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Coleman, Gardner seek tax seat
Gardner
Carla Gardner

Editor’s note: This is one in a series of surveys answered by candidates in contested races in the July 31 primary.

Bryan County voters will soon elect a new tax commissioner, and two Republican candidates have hopes of winning the nomination in the July 31 primary election.
Richmond Hill residents Carla Gardner and Carrol Ann Coleman both seek the position that will be left vacant when current Tax Commissioner Debbie Newman retires.
Coleman has most recently worked at Savannah Technical College as lead adult education teacher at Fort Stewart Army Education Center and also has previously served on the Bryan County Board of Education as chairman.
Gardner has worked in the business side of the medical field for many years as an office manager. She also helped organize the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 127.
Both want to help the residents of Bryan County and feel they can do so by serving in this position.
Early voting for the July 31 primary is under way from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday through July 27 at the Bryan County Courthouse in Pembroke and the County Administrative Complex in South Bryan. Polls will also be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 21.

Carrol Ann Coleman
Tax Commissioner

Age: 58
Contact: 699 Sweet Hill Road, Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324; 912-572-2859; carrol.ann.coleman@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/FriendsOfCarrolAnn.
Family: I am the daughter of the late Carrol L. Curry Jr. and Katie (Bumpy) Curry of Blitchton and Richmond Hill. I have two children, Katie Coleman, 25, and Brock Coleman, 22.
Work experience: I have been employed by Savannah Technical College as lead adult education teacher at Fort Stewart Army Education Center since 2006. The majority of my approximately 2,400 students have been soldiers preparing for the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) for re-classification or promotion purposes. Teaching math is my specialty. From 1999-2005, I worked part-time as the instructor in the Richmond Hill Adult Education program assisting students in obtaining their GED.
Education background: Master of Education in school psychology, Georgia Southern University 1978; Bachelor of Science in psychology, Georgia Southern University 1976;
graduate, Bryan County High School 1972.
Civic activities: member, Coastal Conservation Association/Richmond Hill 2012; campaign manager for Education-SPLOST Voter Referendum 2002, 2012; member, Governmental Operations Committee, Georgia School Boards Association 2006; member, Federal Relations Network, National School Boards Association 2005-2006; member, Bryan County Board of Equalization 1999-2002; Bryan County chair Friends of Jack Kingston committee to elect 2000 and 2002; member, U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell’s Education Task Force 1999-2000; co-chairman of special events Bryan County Bicentennial 1993-1994; Bryan County Emergency 911 Committee 1993-1994; member, Tri-County Protective Agency Board of Directors 1989-1990; chairman of Education, Health and Housing Committee on All-Georgia Community Development Council 1989-1990.

Carla Gardner
Tax Commissioner

Age: 55
Contact: 140 Bea Road, Richmond Hill, Ga. 31324; 912-312-3675.
Family: Married to Rick Gardner for 20 years; children: Christopher Gardner, Valerie (Gardner) Caggiano, Travis Morrison and Chad Morrison; grandchildren: Kyan and Quinn Caggiano; Aradith and Augustus Morrison; and Presley Morrison.
Work experience: I have worked in the business side of the medical field for numerous years working with accounts receivable, accounts payable and office management. As an office manager, I was responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring office procedures, overseeing the daily functions of 17-20 support personnel to include hiring, proper training and counseling. Also, as a manager I was responsible for monitoring and controlling expenditures within an annual budget.
Education background: graduate of Richmond Hill High School; attended Sacramento City College, Savannah Technical College, Certified Emergency Medical Technician and
Leadership Bryan
Civic activities: American Cancer Society-Bryan County Relay For Life Survivor Committee member; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 27 — organized and was first president; Richmond Hill Lions Club — active member.

See the complete surveys in the July 14 edition of the News.

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