Qualifying ended on Thursday, August 22, 2024 for the City of Statesboro November special election for the District 1 seat on the Statesboro City Council. Three individuals, John Grotheer, Kenneth Jackson, and Tangie Reese Johnson, qualified.
The special election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 to fill the unexpired term of the vacant District 1 council seat that was previously held by Phil Boyum.
The following information was provided to Grice Connect by the candidates. We will feature more at-length interviews with them about their experience and campaign priorities in the weeks to come.
About the Candidates
John Grotheer
John Grotheer, who is retired, has a background that includes working 20 years with City and County government as a City Clerk, Department Head of Administration, Finance Director, and Interim County Administrator.
His experience includes financial administration, customer service, and working with citizens and business leaders in the community, as well as local and state governmental officials at various agencies. He says this speaks to his belief in the importance of collaboration among local officials to establish priorities and set goals for the betterment of the community.
He is married to Dr. Diane Drew-Grotheer.
Grotheer says he would be honored to serve as City Council Member District 1 and if given the opportunity, will give the public his commitment to listen and be their voice as we all work together to plan for a better future, preserve the character and charm of our beautiful City, and maintain the quality of life in our great City of Statesboro.
Kenneth (Ken) Jackson
Ken Jackson, a proud Metter, Georgia native, graduated from Metter High School in 2001. He furthered his education by earning an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from East Georgia College. Since 2006, Ken has called Bulloch County home, and for the last five years, he has been a resident of the City of Statesboro.
Ken's passion for business is evident through his ownership of Leap Joy Inflatables, a popular business in downtown Statesboro that has been bringing joy to children since 2007. Additionally, he is a licensed Realtor with Remax Preferred, also located in downtown Statesboro.
Ken is dedicated to using his business acumen to foster community growth and prosperity. His commitment to the community is also reflected in his charitable work. He is currently participating in Dancing With the Statesboro Stars, an event that supports local domestic violence program. Ken has also been actively involved in the Exchange Club and contributes to Fostering Bulloch, an organization that aids foster children in the area.
Tangie Reese Johnson
Tangie Reese Johnson currently serves as the Coordinator for Records and Compliance in the Office of Human Resources at Georgia Southern University. In this role, she ensures that the university’s records and compliance practices meet the highest standards.
From 2010 to 2017, she was a police officer, which she says demonstrates her unwavering commitment to public safety and community well-being.
Active in her faith community, Johnson is a member of the United Fellowship Worship Center, and she is co-chair of the Statesboro Housing Authority, where she works to improve local housing conditions and foster community development.
She is married to to Chadwick Johnson and is a loving mother of three.
Johnson says her life is a testament to her values of service, encouragement, and motivation. She believes her willingness to help others and her role as a community-oriented advocate make her a cherished asset to both her local community and her professional environment.
A map of District 1 is available here.
The last day to register to vote in this election is Monday, October 7th. Eligible Georgians can find information on registering to vote here, and current voters can check their status here.