TIFTON — Milton Hall, Jr. announced his intention to run for the District 4 Tifton City Council seat at a press conference at city hall Aug. 19.

Hall, better known as M. Jay, was surrounded by family, friends and supporters as he made his announcement just after qualifying for the Nov. 5 election.

Hall graduated from Tift County High School in 2005 and from Georgia State University in 2011. He currently sits on the Charles Spencer Elementary School Local School Governance Team, Colony Bank Board of Directors and Urban Redevelopment Agency Board. He is a member of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce, coaches youth basketball for the Tift County Recreation Department and is executive director of Mims Kids, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping local children and youth.

“I have decided that, if I am going to make a difference in this community, I’m going to step forward and use my energy, talent and love for this community to help lead this community,” Hall said. “I love Tifton. It has been very good to me and my family. I have a passion to make Tifton better.

“I’ve committed to putting my energy and  talents into working to make this a better place to live, work and play for all residents. Tifton needs fresh ideas and dedicated public servants who have vision for growth and an understanding the importance of preserving the rich history.

“My vision for the City of Tifton is to embrace the historic significance of the district that I am seeking to represent and improving the quality of life for all residents of the city of Tifton.”

Hall said that he has been considering running for approximately a year.

Since moving back to live in downtown Tifton in 2012, he has seen a lot of growth in the district and wanted to be a part of it.

“The campaign I’m running is ‘Preserve and Grow,’” Hall said. “I’m in the historic district and I want to preserve that but also see some growth as well.”

Hall said that he will listen to the concerns of residents and be responsive to the issue they bring forth. He urged residents to register by the Oct. 7 deadline if they aren’t registered. Early voting starts Oct. 15. and runs through Nov. 1. Election day is Nov. 5.

“I’m young, energetic, have a lot of talent and am willing to work,” Hall said. “I’m ready to use those talents here in my city and do what I need to do. Let’s preserve and grow. Let’s work.”