Marcello Banes is a lifelong resident of Newton County and graduated from Newton County High School. After high school, he briefly attended Middle Georgia College on a football scholarship. He is currently enrolled in the Theology Bachelor of Arts Program at Luther Rice University. He is married with five children and is an Ordained Minister.

LinkedIn

Marcello Banes works as the president of a logistics company. He has also worked as a managing owner and local truck driver. 

Marcello Banes is the County Commission Chair in Newton County. He was elected in 2016 and has served two terms in this position. During his tenure, he was awarded the title of 2017 Newsmaker of the Year by the Covington News and was the first Chairman to implement a Strategic Plan for Newton County.

Candidate website

Supports fostering community unity through events like Family Fun Day, highlighting local resources, government agencies, and municipalities to promote fellowship and diversity in Newton County.

Supports enhancing public services; under their tenure, Newton County added parks, recreational facilities, and improved roads, reflecting a commitment to community quality of life.

Supports enhancing public services; under his tenure, Newton County added parks, recreational facilities, and improved roads.

Said, "It is amazing to me how this initiative has taken flight. ... It has brought opposing groups together to work toward one goal, building a better Newton County by making it an exceptional place to work, play and live. ... That is OneNewton."

Started the OneNewton Initiative and said, "It is amazing to me how this initiative has taken flight...It has brought opposing groups together to work toward one goal, building a better Newton County by making it an exceptional place to work, play and live."

- Supports fostering community unity through events like Family Fun Day, highlighting local resources, government agencies, and municipalities to promote fellowship and diversity in Newton County.
- Supports enhancing public services; under his tenure, Newton County added parks, recreational facilities, and improved roads.
- Started the OneNewton Initiative and said, "It is amazing to me how this initiative has taken flight...It has brought opposing groups together to work toward one goal, building a better Newton County by making it an exceptional place to work, play and live."

Public Services

Said, "In 2020, my leadership style and push for a culture of OneNewton led me to run unopposed... Amid the chaos, I have remained constant on the goal and focused on continuing to encourage and foster unprecedented economic development growth, promoting the social and economic success of our citizens... building the infrastructure of the community... to ensure that our government operates efficiently, effectively and supports the needs of our citizens."

Said, "I have remained constant on the goal and focused on continuing to encourage and foster unprecedented economic development growth, promoting the social and economic success of our citizens."

Wants to "enhance our workforce development programs to ensure that our citizens are prepared to secure employment opportunities with existing and incoming industries."

Said, "It has been my mission to make sure that County employees are shown appreciation and are not overlooked for their contributions to the success of our government."

- Said, "I have remained constant on the goal and focused on continuing to encourage and foster unprecedented economic development growth, promoting the social and economic success of our citizens."
- Wants to "enhance our workforce development programs to ensure that our citizens are prepared to secure employment opportunities with existing and incoming industries."
- Said, "It has been my mission to make sure that County employees are shown appreciation and are not overlooked for their contributions to the success of our government."

Economy

Said, "Whether a boardroom or a classroom, I believe that it is important for me to engage with the community that I serve."

- Said, "Whether a boardroom or a classroom, I believe that it is important for me to engage with the community that I serve."

Education

Wants to "fight the increase in youth and gang violence."

- Wants to "fight the increase in youth and gang violence."

Public Safety

Facebook

Helped establish a Senior Repairs Program and has connected seniors with the Action, Incorporated Weatherization program to assist seniors in finding "safe, energy efficient housing."

- Helped establish a Senior Repairs Program and has connected seniors with the Action, Incorporated Weatherization program to assist seniors in finding "safe, energy efficient housing."

Housing & Urban Development

Worked on multiple transportation and road projects between 2016 and 2023 and said, "We have paved over 154 miles of road."

Plans to continue additions to infrastructure with the widening of Salem Road, the improvements on Brown Bridge Road, and the restructuring of the access road by Crowell Road.

- Worked on multiple transportation and road projects between 2016 and 2023 and said, "We have paved over 154 miles of road."
- Plans to continue additions to infrastructure with the widening of Salem Road, the improvements on Brown Bridge Road, and the restructuring of the access road by Crowell Road.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Marcello Banes

Marcus Jordan is a native of Newton County and a graduate of Newton County High School. He received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Luther Rice University. He is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Covington.

Marcus Jordan has served as the Newton County Tax Assessor. He also served in the U.S. Navy as part of the Naval Construction Force during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Marcus Jordan is currently the elected Newton County Tax Commissioner.

Said, "We understand the importance of reliable and efficient services for our community, and I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to meeting those expectations."

Said, "...I am committed to a brighter future for Newton County, focusing on better government... My dedication to professional staff development and community engagement bridges the gap between citizens and government, ensuring a more prosperous community for all."

Said, "My dedication to professional staff development and community engagement bridges the gap between citizens and government, ensuring a more prosperous community for all."

Said, "Whether through surveys, town hall meetings, or other outreach, then we listen to residents’ concerns and ideas."

- Said, "We understand the importance of reliable and efficient services for our community, and I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to meeting those expectations."
- Said, "My dedication to professional staff development and community engagement bridges the gap between citizens and government, ensuring a more prosperous community for all."
- Said, "Whether through surveys, town hall meetings, or other outreach, then we listen to residents’ concerns and ideas."

Plans to tailor the county budget to actual needs, eliminate wasteful spending, and responsibly manage funds to ensure financial stability and maintain essential community services.

Plans to tailor the county budget to legitimate needs, eliminate wasteful spending, and manage funds to ensure financial stability and maintain essential community services.

As Tax Commissioner,  he is involved in professional organizations related to economics, including the Georgia Association of Tax Officials, where he served on the Communication and Property Tax committees.

Promises to "Uphold a culture of transparency within county operations" and "Ensure meticulous oversight of tax dollars for sustained financial health."

- Plans to tailor the county budget to legitimate needs, eliminate wasteful spending, and manage funds to ensure financial stability and maintain essential community services.
- As Tax Commissioner,  he is involved in professional organizations related to economics, including the Georgia Association of Tax Officials, where he served on the Communication and Property Tax committees.
- Promises to "Uphold a culture of transparency within county operations" and "Ensure meticulous oversight of tax dollars for sustained financial health."

Said, "By providing paid internships, I will equip students with practical government experience, helping them acquire essential skills and fostering innovation."

Said, "Like many employers nationwide, I will take proactive steps to address the skills gap, offering students on-the-job training to prepare them for the modern workforce."

Said, "I will take proactive steps to address the skills gap, offering students on-the-job training to prepare them for the modern workforce."

- Said, "By providing paid internships, I will equip students with practical government experience, helping them acquire essential skills and fostering innovation."
- Said, "I will take proactive steps to address the skills gap, offering students on-the-job training to prepare them for the modern workforce."

The candidate's website states, "His commitment to social justice and equality is evident through his silver membership in the Newton County NAACP."

- The candidate's website states, "His commitment to social justice and equality is evident through his silver membership in the Newton County NAACP."

Plans to "Advocate for thoughtful zoning to balance growth with community charm."

- Plans to "Advocate for thoughtful zoning to balance growth with community charm."

Plans to "Address infrastructure demands prompted by economic growth" and "Create a roadmap for road safety and infrastructure advancements."

- Plans to "Address infrastructure demands prompted by economic growth" and "Create a roadmap for road safety and infrastructure advancements."

Marcus Jordan

- 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.

Newton County Commission Chair, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (2)