by B.B. Branton
posted October 28, 2009
New pathways (sidewalks), high-density development, comprehensive plans, a much-needed town center, sewer issues and much more were well-discussed topics by six candidates as close to 200 citizens of Lookout Mountain, Ga., attended the "candidates forum' at the Lookout Mountain Methodist Church Tuesday evening.
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Georgia and the Methodist Church, the citizens heard from mayoral candidates Tommy Gifford, incumbent, and Bill Glascock.
Also on the panel were the four men running for three town council seats: David Bennett, Dennis Eischeid, Sandy Gothard, and Blair Ramey.
The election is Tuesday, and registered voters can vote at the town hall from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Office of Mayor
Mr. Glascock, mayoral candidate, said, “If elected, my main plan is to build pathways (sidewalks) along Lula Lake Road from the Ga.-Tenn. state line to the town hall, connect with the existing pathways and then from Fairyland School south to Wood Nymph Trail...I will go block by block and work hard to get this done.''
To fund the project, Mr. Glascock will contact Walker County, seek private funds as well as any available funds in the city budget.
He said, “Lula Lake Road is a very dangerous road with so many kids walking to school, and we need those sidewalks.''
Tommy Gifford, current mayor, said,
“I will work to continue the pathways project and utilize a combination of possible available city funds, private fund and grant money (which was used during Pathways Phase I) to underwrite the cost.''
Mr. Gifford announced at the forum that the city has received another $50,000 grant this week and needs only an additional $50,000 towards the $500,000 sewer project. Dade County has given $50,000, Covenant College has given $150,000 and $200,000 has been received in the form of a federal grant.
Tommy Gifford said about the position of mayor, “I feel that the office of mayor is about leadership, listening to citizens, having a good working relationship with the town employees and having the guts to make tough decisions.''
Mr. Gifford pointed to a balanced budget during his four-year term and also stated that the mayor is not free to do as he so chooses, but is elected to lead the citizens and employees of the city. He said, “I believe in growth in well-planned home developments which will offer a good environment for our senior citizens and continue to bring in money through property taxes. Property taxes from residential development in our city are revenue positive for our budget, not a negative as some have claimed."
He pointed to a pair of tough decisions during his term: golf carts and the PUD. He said, “I and the entire town council thought that the denial of use of golf carts on our streets was a safety issue, and our decision was not a popular one with some citizens. But we believe we made the correct decision for the community as a whole. I and the council probably could have pushed through the PUD ordinance, but wanted to let the citizens have ample time to voice their opinions on the Chapelbrow issue (high-density development). We are working to complete the comprehensive plan and moving forward on the growth issue.''
Bill Glascock said about the position of mayor, “The mayor is the flag carrier for the city. He is also a motivator. I have lived in this community my entire life, am a developer, have helped with the building of much- needed athletic fields and have served on the town council in the past. I believe all this experience makes me qualified to lead the city.''
Mr. Glascock was instrumental in the building to the Carter Soccer Field on McFadden Road and the Dixie Youth Baseball Field at Fairyland School.
He said, “I worked with the folks in Walker County to complete those two projects and know that I can do more of the same in the future.''
City Council
David Bennett was appointed earlier this year to complete a seat on the town council vacated by Daniel Pettway and is seeking election for the first time. He said, “Everyone on the panel truly loves this community or we would not be here. I have enjoyed serving on the council and believe I can continue to serve the citizens well.
“I want a a good, open and honest conversation between the citizens and the council on issues that concern this community. I am running to be elected to continue be a vital part of that interaction and feel I have some different, but good ways to go about reaching those goals.''
Mr. Bennett believes that the comprehensive plan needs to be completed, is excited about the possibilities of a new town center and sees the need for new pathways.
Dennis Eischeid is seeking re-election for a fourth term to the town council. He said, “I feel my experience as a town councilman for the past 12 years under three mayors is worthy of re-election. I am the current vice-mayor, and we have a balanced budget.
''I have also served as commissioner of fire and police, served on the zoning commission, planning commission and the recreation board.''
He pointed to an efficient 911 system, use of the Hinkle Rescue service and working with fire and police in Lookout Mountain, Tenn. in case of need at no cost to the town of Lookout Mountain, Ga.
He said, “I am looking ahead with a vision and want to work to see Lookout Mountain grow in the next four years.''
Sandy Gothard is seeking re-election to the town council. He said, “I am seeking my second term as a town councilman and want to continue to serve the people of Lookout Mountain, Ga. I currently serve as the chairman of the steering committee which is making recommendations to the town council on future development. I am entrusted with the job of seeing that the comprehensive plan moves forward. I am seeking re-election so as to continue in that role (steering committee chair) and see the task completed.''
Mr Gothard is also the liaison from the recreation board to the town council.
Blair Ramey is on the ballot for town council for the first time. He said,
''I am excited to be a candidate and have thought about ways to serve the community for a long time. I believe now is the right time for me to run for town council. I present an alternative to the current status quo on the council and hope to be able to make a positive impact in and for the community by serving on the council.''
Contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net
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