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Pembroke city council candidates
Four challengers, five incumbents vying for Pembroke City Council
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Here's a look at the candidates running for City Council in Pembroke.

Anthony "Tony" Greeson

 

Running for:

District 3 post

Note: Greeson will enter office unopposed because Jimmy Burnsed no longer lives in District 3.

Why he’s running:

"I would like to help our city continue to be a place where our citizens feel safe to raise a family. I would like to see the development of a walking trail and maybe an updated park; I would like to propose various family activities that would keep our families and children active in the community.

Background:

Age 31; Married to Kim, my high school sweetheart. We’ve been married almost ten years. I’m a graduate of BCHS class of 1994, I have three kids, Zack age 12, Nick age 9 and Sarah age 7. I’ve lived in Bryan County for about 21 years and Pembroke for about 12.

Current job:

Paramedic for Memorial Health, with MedStarOne for three years. I’m a CPR instructor for Savannah Technical College, I’m currently going to college to become a registered nurse, which will take about 3-4 years.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?

I sure haven’t, this is all new to me.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

I feel that we have a large issue facing Pembroke and it lacks enough family oriented activities. I feel that we need to get the parents more involved in their children’s lives.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

Without having the experience and the knowledge it’s hard to know exactly what to do, until I do some research and find out what I would need to do.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?

I feel that I can bring a fresh new perspective to the council and I have a strong desire to make Pembroke a place to raise my kids and my grandchildren, and I’m sure everybody else does too.

Douglas "Doug" C. Kangeter

 

Running for:

District 2 post

Why he’s running:

I was born and raised here. I am interested in the growth and development of Pembroke. I believe that Pembroke is a good town for people to move to and raise their children. I am proud to call it the home for me and my family. I am interested in helping the people to have an active voice in concerns regarding our community.

Background:

Age 32; I am married to Christy D. Kangeter. We have two children, Ava, who will be three in January, and Abi, who is four months old.

Current job:

I am the owner/operator of Gator Enterprises Inc. I do all of the day to day operations for our family owned logging company.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?

No prior experience.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

The city water and sewage are a big concern. The length of time it takes to get everything installed and running is not quick enough for the citizens of Pembroke.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

Advocate for quicker delivery of the water and sewage to homes that have not received it yet.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?

I am a concerned citizen of Pembroke. I have a vested interest in what happens within our community and I will work to see that the problems and concerns are addressed. I believe that elected officials should be upstanding, law abiding citizens and good role models for the young people in our community.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

I realize that many are concerned with my home being on the market. If elected and if the home does sell then we will be moving into another home that our family owns that is located in District 2. Regardless of the outcome of the election, we plan to remain in our district.

Angela M. Reed

 

Running for:

At-large post

Why’s she’s running:

I want to give back to Pembroke what it gave to me as I was growing up: a safe place for children to grow up, street that are safe for children to ride on.

Background:

Age 44; I am married to Mike, with two children Tray and Kyle Altman.

Current job:

Customer Service Representative for Business Customers at the Pembroke Telephone Company.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official? No.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Growth and the direction in which our town is growing.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

I can assure Pembroke that I will read and become knowledgeable on all issues before I vote. I will also be available to all of our citizens so that everyone knows they have a voice.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?

I love Pembroke. I want the people of Pembroke to know they will have someone to call or some say about all issues they may have or concerns.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

I have opted to run for City Council-at-large because I know I will have the whole town’s interest at heart.

Tiffany McCoy Walraven

 

Running for:

District 4 post

I am a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Masters of Public Administration.   I believe that my educational experiences will allow me to serve Pembroke in the highest capacity possible. With a long family history in Pembroke, I feel as though it is extremely important to have individuals who want to preserve our city’s history.

Background: 

Age 25; married to Joseph S. Walraven II

Current job: 

Marketing/Sales with Owens Supply Company  

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?  

No prior experience.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Preplanned economic growth and development are a very large issue that we face. How are we going to go about accommodating the increase of population in the future? How are we going to preserve the small community feel? How do we unify the government, city administrators, and citizens? 

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

I hope that my insight will allow us to find positive solutions to the issues at hand. 

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking? 

I am the granddaughter of former Mayor of Pembroke Harry Owens and former City Councilwoman Elvie Owens. My father, Terry McCoy, served on the Bryan County Development Authority for 15 years. With a strong family background in local politics, I have had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how our community functions on a day to day basis. 

Randall O. Butler

Running for:

District 4 post

Why he’s running:

Pembroke has been my home all my life and I have pride in our city. It is a great place to live and raise a family. It is my desire to take part in planning for the future of Pembroke as it strives to grow.

Background:

Age 56; my wife Charlene and I have been married for 35 years and have three married sons: Randall and Michelle Butler, Rodney and Jennifer Butler and Ryan and Krystal Butler. We are blessed with seven grandchildren.

Current job: 

I am employed by the Georgia Dept. of Transportation as a Construction Project Manager.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?  

I have served on the City Council for the past eight years.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Water issues

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

I intend to work with our local, state and federal agencies in obtaining additional water allocations needed for growth of our city.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking? 

I have served as a city official for the past eight years. I am dedicated to serving the needs of the citizens of Pembroke and District 4. I have 120 CPE hours in governmental training from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of this town. I believe in promoting harmony in all aspects of city government. I consider everyone’s opinion important, even though it may differ from my own, it should be respected.

Judy B. Cook

Running for:

Mayor

Why she’s running:

Eight years ago, I had a vision and conceptual plan for Pembroke. This plan included the completion of the Sewage Treatment Plant, and applications for state and federal grant funding, employment opportunities, affordable housing, improvement of city services, the design and implementation of a managed growth plan, revitalization of the downtown area, update city ordinances, involve citizens in city government, and preservation of historic buildings.

Most of these original goals have been completed, and others are ongoing. My vision for the next four years is to continue to plan and work for Pembroke and its future.

Background: 

Age 62; husband Jimmy T. Cook, Sr., and children Jimmy T. (Jay) Cook, Jr., Richard A. Cook, and Teresa C. Ernst; and seven grandchildren.

I graduated from BCHS in 1962, and from the University of GA/Municipal Training Institute.

Current job: 

I am currently the Mayor of Pembroke, and have also been Deputy Clerk and City Clerk for the City of Pembroke (1974-94). I am also an active member of the Bryan County Family Connection, United Way, American Cancer Society, Pembroke Lions Club, and serve as the Vice Chair of the Coastal Georgia Community Action Authority.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?  

Incumbent.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Growth.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

By planning and implementing policies that are compatible with our vision of retaining our small town charm, while addressing growth.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?

I will continue to make myself available to the citizens of Pembroke and will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life by addressing issues that affect our city.

Johnnie Miller, Sr.

Running for:

District 1 post

Why he’s running
:

I am running for office in order to continue to improve the city into the 21st century.

Background:

Age 55; Married, I have four children: Shawna, age 29, Candius, age 26, Johnny Jr., age 25, and Angela, age 21.

Current job: 

Driver Education Instructor and Girls Basketball Coach

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?  

Yes, 14 years as a City Councilman.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Growth – controlling the growth and housing.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

Control it and don’t let it overtake the city unexpectedly.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?

Due to my prior experience.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

I am honest and fair and will fight for the City of Pembroke.

Elijah Lewis, Jr.

Running for:

District 2 post

Why he’s running:

I would like to see some of the projects completed that I helped get started in the second district and the city of Pembroke.

Background:

Age 60; I have five children: four boys one daughter, and numerous grandchildren.

Current job:

I am an Automotive Mechanic and the Owner of Lewis Automotive Repair.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?

Yes, I have been Councilman of the Second District for the last eight years, and a board member of the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center, representing the city of Pembroke.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Sewer and water expansion, low income housing, more recreation for our youth and elderly, controlled growth and community policies.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

I will work to try and find grants for some of these issues facing Pembroke to try and keep the tax burdens off our citizens, and will work with the mayor and council members in trying to resolve these issues.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking? 

I am experienced and knowledgeable about what’s going on in the city with projects started and new projects we intend to get started. I am the voice of the citizens in District 2.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

Yes, I served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, and since elected in 1999, dedicated to serving the citizens of the Second District, and working continuously with the mayor and fellow council members. I also completed a leadership course with the Georgia Municipal Association, and received a certificate of excellence for completing 120 hours of classes.

Ernest Hamilton

Running for:

At-large post

Why he’s running:

I want to be an advocate for the elderly and youth in the city, addressing issues such as safer streets for our elderly and youth. I would like to see a well-lit bike and walking trail, as well as more organized activities for the elderly and youth within the city.

I will encourage new businesses to come into our area, and help to finish the water and sewer system. I would also like to see more fire hydrants in the annexed areas of Pembroke and I will promote fire prevention education and propose paying our hard working volunteer fire personnel and would like to hire more full time fire personnel.

Background: 

Age 68. I am single and I have two children, Elaine Webster and Kristy Shuman. I also have three grandchildren.

Current job:

I am the owner and operator of Ernie’s Enterprises, which includes Ernie’s Outhouses, The Honeywagon and Ernie’s Saw mill.

Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?

I am currently serving as councilman at large, and this is my eighth year.

What do you think is the biggest issue facing Pembroke?

Water, sewage, and growth and the job market.

If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?

I will work with other officials to encourage economic growth within in the city by helping to make Pembroke an attractive place for new and upcoming businesses in the area to call home; by doing this, Pembroke’s job market will grow.

I will also work with other officials to obtain grants in order to finish the sewer and water systems in the city.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking? 

I am a life long resident of Bryan County and I have lived in Pembroke for 50 years, therefore I feel like I know the needs of the citizens of Pembroke. As councilman at large, I have assisted in obtaining grants needed to expand the sewage system. As a business owner, I also understand the needs of other business owners in the city and will help to facilitate those needs. Long time citizens know that prior to owning my business I held the position of Public Works Superintendent. During those 13 years, I was available to the public and always willing to address concerns.

Is there anything else about you the public should know?

My door is always open to the public and I am always willing to listen to and address the concerns of the citizens of Pembroke.

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