It is always significant when a large number of citizens turn out for a political forum. It is even more significant when 15 percent of the registered voters show up to hear candidates’ positions. That was the case Oct. 13 when more than 200 witnessed a piece of history at Chattahoochee Hill Country’s first candidates forum. Conducted at Foxhall Farms in Douglas County, the forum provided a large-scale public venue for the new city’s 19 candidates.

First up in the forum were questions posed to mayoral candidates Don Hayes, Rocky Reeves and Tom Reed. The first question dealt with candidates’ efforts to form the new city and their subsequent vote in the referendum. In response, Reed, who was also president of the organizing committee promoting the new city, said he first got the facts on the many city-hood issues and realized that a city would best protect the hill country area. Reed said he voted for the new city.

Responding next, Reeves said he voted “no” in the referendum. But as mayor, Reeves said he would represent everyone and would not push his opinions. And addressing the question, Hayes said he had been active in the organizing effort for the city and had voted for the measure. Hayes said he would be a strong advocate for everyone working together.

Speaking after the forum, each mayoral candidate said the portion of the question pertaining to the way a candidate voted in the referendum need not necessarily have been asked.

A sampling of other questions put to mayoral candidates included one concerning each individual’s vision for the new city. Reeves said his view for the future was contingent on the citizens’ vision.

“My opinion is one opinion,” he said.

In his response, Hayes said his vision for the new city is to keep the area rural and control development. Reed essentially agreed, stating that development should not be allowed to spoil the community and that all citizens should be involved in protecting the land.

The services of consultant CH2MHill will likely be used in many aspects of the start-up of city government, as has been the case in the new north Fulton cities. Such services are often needed since the current-day complexities of running a city are out of the scope of experience of most communities that have had no prior experience with city-hood. Candidates were asked about CH2MHill’s involvement.

Reeves said such services are essential in the short-term and, referencing any longer-term involvement, he said the company could be used as long as the city needs them. Hayes said the company had been contacted by the organizing committee’s steering committee and that the new city would need the company’s services in initiating city government. In his response, Reed said the company had saved other new cities significant money. If they do not do a good job they can be fired, Reed said.

In his closing statement, Reeves advocated for local control and local influence and utilizing every resource in conducting the business of the city. In his remarks, Hayes said he was straightforward and honest, adding that he did not meet with developers. Speaking last, Reed said he had been fighting for the initiative to form the new city and would continue to do so. A mayor must be a communicator-in-chief and must not be afraid to meet with anyone, Reed said.

Unlike other cities in the area, the city of Chattahoochee Hill Country elects its council through district voting rather than the at-large method. Candidates running in the five district races assembled in separate areas after the mayoral candidates fielded questions at the beginning of the forum. Many of the questions posed to council candidates mirrored those asked minutes earlier to the mayoral candidates. District 1 candidates participating at the forum included Ruby Foster and John Taylor, while District 2 candidates included Doris Boylen, Carl Hattaway, Mark Prater, Mickey Tierney and Julie Petty Wall. District 3 was represented by candidates Cleto Montelongo, David Hanson, Alton Powell and Laurie Searle. District 4 candidates included Faye Peek Godwin and Wayne Stradling and District 5 candidates included Ernie Henderson, Rodney Peek and Hugh Tyer.

The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County, Chattahoochee Hill Country Organizing Committee and Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance. The Nov. 6 election for the mayor and council will be held at Rico Cultural Center.

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