Wednesday, July 31, 2002

Why should Fayette County elect Caroline Smith to the Fayette County Commission? On Jan. 1 of this year, I completed my third consecutive term as a member of the Brooks Town Council. During my 13 years of public service, I developed the credentials and experience necessary to serve as a county commissioner.

Some of my Brooks positions served are town clerk for 10 years, mayor pro tem, chairman of the Brooks Water Department, chairman of the Brooks Commemorative Coke Bottle Committee (a Brooks Recreation fund-raiser), chairman of the Brooks Land Use Plan and Map Update Committee.

Countywide, I was a 12-year officer with the Association of Fayette County Governments, a Fayette County recreation commissioner, and was appointed to the Steering Committee of the Fayette County Growth Management Plan.

Regionally, I was appointed to the ARC Vision 20/20 Transportation Initiation Committee, and as a result, was instrumental in obtaining the necessary support from ARC to have the proposed "Outer Loop" eliminated from the south Fayette area. I also campaigned successfully to have the Brooks-South Fayette-South Peachtree City telephone exchange included in the 770 Atlanta calling area.

Nationally, I worked in conjunction with the Georgia Rural Water Association to develop and enact for Brooks, the first wellhead protection ordinance in the United States.

As an elected official, I have developed good working relationships with each of the county's municipalities, the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, and most of the offices with the county government.

I am extremely proud of the town of Brooks, population 565, and its achievements. Brooks operates an independent library, a cemetery, a water system of 105 connections, a downtown sewer system, a planning and zoning department, and supports a recreation department complete with youth baseball, football, and softball.

All of this was accomplished with a combined budget of $180,400 for fiscal year 2001-2002. Brooks spent approximately $320 per person. In 2001, Woolsey spent $149 per person. (This Brooks and Woolsey data was omitted from the letter by Linda Wells to The Citizen July 24).

It was a difficult decision for me to not seek reelection in Brooks, but I felt compelled to run for the county commission position. I felt it is vital to restore unity between the county commission and all county municipalities. With the governing bodies of this county working together, any situation can be resolved.

My other two priorities are updating the county land use plan and reviewing the commission meeting policy and procedure. The land use plan, amended through March 8, 2001, Chapter 3, Existing Conditions and Land Use, lists outdated information collected through 1987.

In addition, Chapter 4, Population, data is only cited through 1990. For this important document to bear weight, it must be strengthened and current.

In regards to commission meeting procedure, I feel strongly that all motions and votes should be conducted in the open public meeting session. Yes, executive sessions are necessary for matters of personnel, legal litigation, and real estate matters, but for discussion only. I will endeavor to vote responsibly, and I am willing to be held publicly accountable for my decisions.

In closing, I offer the following comments to you. I will hold office hours for the public each week, I will begin immediately to research and educate myself on the current issues facing the county government. My alliance is with all Fayette Countians, from our newest little ones, to our most senior.

During the recent weeks of my campaign, I have been privileged to meet many of you and your encouragement has only emphasized how very much I want this job. Thank you for your support. I welcome the opportunity to serve as your next Fayette County Commissioner, Post 4.

Caroline E. Smith

Candidate for Fayette County Commission Post 4

Brooks

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