Patrick Bell, elected to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners (District 4) in 2008 for the 2009-2012 term, is a political newcomer and won his campaign based on hard work and his “Professionalism & Teamwork” philosophies.  It is his desire to build an atmosphere of cooperation with the City of Cumming, Forsyth County Board of Education, the Constitutional Officers, our state delegation and Chamber of Commerce. He wants to work together and produce solutions that will help address the difficult years that lay ahead to the benefit of all Forsyth County citizens.

Bell has been successful in leading the effort to bring an Opportunity Zone status to an area of the county that is in dire need of jobs, was instrumental in creating the board's first social services committee and serves his second term on the Finance Committee.  Bell is gaining a reputation as a small government proponent and works for less government intrusion into personal lives.  As a small business owner himself he is focused on bringing business and jobs to Forsyth County as well as initiated the Forsyth County Small Business Incentive.  Bell recently introduced a change whereby appointees of the commissioners will have their term expire with that of the appointing commissioner thereby protecting our citizens from "lame duck" appointments.

Commissioner Bell believes in teamwork and maintains that cooperation is the only way to lead.  Bell regularly meets with the Constitutional officers and other local leaders to openly discuss related issues and seek solutions to make Forsyth County a better place to live, work and play.

Bell continues to focus on the future of Forsyth County by bringing jobs and business to Forsyth County.  This will continue to be a priority as we move through these tough times.  He recognizes the need to maintain growth and diversify our tax base and is committed to finding unique solutions and will not be deterred on his quest to find solutions to help our great county.

Bell, a Forsyth County resident since 1999, is a small business owner, a certified mediator, is active with the Boy Scouts of America as a Committee Member of Troop 254, serves on the Etowah District Committee as Technology Chairman, is on the Northeast Georgia Council Committee as a member of the Technology Committee, Camping Committee and is an Advisor to the Venturers/Explorers Officers Association.  Bell was a 2008 recipient of the BSA’s District Award of Merit, the highest award that can be presented to a district volunteer.  Additionally, Bell is member of Lanier-Forsyth Rotary and is the Director of Club Activities and he serves on the Board of Trustees of Bethelview United Methodist Church.

Patrick has two children, Melissa and Clayton, and one grandchild, Cassidy and lives in the Matt community of Forsyth County.