State House District 158 (North Bryan)

Jan Tankersley, Republican,
Age: 62
Family: Married for 44 years to my husband, Hughie; one daughter, Donna, her husband Jorge; and grandson, Tyler, age 13. They live in Alpharetta, Ga. Have a son, Russell and his wife Heather, a granddaughter, Megan, 8, and a grandson, Landon, 4.
Work experience: Willingway Hospital in Statesboro. for about 12 years, quit to be with my children. Served in various capacities during my term of employment to include bookkeeping, medical records supervisor, Aftercare director, business office manager and later part-time to assist in writing policies and procedures and develop forms for documentation purposes to successfully meet accreditation standards for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.
Political experience: Bulloch County Board of Commissioners, elected in 2000, 2004 and 2008 for four-year terms. I was the first woman to serve on this board; Brooklet City Council, elected in 1995 and again in 1999. 
Why are you running for office: I would like to continue my efforts to serve the people that first started in my community, my county and now on a state level. Now, more so than ever, we need to encourage everyone to put aside partisan politics after the general election and do what is best for the people we serve. 

Bryan County Commission

Jody Wade Price, Republican, Dist. 2
Age: 38
Family: Wife, Wendy, and five kids.
Occupation: Manager, Prices Junkyard.
Education: High school graduate of Bryan County Schools.
Political experience: None.
Why are you running for office? As a life long resident of Bryan County, I am concerned with the direction the district is going. I’ve called Bryan County home as long as I can remember. This local upbringing taught me an important set of values: honesty, integrity and common sense. I also learned that hard work is the most effective way to achieve positive results. As a small businessman, I understand the importance of maintaining a budget, and I also can identify with the hard working residents struggling to make ends meet. I am a property owner and a family man concerned about my kids’ education.

Jimmy Henderson
Republican, Dist. 5
Age: 56
Family: Married 34 years to Susan; two sons, Jimmy (wife Christina) and Hunter (wife Joy); and five grandchildren.
Work experience: I was self employed 10 years in the trucking industry. I am currently employed at Hobart in Richmond Hill as a machinist and leadman. I have worked with Hobart for 28 years.
Education: I am a high school graduate, with additional courses in work-related studies.
Political experience: This is the first time I have run for any public position. I am very interested in all levels of government, local, state and federal, and the issues that affect all of us.
Why are you running for office?  I believe that I can make a difference. I would like to see spending reduced, taxes lowered and less government. And a government that will listen to the people that elected them.

Bryan County School Board

Eddie Warren, Republican, chairman
Age: 50
Family: Married 30 years to Lori Warren, and have three daughters, Erin, who lives in Statesboro and teaches at Lanier Primary School, Katelyn, who lives in Ellabell and teaches at Bryan County Elementary School, and Sara, who graduated Richmond Hill High School in 2010 and now attends Valdosta State.
Work experience: 25 years in the restaurant business, five years as a realtor with Re/Max Accent in Richmond Hill.
Political experience: 10 years on the Bryan County BOE (3 ½ as chairman). This is the only public office I have sought or held.
Why are you running for office: To keep the positive momentum that we presently have moving forward and to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family.

Paine Bacon, Republican, Dist. 1
Age: 37       
Family: Wife, Toni Nelson Bacon; stepdaughter, Lauren Martin.
Work experience: Certified public accountant licensed in Georgia and South Carolina, manager at Holland, Henry & Bromley LLP in Savannah.
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from Georgia Southern University, graduated cum laude; Masters of Accounting from Georgia Southern University.
Political experience: This is my first time running for political office. However, my father and other family members have held various political offices in Bryan County.
Why are you running for office? I have a strong interest in the welfare of the Bryan County Schools system. I want to ensure that the children of this community have the opportunity to be successful in life and there is no greater gift than a quality education.

Joe Pecenka, Republican, Dist. 4
Age: 40
Family: Wife, Julie; and two sons, Robbie and Josh, ages 13 and 10.
Work experience: Real Estate Appraisal & Sales
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Georgia and master’s degree from Georgia State University.
Political experience: Now completing first term on Bryan County BOE.
Why are you running for office? I believe our school system is currently headed in a very positive direction based on its current academic performance. I am willing to work hard for four more years to help ensure that we continue on this path of continuous improvement in our academic and extra-curricular programs. I will also continue to work diligently to help manage our finances during this time of economic uncertainty. 

David Schwartz, Republican, Dist. 5
Age: 42
Family: Wife, Valerie; and three children: Kevin, 16, Courtney, 13, Kaitlyn, 3.
Work experience: 23 years in petroleum equipment industry, owner of lawn care company.
Political experience: Never held office, but ran for same position four years ago, lost in primary.
Why are you running for office? To continue keeping Bryan County Schools operating at highest standards possible.