Levent Wins Key Endorsement from Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood 

Momentum continued to build in Todd Levent's campaign for a seat on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners this week. The former deputy marshal and S.W.A.T. team member spoke at a meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police on Tuesday and added another key endorsement on Thursday.

"For me, this was the highlight of the campaign so far," Levent said afterward. "As a former law enforcement officer, I'm proud to say I've stood shoulder to shoulder with dedicated men and women just like them who consider it an honor to serve their community."

Levent, who is seeking to replace District 3 incumbent Jim Harrell on the Board of Commissioners, said he was disappointed to learn just how deeply the budget cuts have affected the men and women who represent Forsyth County's first line of defense against crime.

"Cutbacks have hit these officers very hard," Levent said. "They haven't had a merit pay increase in three years and the office is short on manpower and supplies. That creates a heightened sense of danger, not only to them, but to our citizens as well. If I'm fortunate enough to be elected, one of my top priorities will be to ensure they have the  manpower and the equipment to perform their job safely and to protect our citizens."

Levent spent last weekend, standing on a street corner collecting donations for the F.O.P.'s Bucket Drive.

The Levent campaign received and additional boost with the unexpected endorsement of Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood, whose city borders on Forsyth County's District 3.

"I am proud to endorse Todd's candidacy for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners," Lockwood said on Wednesday.

"Todd has shown the ability to manage a successful business during one of the worst economic climates in north Georgia in decades. I'm confident he will be just as successful in managing Forsyth County's budget. Todd understands that as county commissioner, he is there to serve the needs of the citizens and not the other way around."
 
Levent said he was honored and humbled to have the mayor's support.

"Because Milton is such a close neighbor, decisions we make here in Forsyth County -- particularly in transportation and development --  have an impact on that city as well. To have the support of Mayor Lockwood is a privilege and I am deeply grateful."