District 2 Candidate 2025

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As the only qualifier, Mr. Carlyle is the presumptive winner of the District 2 Seat but he agreed to answer the questions to help people know more about him.

1.  Tell us about your political experience:   I do not have any “official” political experience. The experience I do bring that would benefit me in this role includes over 25 years of professional experience in customer service, interacting with the public daily, helping my church with community events, and currently serving in a leadership role in my career with Northwest Exterminating. My professional experience has provided me with the skills to listen, communicate well, and solve customer and public concerns. I work daily with contracts, regulations, and maintaining compliance. Along with my experience, I am fully committed to learning everything necessary to serve the citizens of Lula in an effective manner.

2.  Give us some information about your background:   I have lived in Lula for the past 17 years with my wife and two daughters. I attend Liberty Church and enjoy helping with the outreach in our community. I currently serve as a branch manager with Northwest Exterminating where my daily tasks include managing a team, problem-solving, and providing quality customer service. My core values include accountability, humility, integrity, and transparency. I work well with a team and value everyone’s input. I believe in standing up for what is right, being honest, and I’m not afraid to ask questions.

3.  What made you want to run for the City Council?   When I learned about this opportunity, I was immediately interested, as it seems there is a large amount of development getting close to Lula, as well as coming into Lula. I have been praying about it, and I feel running for City Council is the right decision. Although I’m new and still learning, I wanted to get involved and take an active role in the decision-making of Lula’s future. I am looking forward to serving our citizens as a voice in the decisions that will affect all of us.

4.  What are some things you like most about Lula today?  I appreciate the small-town atmosphere we have in Lula, the history, and the community. Where we live, on the edge of the city limits but still within, it is quiet, and we still have acreage around us. One thing I have always valued is that my daughters had the opportunity to attend Lula Elementary. I’m thankful for the teachers and staff that supported them and helped them grow while they were there. That is a huge benefit to living in Lula, the smaller school, and being able to raise our children in a safe environment without having to worry about many things larger cities must deal with. I enjoy going to the park to run and it is a great asset for our city to have this space. I like seeing all the special events held in Lula, and the community that is brought together through these events. 

5.  What do you see are the biggest issues facing Lula in the next 5 years?   When we moved to Lula, we were automatically drawn to the quiet, small-town feel and the untouched acreage around us, whether woods or farmland. At that time, seeing that development in Lula was at a slow pace was important to us in our decision to move here. Over the years I have watched Buford and other nearby cities turn into what they are today with the massive amounts of development. More development creates challenges, and I believe these will be the biggest issues facing Lula in the next five years. These challenges can range from increased crime, heavier traffic, environmental impacts, and the strain on our resources such as our emergency services, school, roads, water system, sewer, etc. that may not have been designed to withstand sudden growth should development increase. I do not want to see the loss of the small-town character that makes Lula unique.

6.   What do you see are the biggest issues facing Lula in the next 10 years?  In the next 10 years, we may be surrounded with more development, which only exacerbates the challenges we would face looking at the potential issues for five years from now. Although I do agree that some development is necessary, I don’t want to see Lula become lost in the massive growth that may be coming down 365, blending us together with the inland port and other industry that may come along at that time. As we do gain more residents due to growth around us, which seems inevitable with the subdivisions being built in Lula, we must look at what we can do to maintain the small-town uniqueness and balance out the growth, so we do not lose what we love about Lula. We need to plan strategically now so that we will be prepared to preserve the future of Lula.

7.  Would you support establishing and funding a police department for the City?   At this time, I would not support a police department for the City. Should there be a need in the future that truly necessitates doing so, at a point where Hall County and Banks County could no longer adequately support Lula in a way that is acceptable, only then would this be something to possibly consider. 

8.  What else would you like for the citizens of Lula to know about you?  My faith is my greatest strength. Everything I do, I strive to do in a way that gives Jesus the praise and glory. I believe in leading with humility, integrity, and a servant’s heart. Serving as a Council Member would give me the opportunity to give back to a community that has been such an important part of many of our lives. I want the very best for our city and its citizens. I'm committed to listening, doing what’s right for the people of Lula, and being a strong voice for our community, guided by my faith and a sincere desire to help others.