Barnes for Ball Ground

Hello, Ball Ground!

I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and share a little about who I am and what has kept me so deeply connected to Ball Ground for so many years.

I have lived in the City of Ball Ground for 25 years—the same house, in the same neighborhood. My wife, Judy, and I have been married for 39 years. We have two grown daughters who both live locally, two grandsons, and another grandbaby due any day now. Our family also includes two dogs, Birdie, a doodle, and Millie, a beagle.

I currently serve on the Ball Ground City Council, where I have served since 2022, and I am honored to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.

My involvement in our community goes back much further. I began attending City Council meetings in 2001 and have served on various city boards and committees since approximately 2003. I have also been an active member of the Cherokee County Planning Commission for approximately 18½ years.

Over the years, I have completed Planning and Zoning training through the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Cherokee County Government, Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), the University of Georgia, and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. I have also developed a strong working relationship with our Cherokee County Commissioners.

Professionally, I am now retired after more than 43 years with the same company, where I served in an upper leadership position and operated a multimillion-dollar business. I managed budgets and schedules, hired and supervised employees, and made difficult decisions. Those years taught me the importance of responsibility, accountability, leadership, and working with people.

My involvement in government has also extended to the state level. I worked with our local senators to create legislation at the Georgia State Capitol that was ultimately passed. That legislation created and continues to generate funding for trail and forestry projects throughout North Georgia.

And if you’ve ever seen the Appalachian Trail license plate on a Georgia highway—that’s something I helped design and create.

Outside of work and public service, I enjoy hiking, fly fishing, vintage cars, restoring antique tractors, and learning about history—both here in Ball Ground and beyond.

Most importantly, I am passionate about serving. I find joy in helping where and when I am needed, and I believe service should extend far beyond campaign season.

These are just some of the things that make me who I am. I invite you to reach out, have a conversation, and share your thoughts, ideas, or concerns with me. I am here to listen, serve, and support our great and unique city of Ball Ground.

I didn’t just promise to serve. I showed up to serve.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me.

Scott Barnes.