TIFTON — Freshly sworn-in, new county commissioner Tony McBrayer says he wants to restore trust in local government as well as restore trust between the Tifton and Tift County governments.

“I think that’s [trust] eroded over time, the last several years,” said McBrayer, who represents District 3. “Several things that have happened have caused each body to not trust the other.”

McBrayer points to the split of the former joint city/county fire department into two separate departments as an example of a recent disagreement.

“Of course, I was unhappy to see them splitting services…I think we should look for opportunities to combine our resources, not split them.”

He says he’d support looking at reuniting the two departments in the future.

“I would, when the time is right. Speaking with people…I’m not sure right now is the right time. But I think in the future, there willl be the opportunity.”

When he was at commissioner training in December, McBrayer heard multiple stories about other Georgia cities and counties in the state “not getting along.”

“But even if it’s happening elsewhere…doesn’t mean it has to happen here,” said McBrayer.

“There’s great people on the city council, there’s great people on the county commission,” he added. “I believe Tifton and Tift County’s best days are ahead of them.”

McBrayer first ran for office back in 2010, getting elected and serving as a state representative for most of Tift County from 2011-2012.

When the lines for his district were redrawn, Tift County was no longer a part of it and McBrayer decided not to run for reelection.

“I ran to serve my hometown folk…and I couldn’t do that [anymore],” said McBrayer.

Now, as a county commissioner and business owner, McBrayer wants to help attract more industries, businesses and jobs to the area. He points to his granddaughter, who is 1 year old.

“In 18, 20 years, I want her to have options,” said McBrayer.

He’d like those options to be diverse.

“If you can get some more high tech jobs here, that’d help with the brain drain,” McBrayer said. “Students coming out of college have a variety of interests. Not everyone is interested in IT or computers. Some people are good with their hands and they need production jobs they enjoy.”

With “rural development” being the buzzword of last year’s state legislative session, McBrayer wants legislators to follow through on recommendations from a recent study of rural Georgia counties.

“I’m wanting them to put some teeth in their rural study,” said McBrayer. “I believe they’re sincere. It’s not just a dog and pony show.”

And McBrayer hopes to help local residents, whether that’s working to develop the business community or talking with people worried about speed limits in congested areas.

“The most joy I got out of being a state rep was helping my people back home,” said McBrayer. “Even though we’re elected officials, we’re still citizens ourselves. We still want to do what’s best for the citizens. I think if we keep that in mind it’ll help us make the best decisions possible.”