Newspaper Page Text
UPSON
BEACON
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Page 6B
29. Up until qualifying, how many city council
meetings have you attended in the past 10 years?
Doug Head, Incumbent
I have attended most all, probably 99%, as I have been a
member since 2004. I have also attended most every work
session, joint city/county work sessions, and many other DDA,
IDA, and committee meetings.
Sharon King, Challenger
I did not live in Thomaston from 2011 through 2018.1 did not
attend any meetings in 2019-2021. I was unable to attend
meetings due to work schedule/council meeting time conflict.
I worked out of town.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
Probably only a couple in person but I have watched almost
all for the last two years on YouTube.
30. What is a City Charter and how does the city
derive its powers?
Doug Head, Incumbent
The city charter is the legal document that established our
city. The city’s powers are derived from the charter, and it de
fines what the city can and can’t do and how it goes about
doing it. It outlines the powers of the city, how elections are
done, and how the city is governed.
Sharon King, Challenger
A city charter basically lists the powers and structure of the
city government. It outlines the mission, vision, job duties and
responsibilities of the mayor/city council as well as the rights
of the citizens. In political terminology, the city derives its
powers by the consent of the governed. In layman’s terms, the
elected officials are chosen by the citizens. For Thomaston,
the charter can be found on the City of Thomaston’s webpage
under “https://library.municode.com/ga/thomaston/codes
/code_of_ordinances”. There should also be a printed copy of
the charter located in city hall.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
The City Charter specifically outlines the duties of City Coun
cil. This document provides the guidance and powers of the
City Council and each member. At first glance I find it a little
confusing and it is something I have to dig into a little more.
31. What qualifications should someone have to
hold public office?
Doug Head, Incumbent
I personally believe they should have a high school education
and be a citizen for at least 2 years to allow ample time to un
derstand the needs of our community.
Sharon King, Challenger
There are many qualifications one must possess, but the most
important ones are servitude, transparency, and trustworthi
ness. Being able to serve is the number one quality any public
official must have. You must understand your society and the
history of your city. Being able to listen before speaking is
another qualification that I think one must possess. Lastly,
the ability to lead others and to have a vision for the people.
I don’t feel that political experience should be a qualification.
For example, former President Donald Trump had no political
experience. He was a businessman.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
Honesty, integrity and fidelity are very important.
32. How would you fund $100 million in un
funded mandates tied to the power utility?
Doug Head, Incumbent
I would consider several options and use possibly a combina
tion:
I would raise utility rates if it were a rate related mandate. I
would consider raising property taxes if it were a long-term
capital expenditure mandate and less related to rates. If it was
a mandate that was centered around a capital expenditure, I
would speak to our bond counsel and consider the benefits
of floating a bond to deal with the expense.
Sharon King, Challenger
As aforementioned, these are things that I would notify my
constituents about, listen to their thoughts, and bring their
thoughts and ideas back to the council. I would conduct
further research and list all possible options. There is a re
form act (USC 1501) that actually has certain requirements
that has to be enacted and followed. I am sure that the coun
cil, after hearing from the public, will discover ways to effi
ciently and effectively utilize the funds to benefit the city.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
To be honest, I don’t know how that works between the city
and the utilities. I will have to research it more.
33. Do you support the consolidation of city and
county governments, and why?
Doug Head, Incumbent
In general, I do not support consolidation of city and county
as there was a very specific reason the city was formed. Our
city people voted to have an additional tax for additional and
enhanced police and fire protection, water and sewer and pav
ing projects, parks, etc. I do think there are ways we can work
together to consolidate and cut cost such as recreation and
the other joint projects. The city and county can have separate
needs that have to be addressed at the same time, and sep
arate governments can decide the priority better.
Sharon King, Challenger
I think in a smaller town having a consolidated form of gov
ernment (city/county) will increase resources, revenue
sources, jurisdiction, and help address different challenges. I
personally think that things would be more streamlined.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
There does seem to be some overlap between the county and
the city in areas. Consolidation has happened in other places,
and I’m sure it can save money for the citizens. I’m not sure
if that is on the horizon, but it would depend on our citizens
and good leadership. I respect Norman Allen and I would seek
cooperation between us even if not as a joint governance.
34. How should road paving priority be set?
Doug Head, Incumbent
Just as we are doing it right now. Engineers study the con
ditions of the roads and the amount of traffic on them and
make a priority list that shows what the road paving priority
should be.
Sharon King, Challenger
I definitely think road paving should be high on the list. We
definitely do not want people ruining their vehicles by hitting
potholes and other paving deficiencies due to needed repairs
of our roads. Of course, I am aware of GDOT having regula
tions and prioritizations, but I definitely think our major roads
should be taken care of first and tackle the neighborhoods
based on conditions of the roads.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
There was a study done a few years ago on city streets and
we should use that study to implement, fairly, the priority of
which streets should be done and in which order.
35. If your conscience and the majority of your
constituents differ on a subject matter, would
you vote your beliefs or those of the people you
represent?
Doug Head, Incumbent
I care about the people of my community and what is in their
best interest and how we would look back on it 10 years from
now. I really think we are, at our core, far more alike in what
we want and need, than we are different. I am always going
to talk with all people and make sure I understand the needs
of the majority as well as the minority. I am always going to
try to do what I will think will be best for every city resident
and their children’s future.
Sharon King, Challenger
How can I be the people’s Pro Tern if I don’t represent them.
This goes back to the quality of servitude. I don’t serve myself
as an elected official. I serve my constituents. You don’t elect
an official to make decisions on what they feel, but you trust
them to make a sound judgment decision based on the con
stituent’s behalf.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
I represent the constituents always. It is their voice that I rep
resent.
36. Out of a $36 million budget, only $850,000
comes from property taxes. Do you think this is
fair?
Doug Head, Incumbent
Our budget is made up of many parts-for instance the general
fund with its general primary government operating expenses
and the water, sewer, and electric departments. I think the util
ities should be funded for the most part by their fees and the
general (Primary Government) fund should be funded partly
by property taxes and from our electric department fees. I do
that so I can spread those expenses over the widest possible
base of our population.
Sharon King, Challenger
This is only about 23% allocated towards property taxes. I
am not sure of our tax bases and assessment levels, neither
have I seen our budget allocation. In regard to this question,
I think it’s fair because you have to look at what this does for
the city. We can focus on infrastructure, development, public
safety, service delivery and other investments. Raising millage
rates to increase city government attrition and etc. would be
a last resort but this gives flexibility on what we can do.
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
Offhand, that doesn’t sound very equitable. Perhaps it is time
to revisit that.
37. Name one thing you would have done differ
ently from previous councils.
Doug Head, Incumbent
I have been a part of the council for 17 years, and I think we
have done a good job. But what really has my attention and
excitement right now it is the new Master Plan and Rural Des
ignation and the addition of our Economic Development Di
rector. I wish we had gotten started on that earlier. But it is
here now and trust me, The Best Is Yet To Come!
Sharon King, Challenger
I will refrain from answering on what anyone could have or
should have done. As previously stated, it takes a lot of cou
rage to hold public office. I can only speak on what I want to
do and why I am doing it. I want to bring change to Thomas
ton, and I will do everything in my power with the resources
available to do that. I think one thing that we have missed is
UNITY. How can we move forward if we don’t unite as one?
Loraine “Lori” Lindsey, Challenger
Require term limits. More transparency and require more
time for notifications for the public on issues so that citizens
will have more time to study those issues. More cooperation
between the county and city. I also think we should develop
a website of local social services and organizations available
for our citizens.
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