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2008-06-05  FORSYTH HERALD | |  |
June 09, 2008
www.northfulton.com
Editor's note: The Forsyth Herald will be running information on different local races for the rest of the election season. Different races and candidates will be featured each week. The General Primary will be held on July 15. Please send candidate information to editor@forsythherald.com.
Name: Charles I. Smith
District: 2
Party: Republican
Occupation: Retired from AT&T
Years in the county: 4
Why do you want to become a Forsyth County Commissioner?: Our county has significant opportunities and challenges on the immediate horizon, including fostering economic development, a balanced relationship between the county and city governing authorities and as always, managing growth, the controllable water issues and improving traffic. I believe my years of financial and people management experience, service as a homeowners' association president and time spent working with county staff and others on transportation issues will give me the perspective to creatively contribute to addressing the myriad of issues that come before a commissioner.
Equal in priority to a properly managed tax base is the transportation infrastructure in Forsyth County. The voters entrusted over $100 million to the Board of Commissioners in February to undertake specific projects designed to improve our roads and intersections. I was part of the team that prioritized those projects and as a commissioner I can be held accountable for seeing the money is spent as it was intended by the voters, even if this is delayed due to recent litigation.
As a parent and devoted community member, I believe I have a responsibility to ensure Forsyth County has the highest quality of living possible. Each year, thousands of people move to Forsyth County because of our exceptional quality of life. I am running because I am committed to preserving that quality of life. Living in a growing community presents unique challenges and exciting opportunities. My proven record of bold leadership and a strong vision will enable our community to reach new heights. My vision for Forsyth County, which can be viewed at http://www.julie08.com, centers on cutting government waste and investing in innovative solutions that make it easier for taxpayers to interact with their government. It's time to ensure that the taxpayers dollars are being used efficiently and effectively to meet our community's needs. With your help on July 15, I will be a steward of not only your tax dollars but I will also listen to your needs and work to meet those needs with real solutions.
Name: Mike Busse
District: 2
Party: Republican
Occupation: Retired-Publix Supermarkets Manager
Years in the county: 10 years
Why do you want to become a Forsyth County Commissioner?: I am running for commissioner because I believe that our county desperately needs competent leadership. We face tremendous strains on our infrastructure due to growth. I want to ensure that we grow responsibly by following our UDC and land use plan, as well as balancing our tax digest with high quality commercial. This will ease the tax burden that our homeowners bear. In addition to growing in a responsible way, we need to ensure that our public safety resources are in place. There is no more important job for a commissioner than making sure the police, fire and emergency medical personnel are always able to answer the call. I believe that we can do all of this and still keep our taxes low. I have a strong desire to continue serving our community, and I have the experience and character needed to perform the job successfully.
Name: Jim Boff
District: 5
Party: Republican
Occupation: Retired from the Data Communications business
Years in the county: 14 years
Why do you want to become a Forsyth County Commissioner?: I have been impressed with the general voting by the current majority Board of Commissioners. Unlike some in the past this board sees things from the point of view of the average citizen and homeowner. It would be tragic to see the majority fall backwards to special interests. The current perspectives from our Board should be strengthened.
It would be good to see that the county continuously improves and conforms to the UDC, that our enormous erosion control problems cease, and that the County of Forsyth continues the concensus needed to provide for the vital services of water, transportation, and business development.
Name: Brian Tam
District: 2
Party: Republican
Occupation: operates Tam's Backstage in Cumming with his wife, Kelly
Years in the county: 15
Why do you want to continue to serve as a Forsyth County Commissioner?:
As a commissioner, I have had an unparalleled opportunity to make a difference in the direction of our community. I am seeking re-election because I am committed to continuing to ensure our community reaches new heights. When I ran four years ago, I pledged to restore cooperation among our local government. And, today our efforts have led to partnerships such as Joint Venture Park where our County Government and Board of Education worked together to develop unused land into a park for our students and for our residents.
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