ABOUT THE GUIDE

The League of Women Voters of Georgia and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are pleased to announce their partnership in producing the 2008 Voter Guide. The League has collected, compiled and coordinated all candidate information for this Guide. Responses are published exactly as they were submitted by the candidates, although some questions were deleted in print for lack of space (full responses are online). The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the League of Women Voters of Georgia have made no edits to correct spelling, grammar, punctuation or factual errors.

County Commission Post 2 E, Cherokee County

William Henry Grizzle

> Party: Republican

(No other information for this candidate was received by publication deadline)

James Hubbard

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Sales, Service, and technical support of telephone systems and voice mail.

> Age: 63

> Education: Ga Tech Physics 2 years; Computer Tech at ATC; Commissioner Training UGA

> Family: Married 43 years, two sons, 1 grandson, all living in Cherokee County

> Web site: www.jimhubbardonline.com

> E-mail: jim@jimhubbardonline.com

> Why I'm running for office: I care deeply about Cherokee County. I believe we have something special here that is worth protecting. I want our children and grandchildren to have a good place to grow up, and then a good place to live, work and play. This requires a reasonable land use plan, and commissioners who are committed to following the plan. Allowing unchecked development will result in more traffic, overcrowded schools, and higher taxes. I remain a supporter of slower, directed growth with proper infrastructure.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. 45 year resident. Eagle Scout. Viet Nam Veteran. Member Hickory Flat UMC, Loudsville Methodist Campmeeting. Volunteer firefighter 33 years with over 10,000 emergency responses, Community leader with over 7 years assisting community groups with zoning and land use issues. Advisory Council on Homeland Security. Must ministries Advisory Council. Founding member Canton-Cherokee Triad. Chairman of Impact Fee Board for 2 years. Local Business owner

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Follow the land use plan. If we don't control the rampart growth, nothing else we do can keep us from doubling (or more) our taxes. The building of schools, roads, and other infrastructure simply cannot keep up with the 5-7% growth we have experienced in the past without a massive influx of funds. We have a very efficient government, with the 2nd lowest employee to population ratio in the region. I want to see us maintain this efficiency, while maintaining a high quality of customer service.

> What, in your opinion, is the biggest budget challenge facing your area and how, if elected, would you propose to address it? Our biggest challenge is furnishing services to a rapidly growing population. People are demanding more recreation, road improvements, and local ordinance enforcement, plus our law enforcement, Fire, and EMS services are being overwhelmed by the demands for service. Even in these slow economic times we still need to increase the services to the increased population. I will work closely with the commissioners and the county manager to provide these services without increasing taxes.

Quentin Thomas

> Party: Republican

(No other information for this candidate was received by publication deadline)

County Commission Post 3 W, Cherokee County

Joel Calhoun

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Accountant

> Age: 33

> Education: AA from Reinhardt College and BS from Kennesaw State University

> Family: Wife Helen and two children

> Web site: www.joelcalhoun.com

> E-mail: joel@joelcalhoun.com

> Why I'm running for office: Cherokee County is my home. I have decided to raise a family here and I care about everyone's quality of life. I chose to run because I believe some have acted irresponsibly by ignoring our land use plan. This further jeopardizes our quality of life and puts us in danger of higher taxes, continued school overcrowding and extreme traffic congestion. This is our only chance to maintain quality schools, allow roads to catch up and keep taxes low. I know I can effect positive change.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. My career in business has taught me to be open to ideas, to listen to others and to be decisive. In my experience as an accountant I have worked with the livelihood of others. In the process I have learned to respect what things cost and to treat every dollar as if it were my own. I've also learned how to balance a budget and be fiscally responsible. My educational background, including the completion of two degrees, shows that I am goal-oriented and tenacious.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Overcrowded schools, traffic congestion and taxes. I would slow growth to absorb the aggressive zoning decisions made in the past. We should promote telecommuting, flex hours, and efficient roads with multiple routes. Well-placed commercial development (not near residences or schools) will boost our tax base and allow support for public safety. Large-scale commercial development should be limited to areas that are solidly commercial.

> What, in your opinion, is the biggest budget challenge facing your area and how, if elected, would you propose to address it? Keeping taxes low while providing the budget for the infrastructure required to serve county residents is the biggest budget challenge. I would address this challenge by slowing growth and bringing well-located quality businesses that offer career opportunities. This would help balance our tax base and to provide needed funds for schools, roads, and safety personnel.

Karen Mahurin

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Vice President of BBK Ventures,Inc.

> Age: 47

> Education: North Metro Technical College, Acworth, GA

Southeastern Academy, FL

> Family: Married

2 Adult Children

> Web site: www.vote4karen.com

> E-mail: karen@vote4karen.com

> Why I'm running for office: It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the Western District over the last three years. I am asking for your support to continue as your representative to complete projects and initiatives significant to Cherokee County.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. My service of 20 years began as a citizen activist, an appointed representative on various local government boards, as well as many years working with the local Republican Party. My experience in developing new ordinances that address governmental deficiencies, and a one-on-one approach to constituent concerns has equipped me to handle some of the toughest issues facing our county. In addition, my relationship with State and Federal agencies is significant as we move forward with projects important to Cherokee County.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? My top priority is to continue listening to the voters and taxpayers of the Western District. Other goals include, the Bells Ferry/Hwy. 92 revitalization, widening of Bells Ferry and the Little River bridge, continued expansion of the our parks and recreational facilities, and completion of a vital project to remove homes along Lake Allatoona from septic systems.

I have fought hard to protect funding for our public safety and will continue to be an ally to these dedicated men and women.

> What, in your opinion, is the biggest budget challenge facing your area and how, if elected, would you propose to address it? Transportation is the most important budget challenge facing Cherokee County today.

I have worked to address this issue by locating neighborhood services close to residential and developing a grid of access streets through commercial alleviating unnecessary commutes that congest our major arteries. I have supported and will continue to lobby for a regional 1 cent sales tax that would general billions of dollars for needed road projects. I will continue to pursue business and industry to locate to Cherokee County providing local jobs

Sheriff, Cherokee County

Nicole Ebbeskotte

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Crisis Response and Management Consultant

> Age: 37

> Education: BS-Business Management

Masters Degree-Conflict Resolution Kennesaw State

> Family: Engaged, and trusted dog Scout the little white dog

> Web site: www.nicole4sheriff.com

> E-mail: nicole@nicole4sheriff.com

> Why I'm running for office: To bring new attitudes and new leadership to a department that has lost touch with our community.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I have an Undergraduate Degree in Business Management and Masters Degree in Conflict Management. I am a certified law enforcement officer, a certified paralegal and fitness instructor. I am a graduate of the Professional Management Program for Law Enforcement. I am also certified as a professional mediator and arbitrator and a certified law enforcement instructor.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Illegal immigration will be my top priority. I will work with the Federal Government to implement the 287g program. The program authorizes officers to identify, process and detain offenders. Our jail will receive Federal funds to hold them. As the cities annex land away from the County it is important we address the budget system. I will use zero based budgeting so the office is accountable to the taxpayers.

> What programs would you advocate to help inmates overcome substance abuse problems and rehabilitate domestic abusers? I will allow the ministries and other community support groups back in the jail. For too long they have been excluded from helping those who suffer from dependence while incarcerated. Domestic abusers will also be afforded group sessions to better understand acceptable behavior and anger management. These people will eventually be back in our community and using community counseling and support groups will help them transition back into society.

> What is the top law enforcement challenge in your area, and if elected, how would you address it? The community has been largely disconnected from the current Sheriff's office. Only when law enforcement works with and engages the community can we make sure our neighborhoods are safe. As Sheriff I will work every day to make sure that our community and officers are working together. Deputies must engage the community groups and I will invite the community to be a strong part of the NEW IDEAS AND NEW ATTITUDES I will bring as the next Sheriff of Cherokee County.

Roger D. Garrison

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Sheriff

> Age: 47

> Education: B.S. Business Administration

M.S. Public Administration

F.B.I. Academy

> Family: Married 27 years, Shelia, Son Wesley, 20 Attending College

> Web site: www.sheriffrogergarrison.com

> E-mail: sheriffgarrison@comcast.net

> Why I'm running for office: To continue to deliver Professional, Accountable Law Enforcement services to Cherokee County.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. A.S. Criminal Justice

B.S. Business Administration

Masters Degree Public Administration

F.B.I. National Academy

Georgia Law Enforcement Command College

Georgia P.O.S.T. Executive Certification

National Sheriff Institute

F.B.I. L.E Executive Development

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Keeping crime rate low, Aggressive enforcement on Drugs and Gangs through our Multi-Jurisdictional efforts. Traffic enforcement partnerships with the Governors Office of Highway Safety. Recruiting and retaining the most professional officers possible.

> What programs would you advocate to help inmates overcome substance abuse problems and rehabilitate domestic abusers? Continue educational efforts with local volunteer organizations which bring into the jail experts in their respective fields to break these abuse and substance cycles. Continue all faith based programs which currently in place.

> What is the top law enforcement challenge in your area, and if elected, how would you address it? Drugs and potential gang activity. Develop and implement proactive strategies to increase enforcement and educational efficiencies in these areas.

Chief Magistrate, Cherokee County

Benjamin Cade Abney

> Party: Republican

(No other information for this candidate was received by publication deadline)

James Drane

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Judge, Magistrate Court, Cherokee County

> Age: 47

> Education: Kennesaw State, B.S.

John Marshall Law School, Doctor of Jurisprudence

> Family: Married, Cheryl Drane, two children, James IV, 6 yrs and Rebekah, 2 yrs.

> Web site: www.votejamesdrane.com

> E-mail: judgejed1@windstream.net

> Why I'm running for office: I am running for the office of Chief Magistrate to promote innovative and efficient thinking in government and to promote the ideals of fairness and justice.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I have eight years experience in the Magistrate Court. Before accepting my current position, I was a practicing attorney for seven years. I practiced in the criminal as well as civil courts of this county including the Superior, State, Probate, Magistrate, and Traffic courts. I have sat as a judge in every court in Cherokee County except for the municipal court of Woodstock. It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Cherokee County.

> What will be your priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? My chief priority upon taking office will be to create an electronic warrant system where officers could obtain a warrant through a secure on-line web page instead of traveling to the courthouse. With the help of our county commissioners, sheriff's department, and municipal law enforcement and in keeping with a theme of being a good steward of the tax dollars entrusted to us, this electronic warrant system would reduce gas and oil expense as well as keeping officers on patrol where they're needed protecting the citizens of Cherokee County.

Charles Thomas Robertson III

> Party: Republican

(No other information for this candidate was received by publication deadline)

Surveyor, Cherokee County

Michael C. Martin

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Licensed Land Surveyor

> Age: 54

> Education: 1971 Graduate Cherokee High School,

1975 Graduate Southern Tech

> Family: Married 25 yrs to Sheila Owen Martin

2 daughters,Brittany,22 & Danielle,17

> Web site: - no response -

> E-mail: mcmrls@gmail.com

> Why I'm running for office: I have enjoyed serving the general public as a Professional Surveyor for the past twenty-nine years. I feel that my expertise would enhance the office of Cherokee County Surveyor.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I received a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering in 1975. I have been licensed in the State of Georgia since 1979 and am also licensed in Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. I served for several years as the Secretary/Treasurer for Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia. This is a state organization and allowed me to gain experience working with surveyors through-out Georgia. I have performed over 10,000 surveys in the past 29 years,the majority of them were in Cherokee County.

> What will be your priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? My main function as Cherokee County Land Surveyor would be to assist the Court with disputes regarding property lines, boundaries, etc. I feel my years of experience would definitely be an asset in this position. I would be available to offer my extensive education, experience and professionalism to these matters.

Ron R. Wikle Jr.

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Land Surveyor

> Age: 46

> Education: Colleges: Appalachian Technical, Reinhardt, Southern College of Technology

> Family: Married 24 years to my wife Angela

we have no children

> Web site: - no response -

> E-mail: wlsinc@mindspring.com

> Why I'm running for office: As a tool of the Court I want to make my experience available when needed

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. Obtaining my education through various colleges has given me a diverse prospective of my profession. I have been in the surveying profession since 1983. President of Wikle Land Surveying since 1992. Licensed in the States of Kentucky and Georgia. I serve as subject matter-expert writing and evaluating test questions for future surveyor candidates for the State Board of Registration. I am a certified design professional for erosion control plans as well as instructor for the Georgia Water Soil Conservation Commission.

> What will be your priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? I would like to continue to make my experience and training available to the Court and the Citizens of Cherokee County

Board of Education Post 2, Cherokee County

Michael A. Chapman

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Plant Manager with Morrison Products, Inc.

> Age: 47

> Education: I hold a Bachelor's Degree and two Master's degrees in business.

> Family: I am married to Mary and have two sons, Matt and Mark.

> Web site: www.ElectMikeChapman.com

> E-mail: Mchapman11@comcast.net

> Why I'm running for office: We have had great success over the past six years building one of the best school systems in Georgia, and I would like to continue that work. My wife is a teacher, and while our sons have now graduated from Cherokee High School, I know that maintaining a first-rate school system is essential to the quality of life that we all enjoy in Cherokee County. Additionally, an educated workforce is a crucial key resource for our business community if we are to enjoy continued economic prosperity.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I have served on the Cherokee County School Board for six years, presiding as the Board Chair for three years. I currently chair the Georgia Education Coalition (GEC), an association of the largest and fastest growing systems in Georgia. I served for nine years on the Board of Appalachian Technical College, and in 1991, I co-founded the Cherokee Learning Center in Canton, which offers adults the opportunity to earn their GED. My educational background is in business, focusing on management and operations.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? I see two areas of focus: the first is constantly striving to improve the education of our children. Although our graduation test scores are at the top in the state of Georgia, we need to continually evaluate and adjust our efforts to ensure every child receives the best education possible. Secondly, Cherokee County Schools must work to stay even or ahead of the tremendous growth occurring in our county. That means identifying the revenue needed, buying land and building schools.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? This entity should work with local school districts to ensure that we have the best, most-qualified organizations approved to run charter schools in our state. Charter schools are not all created equal, and we should not risk the danger of approving every application that comes our way. I look forward to working with organizations that can bring solid, qualified applications to Cherokee County and meet our standards for providing the best education for kids while being accountable to taxpayers.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? The Cherokee County School District has not eliminated art, music, or physical education, even in the face of state budget cuts and mandated core curriculum requirements that consume the entire school day. I am committed to offering a solid, well-rounded educational experience, and these are features that parents want to keep. However, it becomes more of a challenge each year to maintain both a reasonable property tax rate and keep these components.

Danny Dukes

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Executive Vice President and CFO of Appalachian Bancshares Inc CPA and CFE

> Age: 47

> Education: MBA-Accounting GA College and St University, BBA-Finance Mercer University

> Family: Married almost 26 years to Jeanie, son Alex attends Creekview HS

> Web site: www.dannydukes.com

> E-mail: Danny@DannyDukes.com

> Why I'm running for office: I have always been passionate about the importance of education to our society. I have experienced the wrath of one-size-fits-all teaching programs mandated and underfunded by state and federal governments. My leadership and ability to improve processes in the corporate world would serve our students, parents, taxpayers and teachers well on the school board.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. Former client, Fannie Mae, was under undue pressure from all sides. Within 3 months, I went from being considered an outsider, to being a critical team player and reached across department lines and made progress, while managing necessary change to processes that had been in place for years. I have valuable experience working with all levels of an organization chart. I put my pride in my back pocket for the sake of progress. This and my financial, budget and investment experience should serve the citizens of Cherokee well on the school board.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Break ties with state and federal NO VALUE mandates regaining control of the curriculum. CRCT test score failures that are costing family vacations and taxpayers $1.2 mm are proof. The decreasing grad rates are proof. Students should be taught core subjects based on how they learn/process subject matter. Teachers can't do their jobs in the classroom to benefit all students. Turning Cherokee in to a large charter school must be considered immediately or declining graduation rates/test scores will continue. We can't ignore such facts 4 more yrs.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? Currently, it is the solution to return school curriculums to local districts. Newsweek and Fox News recently ranked charter schools as 10 of the top 100 schools in the US. Charter schools only make up 3% of total schools in the US. The #1 HS was a charter HS in Tucson. Chamblee Charter HS in Dekalb significantly outranks every HS in Cherokee for advanced placement students and for graduation rates over the past 3-4 years. Instead of waiting for perfection, we should seriously consider vast improvements that may be available with this option.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? We should consider GA Virtual School as a less expensive alternative to cover all but the last two. If a computer is in the home, this wouldn't even tie up a computer in the lab. Recess for younger students should be restored. These kids have pent up energy that can cause disciplinary issues in the classroom. Behavioral drugs are overused as a solution. Physical education could help with this, but training youth how to get adequate exercise safely is very important.

Board of Education Post 4, Cherokee County

David Farrow

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Owner - America's Best Transmissions, 5481 Bells Ferry Rd, Acworth GA 30102

> Age: 59

> Education: High School, DeVry Tech College,Entrepreneur

> Family: Married 23 years, 3 grown sons Brian, Curtis and John

> Web site: - no response -

> E-mail: dfarrow@americasbesttransmission.com

> Why I'm running for office: I care about our next generation and I believe keeping our kids in school and giving them reason NOT to drop out will benefit them and our community as they become contributors to society.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. 1) Owned and Operated successful businesses for over 35 years.

2) Managed budgets, HR issues, taxes and business goals.

3) Focus on using local vendors and contractors whenever possible.

4) Belief in growth thru consistency and excellence in service.

5) Mentor and employer of students (as apprentices) from the Cooperative Business Education Program, Etowah High School

6) Involved in community organizations and activities in Cherokee County for over 23 years

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Reduction of Drop-Out Rate

Kids join TEAMS'not GANGS

Innovative Education

Innovative Discipline

ELIMINATION of Drugs in schools

Monitoring Cost-Effectiveness of all Operations

Removing Wasteful Spending

Pursuing Outside Funding

Controlling Cost Over-runs

Evaluating Cost-Effectiveness of Outsourcing

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? I am hesitant to give support to this commission, without knowing the total ramifications of the Charter School approach - short term and long term - without completing my own research. What effects will Charter Schools have - in the long run - on education itself and our community. Are Charter Schools good for every community? Do they affect the quality in neighboring communities? These questions are not yet answered.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? Our children are missing a very important part of EDUCATION. Music, the arts, foreign languages are all a part of our society, what exposure will our children have if we don't provide them some part of these experiences? Physical education is needed for the health and well-being of our children, our national health statistics are among the worst in the world! The 'elective' subjects give the students a chance to grow in areas THEY are interested in, giving them reason to come to school and PARTICIPATE!

Janet S. Read

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Chair of the Cherokee County School Board; Small business owner

> Age: 48

> Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Milligan College (TN)

> Family: Happily married to husband, David for 21 years; two sons, ages 13 & 15

> Web site: www.janetread.com

> E-mail: js_read@bellsouth.net

> Why I'm running for office: I would like to finish what I have started! I have been involved in so many successful educational initiatives that I wish to see to fruition in my first term on the Board. You will not find another candidate that has been more involved in public education!

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I have three and a half years experience as a board member which provides continuity for the board. I also have a strong financial background and management experience. I have developed relationships with local legislators as well as state school board officials. I am involved with the PTSAs at my sons' schools and am accessible to parents, teachers and students.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? I will continue to focus on improving the graduation rate by monitoring students' progress and implementing strategies to keep students in school. I will continue to make technology a high priority in order to keep students engaged and focused in their classes. This will also prepare them for their studies or careers after high school. I will also work with other board members to research tax reform that is beneficial and fair to property owners, taxpayers and students.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? The new state charter school commission should assist local school boards in determining the operational, fiscal and programmatic merit of charter school proposals. Our local school board would be more than willing to entertain charter proposals that are financially and educationally sound.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? I think it is unfortunate that so many of these courses have been eliminated from the curriculum. Unfortunately it comes down to each district's budget. If the state were to increase their share of the per pupil funding, many districts could afford to increase their fine arts offering. One way would be to cap the dollar amount of equalization/required local effort funding that each district provides to fund other districts. This would free up more funds that could be used for these programs.

Robert H. Strozier

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Private Client Investment/Asset Manager

> Age: 43

> Education: BBA in Accounting magna cum laude, BA in Psychology cum laude

> Family: Married 14 Years to my wonderful wife Tracie,

One son, James

> Web site: www.cherokeeschools.com

> E-mail: Robert@cherokeeschools.com

> Why I'm running for office: I'm running for office in order to initiate and implement practical solutions to reverse the declining graduation rate and school overcrowding in Cherokee County. When I saw that the schools in my county were graduating barely more than 50% of the students who started ninth grade, I realized that I needed to get deeply involved in the education system. I have spent nearly fifteen years as a youth Sunday school teacher, youth sports coach, and coordinator of a special needs baseball league.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. My accounting and money management skills provide the knowledge necessary to examine, scrutinize, and understand a school budget. My undergraduate background in psychology has been an invaluable asset during many years of volunteer work with students and special needs individuals of all ages. Through years of volunteer coaching, I have developed an extraordinary rapport with students, who continue to provide ground level insight about the school system.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Initiate and implement new polices and procedures to identify, retain, reward, and recognize the best teachers in our school system. Teacher performance should be measured using a combination of student and parent surveys (at the middle and high school levels), comparing same-student, same-year learning gains, and student CRCT / EOCT test scores. Teachers who consistently score high on these metrics should be rewarded and recognized for their outstanding effort.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? My goal is to welcome new ideas and new resources. Charter schools provide a means to help alleviate class overcrowding and move the cost of building schools from taxpayers to companies who must maintain the same testing standards as the public school system. The new state charter school commission will help provide parents another option for procuring a quality education for their child.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? While an understanding of English, math, and science is essential for all students, the new state core curriculum requirements are severely decreasing the time in a student's schedule for electives. In essence, our students are learning more and more about less and less. The problem is a shortage of key class availability and we must be open and willing to explore and implement alternative opportunities such as distance learning and weekend classes.

Board of Education Post 7, Cherokee County

Kimberly Giles Cochran

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: I'm a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, and I taught English in Cherokee.

> Age: 26

> Education: Graduate of Young Harris and Agnes Scott Colleges; finishing M.A. from GSU.

> Family: My husband Nate is an attorney in Canton; we have one son named Noah.

> Web site: www.kimcochran.com

> E-mail: kim@kimcochran.com

> Why I'm running for office: I believe that my experience as a teacher will add a new, necessary dimension to the present board. I have a desire to serve, and I know and understand education, having had experience both pursuing my own and working in it. I want to see the overall educational experience continue to improve within Cherokee's system. As a taxpayer, I want to aid the board in seeking financially conservative policies.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. I have degrees from Young Harris and Agnes Scott Colleges, and I graduated from both with highest honors. I taught English in Cherokee at Etowah and Creekview High Schools. As a teacher, I received two Recognition of Excellence Awards from Educational Testing Services and have been approved as a scorer for the S.A.T. and other tests through E.T.S. Currently, I am completing my Master's Degree in English Literature from GA State University. I have also served on committees for the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta and as editor of its newsletter.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? My objectives are to serve the community by promoting excellence in Cherokee county schools, communicating taxpayer needs and opinions, encouraging fiscally conservative policies, and providing educator knowledge and background on school policies and funding. The board must enact policies that enable schools to effectively educate students and prepare them for the realities of the future. Continuing to improve the school system in Cherokee will require not only hard work but an intimate understanding of the present system.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? Local control of education is most effective, and charter schools are organized and managed on an intimate scale. The conflict of interest presented in local boards approving charter schools has been resolved, but proposals must be carefully considered by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. With required standards in place for charter and general public education alike, charter schools can provide opportunities for parents and community members to become more involved in education and for it to serve the individual student effectively.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? The increased requirements for curriculum pose a challenge to continuing a focus on non-core coursework. However, to produce well-rounded students that have been provided the chance to discern their personal talents, we must offer some opportunity to explore these courses. As a board member, I would make every effort to ensure that a fiscally responsible budget includes provisions for these classes.

William Wesley Frye

> Party: Republican

> Occupation: Paralegal, President of Alpha Title Group, Inc.

> Age: 53

> Education: La.Tech Assoc.Degree Paralegal Nat.Center, Atl.Ga.Reg.Appr.DB Man.App.Tech

> Family: Mar.24 years Margaret Frye, 3 children Ryann Frye, Will Frye, Mattie Frye

> Web site: - no response -

> E-mail: wwfrye@gmail.com

> Why I'm running for office: There was a vacant seat, I had 17 years experience, working with 3 different administrations, serving in numerous capacities and I feel I have alot to contribute and a willingness to serve.I was encouraged by numerous calls from people, organizations and officials I had served with asking me to run.

> Describe your education, training, and experience that qualify you for this position. La. Tech, Assoc. Paralegal Nat.Center, Crew Chief, Purch.Agent, Siescom Delta Survey Co. Pet.Land Man, title research in 5 States, Reg.Appraiser, Dbase management, App.Tech, Small Bus.Owner, 5 time PTA Pres., Sixes Elem., Teasley M.S., Cherokee H.S., 5 time V.P. same. Served on SAC and School Council for 5 schools. The 17 years of expierence coupled with life skills and professional skills ranging from surveying, research, leadership, contracts, and negotiations make me uniquely qualified to serve as your B.O.E. candidate.

> What will be your top priorities during your term of office and how will you pursue them? Overcrowding, Maintain disipline, Quality Teachers, and Cutting edge ideas and technology. I believe by staying proactive in the building program and reducing mobile classrooms we can provide a safe environment which will attract and retain quality Teachers. We need to provide the tools necessary to monitor disipline, record incidents and back up teachers and administrators. By continually introducing new ideas and technology we will stimulate and motivate students, parents and teachers whose priority will be Excellence in Education.

> What role should the new state charter school commission play in Georgia's education system? HB 881 could be a critical component in the quest to provide alternative quality education, or it can be a political forum for local or state control. If the 7 member commission approves a charter will they have the right to review on a yearly basis and the power to revoke the charter for non complience? If so I think this will enhance the oppurtunity for quality education both in and out of county school systems. Several systems applied for system wide charters, and I will be waiting for the results and a review of the funding formulas.

> Over the past few years, a number of traditional courses have been significantly reduced or eliminated (foreign language, music, art, recess, physical education), as a result of budget cuts and increased state core curriculum requirements. What is your view on these changes? What, if anything, would you do differently? If statistics show that recess and physical education are excellent ways to motivate and stimulate learning activity in students of all grades, and when art and music are directly correlated to higher math and science skills, and if foreign language better equips our students for better comprehension and for global life skills, we need to review the competition for instruction time and budget dollars to better ensure the tools needed to provide quality well rounded education.

UNOPPOSED IN GENERAL ELECTION

> Clerk of Superior Court, Cherokee County, Patricia A. Baker, Republican

> Probate Judge, Cherokee County, Bryan Keith Wood, Republican

> State Court Judge, Chief, Cherokee County, no candidates

> State Court Judge, Chief, Cherokee County, no candidates

> District Attorney, Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Garry T. Moss, Republican

> Coroner, Cherokee County, Earl Walter Darby, Republican

> Tax Commissioner, Cherokee County, David Fields, Republican.