by Wayne J. Reynolds
“My two children are the huge reason why I am running for Carroll County District 4 Commissioner,” said Clem resident and farmer Jeffrey Vance. “I think I have a voice to promote agriculture throughout the county, while helping slow the growth responsibly.
“The houses are coming out of nowhere it seems. Uncontrolled growth. I want my children, Jake, 16, and Lyla, 13, to be able to enjoy this area like I did growing up!”
Both of his and his wife Hope’s children attend Central schools. “Jake is just a farm boy and enjoys all aspects of the farm.
“When you farm, there is always something to do. You schedule your life and vacations around what needs to be done. I have always worked on farms throughout the county including working on Georgia State Representative David Huddleston’s farm.”
Vance also remodels homes around the area emphasizing repurposing what they have rather than tearing down.
“I have been thinking about running for this commission seat for six years, but didn’t because four years ago my friend and neighbor Steve Fuller decided to run for reelection. I’m kind of glad it worked out that way, as I know I am far more knowledgeable and ready now to serve than I was then. I didn’t want to jump in unless I was 100% ready – and I am ready now.
“I also think that, as a farmer, I represent the needs and issues of the ag community. District 4 is a very diverse and beautiful district. It includes historic downtown Carrollton, Sunset Hills Country Club, and Oak Mountain Golf Course, along with some of the most beautiful agricultural land in this part of the county – something I am very passionate about. Growth is coming to our area, but it must be handled responsibly so we can protect the way of life that makes Carroll County special. Generational farmland is being impacted by urban sprawl, and with proper planning, we can help guide growth while protecting the rural land and communities that mean so much to us. For example, right here across the road from my farm is now a new 23-house subdivision.”
Vance’s unique challenge to campaigning is that he can’t physically go door-to-door. In 2013, Vance was paralyzed while working when he fell off a billboard, falling 35 feet to the ground below. That was indeed a life-changing accident for him, but not a life -topping accident as Vance clearly stated, “Life doesn’t stop. I wanted to show my children you need to keep going.”
Through a hard battle of adapting to life in a wheelchair at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. [spinal cord injury center], Vance was quickly able to resume living independently in so many ways such as driving his truck, operating a tractor/bushhog, and, one of his favorite activities, deer hunting. The Jeffery Vance family farm, “Falling J Cattle” – currently raising 55 head of cattle – was so named because of his fall.
“It is a challenge for me to campaign. But, on the other hand, I don’t really don’t like to be bothered when I am eating supper, for example, so it is a trade-off.
“I do think my reputation will help as I am friends with everybody across the spectrum. It is one of the things I have taught my children not to judge people by their material possessions but as people!”
As for his campaign focus, Vance said, “I am concerned about growth with these developers coming from outside of Carroll County. They aren’t contributing to our economy. They don’t even buy their materials here! We need smart controlled growth with a balanced economy with Agriculture first and then Industrial. Some, when they inherit a farm, see dollar signs and sell. But you can’t tell people what to do with their property.
“We need to look at regulations. If we enforced the Comprehensive Plan some of this could be slowed down. These subdivisions seem to pop up overnight. And because of the 4 acres lot on agricultural zoned areas, they do not have to go before the Planning and Zoning Board for approval.”
Vance doesn’t see a problem with District 4 being half in the city and half in the county. “What we do in the county in the rural part really doesn’t affect the city residents in the city. And most of their concerns like infrastructure are handled by Carrollton government.
“I am the only candidate in the Carroll County Commission District 4 race who owns a farm. Farming is my way of life. My son is involved. I depend on this farm. My son and I plowed and planted the 65 acres of our 100-acre farm, which I bought in 2017. Then, you could afford a farm. But now it is priced for developers. I will bet the price of this property has gone up five times since 2017.
As for battery plants and data centers, Vance related the negative experience of his father who lived in Texas. Vance said the county where his father lived had allowed Elon Musk and his company to build a battery plant and then data centers. It was rapid uncontrolled, unplanned growth. Vance said they now have grid lock because they didn’t look at the consequences of their actions.
“We need to have smart controlled growth. We can’t miss the opportunities. But it needs to be planned and responsible.”
During his career, he served for 6 years on Carroll EMC Foundation. The Foundation through Operation Round Up, that gives the option to round up your power bill, provides grants for programs such as Bright Idea where teachers receive $1000 if they qualify, Impact where non-profits may receive up to $10,000 and supporting various soup kitchens.
“I don’t think most people are aware of how much Carroll EMC does for our community. Very proud to be part of that.”
Vance also served for two years on the Carroll County Board of Elections. He currently serves on the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Board. He stated would resign from that position if elected to the board of commissioners.
He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Cattlemen Association where he said they emphasize “getting youth off their computers and doing outside activities”.
Vance credits learning the importance and value of public service from his grandfather, the late Harris Johnson. Jeffery, Hope, Jake, and Lyla are active members of Southern Hills Church at City Station.
Vance stressed that he is “not running for what I want, but for a vacant seat. I want to keep the county for my children as much as possible the way I was raised here. I want to be a good voice for District 4. I don’t want all these big houses to go up. Keep in mind, if your property value goes up, so do your taxes.”
Outgoing District 4 Commissioner Steve Fuller has publicly endorsed Vance’s candidacy.
You can get in touch with Jeffrey Vance by email: jvance1ga@gmail.com or 770-846 0898.
Early voting begins April 27th.