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Name, age and address: Tim Duffey, 68, 122 Lincoln Lane, LaGrange.

Education: High school GED; Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, N.M.; electronics 1 at United States Armed Forces Institute; electronic communications diploma at DeVry Institute of Technology; fire science, 35 quarter hours at University of Cincinnati; fire officer IV, Georgia Fire Academy; emergency management training at Georgia Public Safety Training Center; county commissioner advanced certification at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia.

Family: I am married to Linda Moon of West Point for 50 years, and Linda has been employed with Knology Broadband (Interstate Telephone Company) in West Point for the past 46 years. Our daughter Kathy is single and was formally in law enforcement. Marty is married to Toni Arrington and have two children. Tiffany, a graduate of West Georgia Technical College, is married to Justin Cardwell, a graduate of Georgia Tech, and Trey, a graduate of LaGrange College, is single.

Occupation: Semi-retired, part time with Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home.

Relevant experience: In 1970: Appointed as volunteer fire chief of the Gray Hill community. In 1973: Served as fire chief of the unincorporated county. Also appointed by Gov. Jimmy Carter as director of the civil defense agency for entire county entities. Retired in 2001, elected as chairman of the Troup County Commissioners in 2002, served one four-year term. Retired again and worked part time for the last three years as an ambassador for Hunter-Allen-Myhand Funeral Home.

Why are your running?

I feel with my experience as a volunteer, department head and county commission chairman over the past 37 years qualifies me as the better choice in this race. I have demonstrated many time over my dedicated service to our community in many ways. I adopted this county in 1965, and have enjoyed every minute that I have served.

What are the biggest issues in the county right now?

No doubt, the entire operations budget is the biggest challenge in trying to balance the rising costs with the downturn in the economy. Along with this problem is the lack of jobs in the current market. The next associated problem with the preceding two are the devastating effect it has on our senior citizens. Some are in danger of losing their homes not to mention having to meet medical obligations and their nutritional needs. And, we also have young and middle age citizens who are also affected.

What can you do to address these issues?

I have 37 years in dealing with budget issues, planning and implementing frugal and effective measures to circumvent most problems encountered with the governmental processes. I am certified in emergency services and administrative situations and my association with department heads during my tenure as commissioner was invaluable. I had a good working relationship with the commissioners and will do my part in serving our communities in any way. I will be a team player, but reserve the right to represent my constituents in all matters. Together, we can plan to solve these problems as best we may.

Additional comments:

In addition to the vast experiences I have encountered over the years as a dedicated servant, the coupling of my required and advanced certification as a commissioner will provide you committed leadership capabilities as well as just plain old common sense. I sincerely request consideration of this most important post in any county. Thank you.