April 1, 2024-
This is no April Fools' joke! Did you know that based on statistics from the May 21st Republican Primary, less than one-fourth (1/4) of the registered voters for District 5 will decide our future in Newton County? That's right—only a quarter. It's a concerning statistic that should alarm us all.
On May 21st, 2024, we will select a new District 5 Commissioner. The current Commissioner, Ronnie Cowan, is not seeking re-election. This pivotal seat will be determined in the Republican Primary based on turnout and the voters' choice of the right candidate to represent us for the next four years. I've entered this race to be your District 5 representative because our district is at a critical juncture. Reckless zoning decisions and a lack of communication and transparency threaten the very fabric of what we hold dear. The current board of commissioners is in disarray and failing to address the needs of the citizens. It's imperative that we keep special interests and candidates with misguided agendas out of office to safeguard our families and property values.
I'm not a politician; if you know me personally, you know I value honesty and transparency. I pride myself on being a great communicator and negotiator, qualities essential for effective leadership. I'm writing this blog to introduce myself to the citizens and voters. I have no personal gain by being elected; in fact, many of my friends think I'm crazy for stepping up. However, they're glad I did, and so am I.
I've been deeply involved in serving this community on various county boards and committees for the past 30 years. I've actively participated in local initiatives aimed at enhancing our neighborhoods and combating inappropriate zoning decisions. My dedication to advancing our shared community is unwavering, and I'm committed to bringing about positive change to the board of commissioners. While I would have preferred to work from the outside, the need to lead became too pressing this year, and now I find myself in a contested race to be your voice.
Like all of you, I've observed the increased attention on Newton County due to Rivian, a dysfunctional Board of Commissioners, and a lack of communication in District 5. I can no longer sit back and hope for the best. It's in my nature to step up and lead. We can't take a chance on a builder/developer or anyone seeking this seat with an agenda that doesn't align with the citizens of District 5. Please understand that politics isn't fun; that's why most people avoid running for office. But my drive to do what's best propels me to meet challenges head-on.
I understand that being a leader and successful business owner attracts bullies, haters, and individuals with special agendas. Their desire to win at all costs is strong, and they may have people working behind the scenes to further their interests. Yes, this happens in Newton County too! That's why it's crucial to do your homework—Google all the candidates, check social media, and look up tax records. Ask yourself Why would a canditiate use a different name in this election? My name is LeAnne Long, and has not changed.
My profession is in real estate, and I excel at it. I want to halt the mass exodus from Newton County to areas east of us. With over 25 years of experience in real estate and as a small business owner, I possess a deep understanding of our community's challenges. My experience will bring much-needed expertise to the Board of Commissioners. We must update our building ordinances and preserve Newton County's rural landscape while promoting responsible growth. This is one of my top priorities. I firmly believe in protecting our neighborhoods against hasty zoning decisions that could threaten our way of life. As your commissioner, I will listen attentively to your concerns and tirelessly advocate for our collective interests.
Please call me, if you have questions or if you want to find out more- LeAnne 770-851-0380
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