Candidate profile: Chip Whitfield running for school board seat 3

Published 11:05 pm Friday, May 13, 2016

Chip Whitfield is a lieutenant with the Dalton Police Department and a professor at Dalton State College. He now hopes to become the next Whitfield County Board of Education member to represent District 3.

This is Whitfield’s first time running for elected office. He faces fellow Republican Tony Stanley, the incumbent, in the May 24 primary. No Democrat qualified.

“I’ve had an interest in the education system for many years,” Whitfield said. “The reason I’m running now is because my children are out of the system.”

Whitfield, 51, and his wife Leatha are the parents of three children, all of whom attended county schools.

“For me, it gives a better image that nobody can say I’m doing something particularly for my children,” he said.

Whitfield asks citizens vote for him because of his leadership qualities.

“I strive to do my best to be a leader in the community,” he said.

Whitfield said he’s seen all aspects of schools. He’s worked on the redistricting board, been president of booster clubs and assisted with coach searches.

“I think I can bring something to the table,” he said. “I have a master’s degree in public administration, which is what we’re talking about with (the school board).”  

Whitfield works at the police department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. He’s taught criminal justice at DSC on Tuesday and Thursday nights for the past 15 years.

“I can restructure anything to work and help the community,” he said.