BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH

KENDYLH@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Greg Boddie is vying for the Lee County Commission District 4 seat.

Boddie said he was inspired to put his name on the ballot after “a lot of prayer” and “encouragement from a number of local residents.”

With experience owning a heating and air company for 25 years, Boddie said he believes his skills in business and leadership would be an asset on the commission.

“I think that me being a businessman — it would really help the Commission,” Boddie added. “… That’s a big part of it, how to bring the money in and control money and be a good steward of the money.”

The Creekwood Resources quarry site, proposed for Beat 13 in Beulah, is one of the main issues Boddie said he would like to counteract if elected.

“I’m going to do my best to stop it,” he said. “Some people want it, some people don’t. Most people don’t. There’s a subdivision not even a half a mile from there.”

Other items on Boddie’s agenda include improving roads, particularly near Lake Harding, and adjusting the school pick-up and drop-off process for Beulah schools.

“When they pick up and drop off kids, it’s just a nightmare down there,” he said. “I think something could be done down there to help out with the traffic down there.”

Boddie lives in Beulah with his wife, Hollie, and has three daughters and four grandchildren. He said he considers himself a conservative Christian, but the title of “politician” is something new to him.

“I don’t really want to be called a politician, but they said when I started this, I’m a politician,” Boddie said with a laugh. “I’ve never done this before, but I just think I can help out the Commission with my experience.”

When he announced his candidacy on social media, he said his parents instilled in him “the importance of honesty and integrity” and plans to maintain good communication and listen to feedback from citizens.

“I want to work for the people,” he added. “I don’t want to work for some special interest group or anything like that. If I get elected, I will work for the people. I’ll do my very best to help out everybody.

“I ain’t got anything bad to say about Robert Ham or Tony Langley. I mean, they’re good people. … I’m just not that type of person. I want to be treated the way I treat people, and I treat people the way I want to be treated.”

The Republican primary election will be May 24. Those wishing to contact Boddie may do so through his Facebook pag or by calling 334-444-0999.