Rick Whiteside has a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Economic Zoology from Clemson University. He and his wife, Patricia (Patti) Dillingham Whiteside, have four adult children and seven grandchildren. They have lived in Waleska since 2006 and are members of Canton First Baptist Church.

Rick Whiteside (Cherokee County Commission, District 1, Georgia ...

This is Rick's first time running for public office. 

Supports expanding recreational opportunities in Cherokee County, particularly in underserved areas of District 1.

- Supports expanding recreational opportunities in Cherokee County, particularly in underserved areas of District 1.

Public Services

Supports the Host Tax, believing it will lower property taxes and fund road improvements.

Believes targeted economic development creates high-paying jobs and helps keep property taxes low.

- Supports the Host Tax, believing it will lower property taxes and fund road improvements.
- Believes targeted economic development creates high-paying jobs and helps keep property taxes low.

Economy

Supports law enforcement and plans to "continue to improve" public safety.

- Supports law enforcement and plans to "continue to improve" public safety.

Public Safety

Wants to reduce regulations that increase housing prices and focus on affordable housing for teachers and first responders.

Believes the county should adhere to its land use plan, even if it doesn't allow for affordable housing in District 1.

Opposes high-density developments in District 1, emphasizing the need to preserve the rural landscape of farmsteads and larger lot subdivisions for future generations.

Opposes high-density developments in District 1, to preserve the rural landscape of farms and larger land plots for future generations.

- Wants to reduce regulations that increase housing prices and focus on affordable housing for teachers and first responders.
- Believes the county should adhere to its land use plan, even if it doesn't allow for affordable housing in District 1.
- Opposes high-density developments in District 1, to preserve the rural landscape of farms and larger land plots for future generations.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports targeted road improvements like turn lanes, roundabouts, and signal enhancements, and maintaining existing roads to maximize public safety.

- Supports targeted road improvements like turn lanes, roundabouts, and signal enhancements, and maintaining existing roads to maximize public safety.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of August 20, 2025, Rick Whiteside’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

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Rick Whiteside

Rick is currently a member of the Cherokee County Planning Commission. He has served on the commission since 2010 and has been vice chair since 2019. 

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.