Newton Citizen

Covington — Pastor James "Tim" Walden has filed a notice of intention to be a write-in candidate in the Covington mayoral race.

Walden said he received numerous requests from citizens to run as a write-in candidate after qualifying wrapped on September 2.

"I've always tried to be a servant. My desire is to see this city continue to prosper. I think I can be a voice for all people, not just a select few," he said.

Foremost on Walden's mind is getting the City Council members working together in a calm and reasoned manner.

"We need to do what's best for the people. I think right now in situations where we're squabbling over this and that and when to do this and when to do that, there needs to be a voice to say look, it's time to sit down and work together. Nothing will ever get accomplished with the fighting going on…Everybody has their own ideas but if we can sit down and be calm about issues we can work these things out," he said.

Walden said he would also work to bring more business to Covington, continue to try and reduce utility rates and improve morale of employees and help them "keep their jobs and keep them well-paid."

He said he knows winning as a write-in candidate is "a long shot," but added, "I always go back the Bible. David and Goliath, they said that couldn't be done and it was done."

Walden, 45, is senior pastor of Calvary Community Church in Conyers. He is a Newton native and attended public schools here before graduating as a home-schooled student. He is a licensed funeral director and holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry. He is also a certified chaplain with Newton Medical Center.

Walden received the I Have a Dream Award in 2002 for his volunteer work in the community. He is a Mason and Shriner.

He and his wife Angie have two children, Timothy and Jessica.

Under Georgia law, votes for write-in candidates are only counted if the candidate has filed a notice of intent to run. Friday was the deadline to qualify as a write-in candidate. Walden is the only write-in candidate to qualify. Ronnie Johnston and Bobby Sigman qualified to run during the official qualifying period. The Municipal Election takes place November 8.