ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Two candidates are running for Dougherty County chairman in the May 19 primary.

Incumbent Lorenzo Heard, the first African American elected chairman, is seeking a second term. He faces challenger Henry Mathis, a former city commissioner and frequent candidate who served prison time in 2005 after being convicted on three counts of extortion and making misleading statements to law enforcement.

The two are campaigning on different priorities, but each says they’re best suited for the job.

Why they are running

“It still needs leadership. I think that I provide and can provide the type leadership needed to help move Albany and Dougherty County forward,” Heard said. “There’s some things that we are working on that I would like to see come to completion.”

Mathis said he decided to run after evaluating the local government.

“When I got to looking at the conditions of the governments, the local governments, I saw where perhaps I might be able to do something slightly different than what’s going on now.”

Heard focuses on economic growth

Heard said that growing the economy and tax digest are key to the county’s future.

“I think we can chew gum and walk at the same time. I think we’ve got to get our priorities right. You’ve got to grow our economy first. You’ve got to grow the tax digest. And one of the best ways to do it is by providing affordable housing. And so that’s what we’re intending to do,” he said.

The chairman’s role includes leading commission meetings and maintaining communication among commissioners. When asked about heated moments during meetings, Heard said those moments reflect the passion commissioners bring to the job and that disagreements don’t carry over once meetings end.

“Like I said, I’m an alpha man. But I’m fair to everybody. All of us are much kinder, much gentler when we’re outside of Albany and Dougherty,” Heard said.

Mathis emphasizes public safety, finances

Henry Mathis said his priorities differ from those of the current administration. He said he would focus on stabilizing county finances, addressing building concerns and strengthening public safety.

“Because those are constitutionally mandated problems. And that’s where I want to focus at. I’ve seen this administration not focus on those constitutionally mandated issues that we are supposed to deal with,” Mathis said.

Mathis previously served as a city commissioner before serving prison time in 2005 after being convicted on three counts of extortion and making misleading statements to law enforcement. He said he understands why some voters may hesitate and why previous runs for office have fallen short.

“But I’ve paid that debt. I’ve settled that debt. And of course, you know, I’m a pastor too. So, I mean, the book says we’ve all sinned and come short. So, don’t just single out Henry Mathis and give him a death sentence, a life sentence, for a mistake that the system said he made. Don’t give him a death sentence. Give him a chance,” Mathis said.

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