Former Richmond Hill Councilman Van Hunter announced Tuesday he is running for Post 3.

Hunter served on council from 2002 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2014. He said not much has changed in terms of challenges facing the city.

“The things the city had to deal with 10 years or 20 years ago are not any different from what we’re having to deal with today,” said Hunter, a retired businessman and Army veteran. “Growth, taxes, quality of life. It’s about balancing the needs of the citizens of this town with the need businesses have when they want to come in and open up operation, whether it’s a mom-and-pop type operation or an international corporation wanting to come in and set up shop here.”

A graduate of Middle Georgia College and a Richmond Hill resident for nearly 40 years, Hunter has four children and 12 grandchildren.

“Being a little bit old now, and having time for reflection, I don’t think I came to Richmond Hill by accident. I looked around and Pembroke, Rincon, every other small town in the area. The day I drove into Richmond Hill, it was like God’s hand or the spirit gave me a peace about this is as being home and it is. I’ve had a really cool time here,” Hunter said. “I can’t think of any other place I’d rather be. This town gave me an opportunity to educate my children, expand my horizons and have a good life.”

Hunter said he wants to try to help make a difference.

“I’m just an average man trying to accomplish an above average job for the hard working, extraordinary people in the Hill,” he said.

Qualifying begins Aug. 21 and ends Aug. 25 for two seats on Richmond Hill City Council and the entire Pembroke city council and mayor’s seat.

Richmond Hill staggers its terms of office to ensure open seats every two years, while Pembroke voters get the opportunity to elect a new local government every four years. The municipal elections and SPLOST are on the Nov. 7 ballot.

To announce a candidacy for local office, email jwhitten@bryancountynews.com.