I have to start off by thanking everyone who voted in the primary, and especially the ones who voted for me.
A very sincere “Thank You!” goes out to all of my supporters for their hard work and financial support. I know it will be hard, but we have another couple of weeks’ work to do — we need to tell citizens there is an all-important run off, they need to go to their precincts again, and please vote OGNIO one more time on August 21st.
Why? Because it’s business as usual at the commission meetings. Even though my opponent is aware of how many citizens voted against his record last week, he continues to approve expensive single-bid contracts.
At the July 26 commissioners meeting, for example, he helped pass a single bid contract for $769,950. During the same week, Peachtree City announced saving $260,000 on a contract that citizens demanded be offered to multiple bidders.
I have been going to county commission, workshop, and budget meetings for years, and strongly urging the 3-commissioner majority, including Commissioner Hearn, to seek bids on expensive contracts. They continue to ignore me and others’ demands to do so, and approve no-bid contracts.
Let’s look at the result of them passing this last contract. First, it sends the wrong message to the Fayette county employees. It says it’s OK to get only one bid. It also doesn’t give them any incentive to understand why they only got one bid, what other capable companies may be hungry for business, and how to get more bids the next time.
This particular contract brings another potential problem. It included the company supporting the county water department with large equipment in case of a major pipe failure. If this company cannot get the equipment needed out to the site, we do not have a second place bid to fall back on; we’ll have to call in whomever we can for help and will be subject to whatever they charge.
Was there a rush to approve this contract? No. Why not back up and do it with the taxpayers’ money in mind?
Go vote August 21st.
Randy C. Ognio
Candidate for Commissioner Post 3
Randy Ognio sent a message using the contact form at https://www.thecitizen.com/contact/editorial.
To Fayette County Voters:
This election vote is about you and your family.
When you vote, you should vote for someone who has the same values and principles as you. I always study the issues. I strive for accountability, fiscal responsibility and open government.
As a business owner of a 38-year-old, well-run business, I know how to balance a budget. I am confident in what I do. I work daily with both my employees and my clients. I am responsible for every job that we perform. You don’t stay in business for the 38 years without providing good service.
I’ve stated many times I believe in zero-based balanced budgeting. It is the taxpayer’s money being spent. Every County Commissioner must always remember that. I feel my opponent, incumbent Lee Hearn, has lost sight the board’s task of providing services efficiently and on budget.
If you want things to change, I will need your vote in the August 21 runoff election. I would be honored to be your voice on the Board of Commissioners. Please allow me to serve you.
When my wife and I moved here 19 years ago we picked Fayette County for the rural feel of the county. We picked Fayette County for the schools.I’m proud of where I live. We attend Woolsey Baptist Church. Our Family and Friends are here.
I’ve attended Board of Commissioner meetings for years. Some current board members seem to have their own personal agendas. I have no personal agenda.
We can no longer continue to run the county in the red. We can’t keep building roads to nowhere with no benefit to the taxpayers. You must listen to, and work with, the citizens of the county. My door will always be open.
I appreciated getting the most votes in the primary election. Please help me on this last leg of campaign and cast a vote in the August 21 runoff.
Please vote Randy Ognio. Give me the opportunity to work for the Citizens of Fayette County on the Board of Commissioners.
Thank you!
Randy Ognio, Candidate
Fayette County Commission – Post 3
