Name, age and address: Mike Freeland, 50, 4253 New Franklin Rd, Hogansville.

Occupation: Airline pilot, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, master’s degrees in business and military science.

Family: Married to Michele for 25 years. We have two grown sons: Jordan and Ryan.

Relevant experience:

· 24-year career as an Air Force officer.

· Oversaw $3 billion Air National Guard budget.

· Private sector experience in manufacturing, energy and airline industries.

· Led volunteers in church and youth organizations.

· Active in the defense of freedom, here at home, to restore the principles of self-government.

Why are you running?

I am running for office to bring a fresh, objective perspective to Troup County government. At all levels, government is a growing burden upon the people. The current representative for District 2 has demonstrated that he is out of step with his constituents. He was a proponent for the continuance of high taxes while the people in District 2 voted for lower taxes and more efficient use of their tax dollars. My public service and private sector experience equip me to provide a fair-minded approach to good stewardship of public resources and the protection of our most cherished freedoms.

What are the biggest issues in the county right now?

The main problem in the county today is a failure of the county commission to ask a simple question about spending the taxpayer dollar on any given program. This question must be asked before each decision: Is this project within the proper role of government?

Failure to ask this essential question results in a collection of inappropriate taxpayer-funded programs while at the same time causing a drain on the local economy and business development.

What can you do to address the issues?

I will bring a more open, accountable and representative government to Troup County allowing greater citizen participation, visibility and innovation. I will introduce ethics rules to end conflicts of interest that presently exist.

I will bring sound fiscal leadership to the use of taxpayer money, prioritizing expenditures on the fundamental roles of local government. I will stop the spending of public money on social projects that should instead seek voluntary private funding.

I will focus on delivering effective and efficient government services and instill a genuine sense of stewardship among those who work in county government.

Additional comments:

I bring a fresh set of eyes to the community and an opportunity for an objective assessment of public issues.

Our nation and society face extreme challenges. To improve our nation, we must begin locally by making our local government accountable to the people and decrease the burdens of government on individuals, families and businesses.