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LANETT – Jamie Heard has qualified to run for a second term as mayor of Lanett. Heard has been the city’s mayor since December 2020 and previously served as a member of the council for 16 years.

Mayor Heard has devoted his life to public service. He has more than 40 years of experience as an educator. He began his career with the Chambers County education system in the mid-1970s, starting as a teaching assistant before becoming a full-time classroom teacher and eventually a principal. He served as a principal in the Lanett City System from 1994 until his retirement in December 2020.

“I am excited to announce my candidacy for a second term as the city’s mayor,” Heard said. “Serving as your [Lanett’s] mayor has been one of the great honors of my life. I know we have made great progress in the city and I want to continue that trend.”

Since Heard became mayor, Lanett has

• Resurfaced some 20 city streets to improve safety and accessibility throughout the city;
• Strengthened the public safety department by having effective leadership and removing misconduct from the ranks;
• Acquired new police vehicles, vans for the senior center and essential equipment to enhance city services;
• Transitioned the water department from outsourced management to in-house operations for greater oversight and efficiency;
• Modernized technology to include city hall offices having updated computers and systems including a digital record-keeping system for all cemeteries;
• Hired an airport manager and assistant to support economic growth and improve local transportation;
• A new cemetery opened to serve the local community with dignity and care;
• Upgraded to newer, more efficient electric and water meters;
• The city received a $4.3 million grant significantly improving its natural gas system;
• Began a Love Our Lanett Restoration Committee.

“These are not just accomplishments,” Heard added, “they are meaningful steps forward for Lanett. Our work is not done. With your continued support, we will keep moving forward in building a safer, smarter and stronger Lanett for all with increased economic and business development.”

Heard said he is seeking another term as mayor because he believes in Lanett and what it can be. “I believe in continuing the momentum we have created by investing in our infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, supporting our seniors and our youth and ensuring our city [Lanett] remains clean, safe and full of opportunity for everyone.’

“Let us keep the momentum moving forward,” Heard adds. “For leadership, you can trust to keep Lanett moving forward I ask you to vote for and support me in the upcoming municipal election on August 26.”

If re-elected for a second term as mayor, Heard has five basic goals:

(1) To continue economic growth by recruiting new businesses and jobs and supporting local entrepreneurs and workers.

(2) To have safe, clean and connected neighborhoods by having stronger community policing along with better infrastructure and cleaner streets.

(3) Continued improvement in education and empowerment with after-school and job training programs through partnerships with schools, churches, and nonprofits to support student success.

(4) Smart, accountable leadership. “Our budgets are transparent,” Heard said. “We have efficient city services, a good record in receiving grant funding, open communication with city residents and responsibly provided city services.”

(5) One Lanett – United and Strong. “We bring people together by hosting community events,” Heard said. “We celebrate our culture, history and values with our city’s rich history and diverse culture. We want every person in this city to feel heard and valued.”