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PLATFORM

​Public Safety
"We have a highly effective police department. It would be foolish to move necessary funds away from them." (Chad Lowery)​

Public Safety

• Athens-Clarke County with an outstanding police department creates an environment that makes Athens safe for all.
• Athens-Clarke County defunded or divested of necessary funds leaves everyone in a less safe environment.

 
Defunding (diverting or divesting) funds away from the current police department has a lasting impact on:

1. Athens most vulnerable citizens.  Low income citizens that live in high crime neighborhoods rely on police officers for protection, often on a daily basis.
2. First responders. EMS and Fire Fighters rely on the police in order to do their jobs. They are intertwined with the police department and work together to quickly help those involved in fires, wrecks and other dangerous situations. An Athens firefighter explained to me that more fire fighters are killed by automobiles than fires; the police help protect fire fighters and EMS professionals so they can perform their jobs quickly and effectively.  
3. School children and teachers in the Clarke County School district.  Some are calling for the removal of police officers from our public schools.  While that may sound ideal, a career teacher in Clarke County said, “a resource officer on site in middle and high school is absolutely necessary.” If parents do not feel their child is safe at school, they will remove that child from our district. Teachers also will look elsewhere if safety is an issue.
4. Students moving into Athens to attend UGA. If parents do not feel Athens provides a safe environment, they will not send their college students to UGA, which will have a  negative effect on the economy of Athens.
5. Homelessness in Athens. Homelessness continues to challenge our city. It is an issue that can always use more resources whether it comes from churches, non-profits, individuals or government. Bigger Vision of Athens Homeless Shelter opened 23 years ago. In a conversation with a close friend of Chad's who has been a volunteer, he said that the homeless population has been growing in Athens in the past few years.  One thing that has helped greatly is having two Athens police officers assigned to work specifically with the homeless.   They have developed a trust among the homeless and are able to help with things that shelters aren’t equipped to handle.  If Athens were to defund the police, these two officers would likely be given other assignments. Chad sees solutions to the challenges that face the homeless population as a two-prong approach: ​​​working toward a long-term solution and ​addressing immediate needs​.
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“We have a highly effective police department and it would be foolish to move necessary funds away from them.”

Business
"Government should be run more like a business with careful consideration given to all decisions,
especially those that cost the tax payer money." (Chad Lowery)

​Business

​Chad has been self employed for most of his adult life.  He has started and operated over a dozen successful businesses, including the local bar he opened in Athens early on and currently his self-employment in property management as owner. His belief in hard work and goal setting drives his desire to see success for himself and his family. Chad uses his experiences with success to help others find success within their own personal abilities.  Chad's interaction with his clients gives him a personal, one on one opportunity to share the secrets of his own successes. Chad will bring these experiences with him when elected.

"During my time in business I have invested my time and money, and I understand the relationship between financial resources and responsible investment, and their relationship to the time invested.  When elected I will treat your tax dollars with the same responsibility and care that I give to my businesses." A victory for Chad will ensure a strong business mind to the seat of commissioner and will be a champion for good business practices within government that will directly and positively impact the residents in the 6th district and all of Athens.

"Government should be run more like a business with careful consideration given to all decisions, especially those that cost tax payers money." 

​Financial Responsibility​
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 "I will do my best to make sure every dollar of your tax money is spent responsibly. My decisions on spending will be well thought out and logical." ​(Chad Lowery)

​Financial  Responsibility
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As an entrepreneur Chad feels that government can be more efficient and effective if it is run like a business. Having owned and operated over a dozen successful businesses, he understands the importance of spending money carefully and responsibly. He believes that our tax dollars are just that, OURS. They should be used in a manner that benefits everyone, not just a few.  When Chad is elected, he will approach the budget and spending by asking these questions:

1. How will this benefit the citizens in my district?
2. How will this benefit Athens-Clarke County as a whole?
3. Could the money allocated for this project be better spent elsewhere?
4. Can we achieve the same results in a more economical way?​
   
   

“When I am elected, I will do my best to make sure every dollar of your tax money is spent responsibly.  My decisions on spending will be well thought out and logical.”