These Carroll County and city candidate profiles were completed by the candidates themselves and presented here with minimal editing by the Times-Georgian:

CARROLL COUNTY DISTRICT 4

George Pope (R)

Age: 62

Residence: Carrollton

Family: Children, Wesley R Pope, of Hoganville, Leann Pope Thomason and John, of Carrollton, Samanath Pope, and George Pope III, all of Carrollton

Occupation: Retired administrator/director, Carroll County Schools

Affiliations (limit five): Member, Carrollton United Methodist Church; member, Retired Teachers Association of GA

Political Experience: Carroll County Board of Commissioners, two years; candidate, state House District 68

Personal Statement (limit 500 words): Representing the citizens of Carroll County would be an honor. I feel that I have a lot to offer to this position. For 30 years I was a educator in the county school system. Among my experiences were being a teacher, a vice principal, a principal, and overseeing construction and maintenance for the entire system. I have been involved in county wide civic activities and in church affairs. Additionally, I previously served as a county commissioner. My background and experiences give me a well rounded knowledge and understanding of the issues facing Carroll County. As a result of dealing with construction and maintenance in the schools, I learned much about dealing with the business of finance, budgeting, and administration of a large organization. I believe this gives me a strength that is needed by the County at this time when budget constraints and economic issues are a major concern. The main issue facing this County is the ability to prioritize our county’s needs and working to meet them according to our ability to pay. It will take sound management and fiscal discipline to get the job done properly. I have the knowledge and experience necessary to do just that. I also have the commitment to make sure that every penny is accounted for and used wisely for the citizens of Carroll County. For 40 years I have lived in Carroll County. I have children and grandchildren in the public schools. I am retired and I can devote as much time as is needed. I do not have to leave a job or ask for time off. It is important to me to plan for not only today’s issues, but also for a better tomorrow. It is with this passion and commitment that I ask for you to vote for me George Pope.

John Wilson (R)

Age: 32

Residence: Carrollton

Family: Wife of 7 years, Meg Holland Wilson; daughter, Natalie, 3.5, son, Brooks, 9 months.

Occupation: Family business, Wilson Sign, 18 years

Affiliations (limit five): Member, Tabernacle Baptist Church

Political Experience: No previous experience

Personal Statement (limit 500 words): I have been closely watching our local government in action for a number of years. Many things I have observed have frustrated me. As a result I have chosen to enter the race for county commission to help bring about a change. One of my goals is to help get county spending under control and manage growth to help preserve the character of our county. We need to review and follow the Comprehensive Plan that was commissioned previously at a cost of $500,000.00. We need to conduct a water study to determine our ability to continue to supply water to current county residents. I am not in favor of a county manager. This issue will be decided by voters and I will work with the decision of the citizens. I will work with the full commission to more wisely manage our county resources. I would not support any tax increases. I will fulfill my obligation to serve the entire term if elected. I want to work as hard for all Carroll County families as I do for my own.

BOWDON

MAYOR

Betty Jane Alford Landers

Age: 61.

Residence: Bowdon, 42 years; three miles south of Bowdon, 19 years.

Occupation: Retired teacher, Carroll County Board of Education, 32 years.

Affiliations (limit five): Member, Bowdon Baptist Church; member, Sprig ‘N’ Dig Garden Club; member, Historical Society; member, Keep Carroll Beautiful Board; alumni, University of West Georgia.

Political Experience: City Council, seven years; mayor pro tem, several times; member, finance committee; Georgia Municipal Association training sessions for government service.; member, Library Board; member, Varience Committee; member, Carroll County Planning Commission.

Personal Statement (limit 250 words): I love Bowdon and I want the very best for it and its people. Roger and I have been married for 41 years. We have two children, Paul Landers and Sally Landers Carden, and two grandchildren, Bonnie Ann Landers and George Lewis Carden.

I want to be known as “the people’s mayor.” I will listen and treat everyone fairly. I promise to apply common sense, spend tax funds wisely and work to find solutions.

I have been active in Bowdon all my life. Roger and I have supported the Strong Reach Playground, schools, clubs, football and band programs. We have been season ticket holders for the Sertoma Club each year.

At Bowdon Baptist Church, I have served as Director of Sunday School, W.M.U., youth, children and pre-school. Furthermore, I have worked on many committees: finance, benevolent, missions, personnel, by-laws, nominating and Renovation Planning Team.

If elected, I will work to improve the infrastructure of the water and sewage system, work with DOT for improved traffic flow and improve town aesthetics. I will work with other municipalities and Carroll County to preserve our community character in remaining “the friendly city.” We want to be the city where people want to live. We want our town to be an honest, safe and caring place to live and raise a family.

I ask for your vote on Nov. 6 and pledge to do my best.

Randy Charles Saxon

Age: 53.

Residence: Bowdon, 53 years.

Occupation: North West Georgia Network manager, AT&T (formerly BellSouth), 34 years

Affiliations (limit five): Past chairman, Deacons Bowdon Baptist Church; vice-president, president, Bowdon Athletic Booster Club; president, Bowdon Elementary School PTO.

Political Experience: City Council Ward 1, 1985-1987; City Council Ward 2, 1995-present; mayor pro tem, 2006.

Personal Statement (limit 250 words): There are four major areas requiring immediate attention: The proposed by-pass, infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization and the preservation of our quality of life.

It is imperative that projected growth and all possible alternatives and outcomes are explored and considered before making a decision regarding the proposed by-pass. I will work with the ad-hoc committee and the Georgia Department of Transportation to find the most viable solution.

Infrastructure improvement is essential to meeting the current and future demand for water and sewage. Our waste water treatment plant requires a significant overhaul to meet requirements of the EPD. Continued work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office is critical to financing this project.

I will organize a downtown development committee to work with merchants and citizens to revitalize downtown. Economic growth is dependent upon the support of existing businesses and the attraction of new businesses. We must clearly articulate to all the value of being located in Bowdon.

I will work to maintain our quality of life. Our recreation department is rated as one of the best in the state. We must continue to provide and expand programs for our youth. The Senior Center needs renovating. The current kitchen does not adequately allow for the preparation and serving of food. I will seek and apply for grants to finance the renovation of this building.

I have lived all my life and plan to retire in Bowdon. I want to see our community thrive and grow.

James “Jim” W. Watts Jr.

Age: 62.

Residence: Bowdon, all of life.

Occupation: Art teacher, Bremen High School; assistant principal, Sewell Middle School, retired.

Affiliations: Former member, Bowdon Planning Commission; member, Bowdon Zoning Appeals Board; member, Georgia Municipal Association; member, Chattahoochee-Flint Regional Planning Center; member, Georgia Workforce Investment Board.

Political Experience: City Council, one term, 1970s; mayor, 1982-84, 1986-96, 2000-2004

Personal Statement: It was a privilege to have served as mayor of Bowdon for as many years as I have. I believe I have shown the leadership needed for our town in the past and will continue to lead in the future.

Under my leadership, Bowdon saw the recreation department grow from part-time employees to three full-time employees; a budget increase from $26,000 to nearly $200,000; the construction of the gymnastics building, the Senior Center, Copeland Hall, ball fields and the many programs available to the people of Bowdon. Bowdon saw improvements in City Hall, going from manual typewriters and outdated billing machines to computers and computer programs. Bowdon police were provided new cars, updated equipment and a $2,000 across-the-board pay increase. The public works department had the equipment and, with the boot camp boys, the manpower to keep the town clean and the water lines and sewer lines repaired. The sewage plant got a sludge press, which decreased the cost of removal and the need for drying beds.

A population of 2,000 people can generate only a limited amount of money. The programs we now offer would actually satisfy a town of 10,000 people. The employees of Bowdon are knowledgeable about their jobs and are always looking for ways to cut spending in their department maintain the quality people are used to. We are only as good as the people who work for us and Bowdon has good people.

WARD 3

Wes McEntyre

Age: 44

Residence: Bowdon, 12 years.

Occupation: Chief information officer, Southeastrans Inc.

Affiliations: Deacon, Bowdon Baptist Church.

Political Experience: Member, Bowdon Development Authority

Personal Statement: I began serving the citizens of Bowdon 26 years ago when I moved to Carroll County to attend West Georgia College and started working as an EMT for West Georgia Ambulance Service. I graduated from West Georgia in 1985 with a degree in finance and am currently the Chief Information Officer of Southeastrans, Inc. in Atlanta, a transportation management company.

I have been married to the former Tammie Craft of Bowdon for 19 years and we have a daughter, Hailey, who is a sophomore at Bowdon High School. I am very active in the community and volunteer countless hours of time to help others in many local endeavors. I am a deacon at Bowdon Baptist Church, a member of the Hollis Chambers Sunday School class and serve on the Bowdon Development Authority.

I am an optimist who believes Bowdon has a lot of things of which to be proud and on which to build our future. I also know we have issues facing us that will require the right leadership to surmount. Our leaders should anticipate and plan for the growth that is coming this way. We must determine how to pay for much-needed improvements in our water and sewage system. Our police force must be properly trained and equipped and we need to ensure we are paying our city employees wages comparable to other municipalities in our area.

Pam Parham

Age: 42.

Residence, Bowdon, 16 years.

Occupation: Jailor, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; runs business with husband.

Affiliations: None.

Political Experience: None

Personal Statement: I’m running for office because I know I can make a difference. It’s not who you know but what you can do. We need to do what is best for all of Bowdon. Beautification is great, but you need to work from the inside out. You can’t build from the outside in. You have to have a solid foundation or the whole thing falls down. We also need to watch taxes because our seniors, for the most part, are on fixed incomes and cannot afford to pay more than what they already pay.

We need to fix our sewer problem so we do not have fines to pay each month. Why did we spend $250,000 on a concrete park when we could have put it into fixing our sewer problem?

Also, our kids need something to keep them of the streets and off drugs. We need a teen center for them. Our officers need better pay and better equipment, along with better benefits.

All anyone has to do is look around at their hometown, Bowdon, and see the improvements that have not been made. The same people who are running for office in this election, with the exception of three, have been in office before and no progress has been made.

MOUNT ZION

MAYOR

Sue M. Bloodworth

Age: 70

Residence: Mt. Zion

Family: Husband; four children; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren

Occupation: Retired employee, BellSouth, 37 years

Affiliations: Active member, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 40 years; member, Mt. Zion United Methodist Women’s Group; member, Primary Health Care Board; member, Chamber of Commerce

Political experience: City Council, 7.5 years; mayor, seven months; member, Chattahoochee RDC board

Personal statement: Ancestors founded Mt. Zion community in 1852, church in 1865, school in 1880. I was born in the Jake community west of Mt. Zion. I am one of six children of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Moses. I graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1954. I married Bobby Williamson in 1955. I have four children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. All my children graduated from Mt. Zion High School.

I have lived in Mt. Zion since 1968. I worked for BellSouth for 37 years and retired in 1994. Since that time until 2004, I was a caregiver for senior citizens.

I want to keep Mt. Zion a safe city for our children and grandchildren to grow up in. I would like to see the recreation fields completed on Tanner Beach Road and to have walking trails installed on land that the city owns.

I have been endorsed by former Mayors Jack Dorsey (1981-83), Donald Newman (1981-83), and John Griffin (2000-2007).

James Ziegler

Age: 44

Residence: Mount Zion, 24 years

Family: Tammy; Cody; Josh

Occupation: Mattress retailer

Affiliations: Certified BBQ judge; member, KCBS; member, Carrollton Chamber of Commerce

Political experience: None

Personal statement: Refer to front page of Tuesday’s Times-Georgian, 11-6-07.

POST 1

Jane Gammon Cammons

Age: 62

Residence: Mt. Zion

Family: Two brothers and sister-in-law; one sister and brother-in-law; six nieces; five nephews

Occupation: Retired educator, 30 years - 29 years at Bowdon Elementary

Affiliations: Member, Mt. Zion UMC; member, Pilot Club of Carrollton; member, AARP; member, GREA; member, Mt. Zion UMW

Political experience: City Council, eight years

Personal statement: I graduated from Mt. Zion High School in 1962, West Georgia College in 1966 with a B.S. in ED., in 1972 with a M.ED. in elementary education, and Georgia State University in 1981 with an EDS in Media. I have 30 years experience in educational administration. I was born, raised and educated in Mt. Zion. My father was the second mayor of Mt. Zion. Ancestors helped found Mt. Zion community in 1852, Mt. Zion church in 1865 and schools in 1880. Since I retired in 1996, I have been a substitute teacher in the Mt. Zion schools.

In the coming years, I would like to see the following improvements in Mt. Zion: walking trails, sewer system, and recreation fields completed, along with more businesses.

I have been endorsed by former Mayors Jack Dorsey (1975-81, 1983-85), Donald Newman (1981-83); and John Griffin (2000-2007.)

Keith Pike

Age: 37

Residence: Mount Zion

Family: Wife, Leslie Pike; daughter, Kelsey Pike, 12

Occupation: Police officer, Buchanan

Affiliations: (No response)

Political Experience: None

Personal Statement: Campaign slogan: “It’s time to listen to the people.” I am not running for office, I am running for the people of Mount Zion (City Council Post 1). I want to cut out wasteful spending of the taxpayers’ dollars. Create a budget and stay within the budget that will benefit the city of Mount Zion and its citizens. Avoid projects that are going to be a tax burden to the citizens and move forward creating opportunities to bring revenue to the city of Mount Zion, eventually rolling back the ridiculous millage rate of 6.95 percent. One of my main concerns is the youth of Mount Zion. Focus more on the Mount Zion Recreation Dept. The recreation department is currently having to pay the city $3,240.00 per year for administrative fees; that’s just not right. The land purchased on Tanner’s Beach RD for recreation ballfields still sitting there empty. Time to get the ball rolling and build the recreation ballfields (through grants, not an added burden to the taxpayers) I believe this is a great way to create revenue for the city. Examples: Go beyond just youth ball, host tournaments (men and women) industrial, co-ed and church leagues. Great opportunities there. But my main goal is to get the people involved in the decisions the city makes, listen to them (they are the taxpayers), get their input. You are never going to please everyone, but major decisions that affect the citizens of Mount Zion should please the majority.

POST 2

Kathy Albright

(Candidate did not respond.)

Ellis Webb

Age: 64

Residence, Mt. Zion, since 1967

Family: Wife, Alice Webb, 44 years; sons; four grandchildren

Occupation: Retired employee, BellSouth, 34 years

Affiliations: (No response)

Political experience: Member, Mt. Zion Recreation Department board; City Council, eight years

Personal statement: I would like to see more input from the citizens of Mt. Zion about their concerns.

We need more support for the Recreation Dept. from the City Council and mayor.

I would work toward a more balanced budget.

Restructure the Police Dept.

Improve roads and streets.

More activities for the Senior Citizens Center.

I am in favor of the city of Mt. Zion having its own sewer and water system.

I would appreciate the support of the people of Mt. Zion.

VILLA RICA

WARD 1

Shirley M. Marchman

AGE: 63

CITY: Villa Rica, all of life

OCCUPATION: Substitute teacher, Carroll County and Carrollton City Schools

AFFILIATIONS: Member, Mt. Prospect Baptist Church; president, Thomas Dorsey Birthplace Choir; secretary, Board of Directors of the Thomas Dorsey Gospel & Heritage Festival Inc.; lifetime member, NAACP., National Founders Day chairman, National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: City Council member, 13 years; mayor pro tem, six years.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I have a duty to serve and a civic responsibility to my community. I have a great and personal sense of my community, seeing that I was born and raised here. To ad lib an old advertisement line: “I have roots where others have branches.” I know first hand the changes that have affected our city. The city leaders must lead by example while listening to the concerns of the residents. We must maintain our primary focus on them first, while providing the quality of life they so deserve. I will use my experience to improve the infrastructure, and water and sewer. Communication is a key element to any success and failing is not an option. I maintained a good relationship with our city’s finest, the employees; and with all of us working together as a team, we can and will get the job done. I do promise to think things through and do what is best for the entire city, not just in my ward. I will assure each and every resident of Villa Rica that when I am elected to the city council, we will be a trustworthy, open and honest government with our hand on pulse and eye on the checkbook. I welcome all telephone calls. My number is in the book. (Number withheld for Web publication - Times-Georgian)

Danny Carter

AGE: 62

CITY: Villa Rica, seven years

OCCUPATION: I was an aerospace engineer at Lockheed for 33 years. When I retired in 1999, we moved to Villa Rica.

AFFILIATIONS: member of Macland Baptist Church; Eagle Scout plus the God and Country Award for Boy Scouts of America; Engineer/Scientist of the Month at Lockheed for January 1994; Member of the Villa Rica Library Board; and Member of the Villa Rica Recreation Board.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Four years on the Villa Rica City Council.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I have had the honor of serving as the Ward 1 City Council Representative for the last four years. I am very proud of what I have accomplished for the citizens of Villa Rica. As my record shows, I have conservative values, and I believe in putting the money back into the taxpayer’s pocket. I have voted for a city property tax reduction every year that I have served on the council.

Our senior citizens deserve a break. There were no senior citizen discounts when I joined the council. I sponsored, and the council passed, four senior discounts. They included a property tax exemption for limited-income seniors, and discounts for all seniors on water, sewage, and garbage service. I support a policy of managed growth. We should never have to play catch up with our water supply, or wastewater treatment capacity. Current citizens of Villa Rica should not have to pay for the cost of added infrastructure created by a new development. We should look at using new development impact fees to cover those costs.

As a full-time representative who gets the job done, I will always be available to listen to your concerns, and suggestions. I will continue working to improve your quality of life, and reduce the cost of our city government on the individual tax payer. I would appreciate your Vote on November 6.

MAYOR

J. Collins

AGE: 31

CITY: Born and raised in Villa Rica. Lived two years in Carrollton (2000-2002) and 29 in Villa Rica.

OCCUPATION: Funeral service professional; owner/founder of J. Collins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Villa Rica.

AFFILIATIONS: Member of Fullerville Baptist Church, Member of Villa Rica Rica Lions Club, Tanner Medical Foundation Board of Directors

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served on the Villa Rica Downtown Development Authority, the Industrial Development Authority and have been mayor of Villa Rica since 2004.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Over the past four years we have made a great deal of progress for our wonderful city. Growth has come and will continue to come to Villa Rica but it is so important that we maintain a high quality of life. We enjoy a healthy downtown business district and have expanded parking. We have adopted a Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code that raises the bar for commercial and residential development. We have began the expansion of the West Sewer Plant and doubled our recreation facilities. I have been a strong advocate for impact fees! We must avoid any effort by developers to shift the “true costs” of development on to taxpayers. Development should be undertaken in a cooperative partnership with the city. The availability of water may well be the most significant factor that will limit growth. Candidly, we need to look at a regional reservoir as well as the possibility of ground water.

I have worked hard to keep taxes low and act as a good steward of taxpayer money. The recent Carroll County budget crisis makes me even more cognizant of the need for sound financial leadership. Although the city charter limits the authority of the mayor, I have and will continue to use the line item veto to ensure that we maintain a balanced budget. My philosophy is simple, if revenues slow down, so should the spending. We should be a help to people in reaching their goals, not a hindrance.

Rusty Dean

AGE: 60

CITY: Villa Rica, 45 years

OCCUPATION: Owner of Dean Insurance Agency in Villa Rica for 33 years.

AFFILIATIONS: Past President of Villa Rica Lion’s Club, member of Villa Rica Optimist Club, member of Villa Rica Board of Tourism and member of Villa Rica Recreation Committee.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Carroll County Commissioner, Villa Rica Councilman

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I have been a resident of Villa Rica most of my life. I’m a home and business owner here as well. I have seen Villa Rica grow from a small country town, where you not only knew everyone on your street but everyone in the surrounding area, to what we all enjoy today.

I’m a civic- and community-minded person with the willingness, experience, maturity, ability and determination to keep this city on the path to prosperity. My experience tells me that we can be on the right path but headed in the wrong direction. I have the leadership abilities to keep both hands on the wheel while looking ahead.

Future growth and development is certain and it is imperative that the City maintains a responsive, open and honest government that is not only active but responsible. The Mayor should not only set an example, but be an example. Not just talk the talk but be a true Ambassador of our fine City.

Accountability and Responsibility from all levels is a must. Every dollar taken in will be accounted for and audited. Every hard working citizen will have ample opportunities to be seen and heard if it is their desire to do so.

When I’m elected as your mayor for the City of Villa Rica, our government will be fiscally responsible and we will obtain value for every dollar spent. 

James Scales

AGE: 40

CITY: Villa Rica, two years

AFFILIATIONS: Minister Baptist Organization Alliam; Chaplian at Dekalb, Fulton and Spaulding County jails

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I have campaigned for and supported several candidates which have given me exposure to the political arena

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I am a strong believer in giving back to the community. In addition to serving as chaplain at Dekald, Fulton and Spaulding County jails, I am a big brother to eight young men of single parents. I am proud to say that four of these young men are in college and the other four are succeeding well in high school.

While many candidates running for office offer a list of attributes, there is one attribute that best identifies me - integrity. Integrity is a quality I take great pride in and one I believe is sorely missing in politics. As a result, we are operating this campaign under one simple slogan: “A vote for James Scales is a vote for integrity.”

A vote for James Scales means that I am willing to take on the challenges of being the next mayor of Villa Rica. It means that I iwill work for cooperative city planning and management and for an infrastructure that will suppport the growth in Villa Rica. For instance, I plan to promote water conservation; maintaining a blanced budget; and promoting downtown development and beautification. Also, I plan to provide a solid recreational base for the citizens of Villa Rica. A special thank you goes to my wife Nicole who has been my biggest supporter and my inspiration.

I’ve heard it said that “when ordinary people stand up, extraordinary things can happen.” That’s why I’m in this race.

TEMPLE

WARD 1

Margie Helton-Shelley

AGE: 60

CITY: Temple, 28 Years

OCCUPATION: Retired from Norfolk Southern, Transportation Communications Union and West Central Technical College

AFFILIATIONS: TCU “ Union Member and member of Griffin Chapel United Methodist Church

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

PERSONAL STATEMENT:I was born and raised in Temple. I graduated from Carver High School in Carrollton in 1966, pursued my education by attending Clark College in Atlanta. Graduating with a BS Degree in Business Education, I then started my career working for Southern Railway (Norfolk & Southern). after 18 years with the railroad I took a leave of absence to work 18 years for Transportation Communications International Union Job Corps Advanced Training as a keyboard instructor. In 2003 I was promoted to Lead Field Education Representative, directing the Atlanta Training Center, supervising staff and placing young adults with good paying jobs with the government, airlines, railroad, etc. Working with an annually budget of $60,000 to assist the students all aspects of Preparedness for employment; from testing to interviews, and finally relocation to other cities and states as well as our own to start their careers.

For eight years I worked at West Central Technical College as an instructor assisting young people in the West Georgia area to not only further their education but to improve and change their lives. On July 3, 2007, after 36 years of employment, I retired from Norfolk and Southern, Transportation International Communications Union, and West Central Technical College. I traveled all over the country working on contracts with the Department of Labor and Job Corps Centers all over the country.

Hiley Black Miller

AGE: 28

OCCUPATION: Moore’s Discount Furniture in Temple

CITY, NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED THERE: Temple, 28 years

AFFILIATIONS: Member of the National Political Honor Society; Member and Assistant Youth Director of Open Door Baptist Church.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science

PERSONAL STATEMENT: As a child, I was always interested in politics, which is why I pursued an education in the political realm. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, which helps me understand government policies and decisions, and possibly make a difference to someone. My husband of eight years, Josh, and my 5-year-old son, Grant, are very supportive. I am a compassionate individual. I want to see the general welfare of society and Temple improve. Some people consider me too young and maybe naïve. I have the energy, enthusiasm, and determination to get the job done. I believe I possess the skills and the education to be an exemplary council member. No one is ever too young to be honest and I will be honest. Another important skill I can contribute is listening, which is a critical skill. I believe everyone deserves the respect of someone listening and I plan to listen to what anyone has to say. I also believe that I can have a positive impact on young people to get involved and vote. In my campaigning, I came across issues that people would like to see addressed. I have made notes of these issues and I would like to have the opportunity to address these concerns as your city’s representative. I love our city and I want to keep it a great place to live and raise a family.

WARD 4

Penny Ransom

AGE:37

CITY, NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED THERE: Temple, 7 years

OCCUPATION: Cosmetologist

PERSONAL STATEMENT: I believe the residents deserve a choice at the polls. Competitive elections are the basis for democracy. I have attended our city council meetings and have become disheartened by the lack of interest shown regarding the concerns of the residents. Public input has been suppressed, with no true resolution regarding the problems that plague our city. Residents have real issues that range from the need for updated water lines, more police visibility in neighborhoods, less focus on generating excess revenue through traffic violations in certain areas. Residents wish to see more improvements in our recreation department, a friendlier environment inside OUR city hall, and updated city charter and means of transportation for our senior and recreation center to transport participants in these programs to and from functions. I can state these things with assurance because these are the issues that many of the residents of Temple have discussed with me during my campaign. I support your vision for our city; these are OUR needs and if elected I am willing to work to see those needs met. I believe in finding reasonable solutions for our problems. If elected I will work to ensure fair and just policies that deal with public input, city employee job descriptions, the publication of the annual budget. I will strive to keep each and every resident that I am elected to serve in mind while voting on each and every issue. An elected official is your voice. If elected I promise not to forget that.

William L. Simmons

AGE: 69

CITY: Temple, 64 years

OCCUPATION: I am retired after workiing 34 years in the Haralson County School System. I worked nine years as a teacher and coach, 23 years as a high school counselor and two years as an elementary school principal.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 18 years as a Temple City Councilman

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Working to get wastewater treatement was very important for residential, commercial and industrial growth in Temple, even though there was some opposition. A referendum was held that passed with 57 percent of residents voting in favor of building a wastewater plant. Once the wastewater plant was built, growth wasn’t far behind and Temple, with a substantial amount of excess capacity, is not the envy of its neighbors.

Taking a stance to raise the minimum size of new homes in the city to 1,250 square feet because I believe the city shouldn’t be allowing builders and ddevelopers to build anything they wanted. I though 1,250 square feet would be big enough to accomplish my goal while at the same time being affordable to working class people.

When the city council was approached about restaurants in the city being allowed to seel alcohol, public hearings were held and poll of those who attended was taken. I voted against the measure because that’s what those uolled wanted. When the issue came up again I suggested a survey be mailed to all sewer customers. More than 75 percent of those returning their surveys voted in favor of the alcohol measure so I voted in favor of it too.

Listening to the people is what you have to do. You can’t just go and put things ini place that you want and the citizens may not want.

WARD 5

Richard Bracknell

AGE: 58

OCCUPATION: Teacher, Carrollton High School

CITY, NUMBER OF YEARS LIVED THERE: Temple, 35 years

AFFILIATIONS: Member of Liberty Christian Church; Chairman of the Board of Deacons and Elders at Liberty Christian Church; President of Georgia Debate Coaches Association; Debate Representative for the Georgia High School Association; and Poll Manager for the Temple County District.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Temple Zoning Board and Temple Ethics Committee

PERSONAL STATEMENT: As a lifetime resident of Temple, I have seen our city grow from small town main street to a city expanding on all corners in residents, industry, and government. My wife and I chose Temple as our home because it was

an excellent place to raise our two boys. While living here I have had the pleasure of participating in various volunteer efforts, church activities, and community organizations. I felt it was time for me to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. As a member of the city council, I want to help our community grow with planned, appropriate growth and development while still balancing our growth to keep our small town charm. Ifeel that a councilman must always be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money and must excercise sound fiscal responsiblity as they make financial decisions. For 26 years, I have been a teacher and debate coach at Carrollton High School. What I strive to teach my students every year, I truly take to heart. I have taught my students to be a voice of reason. I want to bring that voice to the council; to listen to both sides of an issue, evaluate it, and make sound decisions that reflect the present need for our community as well as it’s future impact on the city. I appreciate the support of the community of Temple, especially my mentors, friends and family.

Gayla Bearden

CITY: Temple, 18 years (eight inside the city limits)

OCCUPATION: Bank teller for CB&T of West Georgia

AFFILIATIONS: Temple Planning and Zoning Commission, Major Temple Garden Club, West Georgia Bassin’ Couples

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I serve ont he Planning and Zoning Comission and attend Temple City Council meetings on a regular basis.

PERSONAL STATEMENT: Let me first take the opportunity to thank our residents for opening their doors and allowing me to speak on issues of great concern. Let me assure you that your opinions have not fallen on deaf ears. If elected, I want to “lead by example.” I will fight for the rights of our citizens and spaek out on issues that will affect our way of living in Temple. I am a strong believe in doing what is right. I feel that we need to get back to basics. Decision that I make will be informative and for the betterment of our citizens. There is a need for better community between our community and their elected officials.

We need to “step it up” as citizens and reclaim our city.

As Abraham Lincoln said, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Nothing could be more true. Working together we can make a difference. I have always loved our city and only want what all other citizens want: a great place to live! I see the need to be accountable for actions taken and not be offended when our citizens have questions. I understand and y ou can’t please everyone but you can make a poositive difference. If elected, I’ll be the first out front of City Hall greeting everyone enthusiastically. I yearn for their input. That is what makes a democracy work. I encourage everyone to come out and vote on Nov. 6. Let your voice be heard!