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Tony Holmes announces his intent to seek re-election to the Covington County Commission today.

Holmes is seeking his second term as the District three commissioner on the Republican ticket.

“When I announced my intention to seek this office four years ago, the only two promises that I made were to do the job to the best of my ability and to be a voice for the people,” Holmes said. “I pledged that if I failed at either, I would not be back to seek a second term. I believe I have accomplished both of those tasks.”

During Holmes’ first term, he believes the commission has made positive change financially by budgeting money sensibly.

“We have been able to raise the salary of the sheriff deputies, which had been needed for some time,” Holmes said. “In order to attract and then keep qualified people, we must pay them and we were far below the average. We also have found ways to absorb the rising cost of health insurance for all county employees and still provide them with merit and cost of living raises. At the same time, every commissioner refused the cost of living raise for ourselves. We accomplished all of this without cutting employees or county services.”

Holmes said budgeting money properly and spending it where it needs to be spent is an issue in all governments.

“We have tried very hard to find areas where we can cut the unnecessary spending and use it to benefit the entire county,” Holmes said. “For example, county commissioners no longer charge mileage for in-county travel. Over the past four years, that alone has saved taxpayers almost $120,000.”

He said he comes from a time when a person called their commissioner for help they would come and help.

“I have lived my entire life in Covington County,” Holmes said. “When I was growing up, the majority of the roads in Covington County were not paved. I remember times when my dad and granddad would call the ‘road commissioner,’ to come help with the problems. I also remember how impressed the people in my community were when the sitting commissioner would show up and do what he could to solve the problem. I have tried my best to be that same type of commissioner. If you have called, I have answered and came to resolve the issue. Not being able to travel to and from home, work, school and church is not acceptable. I know we still have work to do, and believe me, we work on improving those services every day throughout the county.”

Holmes wants to continue the work he has started with other commissioners.

“Over the past four years, we have accomplished many goals,” Holmes said. “I would like to continue working on all of those left unfinished. I know we can accomplish more and help move Covington County forward.”

The Republican primary will be held on March 3, 2020, and the general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2020.