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There was a full house at Tuesday’s Upson County Board of Commissioner’s meeting when Commissioner Rusty Blackston announced that he is stepping down from his District Three post, effective immediately. Blackston stated that he plans to seek election for Chairman of the Board, a seat currently held by Commission Chairman Maurice Raines.

Raines, along with former commissioner Anthony South, have both also stated they plan to run for the Chairman’s seat.

Commissioner Blackston stated it has been a pleasure serving his community for the past four years and that he hopes has done some good for the county. “I didn’t want to change the world, I just wanted to make Upson County a little bit better,” he noted.

In addition to his comments during the meeting, Blackston also released the following statement:

“It has been a great honor and privilege to have been entrusted with the position of District Three County Commissioner for the last four years.

“After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to seek the position of Chairman of the Upson County Board of Commissioners. The last four years of my tenure have been trying times, but I have tried to serve to the best of my ability. Although elected by the citizens of District Three, my concerns were for all Upson County citizens and their best interests. I have learned that the county must live within their means and that you cannot spend more than you have. Given the nickname “The Axe,” I have accomplished cutting the operating expenses, but still provided services to the citizens of Upson County.

“If elected as Chairman, I will work to better the relationships between the cities of Thomaston and Yatesville, as we are all Upsonians. The wall must come down in order to improve in drawing industry to our community and to paint a different picture of Upson County’s direction. We all must work together for the benefit of Upson County.

“I have applied my faith in God, my moral character and business experience in my service to Upson County. If elected, I will continue to do so.

“I have been available and will continue to be available to any citizen who has any concerns. I can be reached at my home phone at 706-647-9876. I solicit your prayers and votes. I pray that God will continue to bless Upson County and lead us in the direction of His will.”