The City of Cornelia has completed its search to fill the Ward 1 commissioner seat after the sudden death of Cornelia Commissioner Wes Dodd, appointing Habersham teacher and Cornelia business owner Jeff Wilson to serve.
Their pick ended up being someone Dodd encouraged to run just as he began his battle with cancer.
“Wes [Dodd] and I talked about the Ward 1 position this summer as he was beginning his cancer treatments and he encouraged me to consider serving if the opportunity presented itself,” Wilson tells Now Habersham. “Being a member of the Cornelia community, I see the commission position as an opportunity to serve my neighbors and all the citizens of Cornelia.”
In a unanimous vote Tuesday night, the commission voted to appoint Jeff Wilson to the position. Commissioner Don Bagwell made the motion and Commissioner Tony Cook seconded.
Preceding the meeting, the commission met with and interviewed the applicants before making a decision and voting at Tuesday night’s meeting. The city had three total applicants to fill the position, former Ward 1 Commissioner candidate Mark Reed, City of Gainesville Civil Engineer Tracy Robar and Wilson.
Wilson is a Habersham Central High School Social Studies and Physical Education teacher. He previously taught at both the Habersham Success Academy and Habersham Ninth Grade Academy. He is also the co-owner of Crossfit Change in Cornelia.
“Hopefully my experience as a small business owner and teacher in the county will contribute a perspective to the Commission that is beneficial to the growth and prosperity of the city,” Wilson says. He says Cornelia’s downtown development is important to him, and hopes to use his position on the commission to bring more restaurants and businesses to the city.
Wilson will be sworn in at the citys’ regular commission on Nov. 2. The Ward 1 seat will be on the ballot on March 15, 2022, at which point Wilson will have to run to hold his position on the commission.
“Ultimately, I intend to serve the community in the best way I am able,” Wilson says. “And add to Cornelia’s city commission with a positive attitude and a willingness to work with the other commissioners to give the city an opportunity to thrive.”
This article has been updated.
