Editor’s note: On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, voters in Habersham County will return to the polls to settle a runoff election between District 5 commission candidates Darrin Johnston and Tim Stamey. Now Habersham asked the candidates to share their views on the issues and their visions for the county. Their bios and comments are below.
Meet Tim Stamey
Tim Stamey is a 7th generation native of Habersham County. He graduated from Habersham Central High School early to enlist in the military at age 17. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served in USAF Special Operations JTAC. During his time in the service, Stamey was deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Plan Columbia, and Enduring Freedom. He earned a number of military awards and commendations.
Stamey retired from the military in 2003 and went to work in the private sector as a field engineer. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the American Military University. Today, Stamey works from home as Director of Business Development and Training of Targeting Systems and Sensors for Selex Galileo Inc. based out of Arlington, Virginia.
in 2014, Stamey gained national notoriety after joining then-Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss in a successful effort to save the nation’s A-10 close air support aircraft (CAS).
In addition to his military and business background, Stamey has farming and coaching experience. After returning home to Habersham County, he and his wife Kerry started a Precision Air Rifle Program at Tallulah Falls School. Stamey built an indoor rifle range for the athletes and serves as team coach. The program is designed to train athletes for NCAA and Olympic competition.
Stamey’s views and vision in his own words:
“I’m running to satisfy the desire of my lifelong service to this country. Besides having leadership and executive level manufacturing experience, I have experience in construction and grading. It’s that common sense approach I plan to bring to the table.
My goals are to reduce debt, cut waste, and provide great service to the citizens of this county. Another goal is to try to get more citizen involvement by finding ways to keep people informed of current and future issues.
When reviewing budgets I plan to ensure we are looking long term to prevent surprises. The hard working people of this county understand when things must be revamped or replaced as long as they’re prepared for it.
Another issue on the horizon is capacity of our landfill. I would like to see ways to make recycling easier for everyone in the county.
I pray for a satisfactory resolution to our hospital and to be honest if we plan on keeping it open, then we need to use it. Unfortunately, I have many more questions at this point than I do answers.
The jail is another huge concern that we must find ways to correct. All types of funding avenues must be exhausted before we raise property taxes. SPLOST must be utilized when possible in ways fully explained to you the taxpayer.
I have seen ways to entice small high tech companies that specialize in defense and law enforcement products that will provide higher paying jobs to the county. These companies require less infrastructure and contribute less waste than most manufacturers.
Expansion of current business must be encouraged. Growth is coming, but must be managed to maintain our quality of life.
I would appreciate your vote on December 3rd. Your Voice-Your Watchdog.”
Meet Darrin Johnston
Darrin Johnston was raised in the small town of Conover, North Carolina. He graduated from Western Carolina University then launched a successful career as an independent sales rep in the furniture industry. He and his wife Leigh moved from metro Atlanta to Habersham County in 2004.
Twenty-three years ago, Johnston started as an entry-level salesperson for one of the largest housewares corporations in the world, working with major retailers across the United States. He was promoted eight times and his responsibilities evolved from day-to-day account management to international responsibilities. Five years ago, Johnston was promoted to lead all U.S. and Latin American operations for the company currently delivering more than half a billion U.S. dollars a year as the largest housewares and cookware company in the U.S. market.
Johnston has both international and domestic business experience, heavily weighted in international trade agreements, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, licensing and corporate boardroom governance. Recently, he made a career shift and is now working as a Habersham County-based consultant.
Johnston has served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Clarkesville, a member of the Habersham Development Authority, President of the Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia board of directors, and on the Habersham County Board of Ethics
Johnston’s views and vision in his own words:
“My wife and I have lived in Habersham County for close to 20 years. During this time, I have continuously looked for opportunities to be involved and give back to the community that welcomed us so warmly.
During this time, I have served with Habitat For Humanity of Northeast Georgia, Habersham Homeless Ministries, First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville, and numerous other organizations. I genuinely love this community and have always wanted to do everything in my power to make it better. My heart belongs to Habersham County.
In May, I semi-retired from a 30-year corporate career that culminated with running a multimillion-dollar corporation. This provided a window in my career to explore an expanded opportunity to serve the community.
My career allowed me to build extensive skills in budget management, contract negotiation, people management, and international trade. My job also required me to report to a board of directors and be accountable every day for my actions and decision making. I view being a county commissioner the same. I am interviewing for a job to go to work for the taxpayers of Habersham County.
When I consider the issues and opportunities facing our county, it is clear that every aspect demands business leadership. The medical center, a plan to resolve the jail issue, diversifying the base to relieve the pressure on the property owners, water, infrastructure, roads, bridges, and a plan to maintain county assets are all issues our county commission will be required to address.
Tough but sound decisions will be necessary to ensure tax dollars are not wasted. I will work to honor your confidence and be 100% transparent and accountable to you for every decision I make. That is my promise.
I address many of these topics on my Facebook page and website. Please visit and vote Darrin Johnston on Dec. 3.”
Website: www.
Facebook: votedarrinjohnston.
