Bill Carruth

At the county level, there are two Board of Commissioners races. Incumbent Commission Chairman Dave Carmichael will face former Commission Chairman Bill Carruth and for Post 1, James Curtis will face Keith Dunn. The primary will occur on June 9, 2020. The general election will occur on November 3, 2020. Candidates for Paulding’s BoC races responded by email to the following brief questionnaire regarding their candidacy. https://www.thedallasnewera.com/local-news/3208-getting-to-know-paulding-county-s-board-of-commissioners-candidates

What Civic activities/volunteer do you currently participate in and how long have you participated in those activities?
Bill Carruth, Chairman
I’ve been a member of the Dallas First United Methodist Church since childhood where my family and I participate in and donate to many activities such as River of Life, Murphy Harpst Children’s Home, Wellroot Family Services, and others. I’ve been a member of the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years, where my team won the membership drive one year and another year I was awarded Business Leader of the Year. I contribute to and participate in various events each year to support the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Wounded Warriors, and Must Ministries to name a few. One of my favorite activities my family and I enjoy together is to sponsor less fortunate families at Christmas each year.

What is your ultimate purpose/reason for running for the office you are seeking?
Bill Carruth Chairman
As a businessman, I want to see our tax dollars spent more efficiently and effectively. As a citizen, I believe in serving my community in a position where I know I can make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens. As a former chairman, I easily recognize wasteful spending and a lack of planning and vision for our future. We continue to lag behind on attracting quality, high paying jobs to our area and our taxes continue to rise. I care deeply about this county we all call home, and I see so many opportunities for improvement. I look at my new grandson and I wonder what life will be like for him in 10, 20 or even 50 years. I’m running for Commission Chairman because my years of experience in both business and government have prepared me to provide the strong, conservative, and proven leadership that Paulding needs to get moving in the right direction again.

What qualifications do you have to run for the office you’re seeking?
Bill Carruth Chairman
I’m a businessman with experience in owning and running a small business with only three employees as well as a large company with over 300 employees. My career also includes 10 years of public service, six years as a post commissioner, and one term as the Paulding County Commission Chairman. As chairman, some of my accomplishments include building the Silver Comet Trail, acquiring the Hiram Parkway, expanding the paid fire department and building the Veterans Memorial Monument. I consider my greatest achievement to be the Richland Creek Reservoir. After the citizens voted overwhelmingly to build a reservoir, I was able to purchase the land and start the bonding and permitting process during my term. Shortly after leaving office to focus on my companies, I was appointed by Governor Perdue to serve on the Department of Natural Resources Board and reappointed by Governor Deal. I served as chairman of the DNR board and also chaired the Land Acquisition committee where I was instrumental in acquiring 7,500 acres of green space for the Paulding Forest. I’m a fiscal conservative with the knowledge and experience to get things done.

If elected, what would you like to accomplish as a public official during your term?
Bill Carruth Chairman
As Commission Chairman, I plan to use our tax dollars wisely and efficiently. I’ll eliminate waste, and make economic development a priority. Since we do not have some of the advantages of our neighboring counties like an Interstate Highway, we have to become more innovative. Balancing our tax digest will help relieve the burden off of homeowners as well as help provide the quality, high paying jobs we are lacking. I plan to work with the Board of Education to explore lowering the age for seniors to be exempt from school tax while making sure our children’s education is the best possible because our children are the future of Paulding County. While the COVID-19 pandemic will have a profound effect on our county and budget, I’ll do my best to keep our property taxes in line. During my previous term, I was able to lower the total millage rate every year while expanding services. My goal is to protect and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Paulding County. I’m ready to get to work to ensure that Paulding’s brightest days are ahead.