Editor's note: This is the second of two articles profiling the two candidates for the Statesboro City Council District 1 office.
In the course of three decades, Kelly Dabbs says he and his family have been given a lot by the city of Statesboro.
Now, he wants to give something back.
The longtime resident and local business owner is seeking election to the District 1 Statesboro City Council seat. He is part of a two-man race to be settled in a city election, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early voting began last week.
“Statesboro has been very good to my family, and I felt I had something to offer and a way to give back to the citizens of Statesboro. I am a homeowner and taxpayer who cares about how my dollars are spent at the city level,” Dabbs said. “I was approached by individuals in the district who felt I was an excellent candidate. I am not beholden to anyone at City Hall and have no hidden agendas or axes to grind with the city. City Hall needs someone who can build consensus with the mayor and councilmen to reach the established goals of the city.”
Dabbs, 47, is a native and 30-year resident of Statesboro and District 1. He is seeking public office for the first time.
A graduate of Georgia Southern University and the Mercer University school of business, he currently serves as owner of Southern Aquatic Services, which provides water quality analysis and habitat management techniques for local ponds.
It is a combination of education and professional experience that, he believes, qualifies him for a seat on City Council.
“I have started and run my own successful business and know what it takes to be successful. I also have the educational background necessary for success. I am an independent thinker and can make my own decisions concerning the tasks at hand,” he said. “In my professional life, I have been a financial adviser with Prudential Securities and a floor trader on the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange. Both positions required immediate action and quick thinking with real dollars on the line, and investors to answer to. Currently, I deal with clients on a daily basis and have to show positive results and be held accountable for any problems. I feel this experience will be very beneficial in representing the citizens of District 1.”
Dabbs is a husband and father to two children. He counts hunting, fishing and spending time with family among his favorite hobbies and interests.
He cites crime, concerns with water and sewage bills, and citizen distrust of government as key issues to address, if elected.
“The current city government has had its share of problems. I think a lot of emphasis is put on the overall look and appeal of Statesboro instead of looking at what can be done at the district level. I think some bad financial decisions have been made, as well as a lack of long term goals. It seems the city government has disenfranchised quite a few of our citizens, and people have lost confidence in the process,” he said. “In my going to the city, we need to rebuild the confidence of the citizens of Statesboro in the whole process. As a city councilman, my first responsibility would be to the citizens of District 1. We have water and sewage issues, employment issues and representation issues. I feel these issues should be addressed in the context of the overall goals and vision for the city.
“I understand the need for long-term goals of growth and sustainability for the city, but the citizens should not be left out of the discussion,” he continued. “The two biggest complaints I hear from District 1 are the water and sewage bills and the city government. (And) to make Statesboro a better place to live, area crime should be addressed. I recently stated the crime rate had fallen by 3-4 percent in recent years. This is correct, but the city still has issues. The (Statesboro Police Department) does an excellent job, but can’t be everywhere at once. I think communities within the city have to be more involved and diligent concerning crime.”
Dabbs said he is hopeful for Statesboro’s future, and that he may be a central part of it.
“What appeals to me most about this position with council is the ability I would have to make a positive impact on the citizens of District 1. I have a vested interest in the community due to the fact that my wife and I are raising our kids in District 1. Throughout this campaign, I have also heard the problems that the residents face and truly believe I can help them,” he said. “I think Statesboro is poised for substantial growth over the next five to 10 years, provided we make some necessary changes now. Statesboro needs to be more business-friendly towards industry. It’s very nice to have a variety of restaurants to choose from and places to take your family, but for the average citizen 30 or more years old, this is not a career path.
“The ease of entry for large employers into the marketplace is not an easy process,” he continued. “We need to increase the benefits for major employers to this area and actively prospect. The current impact fees required for new industry need to be re-examined. This is a major deterrent to large employers. New industry should be the driving force for employment in the Statesboro area. This would also keep local talent and Georgia Southern graduates from leaving the area. With the current improvements downtown and new partnerships with GSU in the future, the community feel of Statesboro should be maintained.”
Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.