COVINGTON, Ga. — Marcello Banes said he is seeking a second term as chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners.

Banes also announced he has been selected for the Leadership Georgia Class of 2020. 

Leadership Georgia is one of the nation’s oldest and most successful leadership-training programs for young business, civic and community leaders with the desire and potential to work together for a better Georgia. The process begins with a nomination followed by a rigorous application process, including obtaining letters of recommendation. About 60 participants are selected each year from a pool of several hundred applicants. 

“To be nominated to Leadership Georgia was an honor,” Banes said. “To be chosen is a true blessing. I plan on using the skills and relationships developed from the Leadership Georgia training to continue to build a better Newton County. Along with the news of my acceptance into the Leadership Georgia Class of 2020, I am proud to announce my campaign for reelection as chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners.” 

Banes began his first term as chairman of the Board of Commissioners in 2017. 

“It has been a sincere honor to work diligently for the citizens of Newton County. I ran my initial campaign for Chairman under the platform 'Believe, Begin, Become a Better Newton County.' Upon my election, the citizens of Newton County bestowed upon me their faith that I would be a man of my word and work diligently and selflessly toward a better Newton County," he said.

"This is not a responsibility I took or will ever take lightly. From my first day as chairman to now, I have remained constant in my objective to make Newton County better.” 

During his first term in office, Banes focused on three immediate goals: promoting unity and collaboration, stabilizing the financial foundation and infrastructure for the future of the community and empowering the economic development measures in Newton County. 

“I will continue to work collaboratively with all entities not only in Newton County but throughout the state. We have worked hard in my first term of making OneNewton a reality, becoming a strong team of commissioners and working with municipalities, authorities and the school board for the common goal of the success of Newton County," he said.

“I ask you for your prayers and support in my endeavor to continue to serve the citizens of this great community.” 

For more information, visit www.marcellobanes.com.