Tyler

THOMASVILLE — A retired longtime City of Thomasville employee will seek a Thomasville City Council post in the November general election.

Nathaniel “Nate” Tyler will qualify in August to seek the District 1, Post 1 council seat now held by Terry Scott.

“I would like to help right the ship,” Tyler said.

During the past 18 months, Tyler said, the council has drifted away from duties — “as I understand them.”

Tyler said that during his 41 years of city employment, the city conducted strategic planning, with long-range direction to the city manager and utilities superintendent.

“Staff carried out plans of council and the manager,” Tyler said. 

One cannot be a part-time council member and have hands-on contact with city departments, he added.

“The council does not have to become a police chief,” Tyler said. “We have a police chief. … The city has at its disposal a team of educated, trained and fully-qualified leaders.”

Previous city councils ensured the right decisions were made, and the right people were at the wheel, Tyler said.

“This all came from strategic planning. I don’t want to see that messed with,” he said.

Tyler retired this year as head of city public works and landfill operations.

He wants to see the city grow and get better, “not slide and go backwards.”

Thomasville residents deserve a Post 1 council member with experience and a good background in city government, Tyler said.

“I would love to do that job if the people will have me,” he said. “I am not running against Terry. I am running for the office of city council member.”

The city council candidate qualifying period is Monday, Aug. 19, through Friday, Aug. 23. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820