Wednesday, July 31, 2002

Since my opponent personally wrote a letter to the editor because his "communications director" was unavailable, I thought I would personally respond to statements in his letter:

1. He claims my campaign has sent seven attack letters to the newspapers. Not true. This letter is the first letter to be sent to anyone by my campaign.

I believe when citizens (some I know; some I don't) address the nasty comments and misinformation they read in the initial letter from his campaign manager, his website, his slick mail piece and the letters written by his "communications director," he attributes them directly to me. Not true.

For some reason, when citizens respond to his negative campaign tactics and try to correct the misinformation he puts out, my opponent immediately claims "victim status." This is a clever Clintonian tactic but I believe it is not one which will impress our informed electorate of Fayette County.

Incidentally, I have sent out my first mail piece. It does not even mention or refer to my opponent in any way. Many folks have told me that they appreciate my not responding to the "bait" from my opponent. Compare our mail-outs and judge for yourself.

2. My opponent and I agree that the Fayetteville Main Street Program is outstanding. The county has and always will support their efforts. We assist with their events, always provide workers and facilities when requested, keep the administrative complex and courthouse in line with Main Street standards and themes and enjoy a fine working relationship with their director, Nancy Price.

Recently the county deeded the land under the Hollingsworth House and the parking lot behind it to the city of Fayetteville in order to permanently protect it, should future county commissioners decide to sell the administrative complex.

My opponent said that the city wanted to preserve the old Dorsey House on Long Avenue and that I had ordered it razed. What he failed to say is that in September 1999, the city requested we give them 30 days to move it. The county agreed and told them the building would cost them nothing.

In October 1999, unable to get the house moved, the city requested an additional five months, until April 1, 2000, to get it moved. We agreed with their request but said that there would be no future extensions granted after April 1.

However, after April 1, [with the city] again unable to get the house moved, I informed the city that we would delay razing it until the latest possible time before construction of the jail and judicial complex began.

For almost a year and a half, they made no progress and on Feb. 13, 2001, it was razed, just one month before construction began.

My opponent knows all this. He was the mayor at the time the extensions were requested. He was unable to get it done. I don't know why. Maybe the plan was simply unworkable or maybe someone just dropped the ball, but the county did all we could to allow the city to have the Dorsey House. We gave our word and we kept it.

3. My opponent says he believes we need a county-wide inventory of all historical assets. Had he done any research at all, or had he even asked, he would know that we already have one. It lists 410 historical buildings throughout the county and was done by Historic Preservation Services, Inc. out of Macon, Ga. It was completed in 1992.

A further bit of inquiry would have shown that on Dec. 5, 2001, the current county commissioners amended our development regulations to allow developers and property owners considerable relief from some current regulations if they would preserve and protect any of the county's historical assets as a part of their development plans.

My opponent continues to attempt to create campaign issues where none exist. For my part, I believe as a candidate for reelection, it is my responsibility to present voters with facts rather than misinformation, misstatements and half-truths.

There are many more issues which my opponent has raised during this campaign that require explanation or clarification. Please consult my campaign website at www.electgregdunn.org. We try to keep up with them, but you will see it's not easy. If you have been told something which doesn't sound quite right or you want to know my position on something important to you and we haven't addressed it on the website, please call me at 770-460-9596 or send an e-mail to greg@electgregdunn.org.

Please get out and vote in the primary election. That is the only opportunity you will have to select your local elected officials. We candidates only decide to run for office. You decide who will be in office. It has been a great privilege to serve these last four years. I hope you'll renew my contract on Aug. 20. Thanks.

Greg Dunn

Chairman

Fayette County Commission

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