Wednesday, August 14, 2002
|
Wednesday, August 14, 2002 |
|
Election 2002
The Citizen solicited written statements from every candidate in a contested race on the 2002 general primary ballot in Fayette County. All were given the opportunity to write up to 200 words on whatever issues they felt were the most important in their respective campaigns. The responses are printed below. All five county commission candidates are Republicans with no Democratic opposition; both commission races will be decided in the primary. All five are listed alphabetically.
Greg Dunn Post 5 (incumbent) Four years ago I campaigned on Ethics, Quality Growth Management and Public Safety. I fulfilled these commitments. I've also instituted the first comprehensive Planning, Programming and Budgeting System in our history. It gives visibility to taxpayers and ensures efficient use of your money. I pledge that I will continue with these priorities. More than ever before we are challenged by people, programs and policies which threaten our quality of life. The administration "under the dome" ignores "home rule." It attempts to take decision-making from your elected officials and give it to their political appointees. As your commissioner and chairman, I have demonstrated the courage and ability to successfully oppose anyone or anything which threatens our community. These are critical times. "Go along to get along" commissioners would threaten our quality of life just as much as the state administration in Atlanta, power plants next to our subdivisions or appointed regional bureaucrats who believe "one size fits all in the Atlanta area." That's why I'm running again. I ask for your strong support and prayers as we continue the struggle to remain who and what we are rather than to "go along" with what others may want us to become.
Caroline Smith Post 4 Over the past few months, I met and spoke with Fayette Countians from all walks of life. At the Friendship Center, I visited with our seniors and discovered a great need for a new center. I attended meetings at each municipality and became aware of the current issues and hopes of restoring relationships with all county entities. At July Jam and the Fayette Library Back to School Carnival, I heard from parents of our younger citizens about their concerns for the future. In the course of researching important county documents, I discovered a need to update the Land Use Map and Plan. At the AFCG meeting, I learned the necessity of extending TDK Blvd. to alleviate Hwy. 74 traffic. Many of you expressed several traffic issues in your areas, as well. I recorded all of your concerns. I will work unremittingly to resolve these issues when elected. Perhaps the most memorable part of my campaign was walking in the Peachtree City 4th of July parade. I encountered so many of you briefly, but your overwhelming sense of patriotism and pride reminded me that Fayette County truly is a unique place. One I would be honored to serve.
Thomas Stephens Post 4 I have entered the political forum because I believe that Fayette County leadership needs a change. We need some true stewards for the county who represent and include our citizens in the government. Concerned citizens have asked for information regarding the decisions of our commission and the finances of our county. The response is less than open. The incumbent has had eight years to address rising taxes and increased traffic. Where are the results? Commissioners must remember who the customers are. The incumbent relies heavily on the Land Use Plan, but of the almost $19 million in increased spending during her current term the incumbent has not invested in keeping it up to date. She claims to make all the hard decisions. Consistently saying "no" is not a hard decision. I feel blessed with the opportunity to express my views and look forward to your input into the challenges that face us now and in the future. With your support, we can develop vision and a plan that is uniquely Fayette County. I would appreciate your vote for the future on Aug. 20 for Commission Post 4.
Linda Wells Post 4 (incumbent) Four years ago I promised Planned Growth/Development, Fiscal Conservatism and the Protection of Fayette's Quality Lifestyle. Planned growth/development: I have been an ardent supporter of the current Land Use Plan. As a result, we have seen a return to the quality of life that most of us moved here to enjoy. A June 13, 2002 poll reported that 61 percent of Fayette County's citizens give our land use plan and zonings a positive rating. This was the highest favorable rating in all of the Metro Atlanta counties. Fiscal Conservatism: I manage your tax dollars as my own. In June 2001, the late Dave Hamrick of the Citizen newspaper observed that I could "squeeze blood out of a nickel" and during this year's budget process, the same paper noted that I discovered a critical calculation error in a department budget. That error saved the county $250,000. Protection of Fayette's Quality Lifestyle: I was the only commissioner to vote against a commercial rezoning in the Starr's Mill area; I also voted against allowing Fulton county bringing sewer into our county; against Fairburn annexing Fayette county property and bringing in its crime, higher density and burden to our school system. Promises made; Promises kept.
Mike Wheat Post 5 Voters should know about a candidate's family, philosophies and planned actions. Family: I have been married to Debbie for 32 years. She has been with Fayette Schools for 16 years as a teacher and principal. Our son Nathan is an attorney and our daughter Sarah is the veterinarian at the Southern Crescent Emergency Clinic in Fayetteville. Philosophy: I believe Fayette is greater than we know. The challenges to our quality of life demand a cooperative approach at the local level, not a "sue or be sued," confrontational approach. Second, less is more when governing! So I am a hawk on lowering taxes, setting standards and getting government out of the way. Actions: I support any mechanism to foster cooperation among local officials for the taxpayers. After 25 years in business and politics, my strength lies in building consensus to solve problems. I will lower our tax burden through jail impact fees and by limiting the growth of a county budget that grew 73 percent since 1999! I support Lynn Westmoreland's effort to eliminate the automatic pay raise system for our commissioners. Finally, I will update the Land Use plan to lower our build out population. And I will follow the plan when making zoning decisions.
Other races (legislative and congressional)
David Scott (D) 13th Congressional District David Scott's Top Priorities for the 13th Congressional District Developing safer, smarter schools. In Congress, David Scott will fight to shake loose funds to hire more well-trained teachers to reduce class sizes even further and restore discipline by getting character education and important values like honesty and respect back in the curriculum. He'll fight to secure more college scholarships for our students and he'll support financial assistance programs that help working families plan for their children's college education. Providing affordable health care for all. In Congress, David Scott will fight to make health care affordable for everyone and he'll continue his tireless efforts to increase funding for the research necessary to have early detection, prevention and cure of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases that affect our community. He will fight to pass a real Patient's Bill of Rights, one that will allow doctors and patients to make medical decisions, not HMO accountants. David Scott will also vote to modernize Medicare to cover the costs of prescription drugs. Keeping our children, families and environment safe. In Congress, David Scott will fight to keep our streets safe and our rivers, streams and air clean. He'll also fight to create jobs and expand opportunity for small businesses. (The other candidates in this race Greg K. Hecht (D), Embry Malone (D), David Worley (D), and Clay Cox (R) did not respond.) Donzella James (D) 13th Congressional District State Senator Donzella James is a candidate for Georgia's newly created Thirteenth Congressional District. Having worked with children, she knows that education is a compass to tomorrow's future. Corresponding with this belief, from Pre-K to anti-drop out high school programs, she has always championed for improving education in the Georgia legislature. During her eight-year tenure in the Georgia Legislature, she has fought for child endangerment laws that will protect children from sexual abuse. Not only has she fought for child endangerment laws, she has fought for better teen driving and safety laws. In addition to encompassing the minds of tomorrow's leaders, she has supported legislation that honors and respects different religions. Having worked on Georgia's faith-based initiative, she supported moments of silence. Moreover, she has advocated strongly for tougher DUI legislation as well as the closing of landfills for a safe and clean environment. Moreover, as a union member of working people, Donzella has first hand knowledge of the need for good jobs at good pay. In Congress, she will continue to fight for pay equity. On August 20th, vote for Donzella James, she is the right woman, in the right place, at the right time for Congress.
Mike Crotts (R) State Senate, District 17 For the past 10 years I have had the honor and privilege to serve in the 17th Senatorial District. During my tenure, I have dedicated myself to constituent services. When I introduce legislation, I first consider how the legislation will benefit the citizens of Georgia, rather than its importance to government. Because of this approach, I am proud to say that some of my legislation has become the benchmark for similar laws in other states. My goal when making the decision to seek elective office was to work for people's interest, rather than imposing the tyranny of "big government." I still believe in patriotism and statesmanship and will continue striving to improve the quality of life for all Georgians, regardless of gender, political affiliation, or race. As a native Georgian, I am grateful for those who fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today. Now, I believe it is our responsibility to preserve those freedoms for the next generation.
Diane Massengale (R) State Senate, District 17 I share the conservative values of the Republican Party and will work towards those beliefs. If elected I will work to build good relationships with all the elected officials throughout the districts (boards of education, city and county governments) so that I can have a better understanding of their areas' needs. One of the main issues is tax relief. If elected I will work to find ways to give the people tax relief. Government should practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of their hard-earned money. Government spending: We need to get the state's spending under control. Pollution in Georgia waterways is a threat. I support stronger legislation that would deter water pollution. Ethics: With the recent questioning of corporate America's ethics, I believe it is time to look at our state ethics laws that govern our elected officials and candidates for public office. I support stronger legislation. I support passing laws that require full disclosure of business interests of legislators. I support increasing the fines for violations of ethics laws from the current $1,000 fine to $5,000.
Chuck Meadows State Senate, District 34 Our Fair Share Work to make sure the 34th senate District draws its fair share of the state's $16 billion budget to support our own efforts here in our communities. Education Commit resources to the recruitment, retention, and support of teachers through PRAXIS preparation assistance, enrichment opportunities, and public-private funds for tools in the classroom. Health Care Strengthen the state's health care network through nursing home regulation reform, prescription drug assistance, and broader options for long-term care. Business Development Promote opportunities for small business owners with start-up funds and consulting support, and increase employment security through economic development and job recruitment efforts. Transportation Planning Support local transportation planning efforts with a network of roads that provides commuters with efficient options and residents with easy access.
Prudential Sealey-Trotter State Senate, District 34 Prudencia Sealey-Trotter was born in the United States Virgin Islands (St. Croix). One of 10 siblings, she had to learn how to get along with all people early in life. (Her mother was one of 15 siblings.) Her father was a career military man, and Prudencia and several of the children eventually served in the United States military. (Her younger brother is currently in the Special Forces, and he regularly undergoes dangerous and secretive missions.) She is proud of her American heritage and what it stands for. But, she also refuses to simply turn a deaf ear to injustices. She is known for her tenacity and her compassion, especially for the downtrodden. Prudencia came to the states in 1979 to attend college. She's married to Dr. John Trotter, and the couple has three children (Marissa, 19, who Tuskegee University, and Robert, 9, and Matthew, 8, who attend Grace Christian Academy in Fayetteville). Prudencia and her family have lived in the Fayetteville portion of Clayton County since 1994. They attend New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, and Prudencia works in the payroll department at Delta Air Lines. (The other candidates in this race Michael King (D), Valencia Seay (D), and Emory Wilkerson (R) did not respond.)
Merrill Massengale State House, District 85 Issues that I am concerned about include educational reform, state debt and spending reform, protection of our water resources, unfunded mandates on local level elected officials, and prison reform. I will outline my position on two of these issues. 1. Protecting our water resources: I want to see our laws strengthened to avoid further pollution of our rivers and streams which provide water for our homes. There are 14 major river basins and 35 drainage basins in Georgia. All of these are polluted to some degree, some more than others. Some are so polluted that the fish are not recommended for eating. The different types of pollutants that enter our streams are far too numerous to mention here. The 1972 Federal Clean Water Act mandated that states clean up their rivers and streams. Compliance has been sketchy at best. Our citizens deserve better and I will work toward solutions that will put Georgia in full compliance with the Clean Water Act. 2. Prison reform: Georgia currently has the highest incarceration rate in the U.S.A. per capita. The average cost to our citizens is currently $47 per day for each prisoner, plus legal fees and health care costs. The amount of money spent to keep this system going is staggering and ways must be found to bring this situation under control. The current leadership's thinking is "let's build more prisons," "it's a great industry." The numbers mentioned can be managed and reduced with better leadership and through education of our young people. (The other candidate in this race, John Lunsford (R), did not respond.)
|
||