Chad Copeland of Brundidge officially tossed his hat in the political arena at noon Thursday.

A large crowd of well-wishers gathered for Copeland’s announcement that he is a Republican candidate for the Pike County Commission District 4 seat currently held by Ray Goodson, who will not seek re-election.

Copeland said he was appreciative and humbled by the number of people who took time from their day to attend his kickoff rally at the Hollis building in downtown Brundidge.

“I wanted to publicly announce that I am a Republican candidate for District 4 of the Pike County Commission here at home in Brundidge,” Copeland said. “For about two months, people have been asking me why in the world would I do this.

“And, it’s not out of necessity or that I really wanted to do it. I felt led to do it. Like an obligation.”

Copeland said for the last 15 years he has been a leader of youth and children at Brundidge United Methodist Church. And, in Troy, he has coached almost every kind of ball that could be named.

“I’ve been involved in teaching young people how to be leaders, about having good morals, about problem solving and about being a solution not the problem,” he said. “I want to apply these same qualities to leadership in the community – to our way of life.”

Copeland said there are groups that band together against “our” way of life and communities must stand up for the things they know to be right and just.

He said he is an advocate of long-term planning because that is how communities continue to move forward in a way that fits their lifestyle. Long-term planning will benefit the people of Pike County, he said.

Unemployment in Pike County is a concern and recruitment of industry is paramount, Copeland said.

“But it’s not just industry that we need to recruit,” he said.

“We need to recruit good people to these industries that have good paying jobs.”

Copeland said government should be transparent. He believes it is the government’s obligation to share information with the citizens and he is committed to his belief.

“I also believe in term limits,” he said.

“For me, running for the Pike County Commission is not a career move. Even if there is no term limit, you can self-limit. It’s always good to have new faces and new ideas in government. If elected and re-elected, I will pledge to serve no longer than three terms.”

Copeland closed by asking for the support of those in attendance and prayers as he steps into the political arena.