by Prissi Sullivan
Michelle Morgan and John Wilson faced off in a forum sponsored by the Carroll County League of Women Voters at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center on June 26, 2019 at 6:30 pm. These two candidates, who are running for Chairman of Carroll County Board of Commissioners, received the most votes—although neither obtained 50%–in the election held on June 18, 2019. Approximately 65 attendees were present. The runoff will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019. Early voting begins Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12. Registered voters who did not vote in the original election MAY VOTE IN THE RUNOFF.
In her opening statement, Morgan stated, “I am prepared and qualified to be your next commission chairman.” She is a certified county commissioner and has earned Regional Economic Development certification, along with serving as county commissioner for District 4 for 6 years.
Wilson served as commissioner for District 4 from 2007 to 2014, during a major recession, during which time the county went from being $5.5 million in debt to having a surplus without raising taxes. “This is a crucial election,” he stated. “The commission chairman has more involvement in day to day life than people are aware.”
Wilson’s foremost priority is first responder pay. “Carroll County trains these people, gets them going; then they leave to go just down the road for higher pay. And not just first responders—all county employees need a pay raise. The county has collected 97% of the tax base. The remaining 3% totals about $2 million, but the county doesn’t have the resources to collect this money.”
Morgan has three top priorities: (!) employee salaries— “We have been discussing this issue for the last 2 years and have made small strides”; (2) housing— “What kind, where? There is a definite need”; and (3) job creation— “We need more industry to ease the tax burden on residents.”
As for the organization and culture of Carroll County government, Morgan views government as “a way to care for the public, which includes safety, quality of life—parks, libraries, etc.”
Wilson want to stop the influx of Atlanta’s problems, which have already creeped into the Douglasville area. “Carroll County is a unique place and we need to maintain what we have. Once we lose it, there is no going back. We don’t want the drugs, gangs, and violence out here.”
Housing, or lack thereof, is a big issue in the county. In spite of the need, “we don’t have the infrastructure to support multi-family units, and I would vote ‘no” to subdivision after subdivision after subdivision coming in the county,” declared Wilson.
Morgan feels there is a big need for diversity in housing. “We need different sized lots, different size and layouts—such as number of levels—of homes, and different areas. I would work with realtors and construction companies to solve this issue.
Morgan thinks that her extensive range of contacts—state and local leaders, chambers of commerce, etc.–puts her in a unique position to offer effective incentives to attract jobs and industry to the area.
Wilson would like to give the people who are already tasked with bringing in industry and jobs—such as Carroll Tomorrow, Chamber of Commerce, etc.—the tools to attract businesses to the area.
When asked if he would support a rural supplement for rural libraries, Wilson replied, “Sure, if the money was available.”
Morgan pointed out that the distribution of the $250,000 library allotment was set by the West Georgia Regional Library Board. However, she would support a separate line item in the budget for a rural supplement.
When asked how, as chairman, the candidates would foster a better working relationship between the county and Carroll County Prison in order to disperse pertinent information and make use of all necessary assets, Morgan answered that she had toured that facility. “The best way to inform the public is with a Communications Director. The Sheriff’s Department has one,” she said.
Wilson referenced a recent escape, during which the public was in the dark. “The cause of the escape was the lack of following protocol. People need to know these things and the number 1 priority should be to inform the nearby residents.”
Both candidates want to reduce the litter in Carroll County. Wilson favors firsthand solutions. He has actually waded through bags of trash on the highway until identifying the litterer. “I then took pictures and posted it on Facebook. With the number of convenience centers in Carroll County, there is no excuse to litter.”
Morgan wants to work with Keep Carroll Beautiful and educate the public. “The commission donated money from the solid waste fund to this organization.”
When asked about financial contributions, Morgan listed the donations she had received: “twenty-three people gave $1,000; 51 gave between $100 and $999; seventy-nine gave less than $100. Two contributions were $2500—from my husband, Jimmy, and myself.”
Wilson clarified that he had made no promises to anyone for any contributions. “I’m not in anyone’s pocket! Unless you’re Donald Trump, it’s hard to finance a campaign. I don’t think anyone that donated to either candidate is looking for a favor. They just believe in us.”
Citizen John Paulk has sued the county for $3.6 million in lost revenue for being denied rezoning his property from agricultural to commercial in order to construct a shooting range and event center. The candidates were asked their view on a shooting range in that area.
Wilson was emphatic in his response: “I will vote NO on a shooting range! Paulk is a friend of mine; I grew up with his son. He donated to my campaign, but he knows exactly where I stand. Read my lips: NO, I will not vote for the gun range! NO, NO, NO!”
Morgan agreed. “I’ve been fighting this issue for 2 ½ years and will continue to fight against a gun range.”
Both candidates favor a no-kill animal shelter. Morgan has volunteered at the shelter for the last 4 years. Wilson stated that in 2007, at the old facility, 1600 pounds of animals were killed per week. During his time as a commissioner, a spay/neuter clinic was opened, the focus shifted to adoption, the animal shelter budget was increased, and prisoners were used to assist at the shelter. “The kill rate decreased significantly,” he stated.
Morgan and Wilson both desire controlled growth and want to maintain the rural heritage of the county. “We need to adhere to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Map,” stated Wilson. “Villa Rica and the north end of the county is designed for growth. Common sense is needed; the county benefits from farmland. We can’t lose what we have.”
Morgan wants to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the farmers to bring in industries related to farming to keep jobs in Carroll County.
In order to unify city citizens with county visions, Morgan stated that Carroll County is one community; there should be no division.
“We need to take this show on the road,” declared Wilson. He wants to hold Commission work sessions in each of the cities in order to get to the people. “We need to know everyone’s goals.”
The county has over 600 employees the chairman would oversee. Morgan feels it is all about how a person in charge treats people. She had 4 employees at her bookstore and 50 to 100 at Morgan Oil. However, she has supervised 1,000 as a volunteer.
Wilson sign has 11 employees. “The chairman deals with the department heads, who answer directly to the chairman and who manage the bulk of the employees. “You just have to do the right thing,” he said.
In closing, Wilson clarified his position. “This is a job; not a stepping-stone. During my time on the commission, we never raised taxes or laid off employees. When I took office, the county was $5.5 million in debt; when I left, the county had a surplus of $12 million plus. I am careful with money, and I can say, ‘no’!”
“This campaign has been extremely rewarding,” declared Morgan. “I can’t get to every residence, so please call me at 770-403-2398.”
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