Former Bryan County Commissioner Rick Gardner will help lead the county’s Republican Party for the next two years.

At the county GOP’s annual convention Saturday, Gardner was chosen to serve as chairman of the Bryan County Republican Committee. He served on the county commission for eight years before losing the District 5 seat to Jimmy Henderson in November.

“My record shows I have been involved, and I feel I can bring unity to the party,” Gardner said shortly before party members cast their votes.

Before the vote, chairman candidate Brian Skibicki of Richmond Hill said he has been active in Republican Party politics for the last 20 years, was a state delegate four times and ran the campaigns of various Republican candidates.

“You have to understand state politics to help Bryan County,” he said.

For more, pick up a copy of the March 16 edition of the News.