25 Qualify to Run for Upson Elected Offices

William "Bill" Maher is a resident of Upson County, Georgia.

As of April 15, 2024, William R. "Bill" Maher II did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

William Maher ran for this position in 2022 in the Republican Primary. 

As of March 19, 2024, William R. "Bill" Maher II did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

Overview of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and Related Financing

Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a popular method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

- Wants to help expand local businesses.
- Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a popular method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

Economy

Education

Maher Announces Candidacy for County Commission Chair

Supports local law enforcement and fire services, saying "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

- Supports local law enforcement and fire services, saying "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Maher Voices Frustration with HM Bridge Closure

Has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.

Said "Roads need maintenance - not just resurfacing, but roadside repairs."

- Has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.
- Said "Roads need maintenance - not just resurfacing, but roadside repairs."

Transportation & Infrastructure

William R. "Bill" Maher II

As of March 19, 2024, William R. "Bill" Maher II did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Maher supports "local law enforcement and fire services."

Said "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

- Maher supports "local law enforcement and fire services."
- Said "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

Maher has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.

- Maher has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.
- Said "Roads need maintenance - not just resurfacing, but roadside repairs."

Wants to help expand local businesses.
Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a popular method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

- Wants to help expand local businesses.
Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a popular method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

Maher supports "local law enforcement and fire services."
Said "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

- Maher supports "local law enforcement and fire services."
Said "I worked to get funding for them years ago."

Maher has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.
Said "Roads need maintenance - not just resurfacing, but roadside repairs."

- Maher has been an outspoken critic of the Hannah's Mill Bridge closure last year.
Said "Roads need maintenance - not just resurfacing, but roadside repairs."

As of April 14, 2024, William R. "Bill" Maher II did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

As of April 14th, 2024, there was no information regarding Maher's stance on education.

- As of April 14th, 2024, there was no information regarding Maher's stance on education.

As of April 13, 2024, William R. "Bill" Maher II did not have a website or publicly available contact information in order for us to send them our questionnaire.

Currently in the Republican primary for County Commissioner. He says that he has also ran for this position before.

Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

- Wants to stop Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST), a method for funding capital projects in Georgia.

Dan is a native Georgian, born in Macon, GA, and spent his early years in Lumber City before moving to Bainbridge, GA. He is a husband and father, married to Dana Elise Williams, and together they have four children. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Historical and Political Studies at Chaminade University, a Master's in Educational Leadership at Touro University, and a Master's in Information Technology Management at Webster University.

Dan Brue is a retired Colonel from the United States Army, where he served for over 34 years. During his military career, he held various leadership roles, including Advisor to the Iraq Ministry of Defense in Baghdad, Iraq. He completed a Fellowship in International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, GA.

As of May 12, 2024, Dan Brue’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidate website

Said, "I will work tirelessly to make our community better for everyone and make Thomaston and Upson County a place where everyone is proud to ... play, work and call home."

- Said, "I will work tirelessly to make our community better for everyone and make Thomaston and Upson County a place where everyone is proud to ... play, work and call home."

Said, "We must do what we can to attract higher paying manufacturing jobs for the citizens of Upson County. While it will improve the lives of those who work in these jobs, it will also spur economic growth through local spending."

Said, "We must eliminate unnecessary permitting and licensing which serve only to fill government coffers... We must also reduce regulations and cut through red tape to help small business grow."

Supports safeguarding Georgia's top industry, agriculture, by defending farms against urban expansion and unwarranted legal challenges to ensure food security and protect farming communities.

Plans to ensure fiscal responsibility by holding officials accountable for managing millage rates and budgets, respecting that tax dollars originate from the community's paychecks and pensions.

Said, "We must have reliable high-speed Internet access to enable work-from-home opportunities which can have the same impact on the lives of current Upson County residents and attract new residents looking for our small town atmosphere."

- Said, "We must do what we can to attract higher paying manufacturing jobs for the citizens of Upson County. While it will improve the lives of those who work in these jobs, it will also spur economic growth through local spending."
- Said, "We must eliminate unnecessary permitting and licensing which serve only to fill government coffers... We must also reduce regulations and cut through red tape to help small business grow."
- Supports safeguarding Georgia's top industry, agriculture, by defending farms against urban expansion and unwarranted legal challenges to ensure food security and protect farming communities.
- Plans to ensure fiscal responsibility by holding officials accountable for managing millage rates and budgets, respecting that tax dollars originate from the community's paychecks and pensions.
- Said, "We must have reliable high-speed Internet access to enable work-from-home opportunities which can have the same impact on the lives of current Upson County residents and attract new residents looking for our small town atmosphere."

As of March 19, 2024, Dan Brue’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County, expects prudent fiscal management from the County Commission and School Board, and understands the necessity of funding county services.

Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County

- Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County

Believes the county must prioritize funding for road and bridge repairs, and implement comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and replacement plans, similar to household budgeting for unexpected expenses.

Believes Georgia overemphasizes Atlanta in state planning, noting that expanding I75/85 increases congestion and advocating for a statewide Export/Import Highway to distribute economic benefits and reduce Atlanta traffic.

Said, "Thomaston is situated perfectly between Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon. Many of us commute almost an hour to work because of the economic benefit and commute back because we love small-town USA. That is not ideal for everyone."

- Believes the county must prioritize funding for road and bridge repairs, and implement comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and replacement plans, similar to household budgeting for unexpected expenses.
- Believes Georgia overemphasizes Atlanta in state planning, noting that expanding I75/85 increases congestion and advocating for a statewide Export/Import Highway to distribute economic benefits and reduce Atlanta traffic.
- Said, "Thomaston is situated perfectly between Atlanta, Columbus, and Macon. Many of us commute almost an hour to work because of the economic benefit and commute back because we love small-town USA. That is not ideal for everyone."

Facebook

Dan Brue

Dan Brue is a native Georgian, born in Macon, GA, and spent his early years in Lumber City before moving to Bainbridge, GA. He is a husband and father, married to Dana Elise Williams, and together they have four children: Brent, Courtney, Brianne, and Brooke. He completed his education with a Bachelor's degree in Historical and Political Studies at Chaminade University, a Master's in Educational Leadership at Touro University, and a Master's in Information Technology Management at Webster University.

As of April 11, 2024, Dan Brue’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Dan Brue is a native Georgian, born in Macon, GA, and spent his early years in Lumber City before moving to Bainbridge, GA. He is a husband and father, married to Dana Elise Williams, and together they have four children: Brent, Courtney, Brianne, and Brooke. He completed his education with a Bachelors degree in Historical and Political Studies at Chaminade University, a Masters in Educational Leadership at Touro University, and a Masters in Information Technology Management at Webster University. Information about the church he attends is not provided.

Dan Brue is a retired Colonel from the United States Army, where he served for over 34 years and rose from Private to Colonel. During his military career, he held various leadership roles, including Advisor to the Iraq Ministry of Defense in Baghdad, Iraq. He completed a Fellowship in International Affairs at the Georgia Institute of Technology Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, GA. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Historical and Political Studies, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and a Master's in Information Technology Management.

As of April 3, 2024, Dan Brue’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "I want Thomaston and Upson County to be a thriving, welcoming community with that small town USA feel."

Said, "COL Brue initiated a program to feed and take donations to the homeless... We would get together as an organization, prepare food and drinks, and walk the streets of Seoul, Korea... Not only that I would see COL Brue take time to converse with volunteers but with those that needed that extra support."

Said, "Small Businessman / Developer: ... That year, we opened Southern Stitches Quilt Shop. ... I bought four storefronts in historic downtown Thomaston, where we moved Southern Stitches Quilt Shop. I eventually renovated the other three buildings and created quality storefronts downtown that small businesses could actually afford. ... we had already made a definite impact on the future development of downtown Thomaston."

Opposes the consistent increase in property taxes in Upson County, expects fiscal responsibility from the County Board of Commissioners and School Board, and believes in prudent management of taxpayer dollars.

Opposes property tax assessments based on rising market values, deeming it unfair as it taxes potential equity, not actual gains

Upson County, Staff Directory

Norman was raised Upson County and attended R.E. Lee Institute. He went to Gordon Junior College. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from American Military University. He is married to his wife Liz Allen has two sons and four grandchildren.

Norman enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served on active duty for over thirty years as a Command Master Chief. Post retirement he was an operations manager for Tidal Wave Auto Spa and area manager for Mister Car Wash. 

Norman Allen is the current Commissioner and was elected in 2017 having served two terms. 

As of March 19, 2024, Norman Allen did not have a website or any information online.

Upson Beacon, Allen Announces Bid for Re-Election

Wants to continue to build on the economic development success and bring good jobs to the community.

Plans to keep costs under control and protect senior citizens from inflationary growth and overburdening taxes.

- Wants to continue to build on the economic development success and bring good jobs to the community.
- Plans to keep costs under control and protect senior citizens from inflationary growth and overburdening taxes.

Wants to to provide  citizens with improved services such as public safety, courts, and emergency medical

- Wants to to provide  citizens with improved services such as public safety, courts, and emergency medical

Said “Going forward, we must ensure we fight to maintain our rural identity and protect ourselves from the urban sprawl many communities are seeing."

- Said “Going forward, we must ensure we fight to maintain our rural identity and protect ourselves from the urban sprawl many communities are seeing."

Norman Allen

Staff Directory

Norman attended R.E. Lee Institute and later Gordon Junior College. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from American Military University. He is married to his wife Liz Allen has two sons and four grandchildren.

As of March 19, 2024, Norman Allen did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

- 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.