GOP candidate Williams favors district voting; Democratic candidates Fludd, Biemiller agree

Tue, 07/01/2008 - 4:34pm
By: The Citizen

Republican House District 73 challenger Rick Williams broke with other GOP leaders locally to favor a change to district voting for the Fayette County Commission.

"We can establish a date after the November election that will provide three of the five commissioners to be elected district wide (three new districts, equal in population, which cover Fayette) and the remaining two voted on by the entire county," Williams said. "This would be a good compromise and allow us to evaluate the new system."

He opposes long-time legislator John Yates (R-Griffin), who has consistently resisted the change to Fayette commission voting districts.

"Rep. [Matt] Ramsey and I worked hard and successfully to keep Fayette operating as present, since this system works well and in accordance with the wishes expressed by my constituents," Yates said.

Both incumbent Virgil Fludd and challenger Connie Biemiller in the Georgia House District 66 Democratic Primary favor changing the election of Fayette County's commission to district voting, the two said in their political forum replies.

On the question of district voting for county commissioners, Biemiller said she held to the position she suggested to commissioners several months ago that Fayette be re-drawn with three districts and two at-large seats so that residents countywide would be able to have an equal vote for their representatives.

Fludd — who has twice supported local legislation to effect the change — also said he supported the measure, advocating for the same three district, two at-large formula.

Fludd said that with a currently population of over 100,000 such a measure is more desirable over the current system that is flawed.

Fludd and challenger Biemiller responded to questions about the growing energy crisis, with Fludd saying the state could institute programs that include conservation, alternative fuels, mass transit and work at home initiatives.

In her response, Biemiller said the legislature must first recognize the situation as a crisis and quickly offer incentives and cut the red tape so that local companies can begin implementing fuel alternatives and placing them in the marketplace.

Asked what makes them the right candidate for the job, Fludd said he is caring, committed and compassionate. Having served Dist. 66 for more than six years, Fludd said he was elected because he cared, a reality that preceded his run for office.

Biemiller said she was called into action when citizens representing all parties and demographics were poisoned by exposure to pesticides in mid-2006. A House seat, she said, will enhance her ability to carry the banner for the citizen rather than a corporation.

In the House Dist. 73 race, incumbent John Yates said he would respond to the energy crisis by urging Congress to allow drilling in areas currently prohibited and would set up a van system in Georgia’s major cities.

Challenger Rick Williams said, in the short-term, the state should reduce its tax on fuel, provide tax rebates to trucking companies that ship food, create tax break for companies allowing employees to work at home and those for those companies whose employes use mass transit. In the long-term, government should make use of and provide incentives for alternative energy development, he said.

On the question of taxation, Williams said he would support the elimination of ad valorem taxes on cars, keeping property valuations for seniors on fixed incomes from increasing, reducing corporate taxes to stimulate more industry and reducing the use of property tax while increasing the use of sales tax. Williams also said he would consider supporting the elimination of state income tax.

In his response, Yates said he always works to make government more efficient so that taxes can be lowered. Georgia is in the middle with other states, Yates said, but property taxes should be lowered locally.

Candidates for the Georgia Senate Dist. 34 race, incumbent Valencia Seay and challenger Stephanie Campbell, did not respond to the forum questions.

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Submitted by 30YearResident on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 9:10pm.

District voting is not now, nor ever has been a good idea. Currently, it is a cheap effort to appease a certain group and it will ruin our previously successful way of governing this county.

Many years ago whenever the Democrats ran Fayette County, the Republicans had a majority in the north section around Europe district. An effort was made then by the Fayette County Republican Party to get district voting so a Republican could be elected. I was opposed to it then, and I am still opposed to it now. Currently, it is an effort to have a democrate elected onto the commission, specifically a minority from that same district.

Commissioners represent the county as a whole, not specific districts. They are selected from the various districts to have countywide representation. All any district needs to do is select good quality candidates based on the good they can do for the county as a whole.

As a resident from a southeastern district, I want a say into all of my commissioners, not just the one from my district.

Vote NO, make that ABSOLUTELY NO to district voting for commissioners. It was a bad idea in the 1970's, it's a bad idea today.

Submitted by Spyglass on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 2:43pm.

What's the rush to be like our neighboring Counties? Fayette is different, might I say BETTER, and maybe, just maybe, this is one of the things that makes us BETTER.

If someone could show me a few things being done better in our neighboring Counties due to district voting, I would be willing to listen....

yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 9:18pm.

District voting is, pure and simple, local representation, based on "one man, one vote" principles. Our current system is paternalism. It has been considered such, specifically, by the Voting Rights Act and, probably would be ruled thus if challenged. Keep the faith

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.


Submitted by 30YearResident on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 1:11pm.

Your argument makes absolutely no sense. As long as the candidate "lives" in that district, he/she will "represent" that district.

But since decisions are made by the board of commissioners that affect the county as a whole, I want the opportunity of assisting in selecting the proper candidate. Otherwise we end up with an "Emma Darnell" or some other deadbeat commissioner that's elected by ethnicity rather than ability. If that's what you want, I suggest you move to Fulton County. That system stagnates them and it will us as well.

Also, you seem to be hinting that our present process does not conform to the Voting Rights Act. At least that's the impression you are trying to convey.

Be more specific, prove it!! Cite the areas of our process that do not comply.

yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 1:37pm.

Voting Rights Act

Keep the faith

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.


Submitted by 30YearResident on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 4:33pm.

...in Voting Rights Act of 1965 does Fayette County's (and many more counties around the USA) current voting process violate the law?

You keep throwing comments and buzz words around along with unsubstantiated statements, but so far no proof.

I'm sure that in the 43 years since this law was enacted, someone would have made a legal challenge if what you say is true. But they haven't, because you are wrong.

County wide voting for commission representatives living in specific districts is legal, has always been legal and should continue.

We are opening ourselves up for a lot of trouble if it's changed.

yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 5:44pm.

Section 2...also

S.Rep. No. 97-417, 97th Cong., 2d Sess. (1982), pages 28-29.

AND

Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30, 47 (1986). See also, Johnson v. DeGrandy, 512 U.S. 997 (1994)

Keep the faith.

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.


Submitted by 30YearResident on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 10:05pm.

Specifically, Section 2 would be a massive stretch to use against county wide voting for commissioners. I'm sure you're going to try the part that states, "targeted at those areas of the country where Congress believed the potential for discrimination to be the greatest" as your basis. Well, there is no discrimination related to county wide voting. The discrimination would be to allow district voting so as to elect someone of a specific ethnic background. That would deprive the remaining population of the county to have a voice in overall representation.

Thornburg v. Gingles, 478 U.S. 30, 47 (1986) was a case regarding a "statewide redistricting plan" and has absolutely no bearing on county wide voting. Again, another "stretch" that won't work.

Johnson v. DeGrandy, 512 U.S. 997 (1994) was another state reapportionment plan that was struck down. Again, absolutely no bearing on county wide voting for commissioners.

That's 3 strikes against you. You're trying to make something out of nothing just to get your way.

District voting is not fair to the remainder of Fayette County. Any candidate that would support it would be a sell out to what is right just to get votes.

And that goes for Rick Williams, who in my opinion is just pandering for votes.

Submitted by sageadvice on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 1:22pm.

Does a "district" voters vote only for its district and not for all the other districts?
If not, then it is illegal!
Districts have even been fabricated from thin stretches of land here and there to make up a district of minorities for instance so they can have one elected person at least.
Overall voting automatically leaves out minorities from having any chance to win.
You know all this, but do not want people whom you consider incapable of managing as having a chance!
That my friend is democracy and we must live with it until there are enough capable minorities!
Do you want Alabama voting for our Senators? Or do you also want to vote for California's Senators? I think you probably would like to do that!

Submitted by 30YearResident on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 1:32pm.

Your argument makes less sense that the other one.

There are 159 counties in Georgia. There are only a very few that have district only voting for county commissioners. There is nor ever has been anything "illegal" about it, so understand what you're talking about before throwing around garbage like that.

And how in the world do you equate Alabama voting for Georgia Senators to County Commissioner voting? Sorry, but that's a really dumb analogy.

Why would "overall voting authomaticlly leave out minorities". If there are good, qualified candidates running, then a good qualified candidate can win. What does it have to be a specific ethnic type ? Aren't we going for quality, not color?

By the way, we're a "Republic" not a democracy. When we start having mob rule, we're all in trouble.

carbonunit52's picture
Submitted by carbonunit52 on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 7:25pm.

In the House Dist. 73 race, incumbent John Yates said he would respond to the energy crisis by urging Congress to allow drilling in areas currently prohibited...

Crisis, what crisis? 10 Good Things


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 9:28am.

Republican House District 73 challenger Rick Williams broke with other GOP leaders locally to favor a change to district voting for the Fayette County Commission.

Why is it that district voting is such a major issue for Captain Dick? Face it folks, District voting is an issue that only deals with empowering Republicans or Democrats. Why would a so-called Republican make this one of his 'banner issues'???? Puzzled With all the issues we face in this district, empowering Democrats is a priority?

Williams said. "This would be a good compromise and allow us to evaluate the new system."

Compromise...Hmmmphff! Everytime a Republican compromises Conservatism takes a hit and the Left gains further ground. No wonder Sniffles embraces this guy so much. This from a guy who has admitted a contribution to Obama was charged on his VISA card. This from the former webmaster of the Fayette County Democratic Party website. I don't care if Captain Dick runs for office or not. But, it would be honorable to run in the party as to where your heart and ideology truly lies.....

Challenger Rick Williams said, in the short-term, the state should reduce its tax on fuel, provide tax rebates to trucking companies that ship food, create tax break for companies allowing employees to work at home and those for those companies whose employes use mass transit.

With all of these selective tax breaks, I see none listed that will benefit my business. What I see here is a further and continued manipulation of a tax system that is already inequitable and subject to misuse.

I'm sticking with John Yates for two more years.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


Submitted by jokerman on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 5:41pm.

there may be a lot of Democrats voting in the Republican primary this year. This could impact some of the Republican races.

Submitted by swmbo on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 4:32pm.

C'mon, now, Git. If I took Hack to task about calling Richard Hobbs that name, I'm gonna be fair and call the foul on you, too.

Behave, "young" man. Eye-wink

-------------------------------
If you and I are always in agreement, one of us is likely armed and dangerous.

miss.placed's picture
Submitted by miss.placed on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 3:27pm.

Actually, Rick Williams is a McCain supporter, he has publicly stated this. His wife, Ruth, supports Obama. Also, what kind of tax breaks would you like to see? What type of business are you in? You should really give Mr. Williams a call and discuss what kind of changes you would like to see.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think people are absolutely wrong to want to know why. That's not the approach to the mysteries of the universe, "Why?" The approach is to celebrate them.
~James Broughton


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 7:06pm.

Actually, Rick Williams is a McCain supporter, he has publicly stated this.

So what? Even Jeff C and $age have come out with glowing compliments of McCain. Study his proposals and it becomes very obvious that they match those of Fludd & Seay over those of Yates and the GOP.

Also, what kind of tax breaks would you like to see?

Garsh...that easy. Tax breaks that benefit ALL Georgia taxpayers and not tax breaks for selective industries or groups.

What type of business are you in?

I run a hotdog kiosk at Underground Atlanta. What difference does it make?

You should really give Mr. Williams a call and discuss what kind of changes you would like to see.

First of all he's not my representative. Secondly, I've read enough to know his political philosophies closely resemble those of the same big government political hacks that I desire to boot out of office.

But, thanks for telling me nothing I didn't already know. Good day.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


JeffC's picture
Submitted by JeffC on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 9:21pm.

"Even Jeff C and $age have come out with glowing compliments of McCain."

What?

I mean the guy is a war hero which I salute and appreciate but I think the nicest thing I ever said about him was that he's a moderate Democrat type that I could abide. Hardly "glowing"!

Don't be pulling me from the radical left wing fringe Git. I don't want to be know here as a moderate or a centrist!

Y'all have a happy 4th. And remember those that did what they did so we can celebrate it.


Submitted by sageadvice on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 5:49am.

Second time my name has been mentioned about McCain.
I don't think I have said much more about him than I worked for him in his first run and intend to vote for him this time. I said that long ago when Biden lost out. I am Independent. Hate both the left and the right. just like JOE!

Why McCain? He is the best currently available for whom to vote! He is pandering for votes with thoughts he doesn't really buy, but he must in this atmosphere in order to get elected. The RIGHT knows he is pandering, but it gives them an excuse to vote Republican. People like me know that John McCain is a moderate. Besides he is Navy, I am Navy, and my Grandson is Navy, and my uncles are Navy, and my Sister is Navy, and we are as bad as the conservatives when it comes to loyalty! The NAVY does things right---they fire the Commander of the COLE, they fire theCommander of the Submarine who killed civilians blowing out of the water with the bow, they commit suicide when they make a mistake like Admiral Boorda, the others don't do those things!
Of course Mr. Jimmy Carter is also NAVY! Very trustworthy.

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 9:58pm.

After scanning 80 of your blogs I do have to admit your comments have been less than flattering to ole John. Ye remain firmly entrenched on the radical left wing fringe.

Happy 4th.

And remember those that did what they did so we can celebrate it.

Agreed!

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


ManofGreatLogic's picture
Submitted by ManofGreatLogic on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 6:24pm.

Right wingers.

Dumb!


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 6:42pm.

Puzzled Puzzled Puzzled Ok... maybe you're not so funny. Just pathetic. Evil

Come back and see us sometime when you actually have something to add to the forum.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


JeffC's picture
Submitted by JeffC on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:01am.

You didn't really scan 80 of my blogs I hope. I wouldn't wish that task on anybody!

Happy 4th!


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 3:45pm.

I was certain there was blog where you were complimenting many of McCain's attributes and ideas. I did go back and scan a tad over 80 of your blogs and studied several in detail. To no avail.... And to make matters worse yours was the second retraction of the day I had to make. Shocked Guess it must have been Thursday the 3rd or something. Puzzled

Oh well..... Happy Independence Day. Let's pray it stays that way.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


carbonunit52's picture
Submitted by carbonunit52 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:43am.

Never buy a car from a guy named "Honest Sam".

Never play cards with a guy named "Doc".

Never doubt Git Real's passion for the facts.


yardman5508's picture
Submitted by yardman5508 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 2:33pm.

Never get into a "flame war" with a guy who buys ink by the gallon. Keep the faith.

Even a dead fish can go with the flow.


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 3:49pm.

That was funny. Actually Cal supplies the ink for us all by the barrel.

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


Cyclist's picture
Submitted by Cyclist on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 7:34pm.

I run a hot dog kiosk at Underground Atlanta.

He runs several thousand hot dog kiosks around the world. See the people standing in line

-------------------------------------------
Caution - The Surgeon General has determined that constant blogging is an addiction that can cause a sedentary life style.


Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 7:55pm.

Shhhh..... someone might want a campaign contribution. Shocked

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


ManofGreatLogic's picture
Submitted by ManofGreatLogic on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 6:26pm.

I'm an ULTRA radical liberal.

Oh, and I support president elect Obama.

Obama 2012


Submitted by MYTMITE on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 7:27pm.

Is that you in the pic wading through the sea of crap you spew? And are you putting all your 'apples' in one basket?

Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 6:44pm.

My, My.... and your point is???? Besides the top of your head? Eye-wink

________

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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