Ahrens to run for re-election, primaries to be held in May – The Cherokee Ledger-News: Top Stories

Cherokee County Commission Chair Buzz Ahrens has announced plans to seek re-election to a third term as chair, with his sights set on maximizing economic development opportunities for the county while encouraging responsible, quality growth, acting as a good steward of the environment and promoting fiscal integrity.

Ahrens began his first term in January 2007 and was re-elected in 2010 without opposition. During the May 2014 primary, Ahrens will face a challenge from Jacqueline Archer, who announced plans to run earlier this year. See related article at http://www.ledgernews.com/news/top_stories/archer-will-run-for-cherokee-board-of-commissioners-chair/article_23aab4cc-a6c6-11e2-9b9e-0019bb30f31a.html.

Ahrens said he feels Cherokee has weathered the recession and remains poised for growth moving forward, citing the county’s strong public leadership and dedication to managing the effects of the downturn while creating opportunities at the same time.

“The top priority is economic development, which means jobs, quality growth, expanding existing industries and making the county attractive for new industries,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 goal, and it has been for years.”

The commission recently voted to put an additional $60,000 in funding in the county’s development authority, and Ahrens has spent the last year visiting with city leaders to request a similar donation.

via Ahrens to run for re-election, primaries to be held in May – The Cherokee Ledger-News: Top Stories.