Randy Fairbanks
Randy Fairbanks announced Monday that he plans to take on County Commission Chairman Fred Skillern in the District One race.
Mr. Fairbanks made his announcement after a Pachyderm Club meeting where Chairman Skillern was the speaker.
Mr. Fairbanks, who has his own CPA firm, said people in the district want a commissioner who is more visible in the community.
He also said Commissioner Skillern should not "hoard" $400,000 in his discretionary fund, saying it should go to the schools.
Mr. Fairbanks graduated from UTC in 1978 with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in accounting and finance. He has been a practicing CPA for 29 years, first in the private sector and then in the public sector as owner of his own CPA firm- Fairbanks Bookkeeping and Tax Service.
His campaign said, "In addition to owning a successful, small business, he has also been an active leader in many of the conservative causes in our community and a passionate advocate for common-sense solutions to the issues affecting our community today. Whether it’s building strong, effective public schools that are preparing our children to meet the workforce needs of today and into the future; making government more open and transparent; or working with other business and community leaders to solve the issues facing our community in the most effective, efficient manner for the taxpayer, he believes his experience and ability to solve problems would be a valuable asset on the Hamilton County Commission, especially the people of District 1.
"For the past couple of months, Randy has traveled the district and talked with concerned citizens, business owners and educators, and the same topic comes up in every conversation. They are not as interested in his education or work experience as they are about having a commissioner they can talk to, and one that will listen to their concerns. They want a commissioner who is out in the community meeting with them. They want a commissioner who will visit the schools and see firsthand what their needs are. They want a commissioner who understands the challenges they face and wants to help find a solution to the issues they are dealing with every day in District 1.
"One topic that is on everyone’s mind lately is the commission’s discretionary funds, most commissioners use to support the unfunded needs of our local public schools. Yet, District1 schools continue to struggle to fund important programs and critical facility needs every year, despite our County Commissioner having more than $400,000 in his discretionary fund. The people Randy has talked to can’t understand why the current Commissioner hoards up their tax dollars, as if it’s his own, while our public schools in District 1 have so many needs. Randy is sure the PTA at Soddy Elementary, who is currently raising funds for two defibrillators for their school, could use some of that $400,000. He is sure the PTA at Allen Elementary, who is currently raising money for playground equipment, could use some of that $400,000. And he is sure the PTA at North Hamilton Elementary, who is raising money for computers to take the T-Cap tests on, could use a little bit of that $400,000.
"The citizens of District 1, from Northwoods to Sale Creek, with Soddy Daisy, Bakewell and Dallas in between, want a hard working commissioner that not only travels to the courthouse to cast a vote, but one who has a visible presence in the community, knows their needs, and will help bring people together in an effort to meet those needs.
"Far too long have we allowed petty politics and personal attacks to plague our county government, just like it has with our leaders in Washington, D.C. Our community, especially the people of District 1, deserves better representation. We must expect more from its leaders if we want this community to grow and develop into a place that our children can all home as they become adults. Yes, our community is changing and will continue to change in the coming years. What worked in the past will not always work in the future. This is why we need strong conservative leaders that will not only make the tough choices, but advocate for a vision that will solve the critical issues in our community and lead us into the future.
"Randy believes he is the one to bring about this change. In the next few months Randy will be sharing more about his vision for District 1 and Hamilton County. In the meantime, he asks for your prayers and supports as he launches his campaign to represent the citizens of District 1."
Randy Fairbanks with wife Marty