By Lucas Allison

Cordele Dispatch Contributor

1. Please provide basic information on yourself: Name, Age, occupation. How long a resident in Wilcox County, education/degrees. Mel Powell lived in Wilcox County for 57 years. Grew up in Wilcox, served in US Air Force was a Vietnam Veteran, Honorable Discharge in December 1969. Received the Bronze Star and Air Force accommodation medal. Worked as civil service employee at Robins Air Force Base as an avionics electrician and a supervisor for ten years. Retired after 31 years. Retired in 2013 now farming, raising cows and restoring antique furniture. I have served my church as Board Member and five years as a member of the Finance Committee.

2. Why do you want to run for Wilcox Commissioner? I wish to serve the voters of District 3 and the citizens of Wilcox County with a desire to build a better future for Wilcox County. I would like to see lower taxes, and to be prudent when it comes to making financial decisions with the taxpayer’s money. I believe in a common-sense approach and I want to work with the Board of Commissioners to do what is best for District 3 and Wilcox County.

3. What will be your top priorities for helping to grow Wilcox County? I would like to see Commissioners work with Development Authority and reforming our Chamber of Commerce to lure more industry and business to open and operate in Wilcox County. This would enable us to keep our young people, so they don’t have to leave to find suitable employment. I want to make decisions that are best for the county and to keep the people informed in District 3 of what is going on and to solve their problems relating to county government if I can.

4. How would you tackle the need to bring in and keep young professionals in Wilcox County and to bring in new industry and development? Wilcox County will have to work with State Legislators, also offer incentives for corporations to come to our rural areas. We must have a well-educated Work Force Ready community to fill the jobs. I just want the voters in District 3 that I would be honored to serve as their commissioner and humbly ask for their support on Election Day.