Joe Welch For Chatham County Commissioner
4th District
Priorities for the Fourth District
Joe believes the Fourth District deserves strong leadership that protects families, respects taxpayers, and preserves the character of our coastal communities.
When elected, Joe will work to:
- Keep property taxes under control and respect taxpayers
- Restore public safety and support law enforcement
- Protect coastal communities from overdevelopment
- Improve infrastructure and transportation planning
- Defend local businesses and encourage responsible economic growth
- Preserve the natural beauty of Tybee Island, Skidaway Island, Wilmington Island, Talahi, Oatland, Whitemarsh, and Thunderbolt
- Promote transparency and accountability in county government
Instead of hearing, Joe believes government works best when it listens to the people it serves.
About Joe
A Lifetime of Service to Savannah
Joe Welch is a born-and-raised Savannahian who believes deeply in protecting the character, safety, and prosperity of our coastal communities. For decades, he has listened to neighbors, supported local organizations, and worked to keep Savannah and the surrounding islands strong.
Joe has served for sixteen years on the Chatham County Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission. In that role, he has worked closely with residents, business owners, and local leaders to guide responsible growth and development. His work has focused on protecting neighborhoods, improving transportation planning, preserving natural resources, and making sure development reflects the values of the people who live here.
That experience has given Joe a clear understanding of what the Fourth District needs. Residents want safe neighborhoods, responsible government, lower taxes, and leadership that listens.
Joe Welch is ready to provide that leadership.
Professional Experience
For more than forty years, Joe has worked in the automotive industry, serving customers across a diverse and changing marketplace. His career has been built on trust, transparency, and strong personal relationships.
Joe believes those same values should guide public service. Government should be open, accountable, and focused on the people it represents.
Community Service
Joe believes service to the community is one of the greatest responsibilities a person can have.
He proudly serves on the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee where he helps promote faith, family, and the traditions that make Savannah special.
Joe is also a member and chaplain of the Sinn Féin Society and a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club, which provides scholarship opportunities and support for local student athletes.
He has also helped raise funds for Alzheimer’s research through his participation in Dancing with the Stars Savannah.
Joe is a member and usher at The Cathedral Basilica of St John the Baptist where his faith continues to guide his commitment to service.
Family
Joe is blessed with the support of his wife, Charlotte Brawner Welch. Charlotte previously served as a Cultural Affairs Commissioner for the City of Savannah and as a member of the Live Oak Public Libraries Board, where she was elected Chairman.
Their shared dedication to community service has been a guiding force in their lives together. Joe and Charlotte are proud to support their two grown daughters and remain deeply connected to the Savannah community they call home.
Education
Joe is a graduate of Benedictine Military School.
He attended Armstrong State College which is now part of Georgia Southern University.
His education helped shape a lifelong respect for discipline, service, and leadership.
The Leadership District 4 Needs Right Now
A Message from Joe
I love this community. I grew up here. I have worked here my entire life. I have raised my family here.
Our coastal communities are some of the most beautiful places in America, but they are facing serious challenges. Crime is rising, taxes continue to increase, and many residents feel like their voices are no longer being heard.
I am running for County Commissioner because I believe the people of the Fourth District deserve strong, common-sense leadership that will stand up for them.
Together we can protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our community, and keep Savannah a place we are proud to call home.
– Joe Welch
Ready to Support Joe for Chatham County Commisioner?
There are lots of ways to support our campaign!