Carter To Run For Cherokee BOC District 3 Seat

CANTON, GA — A familiar face around Canton and Cherokee County has announced his plans to run for the District 3 seat on the Cherokee County Commission. Benny Carter, who lives in the Sutallee community, will run as a Republican in the March 19 special election to fill the seat vacated by Bob Kovacs, who resigned last week.

Carter has been involved in Cherokee County since 1997 with the opening of Kroger in Towne Lake where he served as store manager. After retiring from Kroger with 34 years of employment under his belt, Carter continued his work in the community.

He has been an active member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce since 1997, graduating from its Leadership Cherokee in 1999. He's also served in various capacities with the Chamber, including on the Steering Committee for Leadership Cherokee, Chairman's Council and its Board of Directors. He now chairs the Chamber's Workforce Development Council.

Carter also represented Cherokee County on the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board from 2010 to 2014. For the last 14 years, Carter has served in various capacities for the Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council, including board chair.

He's also the past board chair and current board member for the Cherokee County YMCA, and served on the leadership team for Cherokee Give a Kid a Chance. Carter is currently on the advisory board of the Cherokee County Drug Accountability Court and the Treatment Accountability Court.

Carter said now is the time for him to serve expand his service in the community to include running for elected office.

"I am qualified to lead with integrity and committed to being accessible to the residents of Cherokee County," he added. "I bring the professional experience, conservative values, and commitment necessary to do the job well. I will work to protect our quality of life and create economic opportunities for the county."

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Carter, along with Kovacs, Jack Staver and Presley White, were the four Republicans who ran for the seat in the 2016 primary. They were vying to replace Brian Poole, who did not seek another four-year term on the Commission.

Carter also said he's committed to responsible growth that will allow the county's infrastructure, schools and public safety a chance to catch up with the spike in population. He also wants to focus on lowering taxes, improving roadways, supporting public safety personnel, expanding parks and recreation opportunities and bringing quality jobs to Cherokee.

"I feel I can provide a helpful and positive role as commissioner and be an advocate for the people of our district," he said. "I want to be your voice on the Commission, and I am asking for your vote on March 19."

Benny and Karen Carter have been married for 48 years and have three adult children and four grandchildren. Both are active members of Canton First Baptist Church. Benny holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of the Cherokee County Republican Party and the Cherokee County Republican Women’s Group.

Image via Benny Carter