Chris Gaines, BOC Candidate, Dist. 2

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DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — At 38 years old, Chris Gaines is younger than many of Dawson County’s elected officials but he brings an education in business management, an understanding of how government works and experience in handling a municipal budget to his campaign for District 2 County Commissioner.

The former Dawsonville City Councilman is running for the seat vacated by James Swafford. Swafford is not seeking re-election after two terms in office.

Gaines works as a commercial risk manager for Pointe North Insurance Group and says he has a unique perspective to offer. “I have a young family and I have the ability to bring, sound modern business principles to the table,” he said.

Asked about what he wants to accomplish if he’s elected, Gaines said he will balance business growth with residential growth to keep property taxes low and cultivate a more diverse business base to take advantage of the high speed fiber network already in place.

“We need to attract light industrial, data centers and tech firms in defined areas that provide high paying jobs for our citizens,” he said.

Gaines also said that he will encourage city and county officials, the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority and the county’s school system to work together in a more effective way for the citizens. “I believe by working together, we can accomplish so much more,” he said.