Benjamin “Dee” Colbert Announces Candidacy for Cherokee County Commission, District 4

Benjamin “Dee” Colbert has announced his intention to run for the Cherokee County Commission, District 4, citing a commitment to transparency, economic support for small businesses, improved access to healthcare, and renewed community growth.

Colbert said his decision to seek office is rooted in a desire for county leadership that serves all citizens, not just those within a single district. While commissioners represent specific districts, he emphasized that their decisions affect the entire county and should be made with that broader responsibility in mind.

A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Colbert said his family has operated small businesses locally for nearly 50 years. Through that experience, he said he has gained firsthand knowledge of the challenges small business owners face and believes county government should do more to support them as a cornerstone of the local economy. He said he wants to ensure tax dollars are invested in ways that provide tangible benefits for citizens and promote sustainable growth.

Healthcare access is another priority Colbert highlighted in his announcement. As the father of a daughter with special needs, he said he has personally experienced the difficulty of securing basic and mental healthcare services, including finding in-network primary care providers. He said many county residents share those struggles and that improving access to healthcare, particularly mental health services, is an area where the county can and must do better.

Colbert also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in county government. He said public records, including meeting minutes and financial information, should be easily accessible so citizens can clearly understand how public funds are being used.

Reflecting on the county’s past, Colbert said he has heard many residents speak about a time when Cherokee County offered more jobs, recreation, and opportunity. He believes the county’s people and natural resources continue to have significant value but are often overlooked. According to Colbert, progress stalls when leadership fails to put citizens first.

Colbert said he is running to bring what he describes as “real change” to county government—change focused on families, children, and the county’s long-term future. He noted that his roots in the county run deep, with multiple generations of his family having lived and worked there. He added that his career in local government has given him insight into both effective practices and areas in need of improvement.

As his campaign moves forward, Colbert said he plans to speak openly about issues he believes need to be addressed and to work toward practical solutions. He said his goal is to preserve what is working well in Cherokee County, improve what can be better, and correct what is not serving citizens effectively.

On his campaign Facebook Page, Colbert Stated:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586193264890

It’s important to remember, a county commissioner may represent one district, but their decisions affect the entire county. We deserve leaders who take that responsibility seriously.

My family and I have proudly run small businesses in this county for nearly half a century. Through that experience, I’ve learned the challenges that small business owners face and the determination it takes to succeed. I want to make sure those same small businesses, the backbone of our economy. Have the support they need. And I will work to ensure our tax dollars are invested in ways that truly benefit our citizens.

Healthcare is another area where I believe we can do better. No one should have to travel long distances for basic or mental health care. As a father of a daughter with special needs, I understand firsthand the frustration of trying to find care, sometimes even something as simple as getting an in-network primary care provider. That’s a struggle many of us share, and I want to help find real solutions.

I believe in a county government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on the needs of all its citizens. With your support, we can make that a reality by voting for Benjamin (Dee) Colbert for commissioner Cherokee County district 4.”

“Have you ever wondered why things never seem to change for the better in this county?

I’ve listened to the stories how our county once prospered, how jobs were plentiful, and how there were things to do. Our children had access to resources and recreation that were simple to be part of. There was opportunity, pride, and community.

Today, the people and the natural beauty of this county are overlooked not because they lack value, but because promoting them doesn’t benefit those in power. When leadership stops serving the people, progress stops too.

That is why I, Benjamin “Dee” Colbert, am coming up for election. I’m running to bring real change, change that puts our families, our children, and our future first. I believe this county can prosper again, and I am committed to doing the work to make that happen.”