New Commissioner’s Top Priority is Improved High-Speed Cable Access

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DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — When Chris Gaines is sworn in on Dec. 22nd, he will bring a strong record of public service to the Dawson County Board of Commissioners.

A graduate of North Georgia College and State University with a degree in Business Management, Gaines has been a Dawsonville City Councilman, a member of the Board of Directors for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, a founder of Boy Scouts of America Troop 422 as well as a member of the Lion’s Club and the Jaycees.

Gaines has laid the groundwork for his first year in office by attending meetings of Georgia’s Joint High Speed Broadband Communications Committee throughout the state.

“My first priority will be to expand our fiber optic network and bring more options for high speed internet connectivity to our homes, schools and businesses,” he said.

As a former City Councilman, Gaines believes he can help strengthen the relationship between city and county government and the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority.

“I’d like for us to begin holding meetings in order to end some of the power struggles we have seen,” he said. “We won’t agree on all things but at least we can communicate in a spirit of cooperation.”

Gaines said the Board of Commissioners has done a great job, considering the economy they have had to work with the past few years and he credits county employees for their contributions.

“Our county employees are our No. 1 asset,” he said. “We need to listen to our employees more and develop good two-way communications. They have developed a culture of excellence across all departments.

Gaines is well aware of the growth spurt that is headed for Dawson County and says the county has to be prepared for it.

The key to good quality growth, he said, is a viable land use plan developed with a lot of input from our citizens. “We have a need for entry-level housing for our service employees, teachers, police and firefighters. We must balance the type of growth we need with the quality of life we all want.”

 

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