Romona has resided in Douglas County, Georgia for over two decades. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University, a master's degree from Chapman University, and a doctoral degree from Argosy University. She has a daughter.

Romona is a United States Veteran and has worked in federal, state, and local governments during her 47-year professional career. 

Romona Jackson Jones has served as the Douglas County Commission Chair since 2017. She is the first African-American to be elected and serve in this position in Douglas County's history since 1870, and the first African American female to win a countywide election as Commission Chair in Georgia's history since 1788.

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Funded long overdue carpet replacement at Woodie Fite Senior Center including painting of walls in the entire facility... Funded replacement of long overdue painting of walls and replacement of mini-blinds throughout Senior Services building located on Fairburn Road. Funded long overdue carpet replacement and roof replacement at Lithia Springs Library. Funded renovation of bathrooms and roof replacement at Douglas County Library located on Selman Drive... Funded long overdue replacement of aging boiler at Boundary Waters Aquatic Center... Funded the mobile library concept to support and promote educational access and resources for Douglas County youth... Elevated youth and senior public engagement programs including arts culture and humanities in Douglas County."

As county commission chair, funded multiple renovation efforts at different community buildings, such as the Woodie Fite Senior Center and various libraries, in order to elevate public engagement.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured a State Community Block Grant to renovate the Senior Services complex located on Fairburn Road. This renovation project is on the horizon."

As county commission chair, secured a State Community Block Grant to renovate the Senior Services complex located on Fairburn Road.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Funded new state of art Youth Innovation Center located in Lithia Springs in 2023."

As county commission chair, funded a new state of art Youth Innovation Center located in Lithia Springs.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Promises made and promises kept with newly constructed tennis courts open and operable at Deer Lick Park."

As county commission chair, made tennis courts open and operable at Deer Lick Park.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Spearheaded ongoing capital improvement planning efforts to ensure proactive preventative maintenance and upkeep of existing county buildings, parks, libraries, and recreational facilities."

As county commission chair, spearheaded ongoing capital improvement planning efforts to ensure "proactive preventative maintenance and upkeep of existing county buildings, parks, libraries, and recreational facilities."

As county commission chair, started first ever Youth Commission Program in Douglas County.

- As county commission chair, funded multiple renovation efforts at different community buildings, such as the Woodie Fite Senior Center and various libraries, in order to elevate public engagement.
- As county commission chair, secured a State Community Block Grant to renovate the Senior Services complex located on Fairburn Road.
- As county commission chair, funded a new state of art Youth Innovation Center located in Lithia Springs.
- As county commission chair, made tennis courts open and operable at Deer Lick Park.
- As county commission chair, spearheaded ongoing capital improvement planning efforts to ensure "proactive preventative maintenance and upkeep of existing county buildings, parks, libraries, and recreational facilities."
- As county commission chair, started first ever Youth Commission Program in Douglas County.

Public Services

The candidate's website says, "Economic Development- Secured $4.9 billion in Douglas County’s Economic Development pipeline... Secured the single largest capital economic investment in Georgia’s history valued at $2.5 billion dollars in 2017... Advanced workforce development and increased job opportunities for Douglas County residents... Partnered with Douglas County Chamber of Commerce to provide resources to support the needs of small businesses... Fostered smart growth with strict regulated building codes for newly built hotels, residential housing, and retail establishments located in the county... Minimized the tradition of warehouses and secured prosperous economic development projects to include data centers, manufacturing centers, and expansion of existing prestigious companies contributing to significant job growth in Douglas County."

As county commission chair, advanced workforce development and increased job opportunities for Douglas County residents.

Believes in strong fiscal management, evidenced by Douglas County's enhanced reserves, zero debt, and doubled tax base under Dr. Jones's stewardship, reflecting her adept handling of budgets and economic growth.

Believes in strong fiscal management, demonstrated by Douglas County's enhanced reserves, zero debt, and doubled tax base under Dr. Jones's stewardship, reflecting her adept handling of budgets and economic growth.

The candidate's website says, "Under Dr. Jones' leadership, Douglas County Government has a strong financial position, low debt burden, low pension liability... Douglas County’s full tax base rose to $12.9 billion..."

As county commission chair, helped increase Douglas County's tax base to $12.9 billion.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured $137 million Global Wellness Center Destination project under construction within the western part of Douglas County in 2021. (Construction in progress)"

As county commission chair, secured $137 million Global Wellness Center Destination project under construction within the western part of Douglas County in 2021."

The candidate's website says, "✔️Funded new minimum wage for Douglas County Government Employees starting at $15phr."

As county commission chair, funded a new minimum wage for Douglas County government employees starting at $15 per hour and increased personal days from one to three days a year.

As county commission chair, partnered with Douglas County Chamber of Commerce to provide resources to support the needs of small businesses.

As county commission chair, strictly regulated building codes for newly built hotels, residential housing, and retail establishments located in the county.

- As county commission chair, advanced workforce development and increased job opportunities for Douglas County residents.
- Believes in strong fiscal management, demonstrated by Douglas County's enhanced reserves, zero debt, and doubled tax base under Dr. Jones's stewardship, reflecting her adept handling of budgets and economic growth.
- As county commission chair, helped increase Douglas County's tax base to $12.9 billion.
- As county commission chair, secured $137 million Global Wellness Center Destination project under construction within the western part of Douglas County in 2021."
- As county commission chair, funded a new minimum wage for Douglas County government employees starting at $15 per hour and increased personal days from one to three days a year.
- As county commission chair, partnered with Douglas County Chamber of Commerce to provide resources to support the needs of small businesses.
- As county commission chair, strictly regulated building codes for newly built hotels, residential housing, and retail establishments located in the county.

Economy

As county commissioner, developed curriculum and hosted first ever Summer Internship providing future young leaders with opportunities to learn about County Governments through Board of Commissioners lens. 

- As county commissioner, developed curriculum and hosted first ever Summer Internship providing future young leaders with opportunities to learn about County Governments through Board of Commissioners lens. 

Education

Supports enhancing public safety by funding emergency communication systems, hiring more deputies, updating technology, renovating courthouse security, and improving fire services, which achieved a top ISO rating for the fire department and E-911.

The candidate's website says, "Dr. Jones fully understands the importance of superior public safety... her administration has set standards for allocating robust funding to secure vital resources and competitive pay to recruit and retain superior public safety personnel to keep Douglas County citizens safe."

As county commissioner, set standards for allocating robust funding to secure vital resources and competitive pay to recruit and retain superior public safety personnel.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured a $10 million FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency (SAFER) grant on March 7, 2023 to bring 46 new Firefighters to Douglas County Fire Department."

As county commission chair, secured a $10 million FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency (SAFER) grant on March 7, 2023 to bring 46 new Firefighters to Douglas County Fire Department.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured robust funding for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to maximize public safety... purchases of new equipment and resources to protect the safety and welfare of Douglas County citizens."

As county commission chair, secured funding for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the fire department.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured funding for upcoming construction of new E-911 Backup Center."

As county commission chair, secured funding for upcoming construction of new E-911 Backup Center.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Advanced mental health access, amenities and resources to address behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability needs in Douglas County."

As county commission chair, advocated for mental health access, amenities and resources to address behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability needs in Douglas County.

As county commission chair, secured the largest SAMSA Grant in the amount of $1 million dollars in Juvenile Services history through External Affairs Department.

- Supports enhancing public safety by funding emergency communication systems, hiring more deputies, updating technology, renovating courthouse security, and improving fire services, which achieved a top ISO rating for the fire department and E-911.
- As county commissioner, set standards for allocating robust funding to secure vital resources and competitive pay to recruit and retain superior public safety personnel.
- As county commission chair, secured a $10 million FEMA Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency (SAFER) grant on March 7, 2023 to bring 46 new Firefighters to Douglas County Fire Department.
- As county commission chair, secured funding for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the fire department.
- As county commission chair, secured funding for upcoming construction of new E-911 Backup Center.
- As county commission chair, advocated for mental health access, amenities and resources to address behavioral health, mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability needs in Douglas County.
- As county commission chair, secured the largest SAMSA Grant in the amount of $1 million dollars in Juvenile Services history through External Affairs Department.

Public Safety

The candidate's website says, "✔️Funded new Veterans Village Apartment housing to support homeless Veterans in Douglas County in 2022."

The candidate's website says, "...Funded new Veterans Village Apartment housing to support homeless Veterans in Douglas County in 2022."

The candidate's website says, "✔️ Secured funding to provide economic relief to Douglas County citizens with rental assistance, utilities and water assistance during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic."

The candidate's website says, "...Secured funding to provide economic relief to Douglas County citizens with rental assistance, utilities and water assistance during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic."

The candidate's website says, "✔️ Funded vital resources to support Douglas County homeless camp hailed as a model state program."

The candidate's website says, "...Funded vital resources to support Douglas County homeless camp hailed as a model state program."

- The candidate's website says, "...Funded new Veterans Village Apartment housing to support homeless Veterans in Douglas County in 2022."
- The candidate's website says, "...Secured funding to provide economic relief to Douglas County citizens with rental assistance, utilities and water assistance during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic."
- The candidate's website says, "...Funded vital resources to support Douglas County homeless camp hailed as a model state program."

Housing & Urban Development

Supports transportation improvements, including the $22 million Lee Road expansion and connector corridor to enhance traffic flow, and advocates for infrastructure development like the Lee Road Master Plan for growth in Lithia Springs, Douglas County.

Supports infrastructure enhancement, achieving Keep Douglas County Beautiful Certification, upgrading to silver in green communities, advancing major road projects, resurfacing I-20, repairing bridges, and implementing extensive road and sidewalk improvements in Douglas County.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured funding for gateway and landscaping beautification along the I-20 East and West Corridors and this massive project completed with ongoing maintenance and upkeep."

As county commission chair, secured funding for gateway and landscaping beautification along the I-20 East and West Corridors.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured funding to address massive lighting needs through out all four Commission Districts including lighting on I-20 Interstate East/west bound ramps. Traffic lights installed at Highway 92 and Mountain Vernon and Highway 92 and Riverside Parkway."

As county commission chair, secured funding to address lighting needs throughout all four Commission Districts including lighting on I-20 Interstate East/west bound ramps.

The candidate's website says, "✔️Secured ARC Grant Funding at $32 M for future Thornton Road truck lanes."

As county commission chair, secured ARC Grant Funding at $32 M for future Thornton Road truck lanes.

- Supports transportation improvements, including the $22 million Lee Road expansion and connector corridor to enhance traffic flow, and advocates for infrastructure development like the Lee Road Master Plan for growth in Lithia Springs, Douglas County.
- Supports infrastructure enhancement, achieving Keep Douglas County Beautiful Certification, upgrading to silver in green communities, advancing major road projects, resurfacing I-20, repairing bridges, and implementing extensive road and sidewalk improvements in Douglas County.
- As county commission chair, secured funding for gateway and landscaping beautification along the I-20 East and West Corridors.
- As county commission chair, secured funding to address lighting needs throughout all four Commission Districts including lighting on I-20 Interstate East/west bound ramps.
- As county commission chair, secured ARC Grant Funding at $32 M for future Thornton Road truck lanes.

Transportation & Infrastructure

LinkedIn

Romona Jackson Jones

Tarenia  is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of Atlanta Christian College, where she earned a degree in computer information systems and a bachelor's degree in health & human services. She is the mother of four daughters.

Tarenia is an entrepreneur and minority business owner in the field of Cyber Security Governance, Risk & Compliance, and Disaster Recovery Planning. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and technology sectors. Tarenia is also the Co-Founder of Angels N Tech, Angels & Me Foundation, an organization aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields.

Tarenia L. Carthan has served as the Vice-Chairman and District 3 Commissioner of Douglas County. She stepped in as Chairman after the removal of the former Chairwoman in 2023, until a temporary Chairman was appointed by the Governor. Carthan resigned her Vice-Chair and Commissioner positions in February 2024 to seek election as Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

Said, "Voted for a 2022 SPLOST to include a Library for District 3 to be put on the ballot. Douglas County citizens voted and it passed. The first library to be built in 10 years will be erected in District 3"

Voted for a 2022 SPLOST to include a library for District 3 to be put on the ballot.

The candidate's website says, "Completed Punkin Town passive park with ADA compliance, access to a pedestrian bridge, trails, a gazebo, and restrooms"

Completed Punkin Town passive park with ADA compliance, access to a pedestrian bridge, trails, a gazebo, and restrooms.

The candidate's website says, "Held the most attended Town Halls in Douglas to discuss roads, trails, taxes, parks, library system, health, welfare of animals and property values"

Held the most attended Town Halls in Douglas to discuss roads, trails, taxes, parks, library system, health, welfare of animals and property values.

- Voted for a 2022 SPLOST to include a library for District 3 to be put on the ballot.
- Completed Punkin Town passive park with ADA compliance, access to a pedestrian bridge, trails, a gazebo, and restrooms.
- Held the most attended Town Halls in Douglas to discuss roads, trails, taxes, parks, library system, health, welfare of animals and property values.

Wants to ensure affordable senior housing.

Supports economic growth by advocating for minority business owners, ensuring they receive preferential consideration in county procurement, as evidenced by her legislation for Douglas County's first Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Said, "Advocated for and passed a cost of living and minimum wage pay increase from $7.50 to $15 for employees as starting pay"

Advocated for and passed a cost of living and minimum wage pay increase from $7.50 to $15 for employees as starting pay.

The candidate's website says, "Douglas County is in good Fiscal standing with no debt. Allocation of tax dollars and management of departmental budget requests are crucial to maintaining a stable millage rate with no increases."

Said, "Allocation of tax dollars and management of departmental budget requests are crucial to maintaining a stable millage rate with no increases."

The candidate's website says, "Every tax payer should experience their tax dollars at work in a positive and transparent government... Constant communication of what is happening in Douglas County government and building trust to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to cost and needed improvements..."

Said, "Every tax payer should experience their tax dollars at work in a positive and transparent government... Constant communication of what is happening in Douglas County government and building trust to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to cost and needed improvements..."

Said, "Wrote Fiscal Policy that passed unanimously to legislate that the BOC never spends more taxes than the county received the prior year"

Wrote fiscal policy that passed unanimously to legislate that the BOC never spends more taxes than the county received the prior year.

Said, "Collaborated with fellow Commissioners and small businesses to bring forth the first DBE policy in Douglas County history that passed"

Collaborated with fellow Commissioners and small businesses to bring forth the first DBE policy in Douglas County history that passed.

The candidate's website says, "During her tenure as County Commissioner, Carthan served as the Chairman for the Economic Development and Transportation Committee..."

Served as the Chairman for the Economic Development and Transportation Committee.

- Wants to ensure affordable senior housing.
- Supports economic growth by advocating for minority business owners, ensuring they receive preferential consideration in county procurement, as evidenced by her legislation for Douglas County's first Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
- Advocated for and passed a cost of living and minimum wage pay increase from $7.50 to $15 for employees as starting pay.
- Said, "Allocation of tax dollars and management of departmental budget requests are crucial to maintaining a stable millage rate with no increases."
- Said, "Every tax payer should experience their tax dollars at work in a positive and transparent government... Constant communication of what is happening in Douglas County government and building trust to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to cost and needed improvements..."
- Wrote fiscal policy that passed unanimously to legislate that the BOC never spends more taxes than the county received the prior year.
- Collaborated with fellow Commissioners and small businesses to bring forth the first DBE policy in Douglas County history that passed.
- Served as the Chairman for the Economic Development and Transportation Committee.

As of June 22, 2025, Tarenia L. Carthan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

The candidate's website says, "Safety for Douglas County includes both physical safety and mental health safety. Affordable Senior housing, funding for our Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS, CSB, Public Health and Courts are vital to the well being of Douglas County Citizens."

Advocates for physical and mental health safety through funding for law enforcement, fire department, and EMS services.

The candidate's website says, "Voted to increase pay for all public Safety employees"

Voted to increase pay for all public safety employees.

- Advocates for physical and mental health safety through funding for law enforcement, fire department, and EMS services.
- Voted to increase pay for all public safety employees.

The candidate's website says, "Investing in our community infrastructure of services and facilities, roads, transportation options, clean air, water, technology, and economic development are important to maintaining a growing and healthy county."

Said, "Investing in our community infrastructure of services and facilities, roads, transportation options, clean air, water, technology, and economic development are important to maintaining a growing and healthy county."

The candidate's website says, "Advocated for and received funding of a study to incorporate side walks and widening of Chapel Hill Road"

Advocated for and received funding of a study to incorporate side walks and widening of Chapel Hill Road.

Said, "Pushed for and received larger increase in the amount of LMIG road funding from the state of Georgia as the Transportation and Economic Development Chair of ACCG"

Pushed for and received larger increase in the amount of LMIG road funding from the state of Georgia as the Transportation and Economic Development Chair of ACCG.

Supports improving roads and transportation, enhancing parks and trails, and cleaning up litter to propel Douglas County forward.

- Said, "Investing in our community infrastructure of services and facilities, roads, transportation options, clean air, water, technology, and economic development are important to maintaining a growing and healthy county."
- Advocated for and received funding of a study to incorporate side walks and widening of Chapel Hill Road.
- Pushed for and received larger increase in the amount of LMIG road funding from the state of Georgia as the Transportation and Economic Development Chair of ACCG.
- Supports improving roads and transportation, enhancing parks and trails, and cleaning up litter to propel Douglas County forward.

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Tarenia L. Carthan

- County Commission Chairs oversee the Board of County Commissioners, which create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- The County Commission Chair is specifically responsible for preparing the county budget, which must be passed by the rest of the County Commissioners. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commission Chairs have additional executive duties including coordinating with the office of the Mayor for your county, appointing Commissioners to committees, and representing your county at official functions.
- County Commission Chairs are elected to 4-year terms in county-wide elections.

Douglas County Commission Chair, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)