Mayor Skip Baliles Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election in Loganville

Loganville Mayor Lee “Skip” Baliles has announced he will not run for a second term in the upcoming municipal election. In a text message to The Walton Tribune on Wednesday, Baliles confirmed, “I have no plans to run again.”

Baliles, a Loganville resident for the past two decades, served on the city council from 2012 to 2020 before being elected mayor in 2021. A retired manager with a 40-year professional background, Baliles said serving as mayor has been “a great experience,” though he expressed some frustration over unfinished goals.

“There is so much to be done,” he noted, pointing to projects he hoped to see completed during his tenure. Among them: the long-awaited completion of the new O’Kelly Memorial Library, ongoing efforts to boost interest in downtown development, and the future of 254 Main Street — a key property seen as central to the city’s revitalization efforts that has sat empty for years. He also mentioned the city’s push to accelerate road repaving, which began three years ago.

Baliles expressed concern about the rise of misinformation on social media, describing it as a source of “rumors, half-truths, or no truth, an abundance of conspiracy theories.” He questioned the narrative that such commentary represents democracy, and emphasized the need for Loganville to continue supporting “upstanding and honest candidates” at the city, county, and state levels.

Reflecting on his time in office, Baliles highlighted accomplishments such as expanding public spaces like the Town Green, the Rock Gym, and the Ag Building. He said ensuring that the city’s police and fire departments are properly equipped has remained a top priority, with the safety of first responders being of utmost importance.

He also pointed to efforts to prevent property tax increases by adjusting the millage rate to account for rising property values, thereby shielding residents from automatic hikes.

One of his most significant undertakings has been the city’s success in securing state and county funding for the $5.7 million O’Kelly Memorial Library, a major project that broke ground earlier this year.

Baliles remains hopeful about Loganville’s future, particularly the revitalization of downtown.

“I believe we can have a vibrant downtown if everyone will pull together to make it happen, and support these businesses whenever possible,” he said.

As he prepares to step down, Baliles offered a heartfelt message to the community:

“I thank our citizens for giving me this opportunity and wish Loganville the very brightest of futures.”

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