Putnam County District 4
A: Putnam County is my home, and I believe taxpayers deserve a stronger voice in decisions shaping our future.
Long before becoming a candidate, I attended meetings, reviewed public records, questioned spending, and advocated for transparency on roads, tax abatements, development, and Lake Sinclair. That experience taught me that citizens can uncover facts and raise concerns, but the elected Board has the power to act.
I want to move from asking for accountability to helping create it – from questioning decisions to having a vote in making better ones. Professionally, I analyze costs, solve complex problems, navigate regulations and identify cost-effective solutions. I will bring that same disciplined approach to county government.
I am ready to turn years of advocacy into action and give residents a stronger voice.
Q: What is the greatest current challenge for Putnam County or your district?
A: The proposed rock quarry on Dennis Station Road is the greatest challenge facing my district. I oppose this rezoning because heavy industrial development is inappropriate near established homes, farms and Lake Sinclair.
On January 31, I broke the story on the Taxpayer Watchdog Facebook page. In the weeks that followed, I worked alongside Erin Olson to contact state and regional agencies and raise concerns. The Middle Georgia Regional Commission included my name and comments in the project documentation.
I assisted the citizens who formed and led the Stop the Rock Quarry team, standing with residents fighting to protect their homes and quality of life.
The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to decide the rezoning October 20. Even if denied, the fight may not be over; the developer could pursue litigation or return with another proposal. Butts County’s quarry dispute began in 2020 and continues today, demonstrating how long these battles can last. Residents deserve experienced, transparent leadership prepared to protect their interests.
Q: What is the “next big thing” for Putnam County or your district?
A: Putnam County’s next big thing should be smart growth in the right places without sacrificing nearby residents’ quality of life.
We need good-paying jobs, but industrial growth belongs where infrastructure supports it and is compatible with surrounding properties. The Highway 441 corridor toward Baldwin County offers opportunities for commercial growth – stores, restaurants, and a hotel – but sewer infrastructure must be addressed.
Planning for growth also means preparing for a changing economy. Emerging technology will create new industries and workforce needs. Florida’s Space Coast faced a major employment gap when the Shuttle program ended but adapted by attracting new industries and investment. Putnam County can learn from communities that planned for economic change instead of reacting to it.
As we update the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map, we should identify where growth belongs and plan for the jobs, businesses and infrastructure the next decade will require while protecting our rural character and quality of life.
Q: How will you improve Putnam County or your district, if elected?
A: I will bring a taxpayer-first approach focused on accountability, planning and protecting what makes Putnam County valuable.
In September 2025, I raised concerns about the high cost of outsourcing routine residential inspections – projected at roughly six times the annual pay of a typical Georgia building inspector, plus mileage. Every dollar wasted is a dollar not available for priorities like roads.
I will ask what something costs, what taxpayers receive in return and how we measure results. That means an objective, long-term road plan based on condition, safety, traffic and need – not politics – and clear communication about major decisions and how taxpayer dollars are spent.
Reducing the property-tax burden also requires growing our tax base. Our lakes are Putnam County’s greatest economic assets. Fishing, recreation and tourism bring dollars into our community, while businesses such as a quality hotel along Highway 441 could generate additional revenue.
Protecting that economic engine matters. I will work with strategic partners to address invasive vegetation and sedimentation threatening our coves and lakefront communities.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
A: The clearest difference is a record of involvement and readiness. My record did not begin when I became a candidate. For years, I attended meetings, researched issues, filed open-records requests, questioned spending, and kept residents informed.
When a controversial Development Authority tax-abatement deal went before Superior Court, I showed up as a concerned citizen and raised questions about the $6 million tax loss and public benefit. After the judge ordered an independent audit and the Development Authority sought reconsideration, I researched the issue and submitted an amicus brief as a citizen urging the court to keep the audit requirement in place. My efforts were covered by Atlanta’s 11Alive News.
This election is a job interview, and a candidate’s record matters. I am not asking voters to rely on promises alone. Look at what I have done: I showed up, did the homework and stood up for taxpayers long before I considered taking a seat on the commission. I am asking voters to judge me by my record. VoteJenniferRay.com
Q: Why are you seeking public office?
A: I am running to be the people’s commissioner. I have spent more than a decade serving this community through ministry and recreation, and I want to bring that same commitment to our county government. I chose to run as an independent because I want to answer directly to the people of District 4 and the county, not to a political party.
My campaign has always been about showing up, listening, and earning people’s trust. As commissioner, I want to work with the rest of the board to put Putnam first and make Putnam proud.
Q: What is the greatest current challenge for Putnam County or your district?
A: I believe our biggest challenge right now is managing growth while protecting our rural character and quality of life. When I talk with folks around the district, I hear real concerns about how development is affecting our infrastructure and how our tax dollars are being spent, especially after the recent budget shortfalls.
We have to look at development carefully, whether we’re considering lake-area zoning, commercial opportunities, or the added strain on our roads and public safety. We need to understand the full cost and the longterm impact. Growth should serve the people who already live here and bring lasting value to the county, not just generate quick revenue that ends up costing taxpayers more down the road.
Q: What is the “next big thing” for Putnam County or your district?
A: The “next big thing” for us is the upcoming 2027 Joint Comprehensive Plan and how we handle our TSPLOST funding. That plan is going to set the direction for Putnam County for years to come. I want this to be a community-driven process, not a rubber-stamp exercise.
We need to encourage development that strengthens our local economy and tax base while preserving what makes this county our home. Before any master plans are finalized, we have to look hard at the numbers. What will it cost? Can our roads and infrastructure actually handle it? How will it directly benefit our residents?
Q: How will you improve Putnam County or your district, if elected?
A: I will bring a practical, business- minded approach: listen to residents, study the details, ask the right questions, and work with the other commissioners to get things done. When it comes to roads and infrastructure, I will support priorities based on actual data: safety, condition, traffic flow, and demonstrated need.
To improve transparency, I won’t just tell people my door is open. I will actively keep the community informed about county spending and the big decisions coming before the board. I will work to hold quarterly town hall meetings within our district to answer questions and listen to our residents. Being the people’s commissioner means being accessible, answering for every vote I make, and making sure folks can easily see how their tax money is being used. As a gifted communicator, I will make sure our residents stay informed of what is going on.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
A: I am the more qualified, experienced, and committed choice for District 4. I am not a traditional politician. I bring a private-sector mindset backed by two decades of business leadership, including many years of experience in strategic planning, supply chain management, and manufacturing operations.
Frankly, I offer significantly more hands-on leadership and financial management experience than my opponent does. In my day job, I manage complex logistics, planning, inventory, and working capital while navigating government regulations. That work has helped lead our company to years of record growth and profits. I know how to dig into a ledger, manage timelines, and plan for responsible growth. Those are skills our county government really needs right now.
Growing up here with a mother who taught school and a father who worked as a mechanic, I learned the value of hard work and standing by your word. That is exactly why I ran as an independent. I deliberately chose the harder route of going directly to the voters to earn my place on the ballot. I chose that path because I want to be accountable only to the people of District 4 and the county, not a political party machine.
I have spent years bringing people together and building bridges in this community. I will do the hard work of bringing healing and restoration to our divided community, listening to people who see things differently and finding ways for us to move forward together.
Residents deserve a commissioner who will meet them where they are, listen to their concerns, and explain his decisions clearly. This isn’t about power or control for me. It’s about stepping up to be a good steward of our county’s future. A vote for Michael Griffin is a vote for an accessible, accountable people’s commissioner who will put Putnam first.
Q: Why are you seeking public office?
A: Putnam County’s culture and heritage are worth protecting, and I’m committed to doing just that. But preservation starts with trust, and trust starts with communication. Residents deserve a local government that listens, responds, and keeps them informed every step of the way.
I have listened to the people of District 3 and across Putnam County. I hear your concerns, and I take them seriously. Every county faces challenges, and Putnam is no different. What sets us apart is how we respond to them. I will continue to show up, listen, and work alongside this community to address the issues that matter most to you.
Q: What is the greatest current challenge for Putnam County or your district?
A: Several issues demand urgent attention, but none more than taxes. Right now, our county’s tax burden falls overwhelmingly on homeowners: 76% of the tax registry comes from residential property taxes, while commercial properties and other sources account for just 24%. That imbalance is unfair to residents, and correcting it is my top priority.
A healthier balance means attracting and retaining businesses that contribute to their fair share – reducing the load on homeowners while funding the services our entire community depends on. I will work to bring our tax structure into alignment, so that growth benefits everyone, not just a few.
Q: What is the “next big thing” for Putnam County or your district?
A: Data centers are in the news daily. At this time I am taking a neutral position, but I believe they will be the next major issue facing Putnam County and we should be well informed.
They can bring investment and jobs, but they also place heavy demands on our power grid, water supply, and land, and they can change the character of the communities around them. That’s why I support the current moratorium until the commissioners complete the process of developing clear ordinances, restrictions, and guidelines for data centers.
A pause isn’t opposition to growth. It’s a chance to do this right. Before any project moves forward, our county should have clear standards that cover: Water and energy use, so these facilities don’t strain resources that residents and local businesses depend on; Noise, lighting, and setbacks, to protect neighbors and nearby property values; Location and zoning, keeping large facilities away from residential areas, farmland, and sensitive land; Infrastructure costs, so taxpayers aren’t left covering road, utility, or emergency service upgrades; and Transparency, with public notice and real opportunities for residents to weigh in on every proposal.
Any development decision will be guided by resident input, expert analysis, and sound ordinances – ensuring the county’s interests are fully considered if and when any project moves forward.
Q: How will you improve Putnam County or your district, if elected?
A: If elected, I will govern with transparency, fairness, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Here’s how: Quarterly town hall meetings with District 3 residents so constituents always have a direct line to their commissioner and their voices shape decisions; Correcting the tax registry imbalance, shifting more of the burden off residential property owners by attracting commercial investment that pays its fair share; Supporting Putnam General Hospital. In addition to our current population, Putnam County’s growing retired population deserves quality healthcare close to home. I’ll support our local hospital by strengthening community partnerships, securing proper resources, and helping attract and retain healthcare professionals – because good governance means taking care of all our residents; Improving budget management, ensuring every dollar is spent wisely and accountably on behalf of Putnam County residents; Basing all decisions on impartial research and factual data, not politics or pressure – because good governance requires honest information; and, Taking full advantage of educational opportunities through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, so I’m always growing as a public servant and bringing best practices back to our county.
These aren’t just campaign promises – they’re a framework for how I intend to serve.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
A: Because I bring something this county needs right now: common sense and the ability to get things done together. I approach every issue practically – not ideologically. I look at the facts, weigh the options, and make decisions that serve the whole community, not just a few.
That kind of clear-headed thinking is rare in politics, and Putnam County deserves it. But good governance isn’t a solo act. I know how to work with people – across differences, across departments, and across the aisle. Building consensus, not conflict, is how real progress gets made.
My opponent may have her strengths, but I offer something voters can count on: a steady hand, an open mind, and a commitment to doing what’s right for every resident of this county.
I am running as a write-in candidate, and I would appreciate your vote.
Q: Why are you seeking public office?
A: District 3 currently generates over 50% of Putnam County’s property tax revenue, yet our infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, and our local comprehensive plan is routinely ignored. Our taxpayers deserve a stronger, more proactive voice on the Board of Commissioners – one that genuinely puts community priorities first.
The turning point for my decision to run was the 15-year tax abatement granted by the Putnam Development Authority to the Harmony Road luxury rental homes project. None of us enjoy paying property taxes, but it is deeply unfair when working families and seniors on fixed incomes are forced to subsidize commercial ventures or make up for someone else’s burden.
Unelected advisory boards should not have the final say on who pays taxes without accountability to elected officials. I am running to restore fairness, fiscal accountability, and true resident representation to local government.
Q: What is the greatest current challenge for Putnam County or your district?
A: Managing growth along our major corridors – specifically the upcoming expansion of Highway 44. The stretch extending from the Lake Oconee bridge down to Harmony Road will undergo a dramatic transformation. District 3 needs a decisive advocate to ensure traffic moves efficiently while enhancing the visual appeal, safety, and rural character of our community.
I have already met with representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to address critical concerns missing from original highway expansion plans. Furthermore, I have requested a permanent seat at the table during landscape design discussions to guarantee a clean, attractive, and seamless transition as drivers enter Putnam County from neighboring Greene County.
Q: What is the “next big thing” for Putnam County or your district?
A: Redeveloping the county’s Comprehensive Land-Use Plan, scheduled for update next year. This process will determine where future industrial, commercial, and residential developments belong. Community members must have a direct voice in shaping how our county grows.
As your Commissioner, I will:
• Enforcestrictadherence to the updated plan once adopted, respecting property rights while preventing reckless rezoning.
• Keeptheplanactiveand current through routine evaluations rather than letting it gather dust.
• EstablishaCitizenAdvisory Committee to actively recruit residents for workshops and public hearings.
Q: How will you improve Putnam County or your district, if elected?
A: I will deliver leadership focused on five clear priorities: Protect Neighborhood Integrity: Commercial expansion is creeping into quiet residential areas. I will stand strongly against reckless zoning to protect our neighborhoods and preserve Putnam County’s rural charm.
Support Local Schools & Public Safety: Our children, schools, and first responders are the foundations of our community. I have met with the superintendent and school board members to ensure county decisions support public education, and I have met with the sheriff to reaffirm my commitment to fully funding our Sheriff’s Office, fire department, and EMS.
Protect Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair: Our lakes are the lifeblood of Putnam County’s economy. Working alongside Georgia Power and county management, I am committed to curbing runoff silt, controlling invasive hydrilla weeds, and upgrading public boat launches.
Expand Outdoor Recreation: We can enhance local quality of life by expanding recreational activities, including pickleball courts, and hosting regional fishing and ball tournaments that boost local business revenue.
Ensure Fiscal Responsibility: Every tax dollar must be treated with respect, ensuring county operations run efficiently without overcharging taxpayers.
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
A: I am honored to be the official Republican nominee for District 3 after winning the primary election. While my opponent has chosen to pursue a write-in campaign despite losing the primary and failing to honor his commitment to support my campaign, my focus remains squarely on serving the people of District 3 and respecting the voters’ decision.
What sets me apart is proven, real-world, private-sector experience. Years ago, despite heavy skepticism and limited capital, I launched my own insurance agency while raising a young family. Through hard work and careful financial management, I built that company from the ground up into a firm that now ranks among the top 100 insurance agencies in the nation.
Today, as vice president of our agency, I negotiate complex contracts daily with large-scale clients. I will bring that exact same negotiation expertise to Putnam County’s vendor contracts and insurance policies to trim waste, demand competitive bidding, and stretch every tax dollar.
I offer a track record of real results. I will be an accessible, responsive Commissioner who listens to residents, protects our rural character, and respects our taxpayers. Above all, I will keep my word and demand a high level of ethics in government. I ask for your vote in the General Election so I can deliver accountable, transparent, and results-driven leadership for District 3.