THOMASVILLE — Wise growth entails more than addressing sprawl, said Claud Davis.

Davis announced Monday he will seek the Thomas County Commission District 7 seat vacated last month upon the death of Robert Holton.

Affordable housing, jobs and retail activity also play roles in growth, said Davis, the first person to qualify for the vacant board seat.

“The untimely passing of Commissioner Holton has left a huge void in our commission at this critical time,” Davis said.

The economy is slowing down, housing starts are off, and the subprime mortgage issue is affecting Thomas County, Davis explained. “These pressures are not going away,” he added.

Thomas County and Thomasville governments must work jointly to take advantage of economic opportunities, Davis said, adding, “We can’t have the county doing one thing and the city doing something else.”

He encouraged dialogue among officials of Thomas County and Thomasville governments, along with those elected to city councils in the smaller municipalities.

Davis thinks the city-county comprehensive plan looks good, but he is concerned about its implementation. If it is put on a shelf and not implemented, “It’s a waste of time.”

“We need to make sure the elected officials implement the plan in day-to-day operations,” Davis said.

Davis said that while he was away from Thomasville attending college, serving in the military and working, he knew always wanted to return.

“Citizens such as Henry Flipper, Judge McIntyre, W.H. Flowers, Marguerite Williams and Elijah Hill left a great legacy,” he said. “I believe my generation has an opportunity to add to that rich heritage and to pass on to our children and grandchildren an even greater legacy.”

The community faces significant challenges of unprecedented development, a need for good jobs and affordable housing for all citizens, Davis said.

“I’m asking for the support of all the voters in District 7,” he added.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 220.