By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Dawn Craig has dedicated her life to service and hard work. As a child of the Air Force, a USAF wife, and the mother of a USAF son, she brings a unique perspective to the community. Together with her husband, Scott, she co-owns PrimeTime Basketball Academy, where they nurture young athletes.
Dawn excels at hands-on tasks, from construction to operating tractors. Her years as a K-12 substitute teacher allowed her to balance family responsibilities while remaining actively involved in her children’s education. Married since 1994, the Craigs are proud parents of a son who served in the Air Force and a daughter studying nursing.
Living on their family farm in West Limestone, established in the 1930s, they dedicate a portion to Christmas tree farming—a tribute to tradition. Dawn, was once affectionately known as the “Box Tops Lady,” regularly volunteered with the PTO, assisting teachers whenever needed. Both she and Scott actively support their community, exemplifying a life committed to family and service.
In late 2023, Dawn threw her hat in the ring for the District 4 position. Here is the letter she wrote when she first announced her candidacy, and it serves to provide an excellent introduction to her values, concerns and commitments:
Dear Limestone County Residents,
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of County Commissioner of District 4, a seat that holds immense responsibility in guiding the future of our community. As a woman deeply rooted in Limestone County, I bring a unique perspective and a commitment to values that reflect the essence of our community.
Thoughtful Development:
Limestone County is currently the fastest-growing county in our state. I believe in steering this growth thoughtfully, ensuring that development enhances our quality of life while preserving the distinctive character that makes our county special. As your District 4 County Commissioner, I will advocate for well-planned infrastructure that supports our community’s needs and sustainable development.
Concerns for Costly Infrastructure Damage:
The rapid growth in Limestone County brings with it the potential for costly infrastructure damage. Each district is given a very small budget for maintenance and repairs, and the strain from growth unnecessarily burdens that budget. As your County Commissioner, I will prioritize proactive measures to address these concerns, working towards solutions that protect our citizens and maintain the integrity of our infrastructure with keeping the tax burden to a minimum.
In line with Republican values, I champion the principles of low taxes. Empowering individuals and businesses through fiscal responsibility fosters economic growth and prosperity. As your representative, I will work to create an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and economic vitality while keeping the tax burden on our residents as low as possible.
Growing up in a military environment, which could be considered one of the most diverse upbringings, tested the resiliency of kids regularly. This experience has made me a person who understands the importance of looking at situations from different perspectives. In undertaking this journey, my decision
was not taken lightly. It came after extensive reflection and research, recognizing the need for strong leadership and tough decisions to safeguard our community’s future.
Together, let’s navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with our county’s growth.
I asked Dawn why she was running, and her response was, “I want to make sure that the voice of the people is heard, and in addition, key issues end up on the ballot.” There are several things that Dawn believes she can bring as strengths to the Commission that would make a really good county even better. The first is to improve communication. If elected, she would work hard to make sure that the agenda for any up-and-coming meeting or work session would be finalized and disseminated at least three days ahead, so that people can be aware of what is going to be discussed, planned, and voted on.
Transparency is a big deal with Dawn, as well as proactivity. “We need to deal with things before they become a crisis; a crisis creates panic, which no one needs,” she said. She also added, “For the record, I am for the County taking over the animal shelter, I just feel that the situation could have been addressed much earlier.”
If you live in District 4, and this is what you are looking for in a commissioner, then Dawn Craig would appreciate your vote on November 5.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
November 14, 2024
