Candidate Profile: Cynthia Starke-Jones, Paulding County Board Post 3

DALLAS, GA — Six candidates — four Republican and two Democrat — are running for Post 3 on the Paulding County Board of Commissioners in the May 24 General Primary Election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary draws near.

Cynthia Starke-Jones is running for Paulding County Board of Commissioners Post 3.

Name: Cynthia Starke-Jones

Campaign website: Elect Starke-Jones

City of residence: Dallas

Office sought: Paulding County Board of Commissioners Post 3

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Georgia State University; master's degree in education, University of Phoenix; specialist's degree in education, Piedmont University

Occupation: Educator

Family: Two daughters: Yvonne, educator, married with two sons; Adonica, attorney, married.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Age: 60

Why are you seeking this office? I am seeking office to bring a diverse voice to the decision-making board. I believe together we can make Paulding County more profitable, transparent and welcoming.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it. Property taxes. I plan to advocate to attract more commercial businesses and small businesses to relieve some of the taxes placed on homeowners.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am passionate about Georgia because I was born and raised here, I have over three decades of experience advocating for families in leadership roles, and I have over two decades of planning and budgeting for small and large non-profits and for-profit organizations.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I plan to address broadband internet, parks and recreations, schools, and live/work/play in Paulding.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? The current board that I sit on has made a difference in families lives for over 125 years. More specifically, the board members and I, during the pandemic, fed families, provided technology (laptops/internet service), and supplies (masks/hygiene/school supplies/etc.) to families.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice anyone has ever given me is the Dream Big!

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am passionate and dedicated. Also, I can guarantee you that I will work hard for the citizens of Paulding County.