Recently on News & Talk WAOK, Former DeKalb CEO and Georgia Labor Commissioner, Candidate for Georgia Governor Mike Thurmond shared his public service background, campaign priorities, and vision for community involvement.
Mr. Thurmond detailed his upbringing near Athens, Georgia, education at Paine College, and law degree, followed by a legal career across the state. His public service includes roles as a Georgia House Representative, chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, director of the Department of Family and Children’s Services, and three-term Georgia Labor Commissioner, where he helped 300,000 Georgians find jobs during the Great Recession. He later served as superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, improving graduation rates and finances, and as DeKalb County CEO, enhancing the county’s reputation.
During the interview, he addressed the rising cost of living, including groceries, rent, mortgages, and car insurance. Mr. Thurmond discussed a pandemic-era initiative partnering with South Georgia farmers and DeKalb County churches to deliver fresh produce and meat to 5,000 families monthly. “If the people of Georgia elect me as the next governor, we are going to fight food insecurity all across the state,” he said, proposing state funding to offset federal SNAP benefit cuts.
Mr. Thurmond’s campaign theme, “boots on Georgia ground,” centers on encouraging active participation in elections, school meetings, and local government. He urged listeners to vote in upcoming elections, including for two Public Service Commission candidates, and engage in schools and local meetings to address issues like utility access and education. “I believe boots on the ground is a call to action,” he said, sharing civic involvement as key to Georgia’s future.
You can find more information at www.mikethurmond.com
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.