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VOLUME XCIV - NUMBER X
Six (jbndidates In City Races Saturday
Three pairs of candidales will compete in Saturday s Sum
merville City Council election.
The election, in which 1,418 citizens are eligible to vote, will
be held at City Hall, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Three young political newcomers will square off against two
incumbent councilmen and a former council member in I he three
races. , .
Incumbent Councilman Dennis Cox is hoping to retain Seat
3 on the council. He is opposed by Richard Lindsay.
Cox. a retired postal employee, has been a resident of Sum
merville for 48 years. His educational background includes high
school and a course in business administration. Cox, 71. is a
First Baptist Church deacon. He is a veteran and Master
Mason. .
Asked why he is running, he said, "I want to finish the pro
jects we have in progress now, and I feel like I am qualified to
serve the people of the city. I am retired and have more lime to
give." ,
His opponent. Richard Lindsay, is an elementary school
principal in Rome who has lived here most of his life. A CHS
graduate, he holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history from
the University of Georgia and a lived here most of his life. A
CHS graduate, he hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history
Assessments
On Property
Upped 17%
The Georgia Department of Revenue has ordered the county
to increase property valuations here 17 percent before it will ap
prove the tax digest, according to county officials. Approval is
needed before taxes can be collected.
County Commissioner Wayne Denson said state law pro
vides that when such a “factor” is applied to a county digest
that the millage rate must be lowered in an amount approx
imately equal to the increase generated by the property assess
ment increases.
County taxes this year “should be basically about the same
as last year for most residents, he said.
He announced Wednesday that the revised millage rate for
the county maintenance and operation is being set at 11.75
mills. On Tuesday night the school board met and, because of
i he 17 percent factor on all property in the county, reduced its
millage rate to 15 mills, of which .9 of a mill is earmarked for
bond retirement and 14.1 mills are for general maintenance and
operation expenses.
The Georgia Department of Revenue requires a factor to be
placed on a county digest when it. finds, after studying a sampl
ing recent land sales, that assessments do not sufficiently repre
sent 40 percent of fair market value.
Chattooga County isn't alone: counties all over the state are
being informed that they must, increase their valuations on pro
perty.
Catoosa County, for example, has been told it requires a 95
percent facior; Whitfield County similarly must boost its valua
tions by 49 percent.
“I think the state’s doing it this way to raise assessments
without requiring counties to go the more expensive route
(revaluation of all property on a parcel-by-parcel basis),” said
County Attorney Arch Farrar Jr.
Tax Story Is Retracted
Several statistics in a story
on Page 1 of The News last
week on the millage rate and
the tax money it will generate
this year as compared to last
year’s levy were grossly inac
curate.
The story reported that
although the millage rate was
being reduced this year, the
income being generated from
the millage was “significant
ly” higher because of a mam
moth increase in the tax
digest compared to 1978.
In fact, however, the tax
digest growth has been slight
this year, and the revenue in
crease the new millage rate
will generate over last year
will also be small.
The error resulted because
the writer used figures taken
from the 1978 Tax Levy as
C' 'ished by the county in a
notice in The News.
Trion Candidates
To Qualify Soon
Qualifying begins Nov. 16
to run for the election of
mayor, three council seats,
and the two-year unexpired
term of city recorder in Trion.
Any citizen of the Town of
Trion who is eligible to vote
can qualify for one of the of
fices. Persons wishing to
qualify should do so in writing
to the office of the city
recorder or the business of
ficer of the Town Hall beginn
ing at 9 a.m. Nov. 16. The
deadline will be 5 p.m. Friday,
Dec. 14, with the election to be
Thursday, Jan. 3, 1980.
In qualifying, a letter ad
dressed to the city recorder
should contain the following:
your name, your residence,
your occupation, the office
you are seeking and a state
ment that you will not know
ingly violate any provisions of
the election code.
Citizens of Trion are also
reminded that the registration
books for voting close Dec. 4.
Anyone wishing to vote in the
upcoming city election should
register at the Town Hall by
Dec. 4.
Ota New
Because of a factor being add
ed to the digest after the
publication of the notice,
those figures were revised up
ward— however, no revised
levy notice was ever published
by the county. Additionally,
this year’s levy reflected utili
ty and corporation taxes paid
directly to the state:
last year’s did not.
The result was that the
1978 figures used in the story
were too low, so that when
they were compared to 1979
levy large increases— in the
tax base and the amount the
new levy would generate over
last year— were incorrectly
reported.
As a result, the story is
retracted. We are sorry for
any confusion the story may
have created.—The Editor
- - -
|Trion Zoning Regs Expanded!
A public hearing in Trion
Thursday night revealed no
public opposition to a propos
ed zoning ordinance addition
which subsequently passed
the council.
The change allows certain
private, non-pay parking lots
to be established in residential
areas.
Only two persons—both
supporting the measure
aired their views at the
meeting. The pair, Bud
Rampley and King Anthony,
represented First Baptist
Church of Trion, whose re
quest had prompted the zon
ing change. The church had
earlier adopted plans to tear
down a house it'owns at 333
Walnut Street, which has
become dilapidated after
years ago being used as a
youth activities nouse, and to
use the plot as a parking lot.
Since the lot is not adjacent to
the church, Town Attorney
Ed Surles said it appeared
that the town’s zoning or-
SUMMERVILLE, CHATTOOGA COUNTY, GEORGIA 30747, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1979
from the University of Georgia and a Masters Degree in ad
ministration and supervision from West Georgia College. He
also holds his sixth year certification in administration and
supervision from Jacksonville Slate University.
Lindsay, 30, is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of
Summerville and the Chattooga County Jaycees. He is also in
coming president of the board of trustees of the Open Door
Home in Rome.
He said he is running for office because “Summerville is my
home, and I feel I owe something to this community for what it
has given me in the past. I also want to raise my family here and
1, of course, want the best environment possible. There are a lot
of improvements that are possible for our community but with
our present leadership I don't see them materializing. I would
just like a voice and a hand in our future.”
In the Seat No. 5 race, incumbent Councilman Hubert
Palmer is being challenged by David Ford.
Palmer, a city resident of 52 years and a longtime coun
cilman, is a member of South Summerville Baptist Church
where he has been treasurer for the past 15 years. Palmer, 70,
received his education in Cherokee County, Ala.
He says he is running “because I am concerned about our ci
ty and the people. We have a water expansion plan that I have
PARRIS
For Seat No. 3 For Seat No. 4 For Seat No. 5
Candidates Express Views On Issues
(Editor's Note: The candidates in Satur
day's municipal election were requested by
The News to answer four questions related to
issues facing the City of Summerville. Their
responses follow).
1. The Summerville City Council has yet to
give its final approval to the U. S. Corps of
Engineers to go ahead with the proposed
Town Branch Flood Project, which over a year
ago was estimated would cost the City
$222,300 (and the federal government
$324,300). If you should be involved in the
final vote on the matter, how will you cast
your vote? Why?
Seat No. 3 Candidates
Parris—l am not, as yet, familiar enough to
comment on Town Branch Project.
White—l would be in favor of the Town
Branch Project, if the funds were available to
support it. The reason why is during heavy
rains several of the city streets are flooded.
The present drainage system is not capable of
handling that much water.
Seat No. 4 Candidates
Cox—l would vote for the project. I think
it would be a mistake if we did not carry out
the project. It would benefit so marly people, I
think it would benefit the whole town.
Lindsay—First, I have not had a chance to
review the data that was put together on this
project, but from just living in Summerville I
feel the project needs to be completed. The
branch has not flooded lately, but with the
right conditions I think the problem would re
occur. Even though the project is expensive, I
feel the end result of the project will be
beneficial, not only in the area of flood control
but in making the town branch a much more
attractive area of town rather than the eyesore
it is today.
Seat No. 5 Candidates
Palmer—l favor the flooding project. If it
does not go through, I will present another
proposal that will not cost half as much and
dinance would not allow for
that use in a residential area.
Councilman Donnie Hayes
said he was concerned that the
ordinance change might open
a “Pandora’s Box,” meaning
that while its intent was wor-
HBO Unit Stolen
A cable-TV Home Box Of
fice converter was stolen from
a Summerville home last
Wednesday night, according
to a police report.
Helen Adams of 4 West
Seventh St. reported to of
ficers last Thursday morning
that someone had entered her
residence sometime after mid
night and stolen the unit.
Valued at $250, the converter
was rented from Clear-Vu
Cable Inc. of Summerville, the
report said.
The incident remains
under investigation by the
Summerville Police Depart
ment.
1
. A
WHITE
will be able to keep it clear every year.
Ford—ls the City can afford it, I would
vote for the Town Branch Flood Project. The
project would also add to the beautification of
the city. In other words, it would show the city
is trying to move forward and not sit still.
2. Mayor Sewell Cash recently said that the
City needs to begin looking for new sources of
revenue and the council has at times discussed
the possibility of imposing garbage collection
fees or raising business license fees, for exam
ple, to meet that need. What measures would
you support, if elected, to boost the city
budget?
Seat No. 3 Candidates
Parris—l am not in favor of any increase in
taxes, garbage fees or business licenses. I feel
there are other sources of revenue.
White—At the present time lam not that
familiar with the City’s budget, and what
avenues are open to boost it.
Seat No. 4 Candidates
Cox—l am against taxes. The council
voted a small garbage fee several months ago
and it was vetoed. If we could exempt tne
hardship cases and widows with small social
security income, I could vote for it. We are the
only municipality in the state that do not
charge for garbage pickup.
Lindsay—To me, this question represents
about the most important aspect of city
government. It will take being in office to ac
tually see how our money is being spent and if
it is being spent wisely and responsibly.
As for new sources of revenue, if they are
needed, we need to avoid new or higher taxes
if at all possible. I wouldn’t care to see a gar
bage collection fee for I feel this is an essential
city service accorded to citizens of Summer
ville. Business license fees may be part of an
answer if we are behind what other com
munities are charging. I understand that our
natural gas system will be paid for in the next
few years and this should remove some of the
thy in connection with the
church request that in the
future the ordinance might
allow less-desirable parking
lot development in Trion
neighborhoods.
Specifically, he said, he
was concerned that the
change would allow a resident
to stockpile cars on his proper
ty. But Ed Surles, town at
torney, said that if the man
lived on the property under
the existing ordinance there
was nothing to prevent it. “If
he lives there, it’s
permissible,” he said. If the
cars were junkards or there
was evidence of commercial
activity “that would throw a
different light on it,” he said.
On a motion of Councilman
Donnie Henderson, the mo
tion passed the council by a
4-1-1 vote, with Hayes voting
against the change and Coun
cilwoman Robbie Camp abs
taining.
been a part of and the flooding of our town is one thing I have
worked on. 1 would love to be a part of t hese services to the peo
ple.”
Hoping to unseat Palmer is David Ford, a lifelong resident
of the city who is a store clerk at Allen Hardware. Ford, 31, is a
CHS graduate who has three years of college credit at West
Georgia College.
He attends South Summerville Baptist Church. He is a
member of the Chattooga County Jaycees and the Chattooga
County Bass Club. He has served six years in the Marine Corps
Reserve.
“The reason I am running is that the city needs to make for
ward movement rather than be at a standstill," he said. “The
best way to do this is by the hiring of a city manager and that is
one t hing I am going to push for. We need a person that will
vote his convictions at the council meeting and not be neutral
on important issues.”
Earl “Red” Parris and Charles A. While Sr. are running for
Seat No. 3, the post currently held by Councilman Boyd
Williams. Williams did not qualify for reelection.
Parris, a self-employed businessman who has lived in the ci
ty for 43 years, is a former councilman. His educational
background includes high school and the Veterans Administra-
A /
Lt
cox
Chattoogan Is
Badly Hurt
In Wreck
A county resident remain
ed in "fair” condition in the in
tensive care unit at Floyd
Medical Center in Rome
Wednesday after being trap
ped in his car which had
centered a utility pole in Sum
mervilel around midnight last
Thursday.
Calvin Leroy Brooks, 27,
of 104 Kelly St., Summerville,
was rushed to Floyd Medical
Center by the ambulance ser
vice last Thursday night after
he was freed from his wrecked
vehicle.
According to a report at
the Summerville Police
Department, Brooks, driver of
a 1974 Ford Mustang, was
traveling north on South Com
merce Street in Summerville
around 11:50 p.m. Thursday
and apparently lost control of
his car, skidded approximate
ly 60 feet across the center
lane and struck a Georgia
Power utility pole near Hill
Street.
WB
r
LINDSAY
burden on the budget.
Summerville also needs to investigate and
explore the possibility of federal monies
available to communities. I feel we have lagg
ed behind many of the surrounding com
munities in qualifying for these type funds.
Seat No. 5 Candidates
Palmer—l will not favor any tax increase. I
think people are burdened with taxes now. If
it is needed bad enough, I would think about a
small garbage fee.
Ford —There should not be a garbage col
lection fee because it is a city service. I believe
the money that is available now could be bet
ter managed. The collection of back taxes each
year would be a good source of revenue.
3. What specific city improvements would
you promote if elected to the council?
Seat No. 3 Candidates
Parris—l would strive to make Summer
ville a better place to live and working with all
council members to operate the city within a
balanced budget.
White—Replacement of street signs that
have been tom down or destroyed in other
ways. A sidewalk is highly needed on
Highland Avenue. Because I have observed
school children and residents having to walk
in the street and in my opinion this is unsafe.
Seat No. 4 Candidates
Cox—l do not have a specific improvement
at this time. I think if we keep up what we
have at this time we will do well. They are
predicting inflation would rise another 15 per
cent in the next 12 months. I think it would be
unwise to start new improvements at this
time. If we did we would have to raise taxes to
support it.
Lindsay—My No. 1 priority is to have a ci
ty manager that can run the city full-time. Ci
ty government and management has grown in
to a big business that needs full-time atten
tion. Once hired this person needs the authori
ty and backing to carry out city business and
Wreckage After Accident
This 1974 Ford Mustang, driven by
Calvin Brooks of Summerville, struck a
utility pole near Hill Street in Summer
ville around midnight last Thursday.
tion School.
Parris, 44, is a member and former chairman of the board of
deacons of Summerville Presbyterian Church. He is also a
member of the VFW, American Legion, Lions Club, and
Linebackers Club.
He is running because “I feel that I am qualified to serve on
the city council,” he said.
His opponent, Charles A. White Sr„ is a retired disabled
veteran who has lived in the city 12 years. White, 46, holds a
high school diploma and has two years of college credit in elec
tronics. He also received six months' training in management
while in the U. S. Army.
White is a life member and past commander of James "Slop
py” Floyd, Chapter 49, Disabled American Veterans of Chat
tooga County. He attends Silver Hill Baptist Church. He is also
a member of the Chattooga Masonic Lodge 704 and is an assis
tant little league baseball coach.
He is running for office "because 1 feel I can do a good job
for the citizens of Summerville and I am very much interested
in our city and its progress.”
k ms ■
FORD
management in an efficient manner.
i I feel we need to pay close attention to our
youth and recreation programs. We tend to
. forget that children today are taxpayers and
leaders of tomorrow, and we fall short in keep
ing ours interested or encouraged to stay in
Summerville and Chattooga County.
The water system improvement program
f needs to be carried out as quickly as possible
for the benefit of everyone who lives in the ci
-1 ty and as a draw for new industry, since water
availability is usually their first priority in site
, selection.
I feel we need to start an immediate pro
gram of sidewalk and drainage improvements
throughout the city. Our town beautification
। program should be continued and strengthen
ed. I think we also need stronger zoning and
building codes for our community.
Seat No. 5 Candidates
Palmer—ls elected, I will propose
1 sidewalks up North Commerce Street and
East Washington Street. I would be for a city
, manager and go from there.
, Ford—The main city improvement we need
is a city manager. Someone who is capable of
I handling the revenue that is taken in every
year. I believe with a city manager we can
1 draw new industry into the city and county.
4. Please take this opportunity to address
an issue you feel should be addressed that
- hasn’t been touched on here.
i Seat No. 3 Candidates
■ Parris—l am in favor of established in-
dustrial park and working very close with the
- chamber of commerce and county commis
> sioner to secure and promote business and in
> dustry.
White—l have heard discussions for the
need of a sewage system for the residents of
■ West Summerville. If elected, I will bring this
before the mayor and council.
Seat No. 4 Candidates
Cox—l have been thinking a lot about dou
* (Continued On Page 3)
Brooke was rushed to Floyd Medical
Center where he remained listed in
“fair” condition yesterday.
PRICE 20c
ir
Ml
PALMER