Why I am running for County Commission... again

After having proudly served 8 years on the Fayette County Board of Commissioners, the last six as Chairman, and being out of elected politics for the last 1 ½ years, many of my friends have asked me why I would do it again. Why not just enjoy life with my fantastic wife, spend more time with my wonderful kids and grandchildren?

It’s somewhat difficult to perfectly put feelings into words, but I’ll try.

For as long as I can remember I have felt responsible to do whatever I can to make my country and community better. After 29 ½ years of serving my country on active duty military service, I retired in our marvelous community. I could have moved anywhere in the U.S., but chose to remain in Fayette County. Our quality of life far exceeds most communities in our country. I had no idea I would ever enter into elective politics.

As I observed the activities of the Board of Commissioners way back in the 90’s I witnessed special interest influences on some Commissioners and Commissioners doing favors for their business partners without disclosing their relationships. I could not sit idly by without at least trying to fix what I perceived as inappropriate actions that could hurt our community, thus I chose to run for office.

I am proud to say that I authored a tough Ethics Ordinance immediately, and within 28 days of being sworn in it was passed. I’m even prouder to say that in my eight years on the board I never witnessed any pandering to special interests or violations of ethical conduct from any of our commissioners.

Unfortunately during the last 1-½ years there are numerous examples of special interest voting creeping back into County government.

Additionally, I am concerned that the county is preparing to give millions of dollars in pay raises to county employees (above and beyond their cost of living allowance and merit increases) and to replace our current defined contribution retirement system with a defined benefit system which will be an enormous long term burden on every taxpayer. This is especially ill advised at a time when many of the citizens who have to pay these bills are losing their jobs, having their benefits reduced, watching their home values decline, and in some cases losing their homes.

Again I feel that if good people do nothing our community could slip into mediocrity or worse within a short time.

I have been deeply saddened when many people in different parts of the county have said to me that we are already going downhill and as soon as their kids graduate from school they intend to leave the county. Janet and I love this community and intend to spend the rest of our lives here. We simply do not believe our county can’t avoid what some people believe is inevitable.

There is always the best, the worst and the mediocre in all aspects of life. I am determined for us to remain the best. Our quality of life, our public safety our courts and our school systems are the envy of most Georgians who know what we have here. The only reason we might fail is if our great citizens let it happen.

Our community is not simply a suburb of Atlanta – we are a distinct community of diverse people who share aspirations for a great life for our children, grandchildren and ourselves.

Ironically, on occasion I have been accused of being too aggressive, too tough, and too impatient when things need to be done. While I don’t think those descriptors paint the full picture of who I am, I plead guilty to all those when I’m fighting for our taxpayers, when I’m fighting in Atlanta for our community and when the safety of our citizens is in jeopardy.

I believe it takes strong leaders during tough times. I have spent my entire adult life in service of my country and community and I again see the need to fight to preserve our way of life.

I guess these feelings explain better than my words why I would willingly once again enter the increasingly nasty world of politics in America. Incidentally, our politics don’t need to be ugly either!

I hope you will join me in the fight for our community’s future.