Owner of an established local business and lifelong Bartow County resident, Republican Steve Taylor is the fifth candidate to announce a run for sole commissioner.

Taylor and wife Sandy own and operate Taylor Farm Supply, a family business established in Cartersville by his grandfather, father and uncle in 1948. The Taylor's also are farmers and raise cattle in Rydal.

"I want to be the commissioner because I believe I have the leadership skills and business experience to move Bartow County forward, especially during these challenging economic times," Taylor said in a press release

The release said Taylor "has always been an active member of the Cartersville-Bartow County community and has proven his dedication to its economic development."

Currently, he serves as chairman of the Bartow County Development Authority, and is a member of the Bartow-Pickens Development Authority and the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce. He has served as secretary of the Joint Development Authority since its inception.

His other services include prior board seats with the Chamber and the Red Carpet Cattleman's Association. Taylor is a current member of that association.

"Steve knows that our future lies in our young people," according to the release. "As a volunteer for many years, Taylor was a familiar face with the youth softball and baseball programs of the Bartow County Recreation department."

Previously holding a board seat with the Etowah Scholarship Foundation, Taylor is a longtime sponsor of Bartow County 4-H, the release said.

"Relay for Life is another cause that is dear to the Taylor family," it added. "Steve and Sandy work hard each year to raise money for cancer research and programs since losing their son to stomach cancer in 2005."

Taylor graduated from Cass High School and attended Floyd and Reinhart colleges.

His wife, Sandy Nally Taylor, also a lifelong Bartow resident, has served on the Department of Family and Children Services board for 12 years and as treasurer of the Bartow Education Foundation since 2004. 

They are active members of Tabernacle Baptist Church, and have three adult daughters and seven grandchildren.

While current and longtime Bartow County Building Inspector Tony Tidwell was the first to throw his hat into the ring for the county's top job, three more also have announced runs—businessman Mike Bearden, former manager Rev. Michael Abernathy and local businesswoman Tracy Lewis.

Qualifying starts May 23 at 9 a.m. and ends May 25 at noon. All five candidates are Republican and plan to qualify for the July 31 primary, in which voters could decide who will replace current, but retiring Commissioner Clarence Brown.