Habersham County Probate Judge Pam Wooley conducted the swearing-in ceremony for several elected constitutional officers on Tuesday morning. Of those officers sworn in, two were Habersham County Commissioners who will begin their four-year terms in January.
Kelly Woodall sworn in
Kelly Woodall was officially sworn in as the new Habersham County Commissioner for District 1. Woodall, who won his first term after defeating Eric Holbrooks in the June Republican primary runoff, was unopposed in the November general election. He replaces Bruce Palmer, who is stepping down after his term.
Woodall, who resigned from the Habersham County Development Authority to run for the commission seat, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “I cannot express how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve as Commissioner, and I am excited to officially get to work serving alongside the talented and dedicated employees of our county,” Woodall said after taking the oath of office.
Woodall outlined his vision for his term, emphasizing the importance of efficient government operations. “Government is not a business, but we can employ sound business principles in how we operate,” he said. “I am personally committed to making sure the services our county provides are done in the most efficient and effective manner.”
Accompanied by his wife during the ceremony, Woodall is eager to get started in his role, committed to honoring God and fulfilling the trust placed in him by voters.
Bruce Harkness begins second term
Bruce Harkness, the second commissioner sworn in Tuesday morning, begins his second term representing Habersham County District 4. After defeating Wade Rhodes in the May Republican primary, Harkness was also unchallenged in the November election.
Harkness, who has a long history of public service, previously served on the Demorest City Council. He was surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers as he took the oath of office, expressing deep appreciation for the trust the community has placed in him. “I’m honored. I’m humbled by the people’s trust in me,” Harkness said. “I just love working for the people. I love the people, and I love our community.”
As Harkness prepares to serve another four years beginning January 1, 2025, he spoke about managing the county’s growth and addressing significant ongoing issues. “I’m not for big growth. I am actually for controlled growth,” Harkness stated, concerned that uncontrolled expansion could negatively impact the county’s quality of life.
One of the major issues Harkness plans to tackle is the county landfill. Discussions are ongoing with the U.S. Forestry Service regarding the potential purchase of land to expand the landfill, and Harkness is committed to moving those discussions forward. “We need to work on that now,” he said.
Additionally, Harkness highlighted the need to address the county jail. With the facility’s issues frequently discussed, he believes the commission must work with the incoming Sheriff to find a way to incorporate a new jail into the county’s budget.
Harkness also emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility, stressing the importance of controlling spending and taxes. “I’ve never been for spending and runaway taxes,” he said. Referring to retired citizens and farmers who struggle to make ends meet. “I’m reminded that those are the people I represent,”
