Re-Elect Mayor Gary Jones

Grovetown, today is the day to make a difference. Your vote is your voice, and we need your support. Please join us at the polls between 7 AM and 7 PM and cast your vote for Gary Jones. Let's keep Grovetown rising towards its future.

Attention Columbia County voters (previously) assigned to the voting precinct/polling location at:

034/Grove First Baptist Church
108 W. Robinson Ave
Grovetown, GA 30813

This voting precinct/polling location has been changed to:

034/Grovetown Branch Library
105 Old Wrightsboro Road
Grovetown, GA 30813

This change was effective August 23, 2023, and the first election for this change will be November 7, 2023, for the Grovetown City/Municipal General Election.

To me being a public servant/elected official is tough. So many of those that you and I have entrusted to do the right thing, have failed us. Some have let power and money w**d it’s way into their life and before they realized it, they were entrapped. By the grace of God, I have been able to remain steadfast and upright in my service. Often little disguised opportunities can cloud one’s judgment and make you think it’s just this one time….but then one time turns into two and then three and so on. Many times over the years, these little disguised opportunities have come knocking my way. I’m no better than anybody else, but I’ve been blessed in having the needed fortitude to do the right thing.

I said all of this to say, I do not take my position as the Mayor of Grovetown lightly. I realize that the citizens elected me and it’s my responsibility to serve honorably. I have done so and I submit to you, that I will continue to be accountable, assessable, professional and transparent.

Gary

Leading with Integrity: Our Mayor Sets the Example

In these times of leadership, it's refreshing to have a mayor who's not just about words, but actions too. Our Mayor has a simple but powerful principle: NEVER ask anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself.

Transparency: He shares information because he believes in informed decisions.

Accessibility: He's there for you, always willing to listen.

Community Engagement: He actively participates in making our city better.

Ethical Leadership: He upholds our city's values with unwavering commitment.

Hands-On Involvement: Not afraid to roll up his sleeves and get involved.

Accountability: He's responsible for his actions, just as he holds others accountable.

Mayor Gary Jones doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk.

Re-elect Mayor Gary Jones on Tuesday, November 7.

Terry Huffman Hayes
67 Year Grovetown Resident

It has been an incredible weekend with the dynamic trio - Gary Jones, Richard Bowman, and Eric W. Blair, as they took to the streets to spread their campaign messages. 👋

Let's rally behind a leader who knows the value of hard work and community involvement.

Time to keep the momentum going, Grovetown. Let's re-elect Gary Jones for Mayor!

Gary has been an incredible force for positive change in our community. His dedication to Grovetown is undeniable, and his track record speaks volumes.

Why should we re-elect Gary Jones?
✅ Proven leadership.
✅ A vision for a thriving Grovetown.
✅ Commitment to transparency and progress.

By re-electing Gary, we ensure that the progress we've seen continues, and our city keeps moving forward. Let's make our voices heard at the polls and keep Gary as our Mayor.

My leadership as your Mayor is explained here for you to see and know:

• I do not make politically correct decisions. Being politically correct rarely solves problems. Truthfulness and transparency does.

• Leaders must hire the best talent within the budget constraints. Often hiring someone less qualified in an effort to save money, ends up costing more in the long run.

• We should reward performance; however, rewarding values and ethics are more important. Recognize those that always do the right thing. The best leaders have a zero tolerance for actions and decisions that constitute a violation of corporate values.

• Failing to make a decision is still making a decision, it’s just not the right one. Great leaders don’t find safety in running and sticking their head in the sand, rather they find safety in making good decisions.

•Leaders whose default setting is “to play it safe” does not impress me. Some will read this and claim it’s unduly harsh; therein lies the problem. Organizations have incubated a generation of leaders who believe their job is to make safe decisions, not to rock the boat and to protect people’s feelings. A leader’s job is to make good decisions regardless to how people feel about it. I’m certainly not suggesting that decisions be made in a callous or reckless fashion, nor do I believe every decision needs to be hedged, nor that every expectation needs to be lowered or every constituency pandered to. Leaders should manage opportunities not risks.

We're gearing up for an exciting campaign, and we'd love your support. Would you be interested in having one of our campaign signs grace your front yard? Let's make our community's voice heard together! Please send us a message with your address if you would like to be added to the list. Thank you!

It’s that time once again to shine a spotlight on our Hall of Mayors! We’ve had an awesome time compiling these tributes over this past week, and we hope you’ve enjoyed them as well. For our final showcase in the Hall of Mayors for , we thought we’d highlight our current Mayor, none other than Mr. Gary Jones!

Raised in neighboring Harlem, Georgia, Gary attended Harlem High School. During this time, Gary worked at a feed and seed store, choosing work over sports or extracurriculars. After high school, he served as Lieutenant with the Volunteer Fire Department in Harlem. It would not be long, however, before he entered a profession where he would spend the next several decades...

Gary served over 37 years in law enforcement. He has worked for various law enforcement agencies in the CSRA over the years, including serving as Chief of Police right here in the City of Grovetown! He also served as liaison to Governor Nathan Deal, running the Augusta Youth Detention Center under the Department of Juvenile Justice.

In addition to his lengthy law enforcement career, Mr. Jones has served on a variety of advisory boards and committees. These include GEMA, the Columbia County Board of Health, Augusta Technical College, Columbia County EMS, and the R**e Crisis Center. Gary was a board member at the Child Advocacy Center as well.

Elected as Mayor of Grovetown in 2015, Gary E. Jones took office in January the following year. Gary ran on a message of honesty, integrity, and transparency, which has seemingly resonated with many in the community. Shortly after being elected, Mayor Jones completed a certification course for elected officials at the University of Georgia.

Since then, Grovetown, under Gary’s two terms in our City’s highest seat, has seen a variety of advancements made in several areas. Our state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Plant was completed under Gary’s tenure, in addition to several upward salary adjustments for City employees. Mayor Jones also increased the number of City personnel by roughly 35%, to include bringing on a full-time Finance Director, who also serves as our Assistant City Administrator, in Mr. Bradley Smith. Mayor Jones has signed off on the construction of the upcoming Depot Project and has overseen updates to several City facilities, as well as to the vehicles and equipment in our City fleet. Recently, Mayor Jones publicly announced his intentions to seek reelection for a third term.

When not acting as Mayor of Grovetown, Gary can be found working with the Thompson Building Wrecking Company, Inc. He resides right here in the City of Grovetown at 3rd Avenue. Mayor Jones has 5 daughters, ranging in age from 13-37. He also has 7 grandchildren! We’re thankful for Mayor Jones’ service to our City, and we thank you for joining us on our journey through the Hall of Mayors!

Make plans for our upcoming breakfast on April 29th.
Re-Elect Mayor Gary Jones will be our featured speaker.

This post is for clarity purposes as it relates to Columbia County proposing an efficiency governmental study. This study will not involve the city limits of Grovetown. If after the study is complete by December 31st of this year, Columbia County seeks to incorporate all unincorporated parts of the county, this will not effect the municipality of Grovetown, it’s Charter or form of government. At some point the voters may have to decide whether they support this action or not.

As for Grovetown….. we are going to remain independent and we will continue to prosper and serve our citizens as we always have.

Some have asked where I stand on this issue. I DO NOT support the incorporation.

Today I’m excited to announce my re-election campaign. I am honored and humbled to have served you these past seven years. I originally ran to fight for Grovetown and that is exactly what I am going to keep doing.

I am proud of the men and women who are a part of our team that work tirelessly to ensure that we give you the service you deserve. I wholeheartedly believe Grovetown is the best place in the state to live and raise a family.

I pledge to you, the citizens, hard work and continued dedication the next four years if you re-elect me your Mayor.

Please Like and Follow this page for more information that will follow in the upcoming days and weeks.