The Fayette County Branch of the NAACP held a candidate forum at the County Complex Sunday. There are five candidates in the running for Post 1, due to the death of A.G. VanLandingham last December.

One of the candidates, Wendy Felton, lives in the south end of the county, and the other four, Robert Horgan, Malcolm Hughes, Charles Rousseau, and Emory Wilkerson, all live in the north end.

Among the issues discussed were fiscal management and lower taxes.

Felton stated that she felt differences of opinion between the County Commissioners and the Sheriff’s Office should have been worked out through arbitration, thereby saving a half million dollars. She felt that SPLOST funds should be examined closely to see that funds are used correctly. She would ask other counties how they maintain a low tax rate and see how it could be applied to Fayette County.

Hughes commented that there should be an equitable distribution of tax funds throughout all of the county, feeling that not enough funds were coming to the north end of the county. He also felt that eliminating duplicate services between departments would be a good move.

Rousseau said that enticing new industries, keeping a balance between them and residential growth would add to the tax base.

Wilkerson also stated that a balanced growth of commercial and residential growth was necessary.

Comments on transportation problems ranged from Felton saying she would work with the county, DOT and ARC to be sure Fayette County’s 30-year plan was adhered to.

Horgan agreed, saying he would make sure the current plan works. Hughes said that the current plan doesn’t address the north end of the county.

Rousseau commented that there is a federal mandate concerning the Clean Air problem and he would be involved in trying to correct the problem in Fayette County.

Wilkerson commented that funds were available in Atlanta and he would see that the county’s transportation plan was kept updated and contacts with the proper people in Atlanta would be maintained for any funds available.

The county’s land use plan came under discussion with Felton saying that she would make sure the infrastructure in place would be maintained. Horgan agreed, saying it was important to stick with the current plan.

Hughes also agreed, saying the plan must also be updated from time to time. Rousseau commented that guidelines on commercial development was of utmost importance.

Wilkerson agreed that the current plan is a good one but must be kept updated.

Felton has lived in the county for seven years and works part time for the city of Fayetteville. Horgan has lived in the county for 30 years and owns his own business here. Hughes is a CPA. Rousseau works for Fulton County and is a 12-year resident. Wilkerson is an attorney, and a native of Coweta County.

The election for Post 1 is March 21. Early voting will begin this week. The telephone number for the Voter Registration office is 770-460-5730, ext. 5408.

The Rev. Edward J. Johnson is current president of the Fayette branch of the NAACP and also serves as the pastor for Flat Rock AME Church. He thanked the 100 or so people present for coming out on a “picnic” kind of day.

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