Mark Ayers is a candidate for post 4 on the Hogansville City Council.

Ayers’ goals include creating an environment for entrepreneurs to start and build their business, and to create opportunities for kids and young adults to learn new skills to help achieve their dreams.  Ayers is the operator of The Great Southern Pub located in the old train depot in downtown Hogansville. He grew up in Newnan, but has lived in The Village for the last 3 years, including the last year with his wife Lauren. Ayers also has a sister, brother, sister-in-law and nephew who have made Hogansville home.

Ayers was brought to town by Pioneer, a group of young people whose goals are to inspire community, spark creativity and help others live their dreams through businesses and other projects.  Ayers said Pioneer has resulted in more than 100 young people moving to Hogansville, and the formation of five businesses and two 501(c)(3)s over the last two years. In 2018, Ayers was director of the Boys and Girls Club in Hogansville.

As councilman, Ayers said he will not participate in the ‘dragging feet’ approach to progress. He said he will work with the mayor, city manager, his staff, and the Downtown Development Authority to identify business and non-profit programs needed throughout the city and help find people to start a business or non-profit to fill the need. Ayers said he has spent time helping kids and has plans to continue that work in the future.

Ayers said he’s excited to work to make Hogansville a place people want to live, build businesses, and help kids. He said he’s blessed for the support he has received from the community as he’s tried to build his dream, now he wants to help others build theirs.