Habersham County Farm Bureau hosted a political forum Tuesday evening at the Clegg Center on the campus of North Georgia Technical College. The forum gave local political candidates that are in contested races the opportunity to answer questions about important topics and share ideas. Habersham County citizens submitted questions to Farm Bureau online prior to the event and in person Tuesday evening.
According to Habersham County Farm Bureau President Chip Brooks, Farm Bureau has been hosting the forum since 1975. Brooks explained to the audience the purpose for the forum, “It’s simply to educate voters.” He added, “We appreciate you taking the time to educate yourself so that you can vote in an informed way.”
County commission candidates were asked six questions and separated by districts. Their questions were related to economic development, property taxes, infrastructure, agriculture, and working with the cities. Those candidates that were in separate districts were asked to leave the room so they would not have an advantage when answering the questions.
The forum was moderated by 99.3 WCON radio morning personality Joel Williams. County Commission candidates were asked the following questions during the forum.
The questions
- What strategies, as the role of county commissioner, do you propose to stimulate economic growth and job creation here in Habersham County?
- For over forty years, leaders have spoken about the water and sewer needs along the 365 corridor. How can Habersham County catch up in terms of water and sewer infrastructure along that corridor and attract industry? What are those steps that could actually swiftly be implemented?
- The county is facing major future expenses that’s relating to the hospital debt, possible new jail, landfill needs. How do you propose acquiring funding to solve these issues in those terms?
- Residents are growing weary of property taxes increasing every year. What steps will you take to ensure transparency and accountability in county government particularly regarding budget allocations and the decision making process?
- As the county’s largest industry, agriculture plays a vital role in our economy and cultural heritage. However, rapid residential development poses significant threats to our agricultural landscapes. How do you plan to protect and preserve our agricultural heritage and economy and the economic engine that goes with that?
- Given the fragmented nature of our county’s government with seven municipalities. What are your thoughts of the potential benefits and challenges of unifying? How do you envision collaboration, coordination among the municipalities to better serve all residents in Habersham County?
County commission candidates
One candidate did not participate in the forum. District 5 commission incumbent and current Habersham County Commission Chairman Ty Akins did not attend the forum. He explained he is in the second year as chairman and it takes a significant amount of his time. That time is spent away from his family and business. “It was going to be another night away from my family.” He also stated that he was not a fan of campaigning.
The incumbents for county commission are seeking a second term as county commissioner. Akins is in his third year, fulfilling the term that former commissioner Tim Stamey resigned from due to health issues. Incumbents Bruce Palmer and Bruce Harkness are completing their first terms as commissioners.
Some of the candidates voiced their concerns about how the county conducted business. District 1 commission candidate Eric Holbrooks voiced his concerns about the commission ratifying vehicle purchases after the vehicle had already been purchased. Others shared their ideas of how to do things differently. Kelly Woodall felt that the county should move towards a zero based budgeting process.
The jail
The most interesting response was about funding the jail. District 5 commission candidate Locke Arnold suggested not building a 400 inmate jail but a 2,000 inmate jail. His proposal is to build it large enough to house inmates from other jurisdictions to get enough revenue to pay for the facility and possibly some of the county expenses. His second proposal was for the county to build a wastewater treatment facility in the south end of the county to promote economic development.
Taxes
All of the candidates agreed that taxes were too high for residential property owners and that property valuations needed to be looked at more closely. District 4 County Commissioner Bruce Harkness stated that he was against any property tax increases. His opponent Wade Rhodes stated that it was unfair for property in a commercial area to be placed in conservation use. He also felt that commercial properties needed to be more equitably valued.
Cities
The candidates agreed that working with the cities was in the best interest in the county. However, District 5 candidate Locke Arnold only agreed somewhat. He felt that the cities came into existence to govern themselves and may not want interference from the county. As a commissioner, he had no issue with working with the cities if they wanted to work together.
They also agreed that economic development should remain in the south end of the county along SR 365 and not interfere with farmland or the mountains.
All of the candidates were civil and in agreement that the county could improve things on how it could be governed just with individual ideas. All vowed to work for the citizens and accepted the challenges that they faced should they be elected.
Now Habersham will be hosting a live debate at the Demorest Municipal Conference Room at 250 Alabama Street in Demorest on Thursday, May 9. Food trucks will be available beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Habersham County Commission debate will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Habersham County Board of Education debate will begin at 8:15 p.m.
This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed.
