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Jonathan Hayes Qualifies for Panama City Commission Race
01/14/09 - 04:07 PM

Jonathan Hayes Campaign

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Jonathan Hayes qualified to run for Panama City Commissioner, Ward 1, on Monday, January 12.  Hayes, a resident of Bay County for nearly 27 years, began the process back in mid-December, receiving great response and support from many residents and businesses across Ward 1 and Panama City.

Hayes has politics and government in his family history.  His grandfather, James E. Hayes, served as Panama City Commissioner, Ward 4, and Mayor Pro Tem in the 1950’s after moving his family to Panama City in the late 1930’s.  Hayes’ grandfather was involved in the planning and building of both marinas in Panama City, as well as securing the location and land for Gulf Coast Community College.  Jonathan Hayes also serves on the Bay County Republican Executive Committee.

Hayes is employed at WMBB News 13 in the Sales Department as an Account Executive.  Prior to that Hayes worked in the International Trade & Customs Practice for KPMG and ASA/Delta Airlines at the Panama City and Gainesville, FL, airports.  Hayes earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Political Science from Florida State University in Panama City.  “Since the age of 18 my career has been about customer service, attention to detail, projecting a positive attitude and outlook on life and working on a diverse team to achieve a desired end result.”

Hayes is an active member and deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Panama City and also is active with the Bay County Chamber of Commerce.  Hayes is a graduate of Leadership Bay (2005/06) and served on the steering committee for the Bay Young Professionals.

“I believe our nation has many great challenges facing her in the future.  We are quickly losing sight of our core principles that our founding fathers fought hard to protect,” Hayes said.  “I don’t believe this is going to be fixed in Washington.  If we want our nation to get back to its roots and on the side of the people, that must begin across our land on the local level in our city and county commissions.”  Hayes added, “It is time that the people’s trust in government be restored, that they begin again to trust that their tax money is being spent as it was originally intended – to provide protection for citizens, to provide infrastructure where businesses and residents can live, work and enjoy life without fear and worry.”

Hayes also desires to encourage more young adults to get involved in government and the elective process.  Hayes himself turns just 32 years old this month.  “I believe that elected officials should set examples as servant leaders, working hard to serve the people, not to be served,” Hayes said.  “I promise to bring great energy and excitement to this race and to the office – if I am so honored to be elected by the residents of Ward 1.  It would be a privilege to serve the citizens of Panama City in this capacity.”

Jonathan and his wife Tammy have lived in the Cove area since their marriage in 2001 and have three children, Natalie, 6, Joseph, 4 and Claire, 1.