A third Oconee County businessman has announced that he plans to run for what will be an open seat in the Georgia General Assembly representing Oconee and Clarke counties.

North High Shoals resident Steven Strickland said he wants to bring his 17 years of business experience in the communications and software industries to the Georgia House of Representatives.

“I look forward to being the voice of District 119, and leveraging my experience in collaboration, negotiations and technology innovation to drive meaningful legislation for our local community,” Strickland said in announcing his intention to run.

Strickland is director of business development for GTS, a technical services company based in Canton, north of Atlanta.

Strickland said he will run either as a Republican or as an independent in a special election to fill the spot held by Chuck Williams, appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal on Aug. 28 as director of the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Secretary of State Brian Kemp has scheduled an election Nov. 7 to fill out the remaining year in Williams' and former Rep. Regina Quick's terms.

So far, Tom Lord, owner of Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, and Marcus Wiedower, a custom home builder, have announced their plans to run in District 119, both as Republicans.

For more, visit Oconee County Observations.