Douglas County Chairman Recognized by State Legislators

Two state legislators conducted a special presentation during the Douglas County Board of Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 recognizing Douglas County Board of Commission Chair Dr. Romona Jackson Jones.

State Rep. Kimberly Alexander (D-66) and state Sen. Donzella James (D-35) presented Chairman Jones with a proclamation by the Secretary of State, Brian P. Kemp honoring her as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen.  Sen. James described the award as the “highest honor the State of Georgia can give.”

The Proclamation states may this Outstanding Citizen be afforded every courtesy as a Goodwill Ambassador from Georgia in her travels to other states, to nations beyond the borders of the United States of America, or wherever she may hereafter travel or reside.  The proclamation was signed by Brian P. Kemp, the Secretary of State of Georgia.

In addition to being presented an Outstanding Georgia Citizen award during the Commission meeting by State Sen. James and Rep. Alexander, Chairman Jones received House Resolution 1276, which honored her for her committed dedication to public service.

The House Resolution recognized Chairman Jones as the first African American woman to be elected Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.  During the Commission meeting, Rep. Alexander read the House Resolution before the Board of Commissioners.  “Dr. Jones has served the State of Georgia with honor and distinction, and her vision and unyielding commitment to excellence have set the standard for public service,” Rep. Alexander said.

After Rep. Alexander read House Resolution 1276, Sen. James said she didn’t think House Resolution 1276 was enough, so Sen. James said she applied to the Secretary of State’s Office for Chairman Jones to receive the highest recognition any citizen could get for the State of Georgia.

To receive the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award, Sen. James noted they had to go through a committee process.  Sen. James said, “Chairman Jones, you won overwhelmingly.”

After the individual presentations, Chairman Jones said, “I’m humbled, shocked and full of tears.”

After the Commission meeting, Chairman Jones said, “I’m so honored to have been recognized by the State of Georgia.  It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be recognized in such a public setting, and I hope those who are made aware of this recognize it takes a village for us to be a successful and blessed community,” Chairman Jones said.