Four years ago Chris Morse gave public office a shot as a write-in candidate against longtime Bryan County Commissioner Toby Roberts.
Morse lost the election 1,062-550, but the experience didn’t sour him on public service. He’s running for the same office again.
“It’s not really a matter of just wanting to run. As a South Bryan resident for 13 years, I see room for improvement and want to help with solutions to our problems,” Morse said in a written statement announcing his candidacy.
Morse, who will face Butch Broome in the Republican primary in July, said he didn’t decide to run again “overnight.”
“Over the last four years, I’ve attended 70 to 80 meetings of the county commission, Richmond Hill City Council, tax meetings, workshops and comprehensive land planning with concern for getting us back on a moderate track,” he said. “I’ve listened to numerous citizens ask for more information about what’s going on. Many have asked for a newsletter – this is affordable by way of the Internet and e-mail.
"We need less 'small group' government and more respect for taxpayers’ concerns. We need to implement strong guidelines and follow through with enforcement.”
Morse, a builder, said one priority is reducing the property tax burden on homeowners by broadening the tax base.
“Working with the Bryan County Development Authority to bring light industrial manufacturing and corporate-based business to South Bryan will bring productive growth by providing jobs and income that will benefit the county, the city and taxpayers alike,” Morse said. “This should broaden the tax base, which should give some relief to the homeowner from county, city and school taxes – and create jobs for our graduates.”
In addition, Morse said if elected he wants to open the lines of communication between the County Commission and residents while also “promoting productive communication between the county, city and school board.”
Morse said another concern is making sure the Coastal Comprehensive Land Use plan is implemented and enforced. He listed environmental preservation, improving roads, alleviating traffic problems and promoting light industrial development in South Bryan in the Hwy. 17 and I-95 area.
Morse also said he isn’t going to take campaign contributions.
“I appreciate and respect the offers people have made to contribute to my campaign,” he said. “But I feel if I accept contributions then I will be just another politician taking money from the people. One of the main reasons I’m running is to help people keep more of their money and to prevent government from intruding into their lives any further.
"I’m not a politician – never wanted to be a politician, but I feel that I need to run to help maintain and improve the quality of life we have in Bryan County.”
Morse and Broome are vying to replace Roberts, who recently decided not to run again after serving five terms on the county commission.
The primary election is July 20.
Morse lost the election 1,062-550, but the experience didn’t sour him on public service. He’s running for the same office again.
“It’s not really a matter of just wanting to run. As a South Bryan resident for 13 years, I see room for improvement and want to help with solutions to our problems,” Morse said in a written statement announcing his candidacy.
Morse, who will face Butch Broome in the Republican primary in July, said he didn’t decide to run again “overnight.”
“Over the last four years, I’ve attended 70 to 80 meetings of the county commission, Richmond Hill City Council, tax meetings, workshops and comprehensive land planning with concern for getting us back on a moderate track,” he said. “I’ve listened to numerous citizens ask for more information about what’s going on. Many have asked for a newsletter – this is affordable by way of the Internet and e-mail.
"We need less 'small group' government and more respect for taxpayers’ concerns. We need to implement strong guidelines and follow through with enforcement.”
Morse, a builder, said one priority is reducing the property tax burden on homeowners by broadening the tax base.
“Working with the Bryan County Development Authority to bring light industrial manufacturing and corporate-based business to South Bryan will bring productive growth by providing jobs and income that will benefit the county, the city and taxpayers alike,” Morse said. “This should broaden the tax base, which should give some relief to the homeowner from county, city and school taxes – and create jobs for our graduates.”
In addition, Morse said if elected he wants to open the lines of communication between the County Commission and residents while also “promoting productive communication between the county, city and school board.”
Morse said another concern is making sure the Coastal Comprehensive Land Use plan is implemented and enforced. He listed environmental preservation, improving roads, alleviating traffic problems and promoting light industrial development in South Bryan in the Hwy. 17 and I-95 area.
Morse also said he isn’t going to take campaign contributions.
“I appreciate and respect the offers people have made to contribute to my campaign,” he said. “But I feel if I accept contributions then I will be just another politician taking money from the people. One of the main reasons I’m running is to help people keep more of their money and to prevent government from intruding into their lives any further.
"I’m not a politician – never wanted to be a politician, but I feel that I need to run to help maintain and improve the quality of life we have in Bryan County.”
Morse and Broome are vying to replace Roberts, who recently decided not to run again after serving five terms on the county commission.
The primary election is July 20.