NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - Newton County’s campaign season is officially underway as early voting starts Monday for the primary election. The Covington News reached out to each of the Newton County Board of Commissioners candidates with questions about their platforms and campaigns.

Spencer Arnhart, District 4 candidate

The News:  What does being a commissioner mean to you?

Spencer Arnhart: Listening and leadership are the most fundamental part of being a public elected official. Along with integrity, accountability, empathy and the drive to want to make a positive difference that will improve our community. Being a true advocate of the people. As a member of the board I’ll help build a consensus to fix the problems that plague our county.  

The News: What do you see as the most pressing issue in Newton County right now?

Arnhart: The decisions that are being made are the root of the problem.  There are many concerns with county legal fees, public safety and a host of other issues.  Fairness and leadership are lacking in my district, I want to ensure the people of the 4th have services and representation on par with any other district. I plan on bringing leadership, fairness, compassion and most of all accountability back to the 4th district.

The News: Where do you see Newton County in four years? If elected, what are your goals for the four years you’re in office?

Arnhart: Better represented, tighter community, streamlined budget, and having our tax payers see their investment through maintaining and improving Newton County and her historical neighborhoods.  Keeping everyone in the 4th District up to date via quarterly meetings, mailers, social media and compiled emails. 

The News: How can residents reach you if they have more questions? 

Arnhart: I will be extremely accessible to all residents for any questions and concerns they may have.  Everyone will be able to contact me on my personal cell phone, email and text.  470-599-2933 electarnhart@gmail.com   spencerarnhart@gmail.com   

J.C. Henderson, District 4 incumbent

The News: What does being a commissioner mean to you?

J.C. Henderson:  First, I will like to give honor to my lord and savior Jesus Christ who›s the head of my life. Second, I will like to thank my beautiful wife, Sandy Henderson and my family for standing beside me. It’s an honor to serve the citizens of District 4 and Newton County. I worked with the board of commissioners to renovate Washington Street Community Center, build Nelson Height’s Community Center, and to bring more recreational facilities for our citizens in District 4 that will benefit all of the citizens in Newton County.  I’m leading by example and I’m working hard to get results for the Seniors, the youth, and the community as a whole. You must be transparent, full of love, and have the heart to help people.  I truly believe a commissioner’s role is to listen to the people, understand the people,  then take actions to help the people.  

The News: What do you see as the most pressing issue in Newton County right now?

Henderson: One of the most pressing issues in Newton County is the lack of funding for our law enforcement officers, Firefighters, and public works.  Currently, compared to city of Covington and surrounding counties our first responders aren’t receiving the equal pay they deserve. Our first responders are the root of our community. We must continue making strive to pay our first responders the equal pay like surroundings counties so we can maintain the level of safety and services we all have enjoyed for years. I will continue working with the sheriff, board of commissioners, fire chief, chairman, and the county manager for the betterment of our community. 

The News: Where do you see Newton County in four years? If elected, what are your goals for the four years you’re in office?

Henderson: For several of years, I have work with the Board of Commissioners to move our community forward. I’m one of the original commissioners that worked to bring the multi-Counties Industrial parks in Newton County with the attraction of Baxter, Baxalta, Shire, and Facebook Data Center. In four years I see Newton County Population increasing, More Career Job opportunities, and a place where Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, and Public works will receive the pay they deserve. The people in Newton County deserve the best services. If I’m re-elected I will continue organizing  Job Fairs,  continue fighting for the people, and continue to beautify district 4 with recreational facilities for the citizens of Newton County.

“Let us continue to Move our community upward not downward, forward not backward. As we move into the future for all of us,” Your Fourth District County Commissioner,  J.C. Henderson. 

The News: How can residents reach you if they have more questions?

Henderson: Residents can reach me by cell at 470-227-3700 or 770-896-3826 or by email at anthenderson3@gmail.com. I look forward to speaking with every citizen in Newton County. Invite me out to sit down with you. Thank you!

Demond Mason, District 2 candidate

The News: What does being a Commissioner mean to you? 

Demond Mason: The root word for Commissioner is commission, which means to bring into readiness for active service. My responsibility as a commissioner would be to thoroughly hear the voices of the citizens. I will combine their concerns with my ideas and my innovative solutions, as we work together to elevate our community. Thus we will have a community where all citizens have a voice in their county government.  

The News:  What do you see as the most pressing issue in Newton County right now? 

Mason: I believe that the solid waste concerns are the most pressing issue in Newton County. 

I will strive to ensure that the solid waste management process accommodates the citizens of Newton County and this service is not at the expense of the citizens in the form of substantially higher fees or lack of options. My interest lies with the citizens and not a landfill corporation. 

I am confident that I can find a solution where we can provide balance and equity for citizens that prefer curbside service and those that choose to personally dispose of their trash at a sanitation facility. 

The News: Where do you see Newton County in four years? If elected, what are your goals for the four years you’re in Office? 

Mason: I see Newton County increasing its elevation as a respected county throughout Georgia. Newton County has the potential to be one of the most thriving counties in terms of economic, housing, retail and commercial development. I will work tirelessly toward this vision. 

If elected as the District 2 commissioner for Newton County, my goal would be to establish and maintain a livable community where citizens can live, work and play. 

The News: How can residents reach you if they have more questions? 

Mason: Residents can reach me at demondmason4commissioner@gmail.com, DemondMason4Commissioner.com and on Facebook at Demond Mason for Commissioner District 2.

Steven Rhodes, District 2 candidate

The News: What does being a Commissioner mean to you?

Steven Rhodes: Being a county commissioner means representing and serving the interest of the constituents of Newton County. In my opinion, a Commissioner’s responsibility is to be an advocate for all of the citizens with the purpose of enhancing the quality of life. Nevertheless, the state Constitution defines the duties of a Commissioner. The duties include: enacting and administering local ordinances, approving budgets, overseeing spending, hiring and managing county employees, managing the collection of waste, and county parks.

The News: What do you see as the most pressing issue in Newton County right now?

Rhodes: There are several issues this community is facing, I would rate solid waste and public safety as the most pressing challenges. The current plans for managing solid waste and the deficiency of sheriff deputies throughout the county is inadequate. It is imperative that leadership devise a creative yet cost-efficient plan to fund the sheriff’s department and enhanced management solid waste. This will in turn result in quicker response times, and better patrol coverage throughout the county.

The News: Where do you see Newton County in four years? If elected, what are your goals for the four years you’re in office?

Rhodes: In four years, I envision Newton County with a prospering economy where the unemployment rate is 2 percent lower than what it is today and, an economy where citizens can take advantage of opportunities to access training for new jobs skills. Additionally, I visualize a county where there will be viable businesses that are assessable, supplementary retail, added green space, and the improvement and expansion of parks. Furthermore, I foresee Newton County’s waste management, public safety coverage, and transit system running meritoriously. If elected, I plan to collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Team to continue recruiting more businesses. Lastly, I plan to work closely with the other Commissioners in Newton County to find ways to increase funding for sufficient workforce development programs, increased green space throughout the county, improved parks, more Sheriff deputies on the street patrolling our community, and correcting the transit trials.

The News: How can residents reach you if they have more questions?

Rhodes: For supplementary questions and inquiries about my campaign, residents can reach me via email stevenrhodes4newton@gmail.com or phone at 864-659-0549.

Earnest L. Simmons, District 2 candidate

The News: What does being a commissioner mean to you?

Earnest L. Simmons: It means the citizens of the district, have given me the responsibility to represent their best interest, and to exercise good fiscal judgment with the County’s resources, and to bring sustainable County services back to District 2.

The News:  What do you see as the most pressing issue in Newton County right now?

Simmons: There are a number of pressing issues the County faces that need an experienced, proven leader. The solid waste situation in Newton County could cost the County massive fines levied by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) if landfill-related issues are not addressed. Low morale amongst our sheriff and County employees are at an all-time high. The County’s relatively low resources (budget) compared to the explosive 10-year growth pattern, cannot be sustained long-term. this is a recipe for a proven, effective leader, not one of the other District 2 candidates have the prior Commissioners experience I have.

The News: Where do you see Newton County in four years? If elected, what are your goals for the four years you’re in office?

Simmons: We have a detailed 2050 plan that was put in place years ago with extensive citizens input. This plan cost the taxpayers of Newton County tens of thousands of dollars, with competent leadership, and laser focus we should be among the best run County’s in the State of Georgia.

The News:  How can residents reach you if they have more questions?

Simmons: If residents need to reach me, I am very accessible through fax, phone or email. simmonscv@aol.com or 470-867-9367, I also have a Gofundme page for contributors. gofundme.com/newton-county-commisission-dist-2 . I would like to say to the second district voters, please pray for and honor our returning veterans, and that I would be proud to have each and every one of their votes.  

District 2 Candidate Antonio Ross did not respond to questions from The Covington News.