Henry Daily Herald

Commission Chairman - Republican

Incumbent Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis, 49

Occupation : Full-time chairman, Henry County Board of Commissioners

Married to John Mathis III

How long you have resided in Henry, 28 years.

Children: We have three children: Johnny, 28; Sarah, 24; Rachel, 21

Q: What one thing would you like to accomplish in the coming term?

A: Attracting higher paying jobs and new businesses is number one. Completing an aggressive marketing plan will help accomplish that goal.

Q: What one special experience do you think you bring to the job?

A: The ability to collaborate with residents and community leaders, this affords better solutions to complex issues that affect our county.

Q: What one program would you cut?

A: We trimmed our budget over $17 million during my term. I remain committed to fiscal discipline while funding essential services.

Former Hampton Mayor Tommy N. Smith, 66

Occupation: retired air traffic controller

Married to Gayle Smith

How long have you lived in Henry County? Born and raised in Hampton

Children: Kelley, Lori, Amy, Jared

Q: What one thing would you like to accomplish, if elected?

A: I would like to stop the deficit spending.

Q: What one special experience do you think you bring to the job of commissioner?

A: How to design and manage a workable, practical budget.

Q: What one county program would you cut?

A: I would evaluate each and every department, and if I found a need to abolish a department, I would see what would be involved cross-training those employees for another department.

Jane Askew Rutledge, 60

Occupation: I co-own J&J Farms in Locust Grove with my husband, and am a full-time substitute teacher for Henry County Schools.

Married to James A. Rutledge, two children: Wayne Rutledge and Stacey Rutledge Holland.

I have lived in Henry County my entire life.

Q: What one thing would you like to accomplish, if elected?

A: To balance the county budget by eliminating wasteful spending, and restoring accountability to the taxpayers of Henry County.

Q: What one special experience do you think you bring to the job of commissioner?

A: I have been a lifelong resident of the county, and bring a wealth of education from the small business background I have.

Q: What one county program would you cut?

A:I would not cut any program. I would like to see all programs be given merit for the good it brings to our children, senior citizens and all taxpaying citizens of Henry County.