Dear Editor,
I want to say, “Thank you,” to the more than 1,000 people who signed my nomination petition. Your support has helped place me on the ballot this November as a candidate for chairman of the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.
I will bring a servant’s heart to this position. This is not about a title or authority; rather, it is about the opportunity to serve you.
I am a third-generation resident of Putnam County. My wife and I chose to raise our family’s fourth generation here because we love this community and the people who call it “home.” This community prepared me to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from Valdosta State University.
Upon returning home, I was given the opportunity to serve as a police officer and criminal investigator with the Eatonton Police Department for 11 years. During that time, I also earned a master’s degree in public administration.
I was then given the opportunity to advance my law enforcement career with the State of Georgia as an investigator for the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. In that role, I investigated corrupt and unethical law enforcement officers to help uphold the integrity of the profession.
After four years with POST, I accepted the opportunity to become an instructor in the criminal justice program at Central Georgia Technical College. For the next three years, I had the privilege of teaching courses such as constitutional law, criminal law, community policing, and courtroom procedures to students in Putnam County and surrounding communities.
Two years ago, I had the honor of being called to serve as Pastor of Missions and Ministry at Crossroads Baptist Church. This role allows me to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our community, across our state, throughout our nation, and around the world through various partnerships and ministries. My Christian faith has taught me that true leaders are servants first. They lead with integrity, humility, and compassion while working for the good of every person. Now, I have the opportunity to continue serving our community as your Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
I also want to offer a clear stance on a few topics. I am not a supporter of the proposed rock quarry or the recent use of a tax abatement for a private developer. No group or organization did not recruit me. I have never attended any meetings where I was asked to run for chairman. The decision to run for chairman was made by me and my family alone.
I am committed to serving with the same integrity that guided me as a police officer, investigator, educator, and pastor. I will listen to the concerns and hopes of our citizens while being a responsible steward of your tax dollars. Public safety will remain a priority, and creating opportunities for responsible economic growth will be an important goal.
As your chairman, I will work with every part of our community to strengthen Putnam County through unity, transparency, and servant leadership.
I look forward to meeting more citizens across Putnam County and humbly asking for your vote on November 3rd.
Sincerely, Lenwood Pickens