Hobbs Seeking Re-election

Dr. Henry B. (Hank) Hobbs has announced he will seek re-election as Jeff Davis County Commissioner in District 3, Blackburn.
Hobbs, presently in his second term as County Commissioner in the Blackburn District, also serves as Chairman of the County Commissioners. He has lived and worked in Jeff Davis County for the past 33 years. Originally from Blackshear, Hobbs moved here immediately following College to begin a career as an engineer with Emerson Electric, Alco Controls in Hazlehurst. Hobbs has a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and Industrial Technology, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management, and an Earned Doctorate. He is married to Debbie Hobbs who works in Administration at the Jeff Davis County Board of Education. He has two daughters, Megan, soon to be a pediatrician, and Kristin who is a registered pharmacist.
In making his announcement, Hobbs said, “I came to Jeff Davis County straight out of college. Why was I attracted here? One word: Opportunities. I can remember passing thru here on multiple occasions and there was a sign out on 341 that said ‘Welcome to Hazlehurst, the Industrial City of the South.’ So when it came time for me to start my career and a family, I knew this was the place for me. Hazlehurst and Jeff Davis County offered all the things I was looking for: good hospital, good school system, good churches, quality of life, and ample manufacturing/industrial opportunity. Since the late 90s/early 2000s, I had sat back and watched those ‘opportunities’ decline in number and impact. I wanted to do all I could to make sure Jeff Davis County remained a place where my children would want to return and have opportunities to work, reside, and raise their families. So, in 2015, I committed to run for County Commissioner and not just sit on the sidelines but take an active part in the future of Jeff Davis County. While as a commissioner, we have made great strides in supporting our present manufacturers/industrial employers and keeping the tax base up to levels to support our county operations…however, there is still work left to be done.”
Hobbs spent the first 10+ years of his career with Emerson Electric/Alco Controls before working with Altamaha Technical College, as a satellite campus administrator and Director of Economic Development. Hobbs presently is employed with Georgia Tech as an Engineering Region Manager for South Georgia. With this position, Hobbs travels South Georgia helping manufacturers with engineering related opportunities to help them prosper in the global marketplace.
When asked how the last two terms as a County Commissioner has gone, Hobbs said, “You know, the number one duty of a County Commissioner is ‘balancing resources with needs and opportunities’ and I think the last 7+ years have gone quite well in that regard. The county financial situation is the best it’s ever been since I’ve been in office, and I would argue probably the best for quite some time prior. We are finally getting to a point where we can invest in the future vs. struggle to balance the annual budget. Since being elected in 2016, we’ve never had a tax increase. While the county budget has increased from $8m to $10.5m, over 30%, we’ve managed to avoid any county-imposed tax increase.”
“The accomplishments have been many but probably beyond the scope of this announcement and there is still room for improvement! While I may not be able to see each of you in person, I invite you to contact me by phone/text (912) 379-2267 or by email at hbhobbs@gmail.com and I would be glad to listen to your ideas and discuss the past, present and what I see in the future for Jeff Davis County.”
“Thank you in advance for your vote and support on May 21, or your early vote April 29 thru May 17. It will be my honor to work for and continue to serve the citizens of Blackburn and all of Jeff Davis County for another four years.”