Canton Resident To Run For BOC District 3 Seat

CANTON, GA — A Canton resident has announced plans to run for the vacant seat on the Cherokee County Commission. Matt Lear last week unveiled his intentions to seek the District 3 seat vacated by Bob Kovacs.

Lear has lived in Cherokee County for more than 25 years, and has seen "dirt roads turned into highways, forests transformed into subdivisions, and a county that went from being just another dot on a map to one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country."

The candidate said he wants the best for his family and as the District 3 commissioner, he will work to ensure that everyone has a great quality of life.

"Cherokee county is extremely diverse and unique, so with that comes many differing opinions," he said in a prepared statement. "It’s important that we have an official who not only recognizes this, but has an objective and open mind on all issues presented, and I firmly believe that person is me. I’m not here with a personal agenda, I’m running to be an honest, genuine and fair voice for the people of Cherokee County."

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Lear's announcement comes weeks after Benny Carter, another longtime Cherokee resident, tossed his hat in to the ring to run for the seat. The county has tentatively scheduled a special election to be held Tuesday, March 19 to fill Kovac's unexpired term.

Lear, an accountant by trade, is the director of the A League (made up of 5-7 year olds) for Hobgood Baseball, and has worked as a volunteer head coach. He's also donated his time at Sixes Elementary School, and has assisted in organizing a golf tournament benefiting Free To Breath, a lung cancer research organization. Other charities he's supported included Camp Twin Lakes and Woodstock-based Never Alone.

Lear went on to say he will perform his duties as an elected official a "common-sense approach" to ensure future development would not negatively impact your property values or impose undue strain on the county's infrastructure.

"By being responsible with that growth and create a business-friendly environment, there will be even more opportunity for employment," he added.

Lear's campaign website is not live yet, but you can reach him at mattleardistrict3@gmail.com.

Image via Matt Lear