Winner: Environmental Public Policy

Hi Friends,

Well, I didn't quite make it this time. With no money spent on TV ads, radio ads or even yard signs (as my opponent did), I still received 30% of the vote. Not too bad in my opinion. I called Mr. Freedman last night to wish him all the best in the Fall and offered to help his campaign if needed. He is a good man with the best interests of our community at heart. He will be a very tough opponent for Pat Farrell and he will be a great Commissioner.

The real winner in this election season, especially concerning the Commissioner races, is environmental policy for Chatham County. Mr. Freedman and I agree on major issues such as curbside recycling in Chatham County, more bike paths and bike lanes as well as canopy tree protection. These issues will be championed in the 4th District Commissioner race and that is truly wonderful. Through my campaign, I am proud to have played a small role in spreading the word regarding 'green' issues in local government. The serious and meaningful 'greening' of our County government will be a huge issue come the Fall and I am grateful for that.

It will be a big issue in the Fall not because going green is some trend or fad citizens happen to be interested in this election cycle. Chatham County going green is totally necessary. We all feel the current state of our economy and the impact oil is having on the cost of everything. The cost of local government is rising, too. When the current "Team" of Commissioners took over, the County budget was in the 300 million range - now it is over 500 million (in 3.5 years!). Measures must be taken by a forward-thinking, active Commission to insulate our local economy and taxpayers from costly national trends... As the 'Team' of Commissioners asks for your vote again, please consider these points in November...

~ As energy costs continue to rise, Chatham County government must use less energy and utilize conservation measures with government water, electricity and fuel use - not just for the environment, but for the taxpayer, too. The cost of water, fuel and electricity are going up - why pass that cost increase to taxpayers when there are other options?

~ When Chatham County builds public buildings and facilities, will the Commissioners choose to spend slightly more upfront for an environmentally friendly, low energy building OR will they choose to spend more taxpayer money over the long-term by building an outdated, energy consuming structure? (Why not incorporate solar panels or small wind turbines to generate power on public buildings? Government structures as energy producers...)

~ It is important that bike paths and bike lanes are abundant in Chatham County and safe for citizens, not just for leisure and exercise, but for local economic activity as people become less reliant on cars. More need to be built and local economic areas need to be connected.

~ As people become less reliant on cars, a well functioning CAT transportation system will become even more necessary. One day, all the CAT buses will be hybrid-electric and run on non-petroleum based fuels. Hopefully, with the next Commission, we will explore the idea of smaller, neighborhood collection trolleys as part of CAT - continuously transporting citizens around localized areas and linking up with larger bus routs. (By the way, all County employees should have free bus cards - let them ride free.)

~ Will the next Commission be committed and invested in a successful County-wide curbside recycling program? It's not a question if a recycling program will work. The only question is if the Commission WANTS it to work. It is necessary and the duty of the local government to make it possible. Aside from the environmental benefits and the long-term benefits to the taxpayer, it exhibits community leadership and direction and does not give 100% responsibility and deference to the free market to take care of all our local problems.

~ As the tax digest likely remains flat over the next few years because of the housing market, will the Commission be open to impact fees on all new construction? (By the way, it's not a tax and many rapidly growing Counties in Georgia have impact fees.) Impact fees will help CURRENT Chatham County taxpayers keep more of their own money that would have otherwise gone to pay for infrastructure (roads, sewers, park, library, police...) for new residents in new neighborhoods.

~ Will growth in Chatham County be managed and fostered in a responsible manner OR will we continue to have a hands-off, anything goes Commission when it comes to growth and development? Will codes, ordinances and zoning be respected and followed or will we lose the heart and character of cherished areas like Johnny Mercer Blvd. to 'progress.'

Friends, faced with the facts of today's world, incorporating these and other environmental measures (like canopy tree protection) into local government seems to make great sense. These measures would, in my opinion, greatly benefit the local environment, save the Chatham County government a great deal of money in the short and long-term, attract people back to Chatham County, attract jobs (green collar and creative jobs especially), grow the tax base and stimulate local commerce. With these policies and measures working in concert, people and business would be attracted to Chatham County - no doubt about it - and the quality of life for current residents will be heightened.

Some people claim that environmental public policy is expensive. I say it contains value well beyond price. In November, let's get Chatham County on the right path for the future - I know who I'm voting for in the 4th District.

Again, thank you to all my supporters, family and friends who helped out in this campaign. It was a beautiful, educational and unforgettable experience.

Vote On July 15!

Hi Friends,

The day of the Primary is tomorrow and I hope everyone will come out and vote. This campaign has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to continuing it through the Fall. Thanks to everyone who helped and gave support. Win or lose, I feel this campaign has been a great success and, in a small way, has contributed to a changing of attitudes (or opening of eyes) of current Commissioners and citizens on certain issues. Sadly, however, for some of the Commissioners, their 'greening' has come four years too late and they're still on the wrong side of other major issues like CNT, LNG, jail expansion costs, deepening of the river, canopy tree protection, bike paths and lanes, impact fees on new construction, curbside recycling - it seems to go on and on.

I look forward to a Democrat who knows the importance of environmental public policy as 4th District Commissioner! Chatham County can be a policy leader for Georgia. On July 15, let's begin to make it so!

Again, thank you all very much.

Please remember to come out and vote on July 15! Bring some friends and family!

Have A Happy and Safe July 4th Holiday

Hi Friends,

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday.

Hopefully, in the near future, the United States of America can achieve energy independence. Let's do our part locally and elect people who believe in environmental public policy, conservation and alternative energy technology.


Please remember to vote on July 15!

Skidaway Island Bridge - From Senator Eric Johnson

Hi Friends,

Here are some facts about the Skidaway Island bridge project from State Senator Eric Johnson. I thank him for the response to my inquiry.

"Here is the present status:

Design+Build (D+B) Procurement status:Department staff finalizing shortlist. (Seven D+B firms submitted Statements of Qualifications)Request for Proposals to be issued to shortlisted D+B firms in July 2008.Receive Proposals & Bids : October 2008Environmental Document scheduled for completion by August 2008.Concept Approved; Scoped to construct a two-lane, high-level bridge over intracoastal waterway;D+B Construction cost estimate approximately $27.3 Million.Right of Way Certified (none required)Utilities have all signed MOU’s.Duration of Design+Build Contract undetermined at current time: Current estimate 30-36 months."

Please remember to vote on July 15! Bring some friends and family!

Campaign Press Conference - A Great Success!

Hi Friends,

The campaign press conference last Wednesday was a great success. Around 15 people came out to lend support and two (!) local news stations (WSAV and WJCL) came out to cover the event. Great thanks to them. The publicity from the appearance on two news stations at both 6 and 11 PM will hopefully help spread the word about this campaign and the importance of environmental public policy for Chatham County.

The temporary privacy fence that was put up mere hours before the announcement actually made the event more noteworthy. I'm very happy Louise Shannon-Martin finally received the privacy fence she'd been requesting for two months... Whomever ordered that fence to be put up... Thanks a lot! I consider the fence a victory for the average citizen when it seems nowadays there are so few of those victories.

Again, I thank everyone for your ongoing support.

Please remember to come out and vote on July 15!

Chairman Pete Liakakis - Great To Talk With You

Hi Friends,

The other day I received a phone call from Chairman Pete Liakakis. Pete has been reading my website (!) and wanted to speak with me personally about one subject in particular - my website post regarding the Skidaway Island bridge.

Basically, Chairman Liakakis gave me an in depth history of the bridge (starting back in the 70's when the bridge was built) all the way up to the present situation concerning the roles of the State/GDOT and the Federal government in funding the project. The call was very cordial and informative. While not refuting anything I wrote on my website, he just wanted to make clear and share with me that he has put forth a great deal of effort since he has been Chairman to get this project going. According to the Chairman, the project was always on the forefront of his mind and administration. I believe him and in no way did I wish to insinuate that a lack of effort from the Chairman was the cause of the project's delay. However, after thinking about our conversation and the whole subject further, I would ask Chairman Liakakis and everyone interested these questions:

What happens to the progress made in securing the funding for the Skidaway Island bridge if people like Saxby Chambliss and Jack Kingston (one or both) are out of office come next year?

Also, with GDOT and the Federal government in poor financial situations, is requesting money for this bridge akin to squeezing blood from a stone? (Is money there to be had?)

Lastly, after many years to secure funds, to plan, design and build the bridge will it cost the same as originally estimated, or, by that time, will the price be millions higher?

I have recently gotten in contact with State Senator Eric Johnson and am awaiting reply to questions regarding the Skidaway Island Bridge. I will report to you all as soon as I hear back.

Chairman Liakakis: Thanks again for your call and your interest in this young candidate. Your well wishes mean a lot to me.

Please remember to vote on July 15! Bring some friends and family, too!

Campaign Press Conference - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 - 10:30 AM

Hi Friends,

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM, I will hold a campaign press conference at the home of Wilmington Island resident Louise Shannon-Martin. If you take a look at the location of her home, you'll notice she lives directly behind the new office park development on Johnny Mercer Blvd. All of us remember the controversy surrounding this development: Clear cutting the lot, the unnecessary 'deceleration' lane into the private property, the citizen protest concerning the mature canopy oak tree removal, the removal of those trees one Saturday before dawn, a re-vote on the entire issue denied by the MPC and County Commissioners... The list seems to go on and on.

However, what most of us don't know about is the negative affects this development had on Louise and her property rights, home value and quality of life. As you will all see next Wednesday, the view from her back porch is a stark reminder of what can happen to an average home owner/citizen/taxpayer when our elected officials grant obscene variances to private, commercial development and bend over backwards to accommodate business interests at the expense of the environment and private citizens. While, sadly, Louise's situation is beyond repair, I thank her greatly for the opportunity to publicize her situation and allow everyone to see, in plain view, what certain members of the current Commission deemed acceptable. As your 4th District County Commissioner, your voice will always be heard and respected and I will not allow Johnny Mercer Blvd. to be devastated by re-development and re-zoning.

Please remember to vote on July 15!