By Morgan Bryce
Editor
Giving back to the community he has called home for the last 55 years was the main inspiration for Doug Cannon to run for a spot on the Lee County Commission.
After learning that longtime District 1 Commissioner Sheila Eckman was leaving at the end of her second term this fall, Cannon said he saw this as the perfect time to pursue his chance to become a public servant.
“I have thought about running for local office for several years. Lee County has given me so many opportunities over the last 55 years and now that I am semi-retired, I want to give back to my community,” Cannon said.
At 10 years old, Cannon remembers working for Dupree’s Grocery and in high school, filled in on occasion as a school bus driver. After graduating from Beauregard High School in 1982, he worked for a stint with the Lee County Engineering Department measuring asphalt on newly paved roads.
Cannon and his wife Amanda have been married for 36 years, and together, they raised three children in Auburn.
Cannon’s career background includes 13 years spent with Michelin, a custom home business he has operated for the last 35 years and ownership of a small chain of local restaurants.
In regards to his community outreach, Cannon cited experience coaching Little League sports and recreational/school teams, helping provide Christmas banquet meals for the Auburn Police Department and creating job opportunities through his businesses. He said he also personally supports the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at East Alabama Medical Center, Exceptional Foundation, Tallapoosa County Girl’s Ranch and Woof Avenue Animal Rescue.
Cannon’s platforms in his run for public office are varied but concentrated based on needs he has identified in his district: competitive salaries and sufficient equipment/funding for local first responder and law enforcement agencies, fiscal responsibility and greater “accessibility to public services” that matches Lee County’s growth.
“As a county commissioner, I will meet my constituents where the issues are. If someone has an issue, I won’t sit behind a desk,” Cannon said. “I will get in my truck and meet them personally and try to find a solution. I will work hard for the people of Lee County to make a difference.”
For more information or updates on Cannon’s campaign, like and follow “Doug Cannon for Lee County Commission” on Facebook.