by  Prissi Sullivan

The League of Women Voters of Carroll County hosted a forum for the runoff candidates for County Commissioner of Districts 4 on June 26. Candidates Steve Fuller and Mark T. Sullivan presented their views to an audience of 40 plus at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center.
       

Both candidates view urban development as one of the biggest challenges facing the county. Fuller is in favor of controlled growth in order to prevent the loss of farmland.
       

In addition to urban development, Fuller wants to get the budget under control and to pay public safety employees enough to keep them. “There’s a revolving door and an entirely new system every 90 days at the jail,” he declared.
       

To further communication with constituents, Sullivan wishes to host quarterly meetings. “Commissioner is not a full-time job,” he explained. “I can’t always talk face to face but have email and am on Facebook.”
       

Fuller wants to host monthly meetings at various polling precincts, using email groups, websites, and Facebook to inform voters of the meetings. “I prefer to discuss the issues face to face,” he stated.
       

Fuller stated that the county has protections of natural resources in place: “Green space is set aside through the comprehensive plan,” he explained. “We need to educate the landowners concerning the runoff into our streams.”
       

Sullivan cited the strict standards set by the Georgia EPA, which are set by population. “We can incentivize the public regarding pollution. Plus, High fines are involved,” he stated.
       

When asked about the Moore’s Bridge Park, Sullivan stated that not a lot of money had been dedicated to it. “I would support more funding for projects such as those directing people to the history of specific areas in Carroll County.”
       

Fuller reminisced about being taken to the area as a child, along with other historical areas not well-known. He cited state and federal grants as a source of funding to enhance these areas.
       

The corridor from I-20 to Carrollton—Highway 61—is zoned commercial and light industrial. Fuller would like to make sure that this corridor does not become an eyesore. “I would work with zoning on this issue,” he said.
       

Sullivan wants no more heavy industrial on that corridor. “The traffic is bad enough now,” he said. “Codes enforcement needs to make sure the area is kept presentable.”
       

The candidates were asked if they would support a rural supplement in addition to the funds presented to the West Georgia Regional Library System for the maintenance of the rural libraries. Sullivan would be in favor of a reallocation of funds. “Rural areas don’t have good internet service,” he explained. “Lower income areas need more internet service. This service is in libraries.”
       

Fuller doesn’t feel there is money in the budget for additional funds for the libraries. “Money is allocated to the various libraries according to the population around the library, even outside the city limits,” he explained.
       

Both candidates agreed that faster internet in rural areas is a must. Fuller brought up a Georgia House of Representatives bill that would allow EMCs to bring better and more internet service to rural areas, which leads him to hope for state funding. Sullivan stated that Comcast and Charter companies don’t want to see EMC bring in broadband internet and may try to block the EMCs.
       

Fuller and Sullivan agreed that more housing is needed in Carroll County. “It will bring a larger tax base, but needs to be controlled,” said Sullivan. Fuller favors growth around the cities, where infrastructure is already in place.
       

When asked if he had a plan to bring industry and jobs to the county, Fuller answered, “Me, personally? No. The commission works with the Chamber to do this. We do need to watch the tax breaks for new industry—too many won’t do the property owners any good.”
       

Sullivan is more in favor of tax incentives. “Large amounts of dollars will be coming into the county even with some tax breaks. We need to know how many jobs the specific industry will bring.”
       

SPLOST dollars have been raised to build a new county administration building. Since this money is earmarked for this specific purpose, it can’t be used for any other purpose.
       

Sullivan wants the new facility to be in a good area and to be cost effective. “Currently, the commission meetings are not held on a good site,” he said. “It is hard to get to, especially for the handicapped and elderly.”
       

Fuller feels location is important and that the cost of construction of a new building should be weighed against the cost of the upkeep of the old building.
       

There have been construction problems in county facilities, i.e. problems with the fairly new courthouse in Carrollton. Fuller thinks potential construction companies should undergo thorough background checks. Sullivan would like to pursue legal avenues to make sure problems are handled appropriately.
       

Both favor a no-kill animal shelter. Sullivan would like to partner with the cities to host pet adoption days. Fuller wants to cut costs of sheltering the animals by having prisoners work there.
       

In closing, Fuller promised to listen and take what he hears to the commission. “I will vote according to the wishes of my constituents,” he promised.
       

Sullivan raised the issue that 90% of the registered voters did not vote in the election. “These people have a voice if they had chosen to use it,” he declared.

(photo)

Steve Fuller(left) and Mark T. Sullivan (right)