Candidate Profile: Virginia Galloway, Paulding County Board Post 3

HIRAM, 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.

Virginia Galloway is running for Paulding County Board of Commissioners Post 3.

Name: Virginia Galloway

Campaign website: VoteVirginia

City of residence: Hiram

Office sought: Paulding County Board of Commissioners Post 3

Party affiliation: Republican

Education: Bachelor of science, psychology, Truett McConnell University

Occupation: Sales

Family: My husband, Darrell, and I have four children and seven grandchildren.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Age: Old enough

Why are you seeking this office? I have developed skills and contacts that will help Paulding County prosper.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it. The economy, and while I can't fix the disaster that Biden, Pelosi & Co. have made, I can help alleviate the burden of higher and higher property taxes by helping our commercial base grow in Paulding County.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have 15 years of professional public policy experience at the state and federal level and relationships with people around the state and nation who can help Paulding County prosper. Not being part of the "good ole boy" network, I'll bring a different perspective to the board. As the former Paulding County Republican Party Chairman (2000-2006), I know how to lead, work as a team player and get things done. I understand legislation and what an ordinance is trying to accomplish, while reflexively asking what any unintended consequences might be. I've developed an ability to explain complex subjects in a way that is easily understood. My business won't rely in any way on the good graces of my fellow board members or my constituents.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? We need to support our law enforcement in two ways: foster a culture of respect and appreciation, while working to pay them adequately and provide benefits. The current deputy shortage is unacceptable but not incurable.

We must develop our commercial corridors, which requires adequate sewer lines, but also a process that is welcoming and reasonable for businesses to get started or grow in Paulding County.

Enough subdivisions already! We need to slow residential growth so that our schools can catch up, we can establish the correct ratio of commercial/residential development to help our bond rating, and we can preserve the quality of life that draws people to Paulding County.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have assisted with researching, writing and passing legislation at the state level. I served on the Georgia Driver Services Board for eight years and helped bring a license facility to Paulding County as I finished my term. I've helped create, allocate and manage budgets for a variety of organizations. I've won two national awards for building organizations based on conservative ideals and several local awards for specific causes. More importantly, I believe in transparency in government and treating people with the respect they deserve as fellow human beings (even those I may disagree with.)

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? Work and pray

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I will be accountable to my constituents now and post-election. Let's stay in touch!