Former Commissioner To Run For BOC Chair

CANTON, GA -- A former Cherokee County Commissioner is seeking a more high profile return to the public spotlight. Harry Johnston, of Canton, has announced his plans to run in the May 2018 Republican primary for chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

Johnston, 65, served as the District 1 commissioner for 14 years before he was defeated by incumbent Steve West in 2014. As a CPA and accounting manager with Southern Company and Georgia Power for more than 40 years, Johnston "provides the financial knowledge to help plan and manage the county’s multi-million dollar budget," his press release said.

“As the unofficial financial leader on the BOC, I was the principal architect of a conservative fiscal strategy that has kept our tax burden the sixth lowest of Georgia’s 159 counties," Johnston added. "Yet we provide outstanding public safety and other services. Sound planning, and careful management can keep our
taxes among the lowest in the state, even as we deal with significant transportation and other challenges."

Johnston said he's committed to finding solutions to the county's transportation issues, supporting public safety, creating jobs and expanding the lineup of parks and recreation amenities. Johnston, who is retiring from Southern Company this year, is running for the seat now held by Chairman Buzz Ahrens, who is not seeking re-election to a fourth term and will endorse Johnston as his successor.

“I am pleased to extend my full support and endorsement to Harry Johnston,” Ahrens added. “There is no doubt that Harry Johnston is the most qualified person to be the next chairman of Cherokee County. I worked closely with Harry for eight years – navigating pretty rough waters as the economy worsened. He has the knowledge, experience, financial acumen, and desire to move our county forward - while retaining our unique character and desirability."

Ahrens also said Johnston exemplifies honest, respect, objectivity, thoroughness and commitment.

"The chairman position requires a full-time commitment which includes serving on many boards and committees in the region and state," he continued. "Harry has a record to show that he is reliable, trustworthy and willing to work the long hours needed in this responsibility."

Johnston has also received the support of Cherokee County School Board Chair Kyla Cromer, who added the former commissioner has been an advocate for the school system. Johnston was a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee that recommended the Cherokee County School District roll out to voters a Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax to address the needs of its schools and bustling student population.

"Harry has always been a firm supporter and friend to public education in Cherokee County," Cromer added. "He can be depended on (sic) to make sure our county government and the school district work closely together to ensure that our children get the best education possible in a positive environment. We have an award-winning school system that is among the best in the state and, and I know that Harry supports us wholeheartedly in those efforts."

Cherokee County's other elephant in the room -- development -- is also on Johnston's mind. The candidate said he's committed to promoting a responsible growth plan would hold the county's growth rate at a level that won't overburden schools and infrastructure.

“Cherokee County is an exceptionally desirable place to live, and that allows us the luxury of being somewhat selective," he added. "We can demand very high quality that maintains that desirability and still have all the growth we can handle. I also understand that landowners have rights. Those important rights have to be balanced in the equation with the overall best interests of the county. The right balance isn’t easy to achieve, but it’s vitally important,” he said.

Before serving on the Board of Commissioners, Johnston served on the Cherokee County Municipal Planning Commission. He serves on the Canton Historic Preservation Commission and the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.

He hold bachelor and master's degrees in finance and accounting from Georgia State University. He and wife, Rebecca Johnston, the retiring managing editor of the Cherokee Tribune, have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Johnston is active in the Cherokee County Republican Party, and is a graduate of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Cherokee program and past chairman of the Cherokee County YMCA, where he was also honored as Volunteer of the Year. He served as a Cherokee County Library Trustee, and was president of the Kiwanis Club of Canton and lieutenant governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis.

Johnston is an active member of the Cherokee County Historical Society. He has been a Sunday
School teacher most of his adult life and currently teaches an adult class at Heritage Baptist Fellowship,
where he is also a deacon.

Image via Harry Johnston