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CJ McDonald
CJ McDonald says he plans to qualify for the Ward 4 seat on the Cleveland City Council, currently held by Bradley Greene.
McDonald, 30, is a project manager for Charles Black Construction Company in Cleveland. Having lived most of his life in the city, he says he wants to work for the benefit of the community that is also home and a workplace for friends and family.
“I truly believe that some of the decisions that will have to be made over the next 5-10 years will shape the city of Cleveland’s future for the next 20, 30 or 40 years,” he says. “I believe I am capable and care enough about the city of Cleveland to help make those decisions.”
McDonald says his grandmother, the late Shirley McDonald, instilled in him a love for community at an early age, telling him of the historical significance of things in Cleveland.
“I want to help maintain that small community feel that Cleveland has,” he says. “I want to honor its traditions, while at the same time helping Cleveland thrive economically in the decades to come.”
McDonald says he has been speaking to others for their thoughts about their community and encouraged Cleveland residents and stakeholders to reach out to him to share their feedback.
McDonald is a 2009 White County High School graduate. He earned a finance degree with magna cum laude honors from the University of Georgia in 2013 and received a master’s in business administration in 2015 from the University of North Georgia.
He is president-elect of the White County Rotary Club, a member of Mossy Creek United Methodist Church and a trustee at Loudsville Campmeeting.
McDonald and his wife, Haley, have two children: 2-year-old Teddy and 7-month-old Andy.
Ward 4 incumbent Bradley Greene also says he plans to seek reelection.
Greene, recently retired as co-owner of Nix Hardware & Furniture, has served on the City Council since 2006.
Cleveland City Council seats, while assigned by wards, can be voted on by all registered city voters, regardless of which part of the city they live in.
To find out more about qualifying, click here.