Questions for Fayetteville candidates:

1. Whether an incumbent or challenger, what things do you bring to the table that would convince voters to cast their vote for you?

2. There has been some previous discussion about the area on the north side of Ga. Highway 54 between the hospital and Tyrone Road in terms of future development and possible annexation. What is your position on that or other potential annexations?

3. Fayetteville often has a very low voter turnout for municipal elections. Why is that and what can you do to increase voter participation past the 10 percent level?

4. The retail areas on Fayetteville’s north side continue to age and diminish. What will you do about that?

5. Grade the current City Council on openness and transparency to city residents. What will you do to improve the council’s “user-friendliness”?

6. Will you vote for or against the countywide SPLOST renewal? Why or why not?

7. Describe your general political philosophy, particularly regarding local government.

Answers from Larry Dell (incumbent), candidate for Post 4

1. I believe that I bring a sincere desire to serve the citizens of Fayetteville with no self-interest involved. I would continue my efforts to ensure that Fayetteville remains a quality and safe area to raise a family. In addition, as I am presently doing as chairman of the Fayette County Government Association, I would continue to keep an open dialogue with all the elected governments and Chamber of Commerce. As evidenced by the past, I have an ability to bring public and private together to accomplish efforts that benefit the citizens without spending tax dollars as demonstrated in the Veterans Room at the Holliday-Dorsey House.

2. In 2006, there was a master land use plan done by the city and county that addressed this area. This plan was published and adopted by both governments. Currently, there are no annexations being discussed. As in the past, any annexation would be judged on its merits and value to the city and county residents.

3. I continue to network and talk to the citizens of Fayetteville about issues of concern. I am always available to discuss any issue that they may have. As far as the turnout being low, I have no answer to that and as long as we have a democracy, the citizens have that choice.

4. Recently, the city commissioned a study to look at these areas and see if there are new ways to redevelop some of the older shopping centers. With the recent downturn in the economy, the city has lost retail based on corporate decisions that are out of the hands of local governments. I have always been proactive on bringing new business into the city and will continue to look to fill empty retail spaces.

5. I believe that the current council has always had an openness and transparency to the residents. All votes taken have always been in the open session of the meetings and never in executive sessions as required by the Sunshine law. Our agendas and supporting documents are posted on line for all residents and interested parties to review at least five days in advance of our meeting. I remain always open to discussion to any way that I may better serve the citizens of the city

6. The current SPLOST has enabled the city to leverage the monies collected to increase the amount of sidewalk done to connect areas of the city. It has also allowed the completion of Jimmy Mayfield in a shorter timeframe by collaborating with the county to pool our monies. Based on the current project list submitted by the city for the extension of the SPLOST, I believe that without the passage of the SPLOST, the transportation projects proposed will stop. The only alternative would be a millage increase and I would not support that; therefore, based on the needs of the city, which is all I can speak for, I would support the SPLOST.

7. In my 32 plus years of living in this great city, I have always tried to give something back. As my daughters grew up in Fayetteville, my wife and I worked with the schools and band activities that they were involved with. I worked with the youth softball program to achieve equal and quality fields for the girls. As a councilman, I have attempted to carry this philosophy forward. My desire is to serve each citizen with honest intent and an open mind. I realize that I will not be able to please everyone, but I will try to keep the avenues of discussion available.

As I served my country many years ago with unconditional loyalty, I will continue to ask for the opportunity to serve the citizens of this city in the same way. I do believe that local government must be responsive to the interest of its citizens regardless of their own personal feelings and interest. With this being said, these are my beliefs and convictions. Thank you, the citizens, for the opportunity to serve and I would appreciate your vote of confidence on Nov. 3.

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