Jones County interviews two candidates for Historic Preservation Commission

Jones County held a work session at 5:30 p.m. on March 17, 2026, during which commissioners interviewed two applicants for openings on the county’s Historic Preservation Commission. The board approved the meeting agenda at the start of the session and adjourned after completing interviews; no formal appointments or votes on candidates were recorded.

The first candidate, identified by the board as "Harley Adams Belair," told the board she serves on the IEC of the Georgia Government Affairs Committee, owns an electrical business and is a historic homeowner whose house "was built in the 1850s," which she said informs her interest in preservation. She said she has worked as a paralegal and is comfortable interpreting codes and ordinances. "I'm a historic homeowner here in Jones County," she said, adding that preservation work "is worth all of it." She said she would "listen and learn" from experienced board members, pursue classes on preservation and prioritize following the law and local ordinances when deciding cases.

The board's prepared questions asked each candidate why they wanted to serve, what skills they would bring, and how they would handle conflicts or decisions with incomplete information. The first candidate said she would "be quick to listen, slow to speak," seek outside opinions when needed and aim for compromises that protect the community while recognizing homeowners' needs. She described involvement with the county's College and Career Academy as part of her community engagement and gave a home address during the interview.

The second candidate, who identified himself as "an eighth-generation Jones County" resident, said he grew up on a dairy farm and that his family bought a house in Clinton in 1985 that dates to about 1810. He described hands-on research experience using deed books and local newspapers and said he has worked on a local project referenced as "Jakes Wood." He told the board he would rely on colleagues and outside expertise to resolve complex issues and emphasized pragmatic decision-making: "you got to listen and know how to communicate."

Throughout both interviews, the chair reminded candidates that decisions by the Historic Preservation Commission must comport with local ordinances and state law; candidates said they would defer to legal requirements and board procedures in their decision-making. No motions to appoint either candidate were made during the session.

The board adjourned after completing the interviews. Any next steps — including whether the board will schedule votes or request additional information from candidates — were not recorded in the session transcript.