State Rep. Steve Tarvin, R-Chickamauga, said he feels humble about his recent election victory.
He now represents House District 2 that encompasses parts of Walker, Catoosa and Whitfield counties.
“I’m deeply honored,” said Tarvin, a lifelong resident of Chickamauga. “It’s very humbling to be voted in as state representative and I look forward to serving the people.”
Tarvin received 1,925 votes in the Feb. 4 runoff election against Neal Florence, of LaFayette, who had 1,648 votes. Tarvin previously lost two elections in his attempt to serve the people. His former losses were his run for House District 2 election in 2012 and Georgia’s 9th Congressional District Seat election in 2010.
“I’m a sixth generation Walker Countian and a third generation Chickamauga resident,” said Tarvin. “I went to Gordon Lee High School. Growing up, Chickamauga was a very quiet rural town where everyone knew everyone in the small town.”
Tarvin said he sought after the state representative position because he wants to see more local control. He also wants to see a brighter future for his grandchildren.
“I see serving as state representative as a position of service rather than a position of authority,” said Tarvin. “I work for 58,000 residents now. The citizens are my boss.”
Tarvin plans to vote to push toward state control of education instead of federal government control.
“I think we are a sovereign state,” said Tarvin. “The state of Georgia should control education instead of federal mandates. Georgia is a well-run state. It’s in the top five of the best states. It’s the people of Georgia’s money. We need to spend less money and be more transparent with our government. I want to change the direction we are going to slow down on our spending.”
Serving as 25 percent owner of Crystal Springs Print Works for the last 30 years, Tarvin served as president and chief executive officer. The mill shut down recently.
“We could not make enough money to continue operation,” said Tarvin. “There’s not enough money left in textiles. The rewards did not outweigh the risk so we decided to close it. I may work somewhere part-time, but I will be a full-time state representative.”
Tarvin said he prefers all of his communication to be in writing through email and mail with the people he represents.
“If it’s worth their time and my time, we will put it in writing,” said Tarvin. “It will be read by me and considered. I will have a system through email and the post office.”
While in session in Atlanta, Tarvin said his phone will be turned off, but he will try to handle all calls when out of session.
“I feel blessed to be state representative,” said Tarvin. “I’m a strong leader and a problem-solver. I’m a consistent conservative and I believe in limited government.”