Richard Raines: County Commission District 2 candidate

Richard Raines, 39, announced his plans to run for the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat soon to be vacated by Richard Lee.

“It boils down to the fact that this is a challenging time for local government,” he said. “I’ve become a problem solver (and) what it’s going to take to get back on track (are) some very difficult decisions … We need a fresh face stepping in, willing to make decisions.”

Raines works in the marketing department of Daiichi Sankyo, a global manufacturing company of pharmaceuticals. He also continues to write freelance work, which he did prior to working in marketing.

He is confident there will not be a problem       with working and being       in office because his job  allows for flexibility and      is not time constraining.

“I think I’ve established myself as a leader (both in the community and business),” he said. “I’ve proven that I can positively influence people.”

If elected, Raines has plans for the community. Some of his concerns are redistricting, unemployment, improving the county budget for fiscal year 2012, working with small businesses, partnering with Georgia Wiregrass, and improving roads, sanitation and emergency services.

“I want people to look at Lowndes County and say, ‘I want to live there,’” he said.

Born and raised in Lowndes County, Raines received a bachelor of arts degree in theology and history from Lee University in Tennessee.

Raines has been involved in many civic activities — Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest of South Georgia, National Riffle Association, Heritage Foundation, Little River Sportsman’s Association and Georgia Sheriff’s Association.

He is also a member of Crosspointe Church.

Raines and his wife, Jessica, live in Lowndes County.

Together they have five children, Rebecca, 11, Riley, 10, Hannah, 9, Reese, 6, and Rhett, 4.

“I have a great family and my wife is a saint,” he said. “My family is very supportive … They have verbally said their support, ‘We love you and it’s a family thing.’ If they’re willing to sacrifice for me like that, then I have to win.”

“My strengths are problem solving,” he said. “I am able to achieve consensus very easily … Any time you have egos, it’s not the egos paying the price, it’s the people.”