Questionnaires were compiled by The Current based on questions from readers. The answers to each question are verbatim from each candidate with exceptions for exceeding the word count; overages were trimmed. The answers were not edited for style or spelling; candidates were contacted if there was a question of clarity. If a question is skipped, we’ve noted that. If a candidate failed to respond to the questionnaire, we’ve noted that, as well.
Chester Ellis
The Chatham County incumbent chairman did not respond to the survey request, which was made via four emails to campaign and marketing emails, and phone calls to office.
Campaign site: chester4chatham.org
Political affiliation: Democratic
Joel Boblasky
Campaign email: joel@jboblasky.com
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 53
Home: Savannah
Current job/occupation: Associate Broker at Pier Commercial Real Estate
Education (institutions attended, degrees earned): BS Degree in Finance with a Concentration in Real Estate from The University of Alabama
Hometown: Savannah
Family: Parents – Michael & Robin Boblasky; Wife – Susan Boblasky; Children – Philip, Hannah, & Jenna Boblasky
What is the main challenge or opportunity facing your constituents?
Our biggest challenge today is the lack of strategic, forward-thinking planning necessary to manage Chatham County’s rapid growth. Our county leadership has failed to anticipate and prepare for the demands of this growth, resulting in significant stress on our Emergency Services and Infrastructure. The strain we’re experiencing is a direct outcome of this reactive approach. Effective leadership requires not just addressing problems as they arise but actively seeking proactive solutions and demonstrating the foresight to tackle issues before they escalate to critical levels. This kind of planning is vital to ensuring our community thrives and is equipped to handle the demands of a growing population.
Tell us what your priorities would be in the first 100 days of office?
To address Chatham County’s Emergency Services long response times. It is crucial that we engage directly with the officials responsible for overseeing our Emergency Services. By seeking their insights and gathering feedback, we can better understand their current challenges and identify key areas that require immediate attention. This collaboration will help us establish clear priorities for short-term and long-term strategies to improve emergency response times. By working together with those on the front lines, we can develop a comprehensive plan to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Emergency Services, ensuring that the needs of our growing community are met promptly.
What, in your opinion, makes you uniquely qualified to serve your constituents and what sets you apart from your opponents?
For over 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of working in Chatham County, using my expertise in finance and commercial real estate that bring value to our community. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently brought together people from diverse backgrounds to achieve shared goals, fostering collaboration and unity even in the most challenging situations.
My experience has equipped me to troubleshoot complex issues, find practical solutions, and drive results every single day. I’m confident that these skills—combined with my deep understanding of our community—will enable me to bring people together in a way that creates a truly functional and proactive county government. I’m committed to leveraging this experience to lead with integrity and to create an environment where our local government works together toward a common vision of a more efficient, responsive, and forward-thinking Chatham County.
What are your plans to improve services for your constituents?
To improve services, I will work diligently with the rest of the commission and local officials to prioritize and implement strategies to reduce response times and enhance overall efficiency with our emergency services. I will also address our infrastructure challenges with the commission and collaborate with experts and municipality officials to develop and implement a strategic long term infrastructure plan. This includes identifying and addressing existing issues, planning for future needs, and ensuring that our roads, utilities, and public services can support the county’s growth.
I also want to strengthen our local economy and focus on keeping county spending within the community when possible. This involves working closely with local businesses and universities to ensure that county contracts and purchasing decisions benefit Chatham County’s economy. Supporting local businesses fosters economic growth, helps create jobs, and keeps our local talent invested in our community.
Have you read the budget for your office or board – Yes or No? What priorities would you change?
Yes, I’ve thoroughly reviewed the county budget over the past several years, and it’s clear that while taxes have steadily increased, the quality of services provided to residents and businesses have not kept pace. Our community is contributing more but receiving less in return, which is simply unacceptable. My goal is to keep taxes low while ensuring that every resident and business owner feels they are truly getting value for the taxes they pay. This means prioritizing efficiency, accountability, and excellence in the delivery of county services. I believe we should aim for a standard where our services not only meet expectations but consistently exceed them, ensuring that Chatham County residents and businesses receive the level of support and care they deserve. When everyone feels confident that their hard-earned dollars are being put to good use—funding services that over-deliver—we create a stronger, more connected, and prosperous community.
What steps should Georgia take to improve quality of life for your constituents?
Improving the quality of life for Chatham County residents and business owners starts at the local level. First and foremost, we must focus on addressing the issues within our community to create a foundation for responsible progress. This means taking proactive steps locally to enhance essential services, infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunities.
We need to take ownership at the local level and then partner with state leaders to bring in the resources needed to support our community’s continued growth and well-being. By addressing our own needs first, we position ourselves to better advocate for meaningful change that will benefit Chatham County.
How do you feel you can improve public safety in your role if elected?
I am confident that I can significantly improve the performance of our county’s emergency services. As it stands, too many residents are experiencing unacceptable delays when they need urgent assistance. This is not just a matter of efficiency; it’s about safety and ensuring our community can rely on quick, effective responses in times of crisis. Making our emergency services a top priority is essential to the well-being of every resident in Chatham County.
My approach would involve a comprehensive review of current operations, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategic improvements that directly reduce response times. This includes better resource allocation, enhanced training, and ensuring that our emergency personnel have the support and tools they need due to the increased demands brought on by our county’s growth.
With the right leadership, a renewed sense of urgency, and a commitment to proactive problem-solving, I believe we can dramatically reduce wait times and deliver the level of service our community deserves. Every second counts in an emergency, and it’s time we prioritize the changes needed to ensure help arrives without delay when it’s needed most.
Required for sheriff’s candidates: Do you feel staffing and pay is adequate for your department?
(blank)
If elected, what policies would you favor to deter gun violence?
If elected, I would support policies that take a community approach to addressing gun violence. I believe the most effective strategies involve working directly with Chatham County communities to enhance and expand the programs they already have in place. We have organizations and local leaders who are doing important work to prevent violence and create safer neighborhoods, but they often lack the resources and support.
I would focus on policies that provide funding and resources to strengthen these local programs, whether they are focused on education, youth outreach, conflict resolution, or mental health services. Gun violence is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted response, and by empowering our communities to take the lead, we can address the root causes more effectively. This includes expanding access to after-school programs, job training, and mentorship opportunities for at-risk youth—programs proven to reduce the likelihood of violence.
By building on the strengths of our local programs and fostering collaboration, we can work to create a safer environment for everyone in Chatham County.
How do you see yourself creating/supporting policies related to climate change?
I support responsible stewardship of Chatham County’s natural resources. Our county is uniquely blessed with a diverse environment, from our coastal ecosystems to our wetlands and green spaces. These areas are vital to our local economy and quality of life. My approach would emphasize smart planning that addresses today’s needs and safeguards the long-term health of our environment for future generations.
Preserving Chatham County means more than just maintaining our green spaces—it’s about creating a sustainable future. By enacting and supporting policies that prioritize responsible growth, we can ensure that our county remains a beautiful and vibrant place to live for generations to come.
How important is transparency with your constituents after being elected into office? How will you communicate with your constituents on issues?
Transparency with our residents and businesses is essential—both during the campaign and after being elected into office. Trust is the foundation of effective leadership, and that trust can only be built and maintained through open communication and a commitment to keeping residents fully informed.
If elected, I would prioritize clear, consistent, and accessible communication with all Chatham County residents and businesses. I would encourage our district commissioners to establish multiple channels for dialogue, including newsletters and social media updates. These platforms would not only keep everyone informed about the latest developments and decisions being made at the county level, but they would also provide opportunities for constituents to share their thoughts, ask questions, and offer input.
In addition to providing updates, I would make it a point to actively listen to our community’s concerns and ensure that feedback is reflected in the decisions being made. Transparency isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about creating an ongoing conversation between elected officials and the people they serve.
My commitment is to always be available, responsive, and transparent in my actions and decisions, ensuring that Chatham County residents and businesses feel confident and included in the direction our county is heading.
Is there one key issue driving your run for office? Why?
While multiple issues motivate my run for office, my most pressing concerns are improving Emergency Services and addressing the Infrastructure challenges brought on by Chatham County’s rapid growth. These issues are crucial to ensuring our community’s safety and future prosperity.
Our county’s growth has outpaced the current infrastructure, leading to increased traffic congestion, longer emergency response times, and strain on essential services. These problems affect the quality of life for residents and hinder our ability to support the growth coming our way. I’m committed to developing comprehensive plans to address these immediate challenges and future needs as our population expands.
You must be logged in to post a comment.