Covington, GA  — Local attorney Phil Johnson announced today he will run for Chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners in 2016.

Speaking at a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Johnson pointed as motivation to a string of recent issues plaguing Newton County — referencing contentious debate over a regional landfill, the controversial Bear Creek Reservoir project, and public outcry over the more than $1.1M paid annually to the County Attorney.

“Ordinary matters of governance have been allowed to fester into divisive issues,” Johnson said. “The results are crippling paralysis and loss of public trust, and that’s preventing definitive action on anything.”

Throughout his comments, Johnson stressed the importance of leadership, which he said people often confuse with power.

“We need a chairman who knows the difference between power and leadership — someone to rise above petty personal politics to focus on the interests of Newton County,” he said. “We need a leader who’ll work in the open to build consensus rather than settling for split votes and political expediency.”

While calling out current county leadership, Johnson acknowledged important issues like federal and state mandates to clean up the county landfill, unresolved issues with reservoir plans, and lack of budgetary controls have been building for years. “Successive administrations have kicked the can down the road and ignored pressing issues,” he said. “It’s putting our county at risk, and we can’t keep operating like this.”

Elaborating on qualities he would bring to the office of Chairman, Johnson emphasized the importance of shared vision and a commitment to work transparently with commissioners, county employees, and the public.

“I recognize the urgent need for leadership and know I can make a difference at this crucial time for our community, he said. “I believe I can provide what’s missing, but I also believe in Newton County. I know what we have been and what we can be again.”

A fifth-generation resident with children and grandchildren who live in Newton County, Johnson was raised in the High Point community. He has practiced law in Covington for 40 years and represented Newton County in the Georgia State House from 1976 to 1981. He also served as Newton County Attorney from 1976-78.

Johnson is currently President and Chief Operating Officer of Birdsey Property Solutions, a regional preservation field vendor for a major multi-national residential mortgage servicer with corporate offices in Luxemburg. The parent company, The Birdsey Group, is listed by Inc. magazine as the 16th fastest growing company in Georgia.

Johnson plans to qualify for the Democratic primary next May, but he urged citizens to look beyond party lines in choosing their next leader.

“This is not about demographics, political affiliation, or even the individual issues,” he said. “It’s about something much bigger. It’s about leadership. At this crucial juncture, we can no longer afford to settle for less.”

For more information, contact Phil Johnson – [email protected] , 678-212-6250, or visit www.philfornewton.com.