INSIDER: Chris Akins – Candidate for Bulloch County Commission – District 2A

Due to the social distancing guidelines, we have converted our traditional AllOnGeorgia candidate video interviews into short questionnaires. Each candidate in the race was provided an identical questionnaire with the same deadline. (Questionnaires were emailed to the email address listed on the qualifying paperwork) Candidates were told their answers would be blank in the event that they did not respond. Answers were not edited in any way.

The Primary Election was moved to June 9th.
Early voting begins May 18th.
To sign up to volunteer as a poll worker, click here.

Please provide a brief bio on yourself. 

I am a lifelong resident of Bulloch County.  I am a 1985 Statesboro High School graduate and I have been farming for 35 years in this county. I have been in the real estate/rental business in the city and county for 28 years.I have attended Grace Community Church for 9 years.  I have been married to Andrea (Andy) Akins for 24 years and we have 1 daughter, Shelby, who attends Georgia Southern University.  I would appreciate your vote on June 9, 2020.  I would like to be able to make some positive changes in Bulloch County.

What are 3 strengths of which our county can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths?

We  have been able to keep out tax rate relatively low.  I feel like we have a good working relationship between our city, county  and state.  Thirdly,  we are fortunate to have the home campus of Georgia Southern University located in our county.  This helps to bring more visitors and revenue to our county. I believe GSU is the biggest employer in the county.    I feel like these 3 things help to keep our economy going and they also help our homeowners and business leaders in our county.

What are 3 needs that must be priorities for Bulloch County to address? 

First and foremost we need to make sure our basic services keep up with the growth and needs of our citizens.  We need to keep our county safe and clean for all.  I would also like to work with the developmental authority and try to attract businesses to the Industrial Park that is on the south side of  Interstate 16.

An individual commissioner has no authority; only the board as a whole can make decisions for the district. What skills or traits will allow you to contribute to effective operations of the board as a whole and how do you overcome disagreement?

I feel that I  have the ability to listen to others and the desire to work toward common goals that are in the best interest of the county as a whole.

If (re-)elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? 

Keeping our taxes low, making sure the county continues to provide county services as needed such as solid waste, roadway improvements and keeping our county safe.

What are your views on the county’s current budget and spending practices? Do any departments need additional appropriations to better serve the citizens?

I have never served as a commissioner or in any other capacity in Bulloch County, so I do not know.

Are county taxes too high, about right or pleasantly low?  

I feel like our taxes are about right compared to other counties our size around the state.

Describe how you see a county commissioner’s role in the daily operations of the county government and what kind of oversight should the Board of Commissioners have over county employees?

I feel like a county commissioner should be accessible to the voters of the county. Be able to listen to issues they have  and bring those to the correct department head within the county government.  A Commissioner should be able to talk to our County Manager to bring issues or problems around the county to the correct person for resolution.  I do feel like our county employees should know that a job well done is appreciated from the Commissioners too.

How can the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners be more transparent about activities and finances?

The state has laws for what is considered open records and meetings.  As a commissioner I would like to be open and transparent as possible for the tax payers to know how their government is working for them.

Will any other employment or business venture in which you are vested present a conflict of interest for you as a Bulloch County Commissioner? Please explain your answer.
a) In the event of an unforeseen conflict of interest arising in your official duties, how would you handle such a conflict to ensure maintenance of public trust?

I am a semi-retired farmer and own rental property in the city and county. I don’t feel like there would be a conflict with these.  I’ve always felt the fairness across the board for everyone is the right way to do things.

Is there anything else you would like the public to know about you? (This area may also be used to include a bio and offer information on where people can learn more about you?)

I am a very simple and honest person.  I am to the point and if I am asked a question, and not sure of the answer I will admit that.  I will work to find the correct answer because I believe that being open and honest are attributes that need to be in any government.   I am a semi-retired farmer and I will be there and work hard to do my best for the county and its citizens.