Having served the citizens of the 5th District for 8 years previously, I ensured high levels of services including roads, recreation, fire and ambulances while managing growth. I consistently voted to keep taxes low for our citizens by passing an increase in county Homestead Exemptions for our residents from $2000.00 to $30,000.00 and an increase for those over the age of 65 from $2,000.00 to $50,000.00. Now that I have WON the Republican Primary I will begin working with County Leadership, Department Heads, along with Committee Chairmen as well as City Leadership to develop ways to work together and to listen to 5th District residents, those whom I serve, to reduce spending and where possible improve services to our citizens. PLEASE Register and VOTE in the November General Election for RICK GARDNER!!!!

OWNER and DIRECTOR, Human Factors Research, Don Gardner Associates (DGA), Savannah, GA. Conducts research and consulting for government and industry in human factors of Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI), Crew Resources Management (CRM), and Situational Awareness (SA) for the systems design for numerous applications including cockpit controls and displays, communications, and warning, caution and advisories (WCA's) in military helicopters. As a consultant to Psycho-Linguistic Research Associates (PLRA), responsible for evaluation of current PVI for several U.S. Army helicopters, including UH-60A/L, UH-60Q Prototype, AH-64D Prototype, AH-64D Longbow, MH-47E, and MH-60K. Mission scenario development, execution, and evaluation during flight simulation studies in the Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF). Development of design requirements for Virtual Cockpit Optimization Program (VCOP) auditory and visual PVI, Conduct of studies with Army pilots to test candidate soundimages for VCOP, Development of mission scenario for VCOP simulation demonstration, Laboratory acoustic tests of active noise reduction (ANR) flight helmets, flight tests of ANR helmets in AH-1S, EH-60, UH-60, UH-1H, OH-58D.

The Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee (CMPC) was created in 1970 with passage of state law that protects the public trust tidal wetlands.Shore Protection Committee (SPC) was created in 1979 with passage of the Shore Protection Act, which protects the sand sharing system --- the beaches, dunes and sand bars and shoals. Both of these habitats are deemed vital areas of the state.The committees issue permits for activities that occur within the jurisdiction of these state laws including waterfront development such as marinas and community docks, residential and commercial shorefront development, beach crossovers, beach nourishment, and bank stabilization.

The State Water Plan ushered in a completely new era of comprehensive regional water planning for Georgia. The current directive from the Governor and Legislature has Georgia embarked upon statewide comprehensive regional water planning. Through the development of regional water plans, the regional water councils will determine the preferred water management practices to meet each region's future water resources needs.The Coastal Georgia Council has developed an Initial Recommended Regional Water Plan for Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties. These counties rely on surface or groundwater resources within the Coastal Georgia region.The Coastal Georgia Council is composed of residents of those 9 counties who were appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker of the House to prepare a regional water plan. After the regional water plan is adopted, Georgia Environmental Protection Division permits and Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority grants and loans for water projects will be guided by the plan.

I am honored to be President of the Richmond Hill Lions Club during this 50th Anniversary.Lions Club International dates back to 1917 and Lions Club members have volunteered their time and talents to meet needs wherever they exist. Lions are especially dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired, a commitment made after Helen Keller challenged our members to become her "knights of the blind in a crusade against darkness" in 1925. Our motto, "We Serve"A motto that all Lions Club members take to heart!

Past Chairman of the 61st and 62nd Annual Richmond Hill United Methodist Church Bar-B-Que. Held since the early 1950's, this annual fundraiser has become a legend, drawing people from several States as far away as Virginia. While the event lasts only one day, preparation begins early each year to ensure everyone has a good time. Proceeds go towards the various missions supported by the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church.

I had the honor and privilege to serve as the Bryan County Republican Party Chairman, attending County, District and State conventions representing Bryan County during the 2012 election year. All Republican Party candidates were elected to office!

January 2002 through December 2010: Bryan County Commissioner 5th District. I served on the Governor’s Regional Water Council for Coastal Georgia (Committee Member, Association of County Commissioners (ACCG) Policy Committee for Health and Human Services (Chairman), Governor’s All Hazards Council (AHC) Area 5 (Chairman) as well as various committees as appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.Graduate of Leadership Bryan in Bryan County, Regional Economic & Leadership Development from the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Leadership South East Georgia from Georgia Southern University, The Academy for Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) Leadership from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) at University of Georgia (UGA), as well as the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership (IGEL) from the Fanning Institute. Completed Commissioner Certification as well as the Advanced Certification Program for County Commissioners with over 100 additional hours of class time on various subjects concerning environmental and resource management including Agricultural and Water resources in Georgia from ACCG, CVIOG and UGA.

Responsible for representing 21 American Legion Posts throughout Eastern and Coastal Georgia.

I am a Life Member of The American Legion Post 27, Richmond Hill, GA. Our Post is supports veterans in Bryan County. We consider the primary work as helping our children and youth!

Army Aviator