Questionnaires were compiled by The Current based on questions from readers. The answers to each question are verbatim from each candidate with exceptions for exceeding the word count; overages were trimmed. The answers were not edited for style or spelling; candidates were contacted if there was a question of clarity. If a question is skipped, we’ve noted that. If a candidate failed to respond to the questionnaire, we’ve noted that, as well.
Current job/occupation: Retired, Director of Laboratory Services, Liberty Regional Medical Center, Hinesville, Ga.
Education (institutions attended, degrees or certificates earned): Diploma, Medical Laboratory Assistant, North Georgia Technical College; Bachelor’s Degree, Brewton Parker College
Hometown: Hinesville
Family: Divorced. Two adult children, April Lovette Whitaker, Aaron Lovette
What is the main challenge or opportunity facing your constituents? Infracture (water/sewage) access and funding to accommodate the increasing residential and industrial growth in the county.
Tell us what your priorities would be in the first 100 days of office?
Continuous efforts to collaborate with each municipality and adjoining counties to formulate a regional agreement to provide water resources to support economic development. Lobby with congressional leadership to seek infrastructure funding. Continue to seek diversification of the Liberty County economy. Support the construction of the Hinesville Bypass to relieve traffic congestion. Strengthen ties with Savannah Technical College, the Liberty County Development Authority and the Liberty County Board of Education to nurture and provide workforce development. Complete the Comprehensive Plan for Liberty County. Support the GICH Board and Hinesville Housing Authority to provide affordable housing. Replenish the county’s fund balance.
What, in your opinion, makes you uniquely qualified to serve your constituents and what sets you apart from your opponent?
I have devoted over 30 years of government service. I served 16 years on the Liberty County Board of Education,10 years as a District Commissioner and 12 years as Chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners having attained advance commissioner certification. I have rapport with local, state and congressional leaders. I have lobbied for Liberty County/Ft. Stewart before congressional leadership in Washington, D.C. My Liberty County community involvements include Chairman of the HAMPO, Chairman of the Savannah Technical College Board of Directors, member of the Liberty County Development Authority, Hinesville Development Authority and the Coastal Georgia Military Affairs Committee.
What are your plans to improve services for your constituents?
Continue to stand up the Liberty County Fire Services Dept., support and coordinate with the constitutional officers (Probate and Magistrate Court, Sheriff’s Office, Tax Commissioner, Clerk of Courts, Juvenile Court), extend the county water line in unincorporated Liberty County, seek ways to collaborate with each municipality to provide basic services at an affordable cost, complete the construction of the Liberty County Health Department, continue to enhance recreational opportunities to include pickle ball courts, bike trails, walking trails and park improvements. Continue road improvements, resurfacing and road safety projects throughout the county. Continue to plan for a new Board of Elections Building, new Coroner’s Office and new county jail. Continue to insert “teachable moments” into the commission meetings to better educate the constituents on how local government works. Schedule speakers from various county departments to present before the commissioners for information sharing. Communicate and demonstrate an open-door policy.
Have you read the budget for your office or board – Yes or No? What priorities would you change?
Yes. We have a very detailed budget preparation process. The budget has been heavily scrutinized with hours of staff and Commissioners input. Budget items that can be delayed are delayed, denied or alternative funding sources identified. Our County Administrator and CFO keep a watchful eye on the budget and provide monthly updates to the Commissioners.
What steps should Georgia take to improve quality of life for your constituents?
Allocate state surplus funding to counties to offset ad valorem taxes. Increase funding for infrastructure projects, recreation and economic development projects. Request state level leadership to visit the smaller communities to encourage buy-in from local citizens. Appoint state liaisons to serve the regions of the state.
How do you feel you can improve public safety in your role if elected?
Work closely with the Sheriff’s Department and respective police departments. Maintain open dialogue. Support new “community policing” initiatives. Involve citizens in grassroots efforts to maintain safety in their respective communities.
Required for sheriff’s candidates : Do you feel staffing and pay is adequate for your department?
(Blank)
If elected, what policies would you favor to deter gun violence?
(Blank)
How do you see yourself creating/supporting policies related to climate change?
In Liberty County our Keep Liberty Beautiful Affiliate is very community engaged. They give leadership in recycling, clean ups and community education. They have the full support of the Board of Commissioners. We are engaged with local industry to stay abreast of their efforts to be sensitive to the environment. The Liberty County Development Authority carefully scrutinize potential industrial clients for any potential environmental concerns.
How important is transparency with your constituents after being elected into office? How will you communicate with your constituents on issues?
Transparency is vitally important. Striving to build and maintain the trust of the constituents in all county matters is to the benefit of the Board Of Commissioners. We meet twice a month, and our meetings are open to the public. We also live stream our meetings. In addition, our minutes are published on the county’s website. We also will arrange to meet with constituents via phone or via in person meetings. Periodically town hall meetings are also held.
Is there one key issue driving your run for office? Why?
I am a Liberty County native. I’ve had the opportunity to serve Liberty County as chairman for 12 years. Our accomplishments include a county fire department, the continuum of county services through the pandemic, extension of the county water services, youth program and Youth Commission, the challenge of state required property appraisals and formulating the budget, road improvements, unprecedented commercial, residential and industrial growth, higher paying jobs and new recreational facilities. We have a new county public works facility, new health department, new county headquarters fire department and park renovations in progress. I want to continue the progress. Experience counts.
Mike Navarro Credit: Robin Kemp/The Current GA
Michael Navarro
Campaign email: ilikemikeliberty@gmail.com
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 42
Home: Hinesville since 2005
Current job/occupation: School Bus Driver
Education (institutions attended, degrees or certificates earned): Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University; Associate’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Savannah Technical College; Associate’s Degree in Electronic Engineering from Savannah Technical College
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Family: (no answer)
What is the main challenge or opportunity facing your constituents?
Higher Property Taxes, multiple SPLOSTs, and high Inflation have created a huge burden on Liberty County’s taxpayers over the last six years.
Tell us what your priorities would be in the first 100 days of office?
Meeting all County Commissioners and reviewing how we can improve Liberty County together.
Creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Liberty County Employees that include Light Duty and Call Out Procedures.
Review the Budgets to identify priorities throughout the county.
What, in your opinion, makes you uniquely qualified to serve your constituents and what sets you apart from your opponents?
20 years experience in the U.S. Army as a soldier, civilian, and contractor, mainly working in security. Ten years experience as a Manager/Supervisor. Managing 55 personnel in 24-hour operations as Chief of the Guards which include hiring, setting budgets and conducting meetings and briefings. Also, I have been studying government, politics, and economics independently for the last 20 years. What sets me apart is talking direct and openly lines of communication throughout the workforce to ensure the vision of the mission is expressed.
What are your plans to improve services for your constituents?
Maintaining a sustainable budget is the top priority. Ensuring tax dollars are best used and are under budget would allow the Board of Commissioners to lower the mileage rate to give tax relief to Liberty County.
Have you read the budget for your office or board – Yes or No? What priorities would you change?
Yes. Every department request for more than a 3% increase year-over-year will be scrutinized. The General Fund will be maintained and increased modestly.
What steps should Georgia take to improve quality of life for your constituents?
Georgia should continue to seek tax breaks for Georgians and eliminate the State Income Tax.
How do you feel you can improve public safety in your role if elected?
Opening communications with every department and effectively utilizing resources will improve public safety and workforce morale.
Required for sheriff’s candidates: Do you feel staffing and pay is adequate for your department?
(No answer)
If elected, what policies would you favor to deter gun violence?
Increasing police presence, provide adequate recreational activities for youths and improving quality of life would help deter gun violence.
How do you see yourself creating/supporting policies related to climate change?
I believe policies that support Reduce, Reuse and Recycle strategies can best help the county.
How important is transparency with your constituents after being elected into office? How will you communicate with your constituents on issues?
Attending city council meetings throughout the county and maintaining relationships with city officials are great ways to bring solutions and receive feedback from constituents.
Is there one key issue driving your run for office? Why?
I believe Liberty County’s property taxes have been too high in the last twenty years compared to other counties, and enough voters will agree in the upcoming election cycle. You can’t ask for change, you must demand it.
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