(Note: A profile of the Democrat candidate running for Seat 1B — incumbent Anthony Simmons — will appear in the Friday edition of the Statesboro Herald.)

Local attorney W. Scott Brannen sees potential in Bulloch County for tremendous business and industry growth and hopes, if elected as a Bulloch County commissioner, he can be part of the effort to bring those businesses to the area.

Brannen, a Republican, will challenge incumbent commissioner Anthony Simmons, who is a Democrat, in the general election in November for Seat 1B.

Bulloch has room for a variety of industries that would fit well with the ones already here, he said.

“We should support and appreciate the local businesses and industries that are unique and beneficial to our county while striving to encourage new and outstanding businesses and industries that will choose to call Bulloch County home,” he said. “Many people are eager to see new grocery stores and shopping opportunities available here.”

With the county having a strong agricultural base, “agribusiness industries are prime candidates I would like to encourage to complement our existing economy and industry,” he said. “Next, we also have a unique and strong ability to support growth in the educational training and support fields.”

Law enforcement, development resources and training centers, mental health training and provider services and substance abuse rehabilitation “are areas we are blessed in and would benefit from increased growth as well,” he said. “Recycling and waste management industries should be explored as an option to meet expanding needs and be more economically advantageous and cost effective to save tax payers money. Family, individual, student and community entertainment resources and facilities should also be sought after.”

Brannen believes Bulloch County faces its biggest challenge in “bringing, maintaining and sustaining a smart, deliberately planned economic growth while maintaining the vital integrity and values throughout the various communities within the county so that Bulloch County prospers in fields of the economy, education, public safety, agriculture and new and existing businesses and industry.”

He said it “is a challenge we face that I am prepared to approach with dedication to seek a bridge between great progress and the fundamentals that made and continue to make our county the strong, thriving and great place in which to live, work, attend school and raise a family.”

Cooperation and coordination with the different municipalities in the county is important so citizens will reap the most benefit, he said.

“We are fortunate and blessed to witness Statesboro and the smaller towns with local governmental entities flourishing in Bulloch County, and the local governments must embrace mutual benefits shared as a whole and individually,” he said. “Communication is key to ensure better benefits that complement both city and county governments through more intergovernmental cooperation and aid.”

Working together benefits everyone, he added.

“We all benefit greatly from and depend upon the successes of each other, so implementing that mindset produces enhanced prosperity everyone can share in through a better economy, quality of life, educational systems and public safety,” he said.

Brannen said grants could be explored to help the county with its solid waste problem.

“Economically sound concepts must be explored to address the growing demands of solid waste disposal management,” he said. “Research into new and existing approaches to waste management is increasingly necessary for a thriving, growing community such as Bulloch County. Funds and resources from outside the county such as grants and incentives that save taxpayers money and county resources should be sought after to supplement and improve current county practices and methods.”

Goals he has for Bulloch, if elected, include “reductions in costs while improving service and decreasing environmental impacts and land usage.”

Brannen said his “exceptional and diligent work ethic, honesty and openness in my work and professional life” would be assets to the commission.

“If elected I will provide citizens … my best hard work and diligence that will be energized even more by my love and honor for the community and places I call home,” he said.

Brannen owns his own law practice located in Statesboro. No longer married, he is father to a 13-year-old son. In his spare time he enjoys “working outdoors, gardening, fishing, hunting, traveling and visiting the mountains or beach.”

He is a member of First United Methodist Church.

Herald reporter Holli Deal Saxon may be reached at (912) 489-9414.