Nathan Fitts - Blue Ridge City Council

When I got ask by someone a few weeks ago the below question, it made me stop in my tracks and really think. It made me really question myself for an answer as they wanted one answer not several answers or reasons:

Question: Why do you think someone would vote for you vs. another candidate?

My answer: I think most people who really know me know I’m a name they can trust. They know I will do what’s right and I will stand behind it 110%, even if that means doing so alone if it takes it.

🗳️ Choosing Who You Vote For: It’s Not a Popularity Contest

When it comes to voting—especially in local elections—too many people treat the ballot like a popularity contest. They vote for the person they know, the name they recognize, or the candidate who seems “nice.” But leadership isn’t about likability. It’s about capability.

Your vote should go to the person you believe will do the best job. Period. That means looking beyond friendships, social circles, and campaign slogans. It means asking hard questions: Who has the experience? Who understands the issues? Who shows up, does the work, and puts the community first?

In fact, knowing someone personally might be a reason *not* to vote for them. If you’ve seen firsthand that they lack integrity, avoid accountability, or prioritize their own interests over the public’s—why would you hand them the keys to your city?

Elections are not about who’s most popular. They’re about who’s most qualified. Who’s most prepared. Who’s most committed to serving the people—not themselves.

So when you cast your vote, make it count. Vote for leadership, not friendship. Vote for results, not reputation. Vote for the future you want to see.

**Nathan Fitts Announces Candidacy for Post 4, Blue Ridge City Council**

Blue Ridge, GA — Nathan Fitts, a fourth-generation native of Blue Ridge, proudly announces his candidacy for Post 4 on the Blue Ridge City Council. With deep ties to the community and a long-standing commitment to its citizens, Fitts brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of Blue Ridge.

As the county seat, decisions made in Blue Ridge impact not only city residents but the entire county. Fitts understands this responsibility and is passionate about preserving the charm and quality of life that make Blue Ridge special.

A graduate of Fannin County High School and Truett McConnell College, Fitts has built a successful career as an entrepreneur over the past 25 years. He is best known for his leadership in North Georgia’s real estate market, where he has consistently ranked as the top-producing agent. He currently leads Nathan Fitts & Team, LLC, and manages several other local businesses, including The Real Estate Studio, North Georgia Home Staging & Design, and The Vault Restaurant. His ventures also include Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals, Splash Hot Tubs & Spas, and The Blue Ridge Lodge by Comfort Inn & Suites.

Fitts has served on numerous boards and organizations, including The Boys & Girls Club of North Georgia, North Georgia Broker Council, Easter Seals, and Habitat for Humanity. From 2018 to 2021, he served on the Blue Ridge City Council, overseeing public works and serving as police commissioner. During his term, he helped retire longtime Police Chief Johnny Searce and Assistant Chief Mike Presswood, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and transparency.

His decision to run again stems from concern over the rapid changes affecting Blue Ridge. Fitts advocates for controlled growth guided by a master plan, transparency in government, and fiscal responsibility. He opposes spot zoning, high-rise development in downtown, and wasteful spending. He supports the creation of a citizens ethics committee to hold officials accountable and restore public trust.

“I believe in the small-town values I was raised with—standing strong for what’s right and keeping your word,” says Fitts. “This election is a turning point. It’s time to give power back to the people of Blue Ridge.”

Nathan Fitts asks for your vote and support in the upcoming election on **November 4, 2025**. For questions or to connect directly, reach out at 706-455-9968 or [email protected].

What are your thoughts about tall buildings in our City?

There has been some confusing information shared recently that I would like to clear up. When a Rezoning Request comes to the City, we are voting on changing the Zoning from one Classification to another.

In March, 2020, the Planning Commission heard a request for a development at W. First and Cook Street. The request was to change the zoning from C2 to CBD. The Planning Commission did recommend this change in classification along with a stipulation that the final plans come back to the City Council for final approval. The City Council also approved the Rezoning Request from C2 to CBD along with the stipulations as recommended from the Planning Commission.

This development recently posted a project update on their website. They stated the Planning Commission reviewed the height, size, and width of the building and unanimously approved the project. They also stated that I made a motion to approve the building, seconded by Rhonda Haight and again, unanimously approved. These two statements are not true. The request before Planning and City Council was to approve a change in the zoning classification.

There are many reasons a person might request a change in zoning. It could have to do with setbacks, ability for short-term rental, more density, to combine commercial and retail, etc.

The City Council has not seen any final plans yet for this development. I did not vote for a 60’ building. However, I did vote recently to change the Zoning Ordinance so the height restriction in the CBD is now 35’.

Please do not be misled by people spreading lies to disparage me or other candidates. If someone tells you something about me and it doesn’t sound right, call me or email me.

This election is so important for our City. I want to get our City back on track and get rid of the corruption. I need your vote to do that.

A Reminder as we vote at the polls for the upcoming City of Blue
Ridge election…

Politics isn’t about big money or power games, it’s about the improvement of people’s lives. Please remember that in the upcoming city election. I’ve served with the current mayor and council for almost four years. Trust me when I say we need a new leader for our city. In picking this leader we need to make sure that we do not repeat history over the last 12 years where the leader of this city has completely divided our own government in addition to our government from a good working relationship with the county government which we hope to restore, they have divided many of our local businesses and some of our families. Does this sound like a leader? When picking a good leader, we need one who knows how to communicate and act as a peacemaker. One who unites not divides. A cultured leader who supports its own community, the arts and true freedom of speech not censorship. One who does not engage in acts that are not transparent with the entire community or that are unethical, illegal or immoral. We need a leader that doesn’t seek out to divide our own government, as well as divide us from working with our other local county governments, some of our local businesses and even diving our families. Granting political powers matters greatly because research in psychology has proven that power changes people. Power can have a corrupting effect giving those confidence to indulge in their base urges. It makes them less empathetic, more likely to see only their own success in a positive light and harshly condemn failures in others. I can say I’ve experienced this firsthand. As a quote from Plato reminds us “Only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it.” Please vote for new leadership for the City of Blue Ridge this election. Vote Rhonda Haight for Mayor!

Blue Ridge, GA - City Calendar Population: 1,290 Senate District: 17 House District: 99 Congressional District: 9 Classification: Second Class City 18 Volunteer Fire Fighters City Fire Rating: Class 5