There are a full spectrum of opinions in the county about the agreement reached to settle the NAACP district lawsuit. This settlement will impact the county for a long time to come.
The agreement is legal and will govern the 2016 Board of Commissioners and Board of Education elections. The new boards seated in 2017 will play major roles in shaping the decisions and realities guiding Fayette into the future.
Believing I have a lot to offer and wanting to be part of shaping that future, I hereby declare my candidacy for the new at-large commission post.
What do I bring to the table? I have been a mayor, councilman, member of the Board of Health and have been a state annexation arbitrator since 2009. Even when not in office I have remained active by attending various meetings, letters to the editor and my website.
I also owned and operated a business for 20 years, was a supervisor in a $100 million dollar roll mill and a vet who did intelligence work for Nam, Russia and China. As well worked in 4-H Boy Scouts, and HOA president.
Having grown up on a farm in Indiana and lived overseas, I understand and appreciate various lifestyles, values and the impact of government.
As a commissioner, I will not be there for self promotion, but to serve you. I will read the materials given to me by staff, do my own research as needed, ask questions, debate agenda items, vote and then move on.
While I will not rubber stamp staff’s recommendations, I do value them and do not believe it is the job of a commissioner to micro-manage.
What are my goals as a commissioner?
1. Economic Development – we need the Fayette County Development Authority to be proactive, not just reactive, in bringing good paying career jobs here.
In turn such jobs sell homes and fill empty and under-utilized retail space. They add revenue to county and city coffers which keeps property and other taxes down.
They promote educational opportunities here and support our school system.
Having their employees here reduces commuter traffic. It allows more people to get to work via golf carts and bicycles. As well promotes carpooling and other alternative transportation avenues.
2. Produce budgets that are sound and balanced. Fiscally I am very conservative. Taxes, fees, debt and spending have to be justified as needed, wanted and productive.
3. Listen to the residents. I will be elected to represent you, not me.
4. Review, update, remove and create ordinances that are appropriate for today and protect our quality of life. Variances, inconsistent ordinances and other issues create precedence that can be disastrous. Experience from dealing with city ordinances and annexation arbitrations has shown these are very real concerns often unseen until too late.
5. Having worked with GDOT and the ARC on many issues, we need to stay aware of their plans for Fayette County and how they will impact us. Materials on the issues are on my website.
We can accomplish what is needed for the future of our great county without burying it under asphalt and concrete. We didn’t move here for urban living.
Note I said “we.” While each of us can contribute, individually, there are five commissioners. That means it has to be a “we” effort.
With my experience and living in Fayette for 29 years, I am ready to step into the job and go to work today.
Your support; moral, financial, campaigning, etc., would be greatly appreciated. I am available to speak with individuals and groups. This election is important to everyone. Contact information is on donhaddix.com.
Thank you for your consideration. I value your vote of confidence and look forward to serving as your commissioner.
Don Haddix
Peachtree City, Ga.
