Chip Chandler introduces candidates at Tuesday night's political forum.
Eleven BOC candidates discuss platforms at forum
It ain’t musical chairs. It’s politics. Eleven men seeking five contested seats at the county commissioners table stood at the podium on the Madison County High School Theater stage Tuesday night trying to show that they’re in tune with county voters.
Harmony was a central theme of the evening, too, as candidates repeatedly expressed a desire for unity among elected officials.
Over 100 people attended the event sponsored by the Property Owners for Common Sense Growth (POCSG). Each candidate on stage will be on the Republican ballot during the July 15 primaries. POCSG mailed each candidate a questionnaire prior to the forum. And audience members Tuesday were offered copies of those written interviews. Likewise, those in the MCHS theater had their own chance to offer written questions to the candidates.
BOC hopefuls were asked their thoughts on making local offices non-partisan. Most candidates agreed that a move to non-partisan elections would be beneficial to the county. And no one offered outright opposition to the idea.
Candidates were also asked their thoughts on water issues in the county, balancing development versus agriculture interests, how the leaders should deal with pipeline safety issues, how officials can minimize the tax burden on property owners and what they might do in office to support the local animal shelter.
BOC hopefuls spoke of the need to preserve farmland in the county. They each voiced a desire to keep the tax burden low on property owners. Several stated that no additional funds should be allocated to the shelter, saying that other issues, such as funding for local foster children through the Department of Family and Childrens Services, are more pressing.
The candidates on stage included Johnny Fitzpatrick, Marion Cartwright, Jim Escoe, Wesley Nash, Bruce Scogin, Anthony Dove, Jason Sartain, Bill Usry, Stanley Thomas, Dewitt Bond and Wesley Jordan. Candidates for offices not in the forum also attended a “meet and greet” with audience prior to the event.
District 2 commissioner John Pethel did not attend the forum. Neither did Democratic candidates Melvin Drake, District 4; and Cathy Livesay, District 5, but those two candidates did respond to the POCSC questionnaires.
Here is a brief summary of answers provided by each candidate during the forum and in their written responses to POCSG questionnaires:
WESLEY NASH (BOC chairman, incumbent)
Wesley Nash, who has served as BOC chairman for the past 11 and a half years, said he is running because he enjoys his job.
“I enjoy my job probably 95 percent of the time,” said Nash. “I enjoy being a steward and working for the people. I believe the chairman’s job is to provide accountability to the citizens of the county and that’s what I’ve done.”
Nash said he wants to solicit as much industry as possible along the railroad corridor, noting that such business is “the best option we have to keep taxes down.” Nash said the “water situation is probably on hold for five years.” He noted that the county doesn’t have a problem producing enough water for current customers and that there is potential to pull water from Lake Hartwell, as well as from Commerce in coming years. He also noted that talk about a regional reservoir in Oglethorpe County “looks promising.”
Nash said he feels he has the experience to deal with growth issues in Madison County. He said he will push for codification of the comprehensive land use plan.
“Public input would be mandatory in any instances where the plan is veered away from,” said Nash. “The comprehensive plan is just that, a ‘plan,’ and when that plan is changed, the parties that have been involved in the process should be allowed to speak pro and con.”
On the issue of pipeline safety, Nash said he feels it’s in the financial interest of pipeline companies to avoid leaks. He said an EPD official told him that rates of cancer in the county are roughly the same whether it’s an area close to a pipeline or not.
“I drove here in a car,” said Nash. “Those pipelines provided gas for it.”
Nash said officials have to balance demand for services with demands to keep taxes down. He noted that people want quality ambulance services and frequent patrols by deputies of their neighborhood, but they also don’t want to pay taxes for those services. Nash added that 68 percent of property owners’ tax dollars go to the school system, adding that the BOC controls only 30 percent of local tax dollars generated.
ANTHONY DOVE (BOC chairman challenger)
Anthony Dove said he attended the third grade in the room where the BOC meets. He said wants to bring leaders together to work for positive change.
“We’ve gotten a little bit of a negative atmosphere and I want to bring a positive atmosphere to the county,” he said. “At the end of my term I want people to look at Madison County government as an asset, not a burden.”
Dove said he would like to see the county look at getting a reservoir, but he said planning for such a project can take 10 to 15 years.
Dove said the government is “behind on proactively planning how and where we grow.”
“My experience in business has qualified me to respond to this (growth) issue,” said Dove. “I am able to provide strong leadership to the position of chairman and I am willing to work in cooperation with the BOC as well as the many creative and talented citizens of Madison County to seek solutions to the growth issues we face.”
Dove said he would like to see growth kept close to cities.
“When development is proposed near an intensive agricultural area, I believe that open communication and notification to the developer, potential residents, and existing residents is crucial to prevent further conflicts.”
Dove said he feels senior citizens are particularly vulnerable when taxes are increased, sometimes finding themselves unable to keep their property.
“…Increased taxes and property values have put a financial burden on many of our citizens, particularly our senior citizens and citizens on fixed income.”
BILL USRY (BOC chairman challenger)
Bill Usry said that as chairman he would “serve the taxpayers of Madison County and no one else.”
“I have undergone years of formal training in the leadership arena,” said Usry. “Any organization is only as strong as its leadership. This county has a myriad of problems that can only be corrected by strong leadership.”
Usry said the county needs to focus on conserving water.
“We need to look at the waste of water,” he said.
Usry said the county BOC needs to set priorities on road projects.
“I operate under a simple principle: prior planning prevents poor performance,” he said.
When addressing the issue of pipeline safety, the candidate said the county should push the EPD to fulfill its regulatory obligations.
Usry also said he is focused on keeping Madison County rural.
“We’ve got Cobb County, Clayton, Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett — if anybody wants a subdivision, they can go there,” he said. “We need to protect farmland.”
Usry said he favors a “moratorium on residential development until the infrastructure is solidified,” he said.
“Then we must look at the matter of having the residential areas pay a higher level of taxes to offset the cost of services that they require.”
Usry said he thinks the land use plan was poorly conceived.
“The land use plan is a farce,” he said. “It was done in a vacuum and without regard to taxpayer input being considered. Should have had a committee to do it.”
Usry said the industrial authority “should definitely be subjected to the control of the BOC.”
“The IDA has never accomplished their intended mission,” he said.
The candidate said he would “evaluate the entire spectrum” of county business as chairman, not serving himself, but the people.
STANLEY THOMAS (District 1, incumbent)
Stanley Thomas said one of his primary goals as commissioner is to bring more jobs to the county. He noted the loss of jobs at Weyerhauser last year and the need to generate new positions in the county so youth don’t move away after graduation.
“We educate kids in this county and then they move away,” he said.
Thomas said the county needs to develop its own water sources and not rely on help from other counties, who could pull the plug on assistance when times are tough. He said he has fought to save Seagraves Lake in District 1.
The District 1 incumbent said it’s important to “elect commissioners that run our county like a business.”
“I feel I have the education, training and experience to do this,” he said. “In 2005 when I went into office there had been no taxes collected in 2004. Audits were behind and tax bills had not been sent out (on time) since 2000. EMS collections were $850,000 short over an eight-year period and only 35 percent of the bills were collected. Local grants from the state were not being applied for and there were other financial problems. The problems above have been addressed and finances are in the best shape in years.”
Thomas said he supports agriculture in the county, adding that he is pleased to see the creation of an agriculture center in Madison County to inspire more youth to pursue ag careers at home.
He said he feels the land use plan will “play a big part in future decisions of planning-zoning and the board of commissioners.”
“Serving as District 1 commissioner, I attended every meeting on the new plan. I hope all the long hours and work on this plan will benefit our county in a positive way.”
JASON SARTAIN (District 1 challenger)
Jason Sartain said he grew up in Madison County. He loves the county the way it is, but wants to see the county grow and prosper.
“I will bring a fresh outlook to the board,” he said.
Sartain said he feels water services should be looked at for citizens throughout the county and not just “certain developments on everybody’s else’s tax dollar.”
Sartain said he believes there is a place for development in the county.
“But it doesn’t need to be in the middle of a bunch of chicken farms where subdivision residents would complain about flies and smell,” said Sartain. “The farms were there first. Anyone moving into a new subdivision that has been placed close to an established agricultural area should have that information disclosed to them by a developer prior to purchasing.”
He said the issue of pipeline safety hits close to home, noting that his mother’s Colbert Grove Church Road home was purchased by Colonial Pipeline due to petroleum contamination of well water.
Sartain said he would support the BOC taking over decision making on where water lines are run in the county.
“I believe municipal water and sewer are the most important issues in the county,” said Sartain. “I would make every conscientious effort to see it put in place as soon as funding to do so becomes available. I would respond to issues as they arise and always do what is best for the citizens of Madison County.”
JOHNNY FITZPATRICK (District 2 challenger)
Fitzpatrick, who arrived for the second half of the forum due to a health situation of a family friend, said he is against subdivisions in agricultural areas.
“When a rezone comes before me, I use (the comprehensive land use plan) as a tool to make my decision,” he said. I usually visit the rezone site, look at all that is involved, such as traffic, safety, what the neighbors think and all else that might pertain to each individual rezone and make my decision based on all the facts.”
Fitzpatrick said it’s important to keep the budget as low as possible to avoid tax increases. He said the animal shelter should not receive an increase in funding. Fitzpatrick said he wants to reduce taxes, pave roads and “work with other commissioners to settle differences privately, rather than publicly.
“I think I work well with other people, so therefore, I could work in harmony with all concerned to achieve this goal of keeping our taxes as low as possible,” said Fitzpatrick.
MARION CARTWRIGHT (District 2 challenger)
Marion Cartwright spoke of his participation on a state championship football team and the teamwork that was necessary to accomplish that goal. He said he wants the BOC to run like a business.
“For far too long now we’ve had a county government that just isn’t working for us,” he said. “It seems that the people we elected to represent us spend more time fighting one another and micromanaging everything to the point that nothing gets done,” he said.
Cartwright said there was once a plan to dam the Broad River, adding that the county needs to look at its long-term water planning. He noted that property owners paid two tax bills last year and that some taxpayers saw their assessments double.
“So some people really paid three times because their values doubled,” he said.
Cartwright said he’d support the BOC taking over the decisions about where water lines are run in the county.
He said he will use the land use plan as a guide but will listen to Harrison-area residents on zoning matters.
“In District 2, my neighbors in the Harrison, Fort Lamar and Shiloh communities are an independent bunch and while we are in the same county, our concerns regarding land use may vary greatly with those in other parts of the county.”
WESLEY JORDAN (District 4 incumbent)
Wesley Jordan spoke of how much he has learned during his time as District 4 commissioner. He said he was somewhat naïve when he started, but he said his experience at the table has given him insight on how to accomplish positive change for citizens. He drew laughs when he noted how a citizen can be in agreement with a commissioner on 100 issues, but if they disagree on one issue, then that citizen may suddenly consider the commissioner the devil.
Jordan said he wants to see the county grow in a smart way and that he tries to consider all sides when making decisions.
He pegged water as the key issue facing Madison County.
“I have to say water would be on the top of the list due to the fact that we have no clue when and if we will ever return to normal rainfall amounts,” he said. “I will use the contacts I have made at the Capitol. I will work diligently with the board as well as the IDA to help secure grant money to bring an on site water treatment plant to one or more of the reservoirs we already have in our county.”
Jordan said development should be concentrated around cities and on the Athens side of the county.
“This way we can concentrate on developing our infrastructure in these areas and keep the encroachment on intensive agriculture to a minimum. When you run into a situation where it is inevitable these two areas could intersect, we may want to increase the buffer zone.”
Jordan noted that the BOC increased buffer zones around pipelines to help protect citizens from the potential contamination of well water from pipeline spills.
Jordan said he thinks the county should look at Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), which programs allow landowners to sever development rights from properties in government-designated low-density areas, and sell them to purchasers who want to increase the density of development in areas that local governments have selected as higher density areas.
Jordan said he feels the county’s comprehensive land use plan is a “dynamic planning tool that provides structural frame work for land use.”
“Citizens in our county put in many hours to develop this plan and I have referred to it on many occasions,” said Jordan.
DEWITT BOND (District 4 challenger)
Dewitt Bond said he has lived in Madison County since 1943. He graduated from Danielsville High School and served as principal of Ila Elementary School.
“I read the paper and didn’t like what I had read about Madison County,” said Bond. “That’s why I got into this race.”
Bond said he would bring leadership, integrity and honesty to the table.
“I feel I have a good name in the county,” he said, adding that he feels the county needs good, old-fashioned “horse sense” from commissioners. “I want to make Madison County a place where we’d like to raise our children.”
Bond said his background as an educator has prepared him to serve as commissioner.
“The ability to listen, talk and communicate what is best for Madison County is what is most important,” he said. “I have been principal of Ila Elementary School for 24 years and have helped operate a successful tree business for the last 18 years by using my education, experience and common sense.”
Bond said farmers should be protected.
“Where agriculture is or has been should stay,” he said. “Developers should not think they can move agriculture just for the sake of development. The housing market decline may answer this question for the next few years.”
Bond said he was dismayed to see two tax bills in one year.
He said he would push for fiscal responsibility as a county commissioner.
“You can’t spend more than you have,” he said.
Bond said the land use map is a “road map for the future land use.”
“This should not be cast in stone, but be flexible,” he said. “When and if modified by appropriate procedures, it should be the guide used in making decisions.”
BRUCE SCOGIN (District 5, incumbent)
Bruce Scogin said he has served for nine and a half years as the district 5 commissioner and put his “heart and soul into representing my people.”
“I’m looking at what I love about this county and that’s its people,” he said.
Scogin said he wants the county to share the same vision so it can grow and prosper. He said all answer to a higher authority than government: God.
“We’re in this for our future generations,” he said.
The District 5 incumbent said the county needs to treat water as a crop.
“We will not find new sources of water,” he said. “Water comes from rain by the grace of God. What we can do is treat water as a crop. You have to do things to get that crop to mature.”
He noted that leaders shouldn’t allow development to cover the county’s best water recharge areas.
Scogin said he has worked closely with the Citizens Organized for Pipeline Safety (COPS) over the past few years and he noted that he helped initiation negotiations for a water line to serve the Colbert Grove Church Road area, where petroleum spills contaminated deep well drinking water.
Scogin said property taxes are always the hot issue, but he said government expansion comes from increased demand for services, such as schools, public safety, emergency services, roads, water and recreation.
“During these tough times…we must curtail government expansion in all but the most necessary public services,” he said.
JIM ESCOE (District 5 challenger)
Jim Escoe said the county government is not totally broken, “but it’s shaky.” Escoe said he knows what’s really going on in the county and he urged anyone who wants to know to contact him.
“I already know what’s happening and if elected, I will have better information,” said Escoe. “Things are not what they would want you to believe.”
Escoe said he would be an open-minded commissioners without “any preconceived stance on an issue.”
The District 5 candidate said the comprehensive land use plan is “something I really need to study more but it definitely will be an influence in my and other commissioners’ decisions.”
Escoe said he is not a speechmaker but that he will act with integrity if elected. The candidate, who regularly sits on the front row of BOC meetings directly across from his opponent, Bruce Scogin, vowed not to go away if he loses the election.
“I ain’t going away if I’m not elected,” he said.
Over 100 people attended the event sponsored by the Property Owners for Common Sense Growth (POCSG). Each candidate on stage will be on the Republican ballot during the July 15 primaries. POCSG mailed each candidate a questionnaire prior to the forum. And audience members Tuesday were offered copies of those written interviews. Likewise, those in the MCHS theater had their own chance to offer written questions to the candidates.
BOC hopefuls were asked their thoughts on making local offices non-partisan. Most candidates agreed that a move to non-partisan elections would be beneficial to the county. And no one offered outright opposition to the idea.
Candidates were also asked their thoughts on water issues in the county, balancing development versus agriculture interests, how the leaders should deal with pipeline safety issues, how officials can minimize the tax burden on property owners and what they might do in office to support the local animal shelter.
BOC hopefuls spoke of the need to preserve farmland in the county. They each voiced a desire to keep the tax burden low on property owners. Several stated that no additional funds should be allocated to the shelter, saying that other issues, such as funding for local foster children through the Department of Family and Childrens Services, are more pressing.
The candidates on stage included Johnny Fitzpatrick, Marion Cartwright, Jim Escoe, Wesley Nash, Bruce Scogin, Anthony Dove, Jason Sartain, Bill Usry, Stanley Thomas, Dewitt Bond and Wesley Jordan. Candidates for offices not in the forum also attended a “meet and greet” with audience prior to the event.
District 2 commissioner John Pethel did not attend the forum. Neither did Democratic candidates Melvin Drake, District 4; and Cathy Livesay, District 5, but those two candidates did respond to the POCSC questionnaires.
Here is a brief summary of answers provided by each candidate during the forum and in their written responses to POCSG questionnaires:
WESLEY NASH (BOC chairman, incumbent)
Wesley Nash, who has served as BOC chairman for the past 11 and a half years, said he is running because he enjoys his job.
“I enjoy my job probably 95 percent of the time,” said Nash. “I enjoy being a steward and working for the people. I believe the chairman’s job is to provide accountability to the citizens of the county and that’s what I’ve done.”
Nash said he wants to solicit as much industry as possible along the railroad corridor, noting that such business is “the best option we have to keep taxes down.” Nash said the “water situation is probably on hold for five years.” He noted that the county doesn’t have a problem producing enough water for current customers and that there is potential to pull water from Lake Hartwell, as well as from Commerce in coming years. He also noted that talk about a regional reservoir in Oglethorpe County “looks promising.”
Nash said he feels he has the experience to deal with growth issues in Madison County. He said he will push for codification of the comprehensive land use plan.
“Public input would be mandatory in any instances where the plan is veered away from,” said Nash. “The comprehensive plan is just that, a ‘plan,’ and when that plan is changed, the parties that have been involved in the process should be allowed to speak pro and con.”
On the issue of pipeline safety, Nash said he feels it’s in the financial interest of pipeline companies to avoid leaks. He said an EPD official told him that rates of cancer in the county are roughly the same whether it’s an area close to a pipeline or not.
“I drove here in a car,” said Nash. “Those pipelines provided gas for it.”
Nash said officials have to balance demand for services with demands to keep taxes down. He noted that people want quality ambulance services and frequent patrols by deputies of their neighborhood, but they also don’t want to pay taxes for those services. Nash added that 68 percent of property owners’ tax dollars go to the school system, adding that the BOC controls only 30 percent of local tax dollars generated.
ANTHONY DOVE (BOC chairman challenger)
Anthony Dove said he attended the third grade in the room where the BOC meets. He said wants to bring leaders together to work for positive change.
“We’ve gotten a little bit of a negative atmosphere and I want to bring a positive atmosphere to the county,” he said. “At the end of my term I want people to look at Madison County government as an asset, not a burden.”
Dove said he would like to see the county look at getting a reservoir, but he said planning for such a project can take 10 to 15 years.
Dove said the government is “behind on proactively planning how and where we grow.”
“My experience in business has qualified me to respond to this (growth) issue,” said Dove. “I am able to provide strong leadership to the position of chairman and I am willing to work in cooperation with the BOC as well as the many creative and talented citizens of Madison County to seek solutions to the growth issues we face.”
Dove said he would like to see growth kept close to cities.
“When development is proposed near an intensive agricultural area, I believe that open communication and notification to the developer, potential residents, and existing residents is crucial to prevent further conflicts.”
Dove said he feels senior citizens are particularly vulnerable when taxes are increased, sometimes finding themselves unable to keep their property.
“…Increased taxes and property values have put a financial burden on many of our citizens, particularly our senior citizens and citizens on fixed income.”
BILL USRY (BOC chairman challenger)
Bill Usry said that as chairman he would “serve the taxpayers of Madison County and no one else.”
“I have undergone years of formal training in the leadership arena,” said Usry. “Any organization is only as strong as its leadership. This county has a myriad of problems that can only be corrected by strong leadership.”
Usry said the county needs to focus on conserving water.
“We need to look at the waste of water,” he said.
Usry said the county BOC needs to set priorities on road projects.
“I operate under a simple principle: prior planning prevents poor performance,” he said.
When addressing the issue of pipeline safety, the candidate said the county should push the EPD to fulfill its regulatory obligations.
Usry also said he is focused on keeping Madison County rural.
“We’ve got Cobb County, Clayton, Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett — if anybody wants a subdivision, they can go there,” he said. “We need to protect farmland.”
Usry said he favors a “moratorium on residential development until the infrastructure is solidified,” he said.
“Then we must look at the matter of having the residential areas pay a higher level of taxes to offset the cost of services that they require.”
Usry said he thinks the land use plan was poorly conceived.
“The land use plan is a farce,” he said. “It was done in a vacuum and without regard to taxpayer input being considered. Should have had a committee to do it.”
Usry said the industrial authority “should definitely be subjected to the control of the BOC.”
“The IDA has never accomplished their intended mission,” he said.
The candidate said he would “evaluate the entire spectrum” of county business as chairman, not serving himself, but the people.
STANLEY THOMAS (District 1, incumbent)
Stanley Thomas said one of his primary goals as commissioner is to bring more jobs to the county. He noted the loss of jobs at Weyerhauser last year and the need to generate new positions in the county so youth don’t move away after graduation.
“We educate kids in this county and then they move away,” he said.
Thomas said the county needs to develop its own water sources and not rely on help from other counties, who could pull the plug on assistance when times are tough. He said he has fought to save Seagraves Lake in District 1.
The District 1 incumbent said it’s important to “elect commissioners that run our county like a business.”
“I feel I have the education, training and experience to do this,” he said. “In 2005 when I went into office there had been no taxes collected in 2004. Audits were behind and tax bills had not been sent out (on time) since 2000. EMS collections were $850,000 short over an eight-year period and only 35 percent of the bills were collected. Local grants from the state were not being applied for and there were other financial problems. The problems above have been addressed and finances are in the best shape in years.”
Thomas said he supports agriculture in the county, adding that he is pleased to see the creation of an agriculture center in Madison County to inspire more youth to pursue ag careers at home.
He said he feels the land use plan will “play a big part in future decisions of planning-zoning and the board of commissioners.”
“Serving as District 1 commissioner, I attended every meeting on the new plan. I hope all the long hours and work on this plan will benefit our county in a positive way.”
JASON SARTAIN (District 1 challenger)
Jason Sartain said he grew up in Madison County. He loves the county the way it is, but wants to see the county grow and prosper.
“I will bring a fresh outlook to the board,” he said.
Sartain said he feels water services should be looked at for citizens throughout the county and not just “certain developments on everybody’s else’s tax dollar.”
Sartain said he believes there is a place for development in the county.
“But it doesn’t need to be in the middle of a bunch of chicken farms where subdivision residents would complain about flies and smell,” said Sartain. “The farms were there first. Anyone moving into a new subdivision that has been placed close to an established agricultural area should have that information disclosed to them by a developer prior to purchasing.”
He said the issue of pipeline safety hits close to home, noting that his mother’s Colbert Grove Church Road home was purchased by Colonial Pipeline due to petroleum contamination of well water.
Sartain said he would support the BOC taking over decision making on where water lines are run in the county.
“I believe municipal water and sewer are the most important issues in the county,” said Sartain. “I would make every conscientious effort to see it put in place as soon as funding to do so becomes available. I would respond to issues as they arise and always do what is best for the citizens of Madison County.”
JOHNNY FITZPATRICK (District 2 challenger)
Fitzpatrick, who arrived for the second half of the forum due to a health situation of a family friend, said he is against subdivisions in agricultural areas.
“When a rezone comes before me, I use (the comprehensive land use plan) as a tool to make my decision,” he said. I usually visit the rezone site, look at all that is involved, such as traffic, safety, what the neighbors think and all else that might pertain to each individual rezone and make my decision based on all the facts.”
Fitzpatrick said it’s important to keep the budget as low as possible to avoid tax increases. He said the animal shelter should not receive an increase in funding. Fitzpatrick said he wants to reduce taxes, pave roads and “work with other commissioners to settle differences privately, rather than publicly.
“I think I work well with other people, so therefore, I could work in harmony with all concerned to achieve this goal of keeping our taxes as low as possible,” said Fitzpatrick.
MARION CARTWRIGHT (District 2 challenger)
Marion Cartwright spoke of his participation on a state championship football team and the teamwork that was necessary to accomplish that goal. He said he wants the BOC to run like a business.
“For far too long now we’ve had a county government that just isn’t working for us,” he said. “It seems that the people we elected to represent us spend more time fighting one another and micromanaging everything to the point that nothing gets done,” he said.
Cartwright said there was once a plan to dam the Broad River, adding that the county needs to look at its long-term water planning. He noted that property owners paid two tax bills last year and that some taxpayers saw their assessments double.
“So some people really paid three times because their values doubled,” he said.
Cartwright said he’d support the BOC taking over the decisions about where water lines are run in the county.
He said he will use the land use plan as a guide but will listen to Harrison-area residents on zoning matters.
“In District 2, my neighbors in the Harrison, Fort Lamar and Shiloh communities are an independent bunch and while we are in the same county, our concerns regarding land use may vary greatly with those in other parts of the county.”
WESLEY JORDAN (District 4 incumbent)
Wesley Jordan spoke of how much he has learned during his time as District 4 commissioner. He said he was somewhat naïve when he started, but he said his experience at the table has given him insight on how to accomplish positive change for citizens. He drew laughs when he noted how a citizen can be in agreement with a commissioner on 100 issues, but if they disagree on one issue, then that citizen may suddenly consider the commissioner the devil.
Jordan said he wants to see the county grow in a smart way and that he tries to consider all sides when making decisions.
He pegged water as the key issue facing Madison County.
“I have to say water would be on the top of the list due to the fact that we have no clue when and if we will ever return to normal rainfall amounts,” he said. “I will use the contacts I have made at the Capitol. I will work diligently with the board as well as the IDA to help secure grant money to bring an on site water treatment plant to one or more of the reservoirs we already have in our county.”
Jordan said development should be concentrated around cities and on the Athens side of the county.
“This way we can concentrate on developing our infrastructure in these areas and keep the encroachment on intensive agriculture to a minimum. When you run into a situation where it is inevitable these two areas could intersect, we may want to increase the buffer zone.”
Jordan noted that the BOC increased buffer zones around pipelines to help protect citizens from the potential contamination of well water from pipeline spills.
Jordan said he thinks the county should look at Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), which programs allow landowners to sever development rights from properties in government-designated low-density areas, and sell them to purchasers who want to increase the density of development in areas that local governments have selected as higher density areas.
Jordan said he feels the county’s comprehensive land use plan is a “dynamic planning tool that provides structural frame work for land use.”
“Citizens in our county put in many hours to develop this plan and I have referred to it on many occasions,” said Jordan.
DEWITT BOND (District 4 challenger)
Dewitt Bond said he has lived in Madison County since 1943. He graduated from Danielsville High School and served as principal of Ila Elementary School.
“I read the paper and didn’t like what I had read about Madison County,” said Bond. “That’s why I got into this race.”
Bond said he would bring leadership, integrity and honesty to the table.
“I feel I have a good name in the county,” he said, adding that he feels the county needs good, old-fashioned “horse sense” from commissioners. “I want to make Madison County a place where we’d like to raise our children.”
Bond said his background as an educator has prepared him to serve as commissioner.
“The ability to listen, talk and communicate what is best for Madison County is what is most important,” he said. “I have been principal of Ila Elementary School for 24 years and have helped operate a successful tree business for the last 18 years by using my education, experience and common sense.”
Bond said farmers should be protected.
“Where agriculture is or has been should stay,” he said. “Developers should not think they can move agriculture just for the sake of development. The housing market decline may answer this question for the next few years.”
Bond said he was dismayed to see two tax bills in one year.
He said he would push for fiscal responsibility as a county commissioner.
“You can’t spend more than you have,” he said.
Bond said the land use map is a “road map for the future land use.”
“This should not be cast in stone, but be flexible,” he said. “When and if modified by appropriate procedures, it should be the guide used in making decisions.”
BRUCE SCOGIN (District 5, incumbent)
Bruce Scogin said he has served for nine and a half years as the district 5 commissioner and put his “heart and soul into representing my people.”
“I’m looking at what I love about this county and that’s its people,” he said.
Scogin said he wants the county to share the same vision so it can grow and prosper. He said all answer to a higher authority than government: God.
“We’re in this for our future generations,” he said.
The District 5 incumbent said the county needs to treat water as a crop.
“We will not find new sources of water,” he said. “Water comes from rain by the grace of God. What we can do is treat water as a crop. You have to do things to get that crop to mature.”
He noted that leaders shouldn’t allow development to cover the county’s best water recharge areas.
Scogin said he has worked closely with the Citizens Organized for Pipeline Safety (COPS) over the past few years and he noted that he helped initiation negotiations for a water line to serve the Colbert Grove Church Road area, where petroleum spills contaminated deep well drinking water.
Scogin said property taxes are always the hot issue, but he said government expansion comes from increased demand for services, such as schools, public safety, emergency services, roads, water and recreation.
“During these tough times…we must curtail government expansion in all but the most necessary public services,” he said.
JIM ESCOE (District 5 challenger)
Jim Escoe said the county government is not totally broken, “but it’s shaky.” Escoe said he knows what’s really going on in the county and he urged anyone who wants to know to contact him.
“I already know what’s happening and if elected, I will have better information,” said Escoe. “Things are not what they would want you to believe.”
Escoe said he would be an open-minded commissioners without “any preconceived stance on an issue.”
The District 5 candidate said the comprehensive land use plan is “something I really need to study more but it definitely will be an influence in my and other commissioners’ decisions.”
Escoe said he is not a speechmaker but that he will act with integrity if elected. The candidate, who regularly sits on the front row of BOC meetings directly across from his opponent, Bruce Scogin, vowed not to go away if he loses the election.
“I ain’t going away if I’m not elected,” he said.
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Waiting five more years to do something about water is unbelievable!
Fix the infastructure and they will come. Hmmm...Novel idea? No, just common sense!
As for taxes, I can't believe Nash would even mention emergency services and that tax payers don't want to pay for them.
What has he done for the sheriff's office, fire, etc. Our taxes increased anyway!
How much of that increase was given to those service departments?
We have volunteer fire departments that should be commended, deputies that cover a large county, are paid less than neighboring counties but work all areas of law enforcement, are paid straight pay for a 84 hour pay period (law is anything over 40 a week is time and a half) but go to work and bust butt regardless and EMS that also does a great job.
Show the citizens what you've done with the money! Or has it been misplaced by your choice of a county finance officer?
It's time for accountability!
It's time for controlled growth!
It's time to keep our tax dollars in MC.
It's time for a new chairman!
A few others need to go too!