DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County native Johnny Glass, who is campaigning to become the county’s next Tax Commissioner, says he will bring a strong work ethic, business ownership experience and a good personality to the job.

Glass, 48, has owned several businesses, including a successful contracting business until the economy went south and hurt a lot of small business owners. Since 2012, he has owned a towing and recovery business.

“I’m used to long hours,” he said. “I average about 15-18 hours a day so I do have a very strong work ethic.”

Glass said his biggest regret is that he’s been so busy earning a living that he hasn’t had much time to give something back to the community he loves. “This isn’t about money for me,” he said. “I can make a lot more doing what I’m doing now. “I wanted to be able to give something back before I get to old to do so.”

Asked how he would have time to devote to his business and serve as Tax Commissioner, he was definite. “I won’t,” he said. “If I’m fortunate enough to win I will either sell the business before the end of the year or dissolve it. I’ve already had a couple of offers.”

Glass said the county budget is around $10 million and the biggest budget he has handled is about $1 million. “I’m completely confident I can handle it,” he said.

Asked about his goals for the office, Glass said, he wants to continue the office’s high collection rate, which he said is about 90 percent across the board and create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

“I have a good personality and I’m great with people,” he said. “I’ll do my best to work with everyone. I know there are times when people can’t come to the office so I’ll be glad to go to them or do whatever it takes to collect the money.”