Development, crime top issues for Cobb commission candidates

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 by Kent A. Miles

Two of the five seats on the Cobb County Commission will be filled by new members next year. The four candidates have experience in civic involvement and a knowledge of local issues.

Crime prevention and the pace of development are common themes in their campaigns.

Republican Bob Ott, a candidate for the District 2 seat representing unincorporated east Cobb, defeated incumbent Commissioner Joe L. Thompson in August’s primary runoff. Ott is challenged by Democrat James Royal.

In the southwest, District 4 contenders are Republican Barbara Hickey and Democrat Woody Thompson. Thompson, a former Republican who served on the commission from 1997-2004, defeated incumbent Annette Kesting in the primary runoff; Kesting won the seat from Thompson four years ago.

Commission chairman Sam Olens, who has established himself as a regional leader, is unopposed for a second term.

“I am looking forward to a great board,” said Olens, who sees the county’s infrastructure needs as a major issue facing the board. The effects of the recession on the county’s recently adopted $756.4 million budget is another key issue.

“We will not agree on all issues, and that would be a good thing,” Olens said. “You gain much from listening to different opinions.”

Public disagreement among board members is rare.

“It’s been pretty amicable the past several years,” said Kerwin Swint, a professor of political science at Kennesaw State University who has lived in Cobb for nearly two decades.

“Under Bill Byrne, there was some contention, some personality conflicts. Sam Olens has been an inclusive leader, so there have been fewer personality clashes these days,” Swint said.

Here’s a closer look at each of the commission candidates:

JAMES ROYAL JR., Democrat, District 2
commissionerjamesroyal.com

Occupation: Kennesaw State University athletic department transportation manager.

Civic experience: Member, Transportation Advisory Board.

What do you consider the most pressing issue residents face?

In east Cobb, their concern is basically zoning. They want to make sure that their homes don’t depreciate, and they want to make sure when a county code goes into effect, nobody abuses it. I commend them. The other problem would be, in the south of the county, they don’t have that type of organization to make sure they [developers] are in compliance with the county codes.

Where do you stand on the $40 million park bonding referendum? How do you propose the county spend the funds?

I understand the reason why a certain group wants to buy up properties. They’re a buffer zone from these developers who build up all these houses, and it makes sense. Whether we’re overdoing it, paying taxpayer money to buy up all these properties, I’m not sure. I can only speculate on whether we’re getting a good deal on $40 million.

BOB OTT, Republican, District 2
http://www.bob4cobb.com/

Occupation: Pilot, Delta Air Lines; president, DBO Software

Prior public office: County planning commission and board of zoning appeals.

Civic experience: East Cobb Civic Association; Transportation SPLOST Oversight Committee.

What do you consider the most pressing issue county residents are facing?

We need to come up with a comprehensive plan to deal with the water and transportation issues. Sometimes we go about it backwards, and deal with it after the fact.

Where do you stand on the $40 million park bonding referendum?

I’m in support of it. But at the same time, there needs to be a more comprehensive plan on how we acquire green space. The parks bond is a good start.

WOODY THOMPSON, Democrat, District 4
http://www.woodythompson2008.com/

Occupation: Real estate broker, Thompson Realty Advisors LLC

Prior public offices: District 4 county commissioner, 1997-2004; county planning and zoning commission, 1984-88.

Civic experience: Current board member, Habitat for Humanity of Cobb County, Marietta Kiwanis Club; Cobb County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

What do you consider the most pressing issue county residents are facing?

In my district, probably close to the top, is to make sure we get a handle on the crime, especially in the lower section, down near I-20, which is the Six Flags area. The other thing that is important as a priority to me, especially in my district, is economic development.

Where do you stand on the $40 million park bonding referendum?

I can support it completely. If the county had not gone ahead and acquired some of these large tracts, they would all have come under contract for something else. And, as you grow like we’re growing, you need to have quiet places where people can go. It helps our quality of life.

BARBARA HICKEY, Republican, District 4
barbarahickey08.com

Occupation: Owner, Etiquette School of Atlanta

Civic experience: Chairwoman, South Cobb Area Council; board member, Salvation Army; vice president, Cobb County Republican Women; board member, Cobb County Chamber of Commerce

What do you consider the most pressing issue district residents are facing?

We have two cities, but the unincorporated areas are pockets where safety is the number one issue. And safety transcends all my other issues that I consider important. If safety is an issue, you’ll probably not be involved in your community.

Where do you stand on the $40 million park bonding referendum?

I think the first time, in 2005, it passed. They have spent it so well. And we are blessed — we have two purchases for District 4, two of the six are in District 4. I’m so impressed with Paul Paulson and his committee. These people know that if we want our children to stay here, in Cobb County, we’d better have the green space, the parks and recreation spaces for them to raise they children and see their grandchildren.