Herb Frady opened a new chapter in Fayette County’s political history Tuesday morning.

He was sworn in for a record fifth consecutive term, which also makes him the “most experienced” county commissioner Fayette has ever seen.

For many years in the 1960s through the 1990s, most county commissioners lasted at most for two four-year terms before returning to private life, sometimes voluntarily, sometimes because the voters threw them out. In modern times, only Frady has been elected more than three times, consecutive or not.

Frady’s political pedigree goes back even farther. He served on the Peachtree City Council in 1977 and was elected mayor the following year, serving two terms in office.

Frady attributed his success to how he votes: after hearing all sides.

“I’m not always right but I do what I think is right,” Frady said. “Sometimes I’m a lone vote and sometimes I’m with everybody else.”

Frady freely admits he may sometimes be the voice of consternation as the commission debates its various matters. But he adds that the current board gets along very well.

Frady is also quick to credit the capability of county employees for making Fayette the place it has become since he was first sworn into office in 1992.

Though Frady admits the job is difficult at times, it has been very enjoyable to him.

What about those contentious moments when the commission is taking heat from others?

“We don’t have enemies. We have issues,” Frady said.

The previous “record holder” for length of service on the commission was Howard Handley who served four terms as a commissioner though they were not consecutively served as Frady’s are.

Prior to being known as the County Commissioners, the governing authority for Fayette County was known as the Inferior Court. In 1872, the Inferior Court became the Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues and had five members. In 1901 the body was reduced to three members but was increased back to give members in 1976 and the name was changed to the Board of Commissioners of Fayette County.

login to post comments