I would like to state some facts about a couple of issues:
1. The West Fayetteville Bypass is a road that was identified by an independent traffic planning consultant in 2003. The WFB was included in the project list that was identified as a project eligible for funding in the 2004 SPLOST. The special purposed local option sales tax was for funding identified road projects only.
The route of the WFB was changed by Jack Smith’s board in 2007 after I had taken a job in Henry County and phase one was under construction when I came on the Board of Commissioners in 2009. This portion of the WFB affects Addision Lester’s property. How could my challenger accuse me of wrongdoing on the alignment of phase one?
I believe the WFB will help provide an alternate route around Fayetteville and anyone that travels through Fayetteville during peak hours knows we need some additional routes to help with traffic. I believe the latest Street Smarts traffic study confirms that the WFB is a good project because the study predicts that over 8,000 vehicles per day will travel the northern section when it opens to traffic next year. Does that sound like a road to nowhere if 8,000 vehicles per day use it when it opens?
Good leaders plan and take action to make improvements. We have been blessed with good leaders in Fayette County. Our leaders have done a great job planning and taking action to make sure our water demands for years to come are met. I believe we must also take a similar approach to our transportation needs. I realize that some of our work will be painful as property is always negatively affected by road improvements. I am truly sorry that we can’t make the improvements without the negative impacts. We must continue to improve our network of roads if we expect Fayette County to continue to be a great place to live, work, and play.
2. My nomination of Addision Lester to the Elections Board has been a point of discussion by some and this matter was brought up at the debate last Tuesday night. Let me provide some helpful information. Addision is my mother’s first cousin and I should have let everyone know that when I made the nomination. It was poor judgment on my part and I have apologized for same.
Addision has lived in Fayette County his entire life and his dad was the City Manager of Fayetteville for years. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Fayetteville First Baptist Church and has served willingly on mission trips. In short, Addision is a fine man with outstanding character and integrity. The fact that he has lived in Fayette County his entire life helps him in the selection process to choose qualified poll workers with great character and integrity. Addision has the support of the other members on the election board because he was the unanimous choice to serve as Chairman of the Elections Board.
We are facing many challenges in Fayette County with declining revenues and pressure from the naysayers. I believe we need experienced leaders with a positive vision for the future and that are willing to make tough decisions to guide our county. Please vote for Lee Hearn on July 31st. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to serve this county.
Lee Hearn
Brooks, Ga.
