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jdlindsay

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Blog Entries posted by jdlindsay

  1. jdlindsay
    The Paulding County Republician Party will be holding a candidate forum this Saturday. Here is the notice.
     
    Our Next Meeting is Saturday, June 14th.
     
    During the election season, we are moving our regular monthly meetings to the 2nd Saturday of the month. Our meeting place and time will remain the same.
     
    Our June meeting is sponsored by candidate for Sheriff, J.K. Rogers and will feature candidates running for the Post 3 Commission Seat. This is a Special Election to fulfill the unexpired term of Hal Echols. The candidates running for Post 3 are:
     
    J. Garmon, Jr.
    Jerry D. Gatlin
    Tommie R. Graham, Jr.
    Danny Hurst
    John David Lindsay
    Larry Hart
     
    Regular monthly meetings officially begin at 9:00 a.m. but we invite you to come a little early and enjoy some free refreshments.
     
    We are currently meeting at Family Savings Credit Union, 342 Charles Hardy Pkwy, in Hiram. | directions | website | They're located just south of the intersection of Charles Hardy Pkwy (Hwy 120) and Atlanta Hwy (Hwy 6), right next to Community Trust Bank.
  2. jdlindsay
    Courthouse Tour Supplement
     
    As I said, you have to be impressed with the new Courthouse and Administrative building complex. Overall the planning and quality seems to be very good. There was however, one point that did concern me that I needed to get some more clarification on.
     
    There does not seem to be a Board of Commissioners public meeting room at either building. In asking the “powers that be” why there was no plan for such a room was told first that the Board meetings were going to take place in the old Courthouse in downtown Dallas. Well, that confused me because my understanding was that that building would be part of the new combined college class rooms plus the court room would have to be reconfigured. I then was told that no, they will continue to be held at the Chamber building and then moved to the new community building which will be constructed at the new airport.
     
    Now here we are spending millions of dollars to build a state of the art complex that will hold ALL Department heads under one roof. This seems very logical because it will be more efficient and cut travel of administrators around the County. But it does NOT seem logical to me to then move the same Department heads down the road for these public meetings a couple times a month. Not to mention the inconvenience for the public to drive half way to Rockmart.
     
    There is one large meeting room on the second floor of the Administrative building that could be configured for this need. It is large enough and already wired and set up with high tech audio and visual equipment.
    This space must be given consideration as a public Commission meeting room NOW before the building is completed.
     
    What are your thoughts?
  3. jdlindsay

    Meet and Greet

    By jdlindsay,

    Interesting the mixed reactions I have received since my announcement. It is nice to have people smile, shake my hand and ask "how can I help". It is also interesting to see and hear comments about me which are uninformed and just plain incorrect.
    Looks like there will be at least four people running for the Post which might mean a runoff in August.
    I am speaking at the Republician Party meeting on Saturday April 12 at Family Savings Credit Union, 342 Charles Hardy Pkwy, in Hiram at 9 am. Please come by and meet me.
  4. jdlindsay
    Monday June 16, 2008
     
    The debate last Friday night gave all 6 candidates running for Post 3 Commissioner the opportunity to address the voters concerning local issues that mattered to them. We were all pleased to see the large turnout. The entire debate will be broadcast on Channel 16, shortly.
     
    The format of the debate was fair and we all received an outline of the type of questions that would be asked several days prior to the debate. We knew that there might be some questions on the economy, growth, physical infrastructure and social infrastructure. We were also informed that there would be opening and closing statements and time limit on answers. The format allotted us 1 ½ minutes for each answer. We were all asked to draw numbers from 1 to 6 which would determine the order of our opening, closing and answering of questions. As it turned out, I was last.
     
    After everyone had spoken about their Paulding County roots and family, I had to admit that I was really a Yankee from Indiana, but I had gotten here as fast as I could. Actually, I moved here in 1980 when there was one traffic light in the County and the intersection of Hwy 278 and Hwy 92 was just a stop sign. Asked to join the Civitan Club I started my public service to Paulding County.
     
     
    The first question was about how our experience and professional background qualified us for the job. Being appointed to the Water Authority was an honor and I served with the Chairman of the County, the Mayor of Dallas and the Mayor of Hiram. Over the years, we were able to increase the supply of water into the County and built two new water storage tanks. Shortly before the County took over the Authority, I was part of the four County Reservoir project.
     
    Later, I was asked to serve on the Hospital Board. I was surprised to find out its desperate financial condition. We were surviving only on cash flow and, quite frankly, had a poor reputation. We were told that the Nursing Home was sucking the Hospital dry and the County was refusing to pay for indigent care. Working together and asking the hard questions we learned that it was actually the Nursing Home that supported the Hospital. I realized that Paulding Hospital had some of the finest group of dedicated employees anywhere.
     
    As part of the search team, we were successful in joining with Northwest Georgia Health Systems. We were able to obtain financial backing to build the new Emergency, Operating Rooms along with the CCU next to our current building. Now, as part of the Wellstar organization, we have one of the best Nursing Homes in the State and are building a new Hospital in Hiram. I am proud to still serve on that Board.
     
    For over 20 years, I ran my own Insurance Agency in the County and during that time, served as National President of the Allstate Insurance Agent’s Association. I sold my business at the beginning of this year and have retired.
     
    The second question was about the County Programs we liked and disliked. The first thought that came to mind was the new reservoir as the most liked and our uncontrolled growth plan as the least. I might also add that I believe that the Senior Citizen transport is an excellent program and I would support its expansion.
     
    Questions were asked about the recreation opportunities and our parks programs. In researching this topic, I was pleased to find the hundreds of current programs available.
     
    I did mention the Coppermine sewer plant and explained that it was one of my main concerns and that I had asked for a tour of the new micro filter plant to see if there was anyway it could be expedited.
     
    (Remember we only had 1 ½ minutes to answer a question and the ladies holding up the 30 seconds, 10 seconds and stop signs did get your attention)
     
    In closing, I stated that my first priority was completion of the reservoir and planning for water treatment. Public Safety is a very high priority in that we need to attract and retain the best possible people for our Police, Fire and Safety Departments. We need better cooperation between the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners to avoid overcrowding of schools and unsafe roads going to our schools.
     
    To reduce taxes on our property owners, we need to continue to improve our infrastructure to attract new business which will decrease the percentage of taxes (now about 25% of the budget) paid by homeowners and increase the percentage paid by business.
     
    I was very pleased to be able to speak at this meeting and thank the Republican Party for the time and effort. I also thank the many people who spoke to me after the debate telling me of their support.
     
    I look forward to meeting many more voters at the “Meet the Candidates” meeting on Saturday July 12th from 1 to 5pm at White Oak Park.
  5. jdlindsay

    Platform

    By jdlindsay,

    My campaign for Post III in the County Commissioner’s election is picking up momentum. Many questions are being asked about my platform in this very important special election. Motivated by progressive and enlightened self-government, I am taking this opportunity to share some specific ideas that we share as concerned citizens.
     
    Issues or Opportunities?
     
    Clearly, we have many opportunities together in moving Paulding County to the next level. The focus needs to be on opportunities and not on issues. An issue is commonly a problem. I prefer to think that we are preparing ourselves for a future that can be better managed and controlled with solid public policy and capable independent leadership.
     
    Water Resources
     
    Our opportunity with water, as a strategically important natural resource, is limited only by our capacity to tap what is rightfully ours to use and enjoy. Together, we can create adequate storage capacity and prepare this resource for domestic use as well as economic development. With solid planning and analysis, the cost/benefit ratio will clearly fall into the “opportunity” category.
     
    Sewage Treatment Plant
     
    The Copper Mine treatment facility has issues that can be resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, especially our citizens who live nearby. The facility is aging fast. Upgrading and environmentally sound solutions are in progress and should be expedited to make an asset that is vital to our strategic infrastructure. We must move the economy of our county into the 21st century’s competitive landscape. Competition for commercial and industrial development is strategically critical. The county that addresses its infrastructure is the county that wins the battle for the next “opportunity”. Sewage treatment can “smell” good when the past meets the future without hesitation.
     
    Public Safety and Transportation
     
    As we grow, the opportunity to improve safety for all our citizens is obvious. The need is expanding as population and traffic volume grows. Our adult and youth populations are at greater risk than is justified. Recruiting and retention of our law enforcement and fire protection resources are always opportunities waiting to be realized. Our school bus age students and teen drivers deserve the best we can offer in an environment that must be controlled by good planning and policy directives.
     
     
    Tax Base Diversification
     
    The best opportunities for Paulding County are in the future if…...we work together to avoid becoming known as a commuter county for Atlanta. Paulding people have always been independent and hard working. Our citizens should expect no less of those who serve their interests. The best public servants seize these opportunities, not for themselves, but for others who support the system through property and sales taxes. The property tax base is an opportunity that can grow proportionately greater when we secure our rightful share of these big commercial and industrial projects that are going to our competitor counties.
     
    Economic Development
     
    Our opportunity at the table with other local and state agencies is great. We must meet the challenge of assembling the right team of public and private groups, better communicate and plan with the Board of Education to move Paulding to the next level. Public policy dictates that strong, independent leaders are critical at this time in Paulding’s history. We will attract jobs to us when we decide as a people to compete rather to commute. First, we decide together and then action and implementation will follow the policies that your leaders implement.
     
    Growth Control
     
    I do not advocate uncontrolled growth. It is cancerous and eats away at the fabric of our quality of life. Controlled growth through positive, opportunity seeking leaders is a prerequisite to the future. I am retired and available to devote the energy and the time to being an independent, free thinking Paulding County Commissioner. If elected, I pledge to be not only independent but to work interdependently with others to create the future you expect and deserve.
     
    I look forward to serving you, I sincerely ask for your vote on July 15 and your influence with others until this opportunity for all of us becomes reality. “The Past Is But Prologue” are words engraved on the exterior of The Library of Congress. Put another way, we ain’t seen nothing yet! The best is yet to be if we take advantage of our opportunities.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    John Lindsay
  6. jdlindsay
    With all politics aside as to the way the new Courthouse and Administrative buildings where approved and the issues facing the Facilities Group, I have some distinct impressions of Paulding County’s new facility.
     
    I was able to spend over 2 hours in a guided tour of our new government complex and I must say I was impressed. The design and construction of the buildings is well thought out and will be a point of pride for years to come.
     
    The two buildings were designed especially for Paulding County with input from those who will be using the structures. The Admin building will house all the County departments and be a one stop shopping place dealing with county services. The building is very well laid out with special areas for the employees and public including a cafeteria. The building will house the administrative functions of the County and there are a number of different size conference rooms for public meetings and face to face problem solving with officials. You will be able to obtain permits, licenses, car tags, tax information, voter information along with planning and zoning under one roof.
     
    The courthouse was designed with the input from the Judges, District Attorney, Sheriff’s Department and employees as a distinct building for our County. Several field trips were taken to other courts and ideas shared with the design team. Security, jury and witness comfort and flow into and out of the courts were well planned and should streamline court procedures. The storage space for court and county records will serve the county for years and be secure.
     
    At this time the Administrative Building should be ready in November and the Courthouse early next year. Presently the County staff is going through each work space with an eye on furniture arrangement, access, work flow and even the location of electrical plugs.
  7. jdlindsay

    Signs

    By jdlindsay,

    Well, this week is the moment of truth for this election cycle……. qualifying. All candidates for elected office must file their ”Declaration of Candidacy and Affidavit” then plunk down some money to run. In the sheriff’s race alone that is thousand of dollars.
     
    As I make my daily travels through the County talking and listening to voters I can’t help but take notice of the ever growing “yard sign battle” taking shape. I must admit if the election was based on how many signs can be put up on vacant lots I would be behind. But I don’t believe that the voters of Paulding County who are seeking the best people to lead us into the future will be making their decisions based on signs. No, they are going to look at who is best qualified to bring independent forward thinking and fiscal responsibility to the Board of Commissioners. I believe that I have that ability and experience.
     
    Ok yes, I do have some signs and would be happy to have one placed in your yard or business. I do however, only have a limited number (smile) so better call me soon.
     
    Asking for your vote and support,
     
    John Lindsay
    770 222-2167
  8. jdlindsay

    Debate

    By jdlindsay,

    I hope many of you are planning to attend the debate for Post III Commissioner to be held at Chattahoochee Tech on Friday June 13th at 7pm.
     
    There will be two debates that night. The first is for Post III Commissioner and the second will be between the two candidates for Commission Chairman. Both debates will be hosted by Randy Evans and feature a panel (to be named later) asking the questions. The debates will be recorded for later showing on Comcast channel 16.
     
    A second night of debates will be held on Friday June 20th for the school board and Sheriff candidates. Please come out I would love to meet you.
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