Sunday, January 12, 2025–2:20 p.m.

-Rachel Hartdegen, Rome News-Tribune-

This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com

A chaplain and community volunteer, David Thornton, announced he is joining the race for the vacant Post 4 Floyd County Commission seat.

The commission seat was vacated by the late Larry Maxey, a man Thornton considered a dear friend. When Maxey was alive, Thornton told him he wouldn’t run against him but would if he ever decided to step down.

“I loved what he did,” Thornton said. “He was a good man. Kids who grew up under Maxey were called Maxey’s angels. He did a lot of good things.”

With over 30 years of service to the community through his role as chaplain, Thornton said running for county commission is another way to serve.

During his campaign, Thornton will take a leave of absence from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office but he will continue to volunteer in the community.

“I love giving back to my community,” Thornton said. “Whether being paid or volunteering, it is an extension of who I am.”

Starting as a volunteer chaplain for the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office 36 years ago, Thornton became a full-time chaplain in 2018. He co-founded the Georgia Sheriff’s Chaplain Division and has served as chaplain for the Floyd County Police Department, the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office and 911 dispatchers

He is the CFO of RomeGACares, a disaster relief program that serves communities across Georgia, and was a Heart of the Community award recipient in 2022.

If elected as a county commissioner, Thornton said he would still be involved with the community. He intends to continue volunteering and being present for anyone who needs him.

“My commitment is the same commitment that I do as a chaplain, that I’m going to do as a commissioner,” Thornton said. “I’m going to visit with people, I’m going to talk to people in the county. They’re going to see me. It’s nothing different than what I’m doing now. I’m just going to visit a new clientele.”

Thornton is the third person who has announced a run for the seat. The first to announce was Chip Hood followed by Shonna Bailey. Qualifying takes place Jan. 27-29 at the Floyd County Elections Office.

There will be no party primary and all candidates running will be attempting to achieve the 50% plus one vote threshold on March 18 to win outright. If no one is able to poll that high, then the top two vote getters will face off in the runoff.