By West Georgia Pulse
In a time when public trust in government is often uncertain, Commissioner Henry Mitchell III offers a rare and authentic example of what true public service can look like. Now in his fourth term, Mitchell remains a deeply respected and consistent figure in Douglas County, Georgia. His leadership is marked by transparency, accessibility, and a steadfast commitment to the people he serves.
During a recent interview on The Last Page w/D. Moss, Mitchell moved beyond politics as usual and shared insights that blended policy with personal truth. What emerged was a revealing and thoughtful reflection on civic duty, leadership, and the power of community.
From Broadcasting to Boots on the Ground
Before ever running for office, Henry Mitchell III had already made his mark. As Vice President at Reach Media, he helped shape some of the most influential Black radio programs in the country. His professional success in media was significant, but his true calling was found in service to others.
A U.S. Army veteran and youth football coach, Mitchell’s roots in Douglas County were built on mentorship and community involvement. Coaching the Winston Raiders and the Douglasville Tiger Cubs, he spent years mentoring local youth. “I’ve always been a community person,” Mitchell said. “It’s about giving back and being the role model we didn’t always see growing up.”
That foundation paved the way for a political journey that began in 2000 when he was elected to the Douglasville City Council. He later served as mayor pro tem before being elected to the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, where he has remained a consistent and effective leader.
Building Policy with Purpose
“People think we fix potholes,” Mitchell said with a knowing smile. “But our real job is to shape policy that aligns with the community’s vision for the next ten, twenty, even fifty years.”
As Mitchell explained, the Board of Commissioners plays a critical role in land use, economic development, infrastructure planning, and budgeting. His work on the Highway 92 bypass project is a key example. The effort spanned multiple terms in office, requiring coordination with state and federal agencies and years of advocacy to make a long-delayed project a reality.
“It took two full terms just to get everyone to the table,” he explained. “Another ten years to see asphalt on the ground. But that’s what real leadership takes. It’s not about quick wins. It’s about staying committed through the long haul.”
Coffee and Conversations: Connecting Beyond the Podium
Understanding that not all residents feel comfortable at public hearings or government meetings, Mitchell created “Coffee and Conversations.” This bi-monthly gathering provides a casual, approachable environment for constituents to ask questions and express concerns directly.
“Some people are intimidated speaking at a podium,” he said. “But in a room with neighbors and no cameras, they ask the questions they’ve been holding onto. My job is to answer them honestly.”
This consistent outreach has helped Mitchell remain closely connected to the people he serves. “My yes is my yes and my no is my no,” he said. “But I will always listen. If you can show me something different, I’m open.”
Changing One Word to Change the Narrative
Among Mitchell’s proudest accomplishments is a small but powerful change in federal language. For decades, communities in Douglas County had been designated as “slums” in official housing documents. That designation made them eligible for federal aid, but it came at the cost of dignity.
“I couldn’t look my people in the eye and call them that,” Mitchell said. Rather than rejecting the funding, he fought to change the language. With the help of state and federal allies, the term “blighted” replaced “slum” in the official designation. The change took eight years but made a significant difference in how residents viewed their neighborhoods and how they were represented in government documents.
“Words matter,” he said. “The way you describe a place shapes how people feel about living there and how others treat it.”
Staying Grounded and True to His Roots
When asked how he has remained grounded through decades in office, Mitchell pointed to his upbringing in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn Avenue neighborhood and the values instilled by his mother.
“She always said, ‘Do right by people and God will do right by you,’” he recalled. “That’s what I live by.”
He takes pride in the fact that he has never voted to raise the millage rate in Douglas County, despite consistent pressure. Instead, he advocates for economic development and smart fiscal management.
“When I see a trash truck or a road crew out working, I see taxpayer dollars at work,” he said. “That money has to come from somewhere. The job is to manage it wisely.”
Balancing Growth with Responsibility
Mitchell spoke candidly about the growing debate over data centers and other commercial developments in the county. While these projects can bring jobs and increase the tax base, they also raise environmental and infrastructure concerns.
He emphasized that every development project is vetted thoroughly. The county consults with environmental experts, utility companies, and the community to weigh the risks and benefits.
“If the Water Authority says they can provide enough water, I have to trust that. If Georgia Power says they can manage the load, we plan accordingly. We don’t take those decisions lightly,” he said.
Mitchell has also pushed for job training programs and local hiring incentives to ensure residents benefit directly from new developments. “You cannot force a company to hire locally,” he noted. “But you can give them a reason to.”
A Call for Real Leadership and Community Investment
Speaking to young people who hope to one day lead, Mitchell was clear. “Before you ask people to vote for you, build a body of work. Coach kids. Clean up neighborhoods. Show people that you’re serious. That’s how you earn trust.”
He cautioned against the pull of political performance. “Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be who you are. If your foundation is strong, the community will see it and respect it.”
A Vision for the Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Mitchell sees Douglas County growing in both size and potential. His long-term vision includes a transformation of the north side into a vibrant district reminiscent of Atlanta’s Atlantic Station, with mixed-use development, walkable communities, and cultural space.
“We’re building something that will last,” he said. “It won’t happen overnight, but it’s coming.”
A Legacy of Integrity
Commissioner Henry Mitchell III has built a career not on slogans, but on substance. Through consistency, openness, and a deep connection to his community, he has shown that leadership grounded in truth can still thrive in modern politics.
“You can’t be about the people if you’ve never been among the people,” he said.
For the residents of Douglas County, that may be the most important truth of all.
