Forsyth County Candidates Gather for Town Hall Meeting

The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 82 hosted a Town Hall meeting where candidates were given nine minutes each to talk about what sets them apart from their competition.

The informal venue allowed candidates ample time to make a lasting impression with the community and the FOP. Afterwards, a meet and greet with the candidates gave the community a chance to get to know them personally.

First up were Dennis Brown and incumbent commissioner for District 2, Brian Tam.

Brown mentioned that one of his biggest priorities would be to take county government out of the hands of the special interest groups and big-money campaign contributors and give it back to the citizens of Forsyth County.

Brown also discussed his intentions for reducing the county's tax burden. "I will be exploring outsourcing opportunities and generating non-tax revenue in a number of ways such as sale of naming rights to parks and playgrounds and sales of advertising on the county TV channel and Web site. I will move to end the reckless spending of taxpayer dollars and reduce county indebtedness which has tripled since the incumbent was first elected."

Brown also cited his belief in the county's need for water independence. "We cannot continue to remain at the mercy of the City of Cumming or any other entity regarding our most valuable and important critical resource."

Incumbent, Brian Tam said he has always kept three things in mind as commissioner, education, recreation and public safety. "As commissioner, you have to be involved in our education system. It is without a doubt our greatest amenity. It is what keeps our properties high."

"Some of the special interests that I get accused of catering to are going to have a 140 acres of parks and green space open tomorrow and Friday. When you add that to the 65 we opened yesterday, that's 200 acres (approximately) of green space. I'm also proud to say throughout the county, not just my district, we are adding more sidewalks."

District 4 incumbent Patrick Bell, talked about his support in law enforcement and public safety. "I have worked with our IT department to get 80 new digital cameras for patrol units. We are buying 20 new vehicles this year for patrol. We just yesterday approved a new headquarters unit to get you guys [deputies] consolidated so that you have a better work environment." 

"I recognize that bringing new business here will help generate new revenue. I'm also a proponent of property rights. I want government out of people's lives. I've been accused of not following staff, but my job is to follow the citizens and do the absolute best job for the citizens. Ultimately, that's what makes good decisions."

Challenger Charles Meagher talked about his personal experiences in receiving positive assistance from law enforcement in a dangerous situation. "I have a feeling for the folks who serve in our community. Also, I was in the school business for 39 years and a principal for 10 years. I have 23 years in the military, I have a lot of experience in leadership and service."

"As a commissioner candidate, I'm not going to stand up here and tell you that if you put me in office, I'm going to get you raises and that we're going to have a great retirement system, but I do want you to know that you will have a person in office who does understand those concerns." 

Challenger Cindy Jones-Mills talked about her family support in running for public office and her convictions about her loyalty to those who serve Forsyth County in law enforcement. "I count it an honor to be somebody's public servant. I find it appalling that a board of commissioner can get paid $35,000 a year and one of you (deputies) can risk your life and get paid 25. It truly shames me and I don't think it's right. I think that we should reward those who put their lives at risk and that's the kind of person I am." 

Contender Bill Mulrooney expressed his thoughts on expanding the job market in Forsyth County. "We need to attract companies that offer living wages. We have this mindset that jobs are retail, retail. Retail jobs are great, but they don't provide living wages." 

"I've spent 25 years working with international manufacturers, I know what they want, I know what we can do to get them. We need to go down the road to Atlanta and talk to these businesses and get them to move up here. The number one thing businesses look for is an educated work force, and we have that here in spades."

District 5 incumbent Jim Boff said he's had to stand up many times and make decisions that went against the board. 

"I was on the selection committee for the SPLOST before this last one and I think that was a good SPLOST, it has taken care of a lot of our roads and helped everyone out quite a bit. In terms of the distribution of that money, District 5, similar to District 4 only had the ability to buy one park." 

“None of the commissioners who are running right now except for me, would vote for that park, and yet you hear about the cooperation on the board.  Nevertheless, I got the park."

"You hear that people are upset sometimes by the lack of cooperation on the board. Even with that disparaging of me, going in the opposite direction of others, I have somehow ended up as chairman of the board. I would like you to consider how the board has gotten a water contract in the works, and that happened since I was the chairman.”

John Derucki spoke about his background in a small farming town in Indiana where his family fell on hard times and subsequently had to move. The event taught Derucki what it means to be fiscally responsible. His stepfather worked as a police officer.

“I know what it's like to live on a patrolman’s pay with five kids in the house. It is not easy and I have nothing but respect for you guys and ladies [deputies] that get up and do that every day.”

“I’m a firm believer that if we don’t go down the right path starting right now, then what will happen is that good economic growth and good jobs will ultimately pass this county by. When that happens, what we’ll be left with are the developments that we ultimately don’t want to have here and that’s what driving me because I want to improve this county. I say what I mean and I mean what I say.”

[District 4 Candidate, Tim Hubbard was unable to attend the forum as his grandfather passed away.]

Coroners candidates Hal Bennett, Mark Musselwhite and Mary Beth Pais reiterated their . 

Chief magistrate, Walker Bramblett and challenger Barbara Cole cited their experiences in law as well as their goals as chief magistrate.

Lauren McDonald, Ted Paxton and Duane Piper stated their missions if elected as sheriff.

McDonald talked about his 24 years of experience in public safety. "I spend a 100 hours a month down the street at Station One, I've been a firefighter for 24 years, 15 right here in Forsyth County. I want to be your sheriff because I know what leadership is. I care about the people here and with 11 1/2 years as your coroner, I appreciate what I've learned from you guys [deputies]."

"I make 11 bucks an hour to drive a million-dollar ladder truck down the street. I know what you're going through guys. We'd love to have a pension, but in this economy it's tough. It's something I can look at, but I would never promise something I could not fulfill for you. I can fulfill getting better pay, a good day's work for great pay." 

"Of course we look at discipline," added McDonald. "When we see the issues that have gone on within the department, I want to make sure that when we have a disciplinary action, that it's dealt with immediately and fairly. We see what's gone on with lieutenants that have had misconduct, and the proper punishment wasn't done. He should have been fired. I really stand behind that. I think these issues should be looked at strongly."

"I think there ought to be an advisory board of deputies that ought to change every six months. You all can elect your peers to have a voice with the sheriff. There shouldn't be a gap that's a buffer so that you cannot talk to your sheriff. I want to be your voice to go to commissioners, I want to fight for you guys."   

Ted Paxton talked about his proven record in terms of law enforcement that has enhanced the county as a whole. "I stand by what I've done. Everybody wants to be the sheriff; everybody wants to chastise everybody for why somebody was disciplined. I take each and every discipline action very seriously and every one of them that comes to my desk gets the same amount of consideration and concern. The bottom line is, we have a policy manual and I go by that policy manual each and every time."

"We have a civil service system in this county which precludes the sheriff from just being able to wave a wand and do what he feels like he wants to do. Sometimes that's hindrance, but the bottom is line is that it's a protection to the employees. I stand by what I've done for you all over the years."

Duane Piper  discussed his plans for restructuring the agency. "Our budget is out of control, our morale is in the tank and we're stagnant. Any one of those three alone are enough to want to restructure your agency. The three of them together screams restructuring."

"There will be no layoffs, no firings, which is the most common rumor I'm hearing about the restructuring. The bulk of the restructuring will happen from the rank above Captain – the ranks of Major, all the way to the sheriff can be flattened down into one leadership team straight across. The captains will be answering to that leadership team." 

As voting day approaches, the community is urged to make an educated decision on the candidates they are choosing to represent Forsyth County. An educated vote is a victory for everyone.

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