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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Woody’s Online Town Hall Debate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Welcome to my first “Online Town Hall Debate”.
On August 5, Republicans will decide which of the two candidates will (probably) lead Gwinnett County into the future: District 1 Commissioner Lorraine Green and incumbent Gwinnett County Chairman Charles Bannister.
In their own words:
Woody — As you know, there are three Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) in Gwinnett County. How important, in your eyes, are the CIDs to Gwinnett County and how will they play a role in your administration should you be elected?
Green: The CID’s have been valuable in reviving communities and have highlighted the needs of their particular areas to county officials. I envision them becoming an intricate part of the revitalization efforts in the county, particularly in regards to developing new programs and revising existing regulations to spur redevelopment.
Bannister: While in the legislature, I introduced the legislation to create the CIDs. In 2004, I made revitalization a top priority in my campaign. As chairman, I’ve budgeted funding for the CIDs. My opponent opposed CIDs by cutting their funds. I will continue to work to improve all of Gwinnett, including the CIDs.
Woody — Gwinnett was recently labeled as a “hub for drug cartels”. It is also no surprise that crime throughout the county is a great concern to its citizens. What do you feel is the root cause and how would you, as chairman, go about tackling the issue?
Green: The causes are lack of police presence and manpower; an attitude of denial of the problem; and illegal immigrants. I intend to dramatically increase in the number of police officers in the high crime areas of the county and stress cooperation with drug task forces across the metro area.
Bannister: Under my leadership we have added nearly 263 police officers; created the anti-gang and drug task force. I will continue to add more police, increase visibility and surveillance, continue to stem the tide of illegal immigrants, and with funding, create a new sub-station in the southern end of the county.
Woody — As a candidate to lead Gwinnett County into the future, what do you see as Gwinnett’s three largest challenges that must be addressed in the next four years? How will you address them?
Green: The three largest challenges are traffic, crime and financial. I believe that a new tax structure will allow us to deal with the financial crisis ahead and provide additional funding to address the crime and transportation issues. We must balance our budget - but not on the backs of homeowners.
Bannister: Reduce traffic congestion by bringing new roads (i.e. Ronald Reagan Pkwy. Extension) and new transit options (i.e. commuter rail). Further reduce crime by adding new police and continue to fight illegal immigration. Reduce property taxes through the Local Option Sales Tax plan by working with municipal and state governments.
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