Editor’s note: This is the second of two candidate profiles for Bulloch County Commission Seat 1-B. Anthony Simmons is featured today. Jacquavias “Jac” Roberson was featured Tuesday.

For the past 20 years, incumbent Bulloch County Commissioner Anthony Simmons has seen many improvements to the community and hopes his re-election to the commission’s Seat 1-B will lead to further progress.

Simmons is opposed by challenger Jacquavias “Jac” Roberson in the upcoming Democratic primary. The Bulloch County Commission Seat 1-B was created 20 years ago as a result of a class action suit from the NAACP. Simmons held the seat without opposition for 16 years, then defeated Jonathan McCollar in 2010.

Nearing the end of his fifth term as county commissioner, Simmons said he has seen, and been a part of, many major improvements to the county, including the Veterans Memorial Parkway, the Bulloch County Courthouse renovation, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit annex construction, Bulloch County Jail construction and later, its expansion; construction of the Bulloch County Emergency Operations (Central 911) Center, Splash in the Boro water park, the Bulloch County Center for Agriculture and the renovation of the Luetta Moore Park’s community center.

He was part of successful efforts to bring companies such as Briggs and Stratton, Viracon, Wal-Mart distribution center and Great Dane to the Gateway Industrial Park.

He takes pride that Bulloch County has the fifth-lowest property tax rate in the state and is excited about current projects within the county such as construction of the new county annex, the proposed agricultural arena, and the industrial park on Interstate 16.

Road improvements are on the top of his agenda as well, he said.

“I hope to see some roads paved that really need to be paved,” Simmons said.

Simmons said he loves Bulloch County, and the best part of his years of service as commissioner is working with people.

“I like serving the public,” he said. “I enjoy helping people, seeing the county grow and being a part of it.”

Married to Joyce M. Simmons for 32 years, Simmons has an adult son and daughter. He is a member of Thomas Grove Baptist Church and has served on several local boards and committees, including serving currently on the board for Concerted Services and the Bulloch County Board of Health.

He enjoys fishing, watching movies and classic automobiles. He is employed in the health services field.



Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912)0 489-9414.