Bainbridge trucking company owner and City of Bainbridge Planning Commission Vice Chairman Phil Long says he plans to run for the Bainbridge City Council District 4 seat presently held by Greg Waddell.

“I love Bainbridge,” Long said Monday, noting he wants to give back to the community. “I want my kids to come back if they want to come back here.”

Long, a former farmer from the Blackjack area, currently lives on Randolph Court. Born and raised in Decatur County, Long gave up farming to start L&L Trucking Company, which mainly hauls agricultural products.

Long is president of the Future Farmers of America Alumni Association and is a member of Young Farmers.

He said he has learned a lot since being on the Planning Commission, which was the first time he’s been involved in city government.

“It’s been very positive. It was very eye-opening. It gives you an idea of how the city ordinances work and how they apply to the general population,” Long said.

Long is a 1977 Bainbridge High School graduate and attended Bainbridge College and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton.

Long said he is honest and forthright.

“The way I am today is the way I’m going to be tomorrow.”

Married to his wife, Diane, for 19 years, the couple have two sons: Jason, 14, a up-coming freshman at Bainbridge High School, and Griffin, 9, a student at Elcan-King Elementary School.

Long says you can reach him by e-mail at philmlong@yahoo.com.

Waddell has said he plans to qualify for re-election.