Fort Oglethorpe Councilman Louis Hamm became a plumber, pastor and politician in that order, but while he enjoys helping city residents his religious beliefs and standards come first.

The 57-year-old native of Macon, Ga., is married and has two grown daughters and five grandchildren.

The plumber became a pastor in 1978 and now leads Salem Road Baptist Church in Rossville. He assumed his city council seat in January 2008.

After taking office, Mr. Hamm was elected by the council to serve as city clerk, but he surrendered that extra duty after learning the city clerk must sign beer licenses.

The Times Free Press recently sat down with Mr. Hamm and discussed how he prioritizes religious convictions and government responsibilities.

Q: What prompted your decision to give up the clerk post in favor of Councilman Harold Silcox?

A: I must stand up for my beliefs in my God and what’s in the Bible. These type decisions are personal and most of us have to make judgments on major issues at some point in life.

The Bible says how we are to act and walk on a daily basis. I don’t attempt to force my beliefs on anyone, but there are times when there are potential conflicts with governmental duties. I can’t separate my Christianity and government duties.

My Christian ethics and standards go with me all day, every day. I found myself unwilling to compromise on the issue of alcohol. ... If I ever face the possibility of my religious standards conflicting with my council duties, I will give up my seat.

Q: What are some of your goals for Fort Oglethorpe?

A: Unity on this council and between the city and county. This won’t happen right away, but I believe we are improving here in the city.

An individual informed me our meetings were boring, but I explained we are not a reality show for someone to watch and have a laugh. Our purpose in our meetings is to take care of the business of our citizens. It doesn’t have to be about harsh words or personalities.

Q: What do you have in mind when you talk of unity?

A: There is no requirement that council votes always be 5-0. We can disagree on an issue with an honest difference of opinion, but there’s no reason to hold grudges. ... I see unity as placing an issue on the table, reaching a decision without anger and arriving at the right decision for our city as a whole.

Q: What is your assessment of the proposed list of capital projects for the special purpose local option sales tax referendum in September?

A: I’m not in agreement with the county list and the proposed distribution of project funds. I can’t go along with it and vote in favor of the referendum. It’s for my own personal vote. I continue to study the resolution to approve an intergovernmental agreement on the matter at our council meeting Monday.

The county holds the SPLOST proposals in their collective hands. Our two cities in this county need to have a hearing to provide input rather than being greeted with an attitude of: ‘We see it this way and that’s how it will be.’

Q: What has been your most significant surprise about government since taking office?

A: Everything is about or comes down to money, or the lack thereof. You can’t spend money you don’t have. The magnitude of what it takes to run a government was surprising.

It is pleasing to work and achieve a solution on an issue before it has a bad consequence. The solution may not be the one a resident wants or one I thought was needed, but there is a feeling of accomplishment in resolving a problem.