Losing an election is never easy, but then again, neither is public service. Two Habersham Countians who know those truths well are Stacy Hall and Natalie Crawford. Former Habersham County Commission Chair Hall and former Vice-Chair Crawford stepped down from office on December 31 following election year losses.
During his four years on the commission and her eight, Hall and Crawford helped guide the county through many difficult seasons, the most challenging of which has been the pandemic. They were also called upon to make many difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions but they fulfilled their duties with an expressed desire to improve the lives of their fellow Habersham Countians.
Before their terms ended, the Habersham County Board of Commissioners recognized Crawford and Hall for their service, presenting them with plaques and praise.
“I have been a Commissioner for almost two years and one thing that has been constant over those two years is the amount of knowledge that Chairman Hall and Commissioner Crawford have provided,” said Dustin Mealor. “Thank you both for the late-night phone calls, and while it’s a thankless job many times, as a citizen and a Commissioner, I am thankful for the time and heart both of you have dedicated to this community.”
Newly reelected District 5 commissioner Tim Stamey echoed those sentiments.
“I appreciate the time and knowledge Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Crawford have provided to me. The late-night phone calls, the questions answered; thank you for your service.”
Hall served one term from 2017-2020. He did not run for reelection, instead choosing to run for state senate. Hall lost his bid to become 50th District State Senator.
Crawford served two full terms on the Habersham County Commission from 2013-2020. She sought reelection but was defeated in the GOP primary runoff.
Hall and Crawford’s successors, Bruce Palmer and Bruce Harkness, respectively, were sworn into office at the end of December along with Stamey.
