[ July 02, 2025 ] Why I'm Running

When a former mayor runs for the post 1 seat of Jasper city council currently held by councilman Proctor, people ask: why?

I'm Steve Lawrence, a long-time resident of this county and former Mayor of Jasper. For over 50 years, I've served our community-as a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club of Jasper, a veteran, and an active member of Pickens Post 149 of the American Legion. I'm proud to have been named 2025 Citizen of the Year.

I've seen Jasper grow and change, and now more than ever, I believe leadership matters.

Three Critical Issues We Must Face

1. Rapid Growth
Since 1970, our population has expanded from 10,000 to over 35,000.

2. More Traffic
I-575 and Hwy. 515 have made Atlanta less than an hour away-bringing increased congestion.

3. Water Supply at Risk
We do not have the water infrastructure to support this kind of unchecked growth.

What's at Stake

Like many of you, I've lost confidence in my opponent's ability to preserve Jasper's small-town character while solving serious infrastructure challenges. The water and sewer issues we face won't fix themselves-and they won't be solved without working together with our county and state partners as well as asking for informed community input.

Unfortunately, division between city and county leadership is holding us back. Councilman Proctor is and has been at the center of that divisiveness. We deserve better! It is time for new leadership focused on collaboration and results.

My Goals for the Next Four Years

✔ Work closely with the County and the State of Georgia to secure an adequate source of water, not for new growth but to guarantee we can meet the current needs of the 35,000 plus citizens in our county.
✔ Pause all NEW City Projects until water and sewer infrastructure problems have been solved.
✔ Make all departments of city government more efficient, transparent, and business-friendly.

Let's Move Forward-Together

We deserve better than division. We need experience, unity, and a clear plan to protect the future of Jasper.

I'm ready to serve again-with purpose, with pride, and with your support.

Contact Steve:
770-289-6685
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