1. Given that there’s a serious economic recession and given that many — if not most — defined benefit plans are in trouble across the nation, explain your position on the county’s new retirement plan.
I was the only candidate to vote against the defined benefit plan that was presented on April 2, 2008. I feel that our current defined contribution plan is much better. Our employees are presently receiving a 4% of salary pension plan. In addition they may put 8% of salary in the contribution play and receive a match of 4% for a total package of 16% savings. This savings plan, in my opinion, would not be found in many firms.
The 401-k has more flexibility for our employees. I am also very concerned about possible future liabilities.
2. Do you have any numbers on what such a plan will cost taxpayers in 10 years, 20 years? If you don’t have the numbers, why not and why should we believe your projections?
I informed our Board that I would not support a defined benefit package from the\start. However, I do believe in research so I voted for it along the way until the April 2, 2008 vote. I do not recall any projections for future costs. Since future Boards can not be bound, it would be difficult to predict.

3. Again, economic realities have forced many private sector businesses and families to forego raises and increased spending. Are county workers — with big new raises — exempt from what the rest of us are facing? Defend (or condemn) big raises using taxpayers’ money at such a time as this.
Due to disparity and high turnover in our middle and lower salary ranges, we hired the UGA to do a compensation and classification study several months ago. After reviewing this report, it was clear salary adjustments must be made.The approved adjustments were applied in three increments over three budget cycles.Other than 4 part time hourly library workers, the raises are as follows: $ 20,000 to 30,000 163 employees received 13,84 %, 30,000 to $40,000, 223 employees received 4.24%. From $40,000 to $100,000 thehighest percent was 1.88%. This is being afforded by no "pay for performance" this year and no cost of living adjustments for the next two years.H-R reports a nice reduction in turnover since implementing these adjustments.

4. What specifically will you as a Republican do to ease taxpayers’ burdens when you are elected?
I will continue to closely monitor our budget and operation. I will keep in place the policy to reduce payroll through attrition and if it becomes necessary support lay offs. Recreation will be kept on hold, as well as any capital expansion projects funded by local tax dollars.
5. Suppose I’m a real estate developer who wants to rezone 100 acres in the center of the county to double its current residential density. How will you evaluate my request, step by step? And how would your governing philosophy incline you to vote on my request? (If you can’t answer, why should anybody vote for you?)
Cal, your request requires to steps as follows. Step one you file the petition. Step two I vote no and you loose.
6. How would you describe your political philosophy? Are you more conservative, more libertarian, or more moderate to centrist in your political views?
I think I am the most independent voter on the commission. I study the issues thoroughly before voting. My decisions are based on the law with what is best for Fayette County. I am a conservative Republican.
7. In what area of service is the county most falling short right now? What would you do about that failure?
I think we are presently addressing the two most outstanding issues in Fayette County. Transportation and water. The west by-pass is under construction with phase one being completed in eighteen months. Lake McIntosh is also under construction but will take the better part of four years. Lake Mc, will yield about 10 million gallons per day for a total 0f 29 million per day. We will have enough water to 2030 and beyond.
8. Why are you better for Fayette County than your opponent?
My opponent says he was a pilot for 41 years with no reference to any business orcorporate management skills. While I have been a commercial rated pilot for 43 years and have over 45 years of corporate business experience, along with 16 years on the Fayette County board of commissioners, one term on Peachtree City Council followed by two terms as Peachtree City Mayor, makes me highly qualified over my opponent. I can honestly say that having flown airplanes for 43 years has not qualified me to manage Fayette County business.
9. What are the biggest three challenges facing Fayette right now? What will you do about these three challenges?
Because we have a hand on transportation,(roads), and water, I think we have much larger problems. But the problems I am thinking about depends on your point of view. Our industrial park is almost used up, maybe 100 acres left and no large tracts. Fayette County's industry and commercial digest has been falling for several years from 26% to 21%. this 5% on our net, $5 billion digest, is large money.
I personally would like to see our regional counties meet to have dialog in the field of electronics and how we can promote high tech, clean, companies to come to our area.
I think our federal Government should intervene in the markets and stop the trading of oil futures.
Park and ride may be in our future should the general public decide to not drive to work alone.