City. I have a vested interest. I really care when there’s so many that don’t care and won’t give the time and effort to see it through ... I want to see the City grow for the benefit of the people. I like to be involved with getting business and industry to grow.”





Challenger



• Name: Carlton Wilson

• Occupation: Retired truck driver, independent owner-operator

• Education background: Graduate of West Georgia College, Carrollton

• Civic and other affiliations: Member, Ellaville Methodist Church, National Rifle Association

• Reason for seeking office? “I’ve lived in Ellaville since 1972, and this town’s been really good to me. I feel like I’m in a position to give back. I’m offering myself for the position.”

• What makes you the right choice for the office? “I’m not a politician. I certainly can’t say I have the experience ... but I have 67 years’ life experience. I understand dollars and cents. I would put the best interest of the City first.”