Caldwell wants to improve quality of life in Coweta County
She's running for District 3 seat on county commission in June 16 GOP runoff election
Dakota Caldwell wants to help improve the quality of life in Coweta County.
That’s why the certified public accountant, small business owner and mother of four decided to seek the District 3 seat on the Coweta County Commission. She will face off against Tim Ryan in a June 16 Republican runoff election. The winner will face Democrat Render A. Godfrey in the fall general election.
“I believe that the decisions shaping our community should reflect the voices and values of the people who proudly call Coweta County home,” Caldwell says on her campaign website. “My husband and I chose to raise our family here. And as parents of four children, we are deeply invested in the future of this community.
“We cherish the rural character that makes Coweta such a special place to live. Like many families, I want to preserve that way of life while planning responsibly for the growth of Coweta.”
As a CPA, Caldwell says fiscal responsibility isn’t just a campaign talking point for her.
“It’s what I do every day,” she says. “I understand how crucial it is for families to trust that their hard-earned tax dollars are managed and allocated wisely to meet the needs of our county infrastructure and enhance public safety.”
She says community leadership should reflect voices that understand the needs and desires of both young families and retired constituents.
“When I’m not working, you’ll find me with my family – exploring the woods and splashing in the creek, tending to our garden, chickens and bees, cheering on my kids at their school clubs and team sports, or worshiping together at Crossroads Church,” Caldwell says. “I’m also honored to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in Coweta’s foster care system, where I stand alongside some of our community’s most vulnerable children and give them a voice.
“Additionally, I serve as a parent representative or volunteer with several committees and organizations, including the Coweta School Finance Committee, Blake Bass PTA, Blake Bass Science Olympiad, and Arbor Springs School Council.”
She says being a mom of four children under 11 also gives her a unique perspective on serving as a county commissioner.
“When I saw the opportunity to serve, I knew it was a meaningful way to give back to the Coweta community that I call home,” she says. “I’m committed to listening, leading with integrity, keeping Coweta rural, strengthening our infrastructure, supporting public safety and ensuring that Coweta’s future planning considers the perspectives of young families like mine.”
She invites residents to stop to talk to her if they see her at the grocery store or at a local ball field.
On her campaign site, Caldwell says her platform focuses on public safety, parks and recreation, economic development, budget and finance.
Regarding public safety, she advocates for supporting the Sheriff’s Office, fire department and EMS by ensuring that they’re provided with the necessary resources, equipment, training and staff. She also wants to ensure they’re paid livable wages with benefits to both support current employees and encourage new recruits.
Caldwell emphasizes the importance of taking a proactive approach to crime prevention and coordination between the Sheriff’s Office and school system to ensure the safety of students.
As for parks and rec, she says the community, especially families, could benefit from more recreational facilities with expanded hours. She says “expanding parks and recreation would not only improve the quality of life for families but also help reduce traffic on weekends and evenings.”
Regarding economic development Caldwell says she supports attracting businesses to the area that will provide residents with stable employment and livable wages and will invest in the community in a way that encourages responsible growth and preserves the character and integrity of Coweta County. She says she also wants to make sure existing small businesses are supported and respected by the county government.
“We should focus on enhancing our existing industrial and commercial areas rather than pushing inappropriate development into rural or residential parts of the county,” she says.
As a CPA, Caldwell says has the professional qualifications needed to thoroughly review county budgets and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and responsibly.
She says sound financial management is critical to county government and plays a significant role in enhancing public services via proper allocation. She says her focus will be on building relationships with other county officers, understanding their needs and facilitating open communication about the future needs of the county.
Regarding taxes, Caldwell says “the most responsible way to reduce pressure on homeowners is to attract more business investment, particularly high-paying jobs and significant capital projects, so a larger share of the tax burden is carried by commercial and industrial taxpayers and by visitors paying sales tax.”
Caldwell also highlighted the role of outside shoppers and travelers in helping fund county projects through existing sales taxes and said any additional sales tax proposals “should be left to voters to decide at the ballot box.”