Candidate Profile: Barney Young Jr., Douglas County Board District 1

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — Three candidates are running to represent District 1 on the Douglas 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.

Barney W. Young Jr. is running for Douglas County Board District 1.

Name: Barney W. Young Jr.

Campaign website: Barney for Douglas

City of residence: Douglasville

Office sought: Douglas County Board of Commissioners District 1

Party affiliation: Democrat

Education: Bachelor of business administration, University of Georgia; Master of business administration, Kennesaw State

Occupation: IT consultant, 25 years

Family: Wife, Portia Young; twin 6-year-old sons, Harrison and Maxwell

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? N/A

Previous public office, appointive or elective: No

Age: 45

Why are you seeking this office? I made the decision to run so that I can be a voice for everyday people and build a more resilient and responsive local government. We have so much potential here in Douglas County but we aren’t harnessing it. I want to help unlock that potential.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it. I believe there are two — fiscal management and zoning. We can do better on both fronts, and we will do better. I believe we have a shared goal: to create a local government that serves its citizens. But first, we must address inconsistencies with the budget and create fair, effective zoning solutions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am a fresh voice that can bring a new perspective to Douglas County leadership, enabling the county to thrive and get to the next level.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I intend to continue making the seniors of Douglas County a priority and to promote economic development along the Highway 78 corridor.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I am qualified as an everyday person who understands what ordinary people need from their government. My business background, character, and above all else my faith have prepared me to serve.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? My father had the Golden Rules of Life framed and hanging in our kitchen when I was younger. To this day, I still abide by these simple rules:

1. If you open it, close it.
   
2. If you turn it on, turn it off.
   
3. If you unlock it, lock it up.
   
4. If you break it, admit it.
   
5. If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.
   
6. If you borrow it, return it.
   
7. If you value it, take care of it.
   
8. If you make a mess, clean it up.
   
9. If you move it, put it back.
   
10. If it belongs to someone else, ask permission to use it.
    
11. If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
    
12. If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.