“I wasn’t retired at the time of the election and I’m still not,” said Jack. “It was my father-like figure, Pat Lightsey, who encouraged me to get back into politics.

“This isn’t something I just jumped into at the spur of the moment,” he added. “I spent nine months thinking about it before I actually made the decision to run.”

Jack, who has spent 24 years as a teacher, said he had to weigh whether he would be able to effectively serve as mayor while still teaching. He had to decide if he could serve both positions effectively.

“I also wondered if I would be letting the people in the town down if I didn’t run,” Jack said. “Many of them were telling me that this was my time and encouraged me to run.

“I’ve always wanted to be in politics, if I could,” admitted Jack. “I feel like I’m well known in Jones County and the city of Laurel. I believe I have the experience to know what it takes to run Sandersville.”

Jack has already established an agenda for his administration. He said one of his major projects as mayor will be upgrading the town’s sewer and water system. “We really need a new sewer system,” he said. “We need to clean up our water problem.

“We need to upgrade our well or drill a new one. While the water is safe to drink, it has a tint to it. Nobody really likes that.”

Jack also hopes to establish a new fire station and public works building. He also hopes to bring new businesses in the area to help increase the town’s tax base.

“I love this town and its people,” said Jack. “I am a Sandersville boy and am basically, sold on the north end of Jones County. There’s no place I want to be.

“Our town has been made fun of and ridiculed by some, but Sandersville is a great place to live,” he added. “I want us to unite as one big happy family.”

Jack lives in Sandersville with his wife, Mary Beth. They have two adult children – Brian, 29 and Nathan, 25.