I’ve called Columbia County home for nearly 30 years. My wife Christy and I raised our three children here. I’ve spent 19 years serving as Chief Information Officer for Columbia County Schools, and before that, a decade at Augusta University. I’ve served on the Planning Commission. I’ve volunteered at Arts in the Heart. I’m a member of the VFW and American Legion, continuing a family tradition of service that includes my father, a veteran of Korea and Vietnam who rests at Arlington alongside my mother and sister.

I never planned to run for office. I always figured I’d serve my community in other ways—through my career, through volunteering, through showing up at meetings when decisions were being made.

But lately, showing up hasn’t been enough.

Something Has Changed

Over the past few years, I’ve watched our county government make major decisions behind closed doors. Residents learn about developments after deals are done, not before. Public meetings feel like formalities—the questions get asked, but the answers don’t seem to matter. The people who’ve lived here for decades, who built this community and planned to retire here, are being told what’s happening to their home instead of being asked.

That’s not how local government should work.

I’m not anti-growth. Columbia County’s growth has brought good jobs, strong schools, and opportunities for families like mine. But growth has to be managed smartly—with infrastructure that keeps pace, with input from residents who live with the consequences, and with leaders who answer to the people they serve, not the developers who fund their campaigns.

What I’m Running On

This campaign comes down to three things:

Transparent Government. Residents deserve to know what’s being decided and to have a voice before the deals are done. No more rubber-stamp meetings. No more surprises.

Managed Growth. Development should work for the people who live here—not just the people profiting from it. That means roads and utilities that keep pace, and zoning decisions that respect our community’s character.

Accountable Leadership. I’ll answer to the neighbors I’ve lived alongside for three decades—not to special interests writing checks.

A Different Kind of Campaign

This is a grassroots campaign, funded by neighbors, not developers. I’m not a career politician, and I’m not running to climb a ladder. I’m running because I believe Columbia County deserves leadership that listens—and I’m not willing to sit back and watch that slip away.

If you’ve felt unheard at a county meeting, frustrated by decisions made without your input, or worried about what’s happening to the community you love—I’m asking for your support. Not just your vote, but your voice. That’s what this campaign is about.

Experienced. Independent. Accountable. That’s the leadership I’ll bring to District 1.

James Van Meter Candidate, Columbia County Commissioner District 1