With early voting now underway, we are a little over a week away from what is being dubbed as the most important day in the history of our county. Pete Amos has issued the first volley of campaign rhetoric with a postcard that hit mailboxes Saturday. Dave Richard has already posted a lengthy response on his website....
With early voting now underway, we are a little over a week away from what is being dubbed as the most important day in the history of our county. Pete Amos has issued the first volley of campaign rhetoric with a postcard that hit mailboxes Saturday. Dave Richard has already posted a lengthy response on his website.
The issue at stake is the future direction of Forsyth County, and how we as a county handle the issue of growth. For the last 20 years or more, Forsyth has welcomed a constant procession of newcomers, but its leadership has remained under the control of those who have lived here since before the days of the Hosea Williams march on the City of Cumming. (see note)
Population of Forsyth County
1990 - 44,083
2000 - 98,407
2005 - 140,393Source: US Census Bureau
After the completion of the GA 400 Extension, people from all over the USA began to discover Forsyth County as a new playground convenient to Atlanta, itself a reborn cosmopolitan, Olympic city. Demand to move here skyrocketed, and memories of Hosea and Oprah quickly began to fade. People came from everywhere, attracted to the natural beauty, low taxes, and the most house for the money anywhere. By 2002, Forsyth County had become the fastest growing county in the entire nation.
Through it all, the faces of leadership of the county have continued to change, but the underlying power structure has remained intact. "Same Circus - Different Clowns" as one citizen put it. On Tuesday August 8th, this could all change forever.
To date, the county's power structure has always come from those who wanted it the most - and are willing to spend the most to get it. Political campaign donations have been in the hundreds of thousands, for the "pro-growth" candidates, and easily dwarf the funds collected from the average homeowner.
Ironically, the "pro-growth" power base has created its own worst enemy. With over 100, 000 new residents in Forsyth since 1990, the numbers are beginning to catch up with them, even with the extremely low voter participation.
The opposition stems from a growing number of new residents (affectionately called "move-ins" by the lifelong residents) who have been personally impacted by issues relating to our rapid growth. Charlie Laughinghouse and David Richard are two sitting commissioners who represent the "pro-citizen" minority on the current board, but are often at odds with the other three commissioners, Jack Conway, Linda Ledbetter, and Brian Tam, who represent the "pro-growth" majority.
With both Charlie and Jack facing a runoff for re-election, the stage is set for a change of leadership for the first time in generations. What will it take? Voter turnout is the key. Less than 14,000 (<10%) of Forsyth County Residents voted in the Primary Election on July 18th. History tells us to expect even less on August 8th.
Many people simply do not understand the politics, and stay away pleading ignorance. This is perhaps the most destructive behavior of all. Here a few facts:
The growth issues in Forsyth are decided by a 5 member commission. All decisions are made with a majority rule. A sitting commissioner cannot even add an item the agenda unless he/she is supported by the majority.
To date, the "majority" of the county commission has identified with the "pro-growth" side of the issues. The "pro-citizen" group has always been in the minority. It is important to note that "pro-growth" does not mean anti-citizen anymore than "Pro-Citizen" would indicate anti-growth. The two ideals are different, but not polar opposites unless an issue arises that pits growth against citizens, such as a Wal-Mart, a YMCA camp, or a Drug Tratment Facility going in someone's backyard.
Elections in Forsyth County are decided in the summer primary election, not the general election in November. This is because ALL candidates in Forsyth County run on the republican ballot. Candidates choose to do this because the counties populous tends to vote over 80% republican. A democratic candidate has little chance of winning.
Any candidate can choose to be affiliated with any political party. There is no need to "join" the party, or be "accepted" by the party. If you say you are a republican, you are a republican. Some candidates therefore distinguish themselves as "true republicans"
Any registered voter can vote in Tuesday's runoff election. Even if you didn't make it to the polls on July 18th, you are still eligible to vote on August 8th. Voters who chose to take a democratic ballot on July 18th are not allowed to "cross over" for the runoff, but otherwise can vote in their party's runoff.
Early voting is available to any registered voter. There is no need to prove you will not be here on Tuesday. Many people choose to vote early to avoid any last minute issues that might prevent them from voting on Tuesday.
All county commissioners are elected countywide. Each candidate is elected to represent a district, but are accountable to the voters of the entire county. This year's election is for two county commissioners, districts 1 and 3.
Below are the websites of the 4 major candidates. Polls are open on Tuesday August 8th from 7am-7pm, and from 8:30-430 all week this week at the county admin building.
www.laughinghouse.com
www.friendsofjackconway.com
www.jimharrell.net
www.voteamos.com
Below are other useful websites with good information and entertaining campaign rhetoric
www.davidrichard.info
www.aboutforsyth.com
...and of course, our own forum (see link below)
Note: In case you are not aware, about 20 years ago, Forsyth County and the City of Cumming came under fire from the entire nation as that did not welcome blacks. Civil Rights activists staged marches here, and Oprah Winfrey did a remote show discussing the issue.