Stan Edwards: Serving District 1, Shaping Newton County’s Future - Episode 27
In this compelling episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Stan Edwards, the District 1 Commissioner for Newton County, Georgia. A lifelong resident of the area, Stan’s story is one of deep-rooted community commitment, honesty, and a vision for a well-planned future. With nearly 9 years of service on the Board of Commissioners, Stan brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on the issues that shape the growth and prosperity of Newton County.
From Local Roots to Local Leadership
Stan Edwards was born and raised in Newton County, where his family has deep ties. His passion for the community led him to serve as a County Commissioner, a role he’s held since January 2017. Stan’s perspective on public service is grounded in his belief that government should focus on the needs of the people living in the community today, not just those who might come in the future. This approach is a driving force behind his work on the Board of Commissioners, and during this episode, he elaborates on how it impacts his decision-making.
Growth, Development, and Community Needs
One of the central themes of this conversation is growth. As Newton County experiences development, Stan is steadfast in his desire to see growth that is sustainable and reflects the county’s current residents’ needs. His stance on this is clear—there’s no room for more apartments. Stan is a firm believer that the county’s future should be shaped by thoughtful planning and a commitment to keeping the character of District 1 intact.
Stan and the hosts dive into the intricacies of the Save Our Homes Act (HB 581), which has stirred considerable debate among commissioners and the community. He shares his thoughts on the potential implications of the bill and how it could affect Newton County’s ability to maintain quality services for its residents. Along with that, they discuss Governor Kemp’s Tort Reform initiative and its potential to ease the growing burden of insurance premiums in Georgia, a concern Stan is all too familiar with, given his role as an insurance agent at Jones, Ewing, Dobbs & Tamplin Insurance Agency.
A Community-Oriented Approach to Policymaking
Throughout the interview, Stan demonstrates a balanced approach to policymaking—one that’s grounded in practicality and focused on what’s best for the community today. As he discusses the 2023 Newton County Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Map, Stan gives his perspective on whether it’s time for revisions. The discussion reveals his forward-thinking approach to balancing development with the preservation of the county’s unique character.
Additionally, Stan opens up about some of the biggest obstacles facing District 1, such as the pressures of growth, and what he’s doing to address them. At the same time, he highlights the successes of his time in office, including efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance community engagement.
Long-Term Vision for Newton County and District 1
As the conversation unfolds, Stan’s long-term vision for District 1 and the entire county comes to the forefront. He reflects on his future in office, discussing his passion for continuing his service to the community and the lessons he’s learned along the way. His humility shines through as he acknowledges early mistakes, but his confidence in the county’s potential and his role in shaping that future is evident.
In a candid and refreshingly honest conversation, Stan Edwards discusses his hopes for Newton County, his commitment to a practical approach to growth, and his desire to ensure that decisions made today positively impact the residents of tomorrow.
To connect with Stan Edwards and learn more about his work as a commissioner or insurance agent, you can visit the following links:
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Tune in for this insightful conversation with Stan Edwards and get a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs shaping Newton County’s future today.