Candidates Answer Questions at Forum

The Taxpayers’ Watchdog Group (TWG) and Citizens for a Clean Jasper County teamed up last Thursday to host a candidate forum at the Piedmont Fire Station and Community House. Candidates for contested Chief Magistrate, County Commission, and School Board races were in attendance to answer questions from the 60+ people attending.

In addition, Dawn Baskin, a candidate for Superior Court Judge, attended and was allowed to speak for a few moments. She said it had been 70 years since a vacant judge’s seat had been up for election, and she is one of three vying for the position. She outlined her experience, and said it makes her the best candidate for the position.

Jasper County District 5 Commissioner Doug Luke was unable to attend as he had a work conflict. However, his challenger, Roger Harrison, as well as District 3 candidates incumbent Gene Trammell and challenger Ross Hays were present. Also present were Chief Magistrate candidates Bobby Jacobs, Tim Lam and Angie Steele, as well as school board, district 4, candidates Bill Schilling and Wesley Sparks.

Bobby Jacobs opened the forum by saying his qualifications exceed what’s needed for the job. He spoke of his experience in an array of positions, serving previously as Magistrate, being a small business owner, and having served in elected office. He said he has a unique perspective from being both on the legislative side and on the judicial side.

Tim Lam said he is the only attorney running for Chief Magistrate which makes him uniquely qualified for the position. He said there is a reason for extended education. He said he has no conflicts, no baggage, and will do the job on an hourly basis. He reminded the crowd there is no incumbent in the race.

Angie Steele said she has been a Magistrate for 11 years. She is married and has lived in the county more than 30 years. She said she has done the job for the last couple years, and is qualified to do the job. She continued, saying you do not need to be a lawyer to be a Chief Magistrate.

Ross Hays introduced himself, saying he is a pharmacy tech at an independent pharmacy in Monticello. He decided to run after serving on the citizen’s landfill committee. He said he will listen to the public and he’s all for thinking on things after getting input. He said the current commission does not seem to listen.

Gene Trammell said he has lived in Jasper County 10 years, and he and his wife, Norma Jeanne, have been married 49 years. He said when he was elected the county was just coming out of the 2008 doldrums, and he wants to see good growth. He said industry generates money, and the county clearly needs more revenue. He continued, Jasper County has a lot of rail frontage which is a plus for many industries.

Roger Harrison said he is running because he wants to see a better Jasper County. He said growth is coming and we must be prepared for it, and plan it where we want it. It’s hard to play catch-up, he said. We need smart economic development, clean industry to reduce the burden on the taxpayer.

Bill Schilling said he is a former vice-president of a financial and marketing firm, and a former teacher. He said he has three children in the school system, and has served on school councils at three schools and the superintendent’s advisory board. His wife’s family is from here, and they have made this home. The community means a lot to them. He said this race is more important to the people here than is the presidential race.

Wesley Sparks is the son of Jerry and Shirley Sparks, and is a graduate of Jasper County High School. He started his own business straight out of high school, he said, and has been successful. He served on an oversight committee for the school, and when he looked at the financials he had concerns. His goal is to educate our children efficiently, and not raise taxes. There are many issues to address, he said.

The first question was to the Chief Magistrate candidates, saying the salary is set by statute, and asking how those who plan to work part-time would deal with that.

Mr. Lam said the statute also shows how to figure the hourly salary if the Chief Magistrate prefers to be paid that way. Mr. Jacobs also said that you can take less than what the statute says. Mrs. Steele said that running the office is a full time job. She said someone has to be there to take care of the citizens. She pointed out that the warrant count has gone from 600 two years ago to nearly 1,000 last year.

The commission candidates were asked what they propose to do with county roads.

Mr. Hays said we’ve invested the money to buy paving equipment, and spoke about several particular road projects. He said they must determine which are the worst roads and fix them first.

Mr. Trammell said there are about 400 miles of road in Jasper County suffering from benign neglect. He said they are committed to the county paving 10 miles of roads this year. He spoke to the challenges, and how the current commission is addressing them.

Mr. Harrison said the people must be trained. He then spoke to the expense of road work, and added we have to make our coffers more robust to be able to handle the needs of the county.

The school board candidates were asked about truancy and about computer-based learning. One man said his child asks the teacher a question and the teacher just sends the child to the computer.

Mr. Schilling said the children cannot learn if they are not in school. He said there is a big focus on attendance, and it is enforced through law enforcement. As for the teacher complaint, Mr. Schilling said that the parent needs to go to the school and meet with the teacher, then principal…go through channels. It all starts with the parents, he said.

Mr. Sparks said the schools do have a truancy officer, and a lot of the problems start at home. He said his parents made sure he was at school. As for the computer learning, Mr. Sparks pointed out some children do not even have computers at home.

The commissioners were asked about a better way to communicate.

Mr. Trammell said that at the meeting is not the place to express concerns. He said before the meeting is the time to express concerns. He admitted communication is a weakness here, as with most large conglomerates.

Mr. Harrison said transparency is key. He said the commissioners need to discuss issues in public.

He said they could have forums where people would have time to express concerns.

The commission candidates were asked, where does all the money go.

Mr. Harrison said the population has increased, and with more people, more services are required.

Mr. Hays said the commissioners are starting their budget process, and that everyone has access to the same knowledge as he does. It’s complicated math, he said, and encouraged everyone to get more involved in the budget process.

Mr. Trammell said that when the economy took its downturn in 2008, the digest was reduced. The digest is slowly rebounding, he said.

The Chief Magistrate candidates were asked about their education.

Mr. Lam outlined his education from his associates degree to his bachelor’s, to his doctorate which he got from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta.

Mrs. Steele said she is a graduate of Jasper County High School, and has a little college but no degree. She said she has 300 hours training specifically for Magistrate Judges.

Mr. Jacobs said he has a bachelor’s degree in business, and training for Magistrates.

One person said their property value and taxes have increased every year, and wanted to know how the money makes a difference.

Mr. Hays said he couldn’t speak for those currently in office.

Mr. Trammell mentioned the sheriff’s office and other budget item.

Mr. Harrison said the roads are an issue, in response to a statement made, and that the county needs to prioritize which roads are to be worked on and develop a plan.

The school board candidates were told the superintendent has all the authority, and what is their plan to represent the people.

Mr. Schilling said that he will not follow the superintendent’s orders, that the school board employs the superintendent, not the other way around. He said he agrees with the superintendent on a lot, but not everything. He said we need to make sure our schools are the best they can be.

Mr. Sparks said the meetings are open, and recommended people get on the agenda and ask questions and get an answer when they have issues.

The commission candidates were asked what guarantees do taxpayers have that the money they invest will come back with interest.

Mr. Trammell spoke of recent economic development moves, such as Norton Packaging locating here, and said they have put 150 people to work. He said the commission would not put the county in a position to lose a dime.

Mr. Harrison explained how bonds work, and that the person who purchases the bonds is the guarantor. He encourages everyone to understand the process.

Mr. Hays said he could not speak to the investment in Baxter Pharmaceuticals, and said that some other endeavors require more research.

The school board candidates were asked if students should say the pledge of allegiance and a prayer each day.

Mr. Sparks said he is a devout Christian, and told of starting a Bible study when he was in high school. He also said we need to be proud of our country indicating he’s in favor of the pledge.

Mr. Schilling invited all who are interested to attend one of the schools one day. He said they begin every day with the pledge and a moment of prayerful silence. He said religion is a matter of the home, acknowledging that not everyone believes the same.

Commission candidates were asked when would they spend the money approved in the 2012 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), saying emergency equipment is needed; voters approved it, when will the county buy it.

Mr. Harrison did not know the answer but agreed SPLOST is the way to fund those major capital expenses, and agreed they are very important.

Mr. Hays says thing must follow a process.

Mr. Trammell said the fire truck is set to be put out to bid within the next 45 days. The attorney is reworking the bid documents, he said.

The commission candidates were asked would they force code enforcement to do its job.

Mr. Hays said yes. He said people who break the law should face the consequences.

Mr. Trammell said they’re working hard. There’s only one full time and one part time person in the office.

Mr. Harrison said yes, and said he would encourage pride in the county.

The Chief Magistrate candidates were asked what they thought of combining Magistrate Court with Probate Court.

Mrs. Steele said they are two totally different things. Much more training would be required, and she said it wouldn’t reduce much. It would not be economical.

Mr. Jacobs said he believes in consolidation, whatever we can do to save money. It could work, he said, and he’s all for it.

Mr. Lam said the courts have two very distinct chores, and mentioned the civil cases. He said he’s not sure it’s a great idea to combine.

The commission candidates were asked how important is public safety, specifically fire and EMS to the commission candidates.

Mr. Trammell said very important. Crucial, adding we are trying to reorganize EMS now. He said the quickest saving for everyone would be to get the fire rating down, but we need more equipment and more trained firefighters.

Mr. Harrison said the emergency responders do amazing work on a shoestring budget. He questioned if we are allocating properly and said we need to beef up services and personnel. It’s a big county.

Mr. Hays said it is very important, and so often EMS is unmanned.

The commission candidates were asked how the county gets ready for growth.

Mr. Harrison said invest in infrastructure, and make sure zoning regulations are where you want them.

Mr. Trammell talked about the Comprehensive Plan and the fact that it will be re-done next year.

The plan, along with the land use map which is part of the plan, directs growth.

Mr. Hays said we need to see what the people want. I’m big on community, he said.

The commissioners were asked why is growth needed when people move here for the rural charm.

Mr. Hays agreed that we need to keep it rural, that’s why people want to live here.

Mr. Trammell said people like the rural atmosphere, and they plan to keep it, but industrial growth helps offset homeowner’s taxes and provides jobs.

Mr. Harrison said we have tremendous room for small business growth in the community, and we need to help people start businesses.

School board candidates were asked about the charter school concept which the local system is changing to.

Mr. Schilling said it gives more local control. The county will be in a contract with the state for five years, and there will be a school governance team for each school that will make recommendations to the board.

Mr. Sparks also spoke of the school governance teams, and said that the charter system takes tenure away from teachers. He said it can cut legal steps to handle certain situations.

In closing, the candidates said:

Mr. Sparks–I’m not a politician, I’m a hard working businessman. He said the timing is wrong on the new building that is being planned at the high school. He has conservative, common sense values, he said.

Mr. Schilling said he knows how important the school board position is. The board sets policy, determines personnel, chooses curriculum. He encouraged everyone to get involved with the schools.

Mr. Harrison said he learned a lot at the forum. He said people are moving here; we have to be prepared for the growth that is inevitably coming.

Mr. Trammell—I’ve enjoyed serving and look forward to the next four years. If not, then he wants everyone to know we are poised for some of the best things to happen. Jasper County is a diamond in the rough, he said.

Mr. Hays said that before voting one needs to think about are they going to represent me. Will they listen to me.

Mrs. Steele said she went to work in the clerk’s office in 2003, and through hard work and dedication, she got the training and experience, and is the best candidate for Chief Magistrate.

Mr. Lam said he brings the best qualifications to the office. He has been an attorney for 26 years, and is well qualified. He has no conflicts, he said.

Mr. Jacobs thanked his family for coming, and said he’s been elected three times, and it is honorable. He said he has no conflicts of interest. He said he has a proven public service record. He said he can make positive changes while saving money. He added that the Magistrates serves as the courtroom between the law and the citizens.