Wednesday, June 13, 2001
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Wednesday, June 13, 2001 |
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Candidates field questions in forums By JANET
McGREGOR
Although the length of time for campaigning is much shorter than usual, the public has been provided more opportunities than usual to hear the views of candidates for County Commission Post 3. The Fayette County Republican Party hosted a forum June 2, the Metro Fayette Kiwanis Club hosted a forum at the Fayette County Library June 7 and the Libertarian Party will conduct a forum June 14. The forums provide interested voters a chance to hear the candidates answer questions posted by the audience or a panel, and allow time for attendees to talk with the candidates on an individual basis. Candidates were questioned regarding impact fees, controlled growth, transportation, recreation, the tax equity issue currently being debated by the county and cities, the county budget, membership in the Atlanta Regional Commission and other topics of interest to voters. Regarding growth, all five candidates referred to the land use plan and the need to adhere to the plan as much as possible. Bischoff noted, "We have a land use plan and we should stick to it. If we wantonly change it we will get taken to court, and probably lose." Asked what is the most important issue affecting the citizens of Fayette County today, Mask answered, "The schools. We need to do as much as possible without bond issues." Bischoff said, "Growth it effects everything else," and then explained his rational. Pfeifer stated that he felt all local issues were ultimately solvable, but, "The biggest issue facing us is the outside influence of the ARC, GRTA, the Water Resources Commission and other state and federal mandates." He said mandates and rulings take away Fayette County's ability to make local decisions regarding zoning, growth, transportation, density of housing and other issues. In answer to a question on the current impasse between the county and cities on tax equity, Bischoff, Pfeifer, Ott and Gilbert all said they felt the problem could be resolved and it was not as bad as portrayed in the media. Ott noted, "I have taken time over the last six weeks to meet with commissioners and city officials. It is very important to understand that both agree a resolution can be reached." He also noted that all had said that, whatever the decision by the courts, they would work together. Mask answered the question by discussing the problem regarding cities annexing land from the county, tying up land which "could be county property." Ott indicated the need for more funds to be allocated to recreation in answer to a question regarding the budget. Mask indicated he would look for more money for recreation, senior citizens and to be used to clean up streams. Bischoff emphasized his support of law enforcement and the need to ensure they "get all the funds they need." In answer to a question posed on transportation improvements, Mask said, "Nobody wants rapid transit." He discussed car pooling, "filling cars up," and noted, "It could be well-studied and we should do whatever is needed." Pfeifer gave an in-depth answer citing specific areas where lanes could be added, the soon-to-be implemented computer control of lights in some areas, and the need to look at addressing some problems with a Fayetteville bypass. Ott suggested we may be seeing the end of environmental lawsuits to halt road construction, and synchronization of lights. Regarding Fayetteville's traffic, he said, "The Fayetteville bypass is the only option I've been able to find although I'm open to suggestions." Gilbert concurred that the bypass is the "best option I've seen, although it is not a personal favorite." He, too, was open to suggestion, saying he felt it was his duty to look at any plan. Candidates were asked what their opinion was regarding membership in the Atlanta Regional Commission in light of the fact that Cherokee County had recently asked to withdraw from the commission. Pfeifer started his response by noting, "We're going to first have to see if the governor allows Cherokee to withdraw." He said if the dam is broken, several others may choose to withdraw and that he wished Cherokee had contacted other counties first. He doubted the governor would allow Cherokee to withdraw, adding that the county is tied into Atlanta. He further noted the need for Fayette County to stand up for its way of life, expanding on the problems facing the area as a result of state and federal influences. Ott said, "In the current scheme, we have to be a member of a regional commission." He expanded on the problems the county should be looking at, how the ARC "controls through money - withdrawing funds." He asked the questions, "Do we fit better with Atlanta, or Pike or Lamar counties? Fayette County is the only county in the ARC without an interstate." One controversial question regarding a permanent moratorium on cell towers in the county caused a stir of interest among the audience. Ott said that as a city attorney he had wrestled with the cell tower issue. Towers don't have to be eyesore, he said, adding that he favors regulations to that affect. Gilbert answered succinctly, "No sir, not at this time." Mask indicated towers are a "necessary evil." Bischoff indicated a preference to place restrictions, the need to make them "as pleasant to the eye as possible," noting they are a "fact of life today." Pfeifer said the county can't ban them, and that we are actually being required in some instances to put them up. Some humor interjected into the forum made for an interesting evening. Asked if he favors improving county employee compensation, Pfeifer quickly shot back, "All should get a big raise and it shouldn't cost the tax payers any money." Toward the end candidates were allowed to ask one other candidate a question. Gilbert pointed to a black bowler hat in front of Bischoff and wanted to know if he really wore it. Bischoff answered by donning the hat, showing off his dapper look. Approximately 110 were in attendance for the Kiwanis forum. The Republican forum attracted a packed banquet room at the International House of Pancakes in Fayetteville.
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