If one looks at the campaign signs for County Commissioner in District 3, there is a clear difference between two particular candidates; Jack Conway the incumbent and chairman and Jim Harrell, one of the two challengers. This is not to ignore Mr. Hatley but his signs are fewer, and along with his “platform,” present an unclear picture.

If we look at the size of the signs and their locations, the following observations and questions are possible:

Harrell:

Observations

-- Many small signs in most neighborhood subdivisions

-- Many of the signs appear to be homeowner installed.

Questions

1. Do Jim Harrell’s promise of high integrity and a goal to moderate the un-controlled growth fed by Conway and his “developer” sponsors place the burden for support solely on the common citizen?
2. Will the common citizenry support Jim Harrell so that our voices can influence what our county is like 5 and 10 years hence?
3. Can a common citizen representing his peers be elected?

Conway:

Observations

-- Very large signs, and it seems like ten times the combined large sign total of the other 5 candidates for both commissioner posts in the election.

-- A scattering of small signs as well. A limited number of small signs at regular homes, more at homes of very large property owners in the county.

-- Large signs seem to be on large zoned tracts (developed and un-developed) as well as at major intersections (perhaps signifying an “I can do what I want” attitude - - similar to the quote “if you have the majority, there is no need for discussion”).

Questions

1. Large signs cost a lot of money (as well as large glossy color mailers) !! Is it true that the majority of Mr. Conway’s campaign money come from developers and related/supporting professions?
2. Do the large signs on large zoned tracts reflect either a “thank you” or a hope for future considerations?
3. Who will Mr. Conway (continue) to support if re-elected ? The developers and their supporting/related professions, or you the common citizen?

A few facts from Forsyth County’s Voter Registration & Election office on campaign contributions received:

For the 9 month period ending 3/31/06:

o Conway : $ 77,600 received, close to 85% from developer related people/entities, and 71% from addresses outside Forsyth County!!

o Harrell: $1,500 received.

While monies received for the three months ending 6/30/06 will not be publicly available until 10 July -- the same lopsided picture seems probable.

As we all review these numbers, and then see the final three months through June, it is hoped that the citizens will say “enough is enough -- -- let’s vote for the person who will represent us - - - not for the one with all the big signs and fancy mailings paid from developer industry contributions.”

Tony DeMaria

Cumming