Gerald talking with County Commissioner James Thomas


About Gerald DeWitt

DeWitt, 63, has been a member of the Jesup City Commission for the past 21 years.

He is retired from Rayonier Performance Fibers as manager of environmental affairs and a 25-year tenure in the Georgia Army National Guard as a lieutenant colonel in the Corps of Engineers.

He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Georgia Southern.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., he moved to Jesup in the mid-1950s with his parents, who operated several small grocery stores and fish markets here. He graduated from Jesup High School in 1965.

He previously chaired the Georgia Municipal Association Environmental Committee and commanded National Guard units in Jesup and Hinesville. He is currently a member of the Altamaha Regional Water Planning Council and an elder at Turning Point Worship Center.

He and his wife, Linda, have a daughter, Melissa DeWitt and a granddaughter, Autumn Rain DeWitt.

"When I first got into politics, I had the desire to go farther with it than just city government," he said.

Referring to his retirement from Rayonier, he added, "I have the time to pursue this dream."

He continued, "I think you could fairly say that my role in the city has been to bring reason, cooperation, well-managed progress to the city government. And I feel that I can help do the same thing in Atlanta."

Noting that he is sensitive to local issues from his experience as a city commissioner, he said, "I want to work in Atlanta to keep government as close to the people as possible."

He went on to say, "I really like to see people accomplish things." He said he likes to see people know what they want and to pursue it with passion, good progress and wisdom, adding, "I have a problem with inefficiency."

In his letter of resignation, DeWitt said, "I know that education, jobs, and opportunity are keystones that work together to build our future."

"I believe in working with people, solving problems, teaching those that don't understand, convincing those that have doubts, and helping those who cannot help themselves."

"I know that there is great power in believing in our God and in each other. Together we can and will make a difference in our district today and for our children's future."