Election Is Tuesday; Candidate Forum Is Held

Early voting continues through tomorrow, Oct. 30, for the city of Monticello election, then the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Eight people are seeking three seats.

The Monticello – Jasper County Chamber of Commerce held a candidate forum Thursday night for those seeking a seat on the Monticello City Council.

The consensus among those present for the forum was to improve and promote Monticello, and to lower the utility bills, said to be one of the most common concerns of the citizens. Candidates also spoke on improving industry, infrastructure, housing, and ensuring a historical aspect of Monticello during the forum.

At the beginning of the forum everyone was welcomed by Kathy Mudd, Chamber of Commerce Chair and the forum was moderated by Skip Davis, Chamber of Commerce Vice-Chair. Those candidates who attended the forum included Alton Standifer and Stone Workman for Mayor Pro-tem; Cynthia Miller, for Council District 1, Post 2; and Shaun Bell and Jenny H. Murphy for Council District 2, Post 2. The questions and answers from the forum are printed below.

Candidates introduced themselves and spoke to what they foresee for the City of Monticello.

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Mr. Bell began stating, “I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and the community for coming out tonight. As a councilman I promise to deliver the following: to represent the citizens of my district; to not be influenced by personal agendas or groups; to serve with independence and integrity; to make informed business decisions and I won’t defer to others with influence.”

Mrs. Murphy stated “I want to be your next city councilman. I have lived here off and on since I was 12. I work here and I play here. I know that there are challenges, but I also know how much potential Monticello has. I feel like I can get most anything I want in this community and I want to see it grow and thrive and to be the best Monticello that we possibly can. I would appreciate your vote.”

Mr. Standifer said, “I think that it is important to have fiscal responsibility, to show leadership and I am running on putting people over politics and on community unity. I want to promote industry and continued education. I have pride in Monticello. I want to make an impact on those currently and for future generations. I want people to be proud, and to have opportunities.”

Mr. Workman opened with “This is my hometown. I’m sitting here having a back to the future moment as this room that years ago had a tree growing through it. I served previously on the council with Mrs. Susan Holmes, Otis Clark, and Jackie Bell, and look what we can do— this is a beautiful building. We pioneered the workings for this building. I have written and aided in receiving $1 million in grants for the city of Monticello and I will be a work horse and a work man not a show horse.”

Mrs. Miller stated, “I represent and care about my district as well as the community. I am going to look to people and I want their issues heard. I want to insure that the people’s interests are heard and well represented. I have communication and analytical skills and judgment and integrity to ensure that I will be an effective council member. I currently work for the Putnam County Board of Commissioners. I have a degree in Business Management, I am familiar with grants, big budget planning, and I am an advocate of working together for all of the citizens.

Mr. Davis then proceeded with questions for each candidate.

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He asked, “What do you hope Monticello will look like in 10 years?”

Every candidate present made some reference to increasing, “bustling” business on the Square along with maintaining that “hometown, small town feel.”

Mr. Bell added, “I see a full industrial park and an open communication where businesses can communicate with candidates. I also envision a great parks and recreation program.”

Mrs. Murphy said she saw “a bustling little city with more houses occupied, and all the businesses full.”

Mr. Standifer included, “I see a place of great opportunity. With thriving economic development and an educated people who want to return and invest. I also see a place of unity where everyone gets along and the city thrives.”

Mr. Workman emphasized “When I moved here 25 years ago, we chose Monticello. I was working at the airport and Monticello was where we wanted to raise a family. I look to still be where people want to settle and raise children with more opportunities available.”

Ms. Miller added, “I see a place where people and families feel safe, and work together.”

The second question asked, “What small Georgia city is a great example of what Monticello could be?

Ms. Murphy was quick to answer, “Senoia. Senoia is similar to our size and at one time was on the verge of drying up. The movie industry came into that small town and helped it revitalize. Currently it’s thriving with restaurants, antique shops, coffee bars, and small museums. While we may not have the movie industry to help out, there are other ways to revitalize here. That is what you want to see in the future.”

Mr. Standifer answered, “Dallas, Ga. – Senoia as well as St. Mary’s are both good examples, but I just want to create the best Monticello with our own niches and not look to be a part of something else. We, more importantly, shouldn’t look to model Monticello after some small town. We should look to be the best that we can be and we carry that torch.”

Mr. Workman stated that “20 years ago we went to Douglas, Ga. That town didn’t have anything, but they had local leadership and by working together the state saw their dedication and commitment and they got everything that they wanted.”

Mrs. Miller replied, “Canton, Ga. It still maintains its small town charm with growth and provides for its residents. They have a good education system and is safe for its citizens.”

Mr. Bell said, “I think both Newton and Henry. Henry has a council with quality. There is growth and their schools have developed. Newton has shown great economic development.”

The next question asked was “What action will you take to encourage citizen involvement, especially our youth, in our city?”

Mr. Standifer was the first to answer and said, “I want to give them something attractive, some empowerment of those in the community. I remember when Monticello Baptist Church held a concert at Rose Bowl Field and everyone came, from both sides of the track. We need to get back to that. I want to encourage and promote all community.”

Mr. Workman replied, “I would like to see more elected people in the schools. Previously, we were all there all of the time. We volunteered time. I’m retired and I plan to get involved and show the youth that I care.”

Mrs. Miller encouraged citizens and said, “I like where the people, the citizens come to the council with ideas. If we could work with citizens, and form a committee to address what they want and what the children here want and need, we can progress.”

Mr. Bell said that he would like to keep the citizens informed. “I want to let them know of a central and an important part of the process. With our youth, we have to create more recreational activities available. I believe that we should utilize the resources such as the Get Ahead House and I believe that Dr. [Mike] Newton is working on bringing a boys and girls club here.”

Mrs. Murphy said that “We as a whole need to be more positive about Monticello. We need to have more good spoken about this town. I recently went to Eatonton to see A1A, a tribute band and there were young, old, black and white all there enjoying the music. I also encourage the schools to come and visit and to present to council members so that we can learn more about them and how we can encourage involvement.”

The next questions asked, “What do you propose as the most important issue facing Monticello and what can we do to address it?”

Each of the candidates responded that the utility rates were one of the biggest issues along with growth of the city. Messrs Workman, Bell and Standifer all commented on the contract that the City of Monticello has with MEAG and the perceived high utility rates as a problem. Mr. Workman stated “lack of growth is a major issue…we need to get people excited to move back to Monticello.”

Mr. Bell added, “we can’t continue with business as usual. We have to look into the contract with MEAG and if necessary seek legal counsel, any contract can be broken.”

Mr. Standifer said that, “Industry drives utilities. We need to increase industry and bring in businesses to buy the amount of electricity that will aid in taking the burden off of homeowners.”

Each of the lady candidates commented on the need to beautify the city by aiding homeowners with the upkeep of homes, and were in favor of making Monticello an attractive city to come to, in turn aiding in the growth of the city.

Mrs. Miller stated, “I will bring experience to the city. I am familiar with budget planning and have worked with various government agencies. I am for various entities working together and I am familiar with grant writing and availability. I also have great analytical skills and I can communicate well. I do realize that there are problems, but I also know that there is a solution to each problem and I will do my work hard to find it.

Mr. Bell said, “I am a born leader. I believe that leadership is important and I am not afraid to ask the tough questions and to get the tough answers. I like to communicate with people. I’ve been a leader my whole life. I am the father of four kids that I lead through every day situations.”

Mrs. Murphy replied, “With my job I have worked with a lot of businesses and I still do. I plan to be a proponent to these businesses and to attract future businesses. I am here all of the time, I am easy to talk to and a good listener and I am easily accessible.”

Mr. Standifer said that he has held and been elected to several leadership positions in the past and some of those representing over 20,000 people. “I work every day managing situations, and managing people. I am also familiar with working with large budgets. More importantly, I am excited. I am young and I have fresh ideas. I am someone that is looking to build a legacy and not rest upon one.”

Mr. Workman began, “I have a record six years on the council from 1995-2001. If you look at West View Park, Funderburg Park and during that time we brought in business to the Square, Permatherm, the new technical college. I was on that council that got it done.”

The following question was asked, “What is your top action item for the new council in the new year?”

Mr. Bell stated, “High utility costs. Every door that I’ve knocked on is concerned with the utility rates. I will look to make them more affordable for citizens.

Mrs. Murphy replied, “A new termination policy because it seems as if the current council has left us with that task, but also trying to find new ideas and ways to grow Monticello.”

Mr. Standifer said, “I would go and recruit a smart, an intelligent and a very prepared city manager. The council needs to tend to those wants of the citizens and the council cannot lobby for change if we have to be here to manage the day to day operations of the city. I want that manager in a good position to free up the council for larger items discussed.

Mr. Workman stated, “I would work with Mr. [Bryan] Standifer [Mayor of Monticello] and do what we did in 1995 and start with a retreat. That was beneficial that we all got to know one another and to be unified in putting Monticello first. I think that having an outside person set ground rules encouraged from the start that we can agree to disagree, but we must work together.”

Mrs. Miller said, “I would listen to all of the people’s concerns and have a good city manager in place. I would encourage us all to work together to serve the people.”

Another question asked, “What is your plan for improvements to existing parks and what kind of park would you like to see planned for Monticello?”

Mrs. Murphy began and said, “I don’t have small children so I don’t frequent the parks often, but when I do I know that they are a lot better. I think that we could use more walking trails and possibly incorporate rest room facilities, knowing that there is some cost and upkeep required.”

Mr. Standifer replied, “We have some great opportunities here and some financial commitment for maintenance. It will take council and the citizens’ investment to take care of the parks. The first lady has a nationwide campaign to get kids more active and we have to take some responsibility and give them access to that responsibility.”

Mr. Workman said, “If you get up early you will see me at 6:30 more mornings walking from my house on Forsyth Street through Funderburg and West View Parks. Both of these have been redone and look great. In the future I feel that we need to have a swimming/aquatic center, possibly with the county or a private entity as there is not currently anywhere to teach swimming to children.”

Mrs. Miller commented, “I believe that a community involved committee would be beneficial where citizens could bring their concerns and any ideas on improvements. I know that we have two wonderful parks and would take suggestions from citizens as they know best what they want.”

Mr. Bell said, “We have great parks, thanks to that beautiful lady back there, my mother. It’s my understanding that we also have an additional eight acres in Funderburg Park that are undeveloped and once developed and kept in mint condition would be a draw.”

One important leading question asked, “Will you commit to enforcement of city codes such as those requiring that businesses, tenants, homeowners keep their properties clean and in good repair?

Mr. Standifer began with, “For maintenance and upkeep for beautification of the city that will be needed. Knowing that, it is hard to bring that into fruition at times not knowing the owner. Those have suggested condemning the properties but that can cost money. We will have to be strategic and knowledgeable about ways to enforce that. There are ways to enforce codes; many citizens that I’ve talked with do see that as an issue.”

Mr. Workman said, “Yes. I wrote the code for demolition by neglect for the city 20 years ago. It’s a question of will and if the city council is united on it then we can hire the right person to be city managet it will be done.”

Mrs. Miller stated, “Yes. I would endorse that and if a citizen was having problems with upkeep possibly a church or another group could help. Having a backup plan for action once a problem is addressed is helpful before something drastic has to take place.”

Mr. Bell said, “Yes. I will commit. There are already codes. We need a committee or someone to enforce those. We must be willing to spend some time and have people in place in order to do that work.

Mrs. Murphy said, “Yes. I am not exactly sure who the code person is but we’d have to have one. I think that we should work with the county and the code enforcement officer.”

Mrs. Murphy segued into the next question which asked, “Do you pledge to find money to fund a code enforcement officer?”

Mr. Workman said, “Yes, I think that we’ll have to share one with the county as there are less than 20,000 people in the entire county. It’s very attractive.”

Mrs. Miller simply said “yes.”

Mr. Bell stated, “We have to find out about finances, but most importantly is looking into utilities.”

Mrs. Murphy added, “I will pledge to try to. I am not sure that we need two full-time officers in the county. I would try definitely and maybe we’ll have a full-time and a part-time depending on the need.”

Mr. Standifer commented, “I believe that is something of importance, but it would not be the first thing I’d do. I’d look to share the money with the county after looking at the budget and aligning priorities with what’s most important.”

And the final question of the night was, “What are your thoughts on the Historic Preservation districts throughout the City of Monticello?”

Mrs. Miller began with, “I think that it is great to have. It’s somewhat needed and somewhat not. This is in practice for a particular reason and I do think it’s needed and important.”

Mr. Bell said, “I am a firm believer of preservation in history and don’t know much about it. I will be diligent in learning about and supporting these historical districts if it’s what the citizens want.”

Mrs. Murphy said, “I know that some of them are a tourist draw. I’m not sure how big of a draw but some people are drawn to the city for that reason, so yes it should be in place.”

Mr. Standifer said that “Historical Districts are a great draw to have. I don’t think that should limit homeowners as to what they want to do on their property, but yes they are important as long as there are not specific limits.”

Mr. Workman stated, “I have two points. No district was created without people from that district asking for them. Hillsboro Street initially did not come in as a historic district and then there were some trailers put in and those residents changed their minds. African American historic district was a request and because we have historic districts in this city is the only reason that we are a certified city and received state grants and have incorporated cities.”

Each candidate was given three minutes for closing comments. They included:

Shaun Bell – “I promise to move on, change things. I will operate on independence and integrity. I will serve the citizens, be truthful and transparent, and I promise that I will be responsible and accountable with your money.”

Jenny Murphy – “I think that I am the best qualified because I live here and I work here. While campaigning I have learned some things but I like that we still live in a safe town and that people open their doors when you knock on them. I have heard some complaints, but I think that if we come together we’ll be the best that we can be. I ask for your votes.”

Alton Standifer began with a quote from Dr. Seuss – “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive more Youer than You. My name is Alton M. Standifer and I am seeking the seat of Mayor Pro-tem in a city that I love and I have enjoyed residing in. A place that I hope is preserved for generations not even yet thought of.

I bring my platform of fiscal responsibility, strong leadership to take us into a next generation, people over politics, promoting industry, and education. An education that students know that quality education is what they are getting. I am running on unity, not just unifying our council, but unifying our community on both sides of the tracks. I want to represent all people of Monticello. I want to be your Mayor Pro-tem.

Stone Workman started with a story of Presbyterian Minister, Phillip Dennis. He said, “Phillip said that a lot of people ask him about his walking to church. And you see me stop and talk to people standing on the corner and on the Square I stop and pick up trash, when I stop by DFCS and check in each day, I get asked why?

I tell them; this place here is what we want the Kingdom of God to be like. I stop to talk to the people looking for work, because in the Kingdom of God there is no unemployment. I stop to pick up trash because there is no litter in the Kingdom of God. What can we do to promote the Kingdom of God? The purest service you’ll ever give will be for this city, on this council. We have a special little city here. I got to sit in this building one time as a council member. It was an incredible opportunity and the promised land.”

Cynthia Miller – “All citizens to represent with integrity. I pledge to working with consensus and together as a team. I will push new programs, new ideas, and to grow and maintain. I want everyone to know that I represent all people, not this people or that people but the entire community.

The forum was closed with thanks to the citizens that attended. Those running for council seats that did not attend were Randy Strozier, candidate for Mayor Pro-tem; Cornell Williams, candidate for District 1, Post 2; and Stephanie Chaney, candidate for District 2, Post 2.