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Claudia Penland
I am Claudia Penland, and I’m running for Ellijay City Council.
I am the daughter of John and Trina Penland, and a proud lifelong resident of Ellijay, with roots that run deep in this community.
Having called Ellijay home for over 30 years, I bring a wealth of local knowledge, perspective and a genuine understanding of our city’s dynamics.
I am a graduate of Gilmer High School and the University of Georgia and have dedicated eight years to public school education. My educational and career success would not have been possible without the great teachers and support I experienced from the Gilmer County School District. Currently, I serve as an 8th grade Georgia Studies teacher at Clear Creek Middle School, working to instill a love of learning and an appreciation for our state’s rich history.
With a family history in Gilmer County that spans over 150 years, I hold a profound connection and commitment to our area’s heritage. My family’s farm and apple orchard, Penland’s Apple House, which was established in 1936, is a testament to our enduring ties to this community.
My platform for Ellijay City Council focuses on maintaining lower taxes and providing robust support for our residents and businesses. I believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility and in creating an environment where small businesses can succeed. I believe we can find a balance of planned growth, while preserving our community values and culture that we all love.
One of my primary goals is to ensure that the Ellijay City Council hears and considers the perspectives of Ellijay’s residents. I aim to be a voice that reflects the concerns and aspirations of the people I seek to represent.
I offer a practical and community-oriented approach to the Ellijay City Council. My candidacy represents an opportunity for Ellijay to have a representative who understands the needs of our residents and is committed to their best interests.
My dedication to the community is not just a political platform, but a way of life.