Henry Daily Herald

McDONOUGH — Candidates in Henry County’s Republican runoffs are in the last lap of their campaigns to represent their party in November.

Early voting for the runoff on Aug. 21, is scheduled for Aug. 13, to Aug. 17, from 7 a.m., until 7 p.m., each day at the Henry County Elections and Registration Department, 345 Phillips Drive in McDonough.

Incumbent Chairman Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis, is facing opposition from former Hampton Mayor Tommy N. Smith. Smith edged out Mathis in the July 31, primary. The runoff winner will face Democrat Carlotta Harrell, a consultant, in November.

The candidates recently answered questions from the Henry Daily Herald, in anticipation of the runoff.

-- Commission Chairman Republican primary runoff --

Incumbent, Elizabeth “B.J.” Mathis

How do you feel the county government can be more transparent and inclusive with the public?

Since I began serving on the Commission, the County launched Channel 14 to provide live coverage of commission meetings and now zoning meetings. We re-air them multiple times during the month. The meetings are also available via the Internet for citizens who do not have Charter. Additionally we send out weekly e-newsletters and I encourage citizens to sign up for the free service. Last year, the board adopted a comprehensive Ethics ordinance to further assure we are accountable to the citizens. We have an award-winning web site where citizens can research all types of information such as contracts awarded to vendors for purchases or services. We are in the process of adding another section to the web site where land purchase documents can be viewed by citizens.

What are three main issues in the county that should be addressed, and how will you address these issues if elected?

My top three areas of focus are: public safety departments that are well staffed, well trained and well equipped, attracting new businesses/industries and jobs, stabilizing property values. All three of these are vital to our community.

How do you feel that your local government could better serve your community?

My goal as Chairman has been to encourage citizens to get involved somewhere and in some capacity to help make Henry a better place to live. I have worked to facilitate relationships between citizens, churches and non-profit groups. I have tried to assist by bringing attention to the needs in our community and encouraging volunteerism, and I have tried to be an example by also volunteering. A community cannot succeed on the efforts of six commissioners. It takes all of us working together to make a county a place we are all proud to call home.

Former Hampton Mayor, Tommy N. Smith

How do you feel the county government can be more transparent and inclusive with the public?

I appreciate the fact that we have to go into executive session. We only go in executive session for future acquisition of real estate, personnel issues, pending or current litigation. Personnel issues would stay sealed. Pending or current litigation would obviously remain sealed. Once the board has approved a purchase of real estate, it has to be voted on in public session. At that point, the board needs to identify the exact location of the land they are buying, in such a manner that a citizen can readily find the land. Number two would be the use of that land, and going into detail on the use of the land. Number three would be the cost of the land. Number four would be, how we're going to pay for it and what funds will be used.

What are three main issues in the county that should be addressed, and how will you address these issues if elected?

The biggest issue on the campaign trail is wasteful spending. Another issue that's just as important would be property taxes. Number three would be to balance the budget without having to increase property taxes. I would stop the wasteful spending. I won't implement new taxes. I would balance the budget without increasing property taxes.

How do you feel that your local government could better serve your community?

Be open and transparent, be responsive to the citizens, and let them know that you know that you are their servant to them, and act that way.

In District III, Gary W. Barham and William L. “Bill” Toney, Jr., are each seeking the Republican nomination. The winner will face former McDonough City Councilwoman, Sandra Vincent, a Democrat, in November.

-- District III Commission Republican primary runoff --

Former McDonough Public Works Director, Gary W. Barham

How do you feel the county government can be more transparent and inclusive with the public?

One simple thing to do is move the executive session to the front end of the commission meetings. This would allow the public who took time out of their day to attend the meeting the opportunity to witness the people's business in a timelier manner. We need to reform how real estate matters are handled. Our county lawyers need to be sharp and well qualified to handle these transactions. The county should know of all parties involved with nothing hidden.

What are three main issues in your district that should be addressed, and how will you address these issues if elected?

1. Roll back the millage rate increase for the people of Henry County. There is never a good time to raise taxes on the citizens, but during these tough economic times the commission needs to look at every possibility to save money without further burdens on the tax payers.

2. I will commit to working with our state elected officials and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to seek out and partner with all those willing to create jobs and opportunities for Henry County.

3. I will commit to District III that my door is always open. The input from the citizens during this campaign has shown that the people truly love and care for this community. They want lower taxes, efficient government, and the opportunity to succeed. I value and need their continued input in the process to make our county and district the jewel of the Southern Crescent.

Do you feel there is wasteful spending in the county’s budget?

There is always room for improvement in government budgeting. My experience with the city of McDonough gives me unique insight into the process. In good times and bad, county government should always strive to have a lean budget that serves the needs of the citizens without burdensome tax increases or over regulation.

How do you feel that your local government could better serve your community?

Government cannot create jobs, but we can create an atmosphere that promotes opportunities and jobs. We can roll back the recent tax increase, for starters.

Business owner, William L. “Bill” Toney, Jr.

How do you feel the county government can be more transparent and inclusive with the public?

Through my years in business I have learned that you have to make yourself available to your customers. The best thing I can do as one commissioner on the board is to lead by example. Whenever a complicated issue comes up or it involves spending other people’s money, I will hold a town hall and interact with my constituents through social media. Even more easily, I will make my home number available for people to call me.

What are three main issues in your district that should be addressed, and how will you address these issues if elected?

1. Spending — we will not purchase anything the county does not need to provide core services and we will pay cash for anything we do; we will not bond out non-essential items.

2. Public safety — we need to invest more in our public safety and first responders. Companies study these things when they are scouting for areas to move their operations. I want to be the best in our region or at the very least, competitive for our region.

3. The dam at Lake Dow — the dam in the Lake Dow community needs repaired and must be done so in the next 2-3 years. I will work with our state delegation and federal officials to find the money for these repairs.
   

Do you feel there is wasteful spending in the county’s budget?

Yes, it is at the board of commissioners level. The purchasing of non-essential items over the past couple of years has led us to where we are at today.

In addition, the board of commissioners is paid too much to be “part-time.” None of my part-time employees make $35,000 and benefits. I have promised to cut my pay to $25,000 and donate the $10,000 to public safety and first responders in the county budget.

How do you feel that your local government could better serve your community?

By being more responsible with the county budget. If we would have taken the money that we used to buy all of the non-essential items over the past couple of years, and applied that to our first responders, we would have had the most competitive pay structure in the metro area and fixed the dam at Lake Dow.