Newly elected Dougherty Commission chairman to take office beginning of 2023

Cohilas fell short to Heard by less than a third in the Tuesday Georgia Primary Race for the gavel

ALBANY, Ga. – Reverend Lorenzo Heard sealed the deal in Tuesday’s primary, as he’ll take the gavel as Dougherty County’s commission chairman come January 2023. Quinlan Parker spoke with Heard Thursday about his victory and what he’s going to bring to the table.

“We’ve gotta to make that commitment as a county and as a city to make sure we invest everywhere.” said Heard.

Reverend Heard tells me about his adherence to Dougherty County as he prepares for the commission chairman’s seat.

“And so I’m excited for people who will now have someone at the table who has a commitment to east, and south, north and west to make sure all our community is invested in…” said Heard.

Heard has some new ideas to help not only Dougherty County flourish but the City of Albany as well. He’d like to see the Good Life City more of a “college town” with Albany State University and Albany Tech’s futures more connective.

“I wanna see both of then grow, I wanna see both of them become the kind of colleges and universities here that people from all over the world, all over the country come here.” said Heard.

Heard believes both institutions can improve in getting low income wage earners, to go back to school.

“…to better themselves so that they move beyond living at the poverty line, we’ve got to address poverty here, and I’m committing to doing that.” said Heard.

With memories of the 2017 tornadoes and hurricane Michael in mind, soon to be chairman Heard wants to see more construction.

“We’ve gotta build houses at every level, so that we can increase our tax base, have more people with more options and better options for quality housing…” Heard said.

Heard believes growing our town means more investment in our own backyard.

“We have everything we need. Sometimes we’re looking for somebody to come in when you already got what you need, if you’ll invest in what you have you can already succeed.” said Heard.

Heard says that he is immensely grateful and overwhelmed by the support from not only his community and family, but from both his opponents Harry James and Chris Cohilas. Heard will take on the commission chairman seat this coming January.