CHEROKEE TRIBUNE APRIL 27, 2014
PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 20
2014 CHEROKEE
VOTERS GUIDE
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE
Early voting starts Monday for May 20 primary From staff reports
Cherokee County voters head to the polls Monday to begin early voting for the May 20 primary election. The first two weeks of early voting are April 28 to May 2 and May 5 to May 9 and will take place at one location only, the Cherokee Elections Office in downtown Canton. Times are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The elections office is at 400 E. Main St. Voters will have one Saturday
when they can cast their votes, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance voting is the week of May 12 to 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Locations for Saturday and advance voting are: ● Cherokee County Elections
Office — 400 E. Main St., Canton; ● Ball Ground Public Library — 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground; ● Hickory Flat Public Library — 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton; ● Woodstock Public Library — 7735 Main St.,
Woodstock; and ● Rose Creek Public Library — 4476 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. On Election Day on May 20, all county precincts will be open for voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters must vote at their assigned precinct on Election Day. A photo ID is required to vote at all locations. For more information, call the Cherokee Elections Office at (770) 479-0407 or visit the website at vote.cherokeega. com.
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 22
Megan Biello (R)
Wes Cantrell (R)
Age: 32 ● Education: BBA in Economics and Political science, M.Ed. in Social Studies Education, working on Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction ● Job: Teacher at Creekview High School ● Family: Husband, Alex 38, Children, Ethan, 7 and Walker, 5 ● Residence: Ball Ground ● Website: www.Biello4StateHouse.com
VISION STATEMENT: The top priority of our elected representatives should be doing what’s right and best for our families. I’m running because I believe our families deserve a dependable conservative leader who will do the right thing, stand up for our families and provide the effective leadership needed to put our conservative principles into action. I am completely dedicated to reducing the size and scope of government, protecting innocent life, standing up for liberty, decreasing/eliminating the income tax, promoting economic growth by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and focusing on education issues that impact everyone. As a wife and mother who lives, works and sends her children to school in this community, I have a vested interest its success. I will work to ensure we maintain one of the best school systems in the country, and I will also support measures guaranteeing our local infrastructure can support local job growth, because I believe that education and transportation are both investments in our future. My husband and I agree that running for office is an immediate sacrifice we are willing to make in order to ensure a better future for our children, our community and our state in the long run.
Age: 52 ● Education: B.S., Industrial Management, Georgia Tech; Masters of Divinity, Southwestern Seminary ● Job: Young Adult Pastor at First Baptist Woodstock ● Family: Wife, Jane; three children, one daughter-in-law ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: http://cantrellforhouse.com
VISION STATEMENT: A foundation of public service
runs strong in this community. From the late Calvin Hill to the current crop of leaders that represent Cherokee, Forsyth and Fulton counties in their respective districts, we have a clear precedent for what this community deserves from their representative. I’m not running to make a point. I’m running to make a difference. I am the only candidate to firmly support term limits. I’m committed to ending the state income tax and replacing it with a Fair Tax. I desperately want parents to have numerous options to choose from when deciding how to best educate their children. I will respect and defend every God-given right enshrined in the Constitution. Voters of HD22 deserve a leader who understands the importance of public service. Without it, they get another politician, no matter the stripes. My life is centered on an appreciation of the simple truth that all people are worthy of being served. I intend to campaign like that. I intend to serve like that. I’m ready to continue building on the legacy of our former leaders for future generations.
Sam Moore (R) (I) Age: 37 ● Education: Computer Science, Georgia Tech ● Job: Retired ● Family: wife, Galina ● Residence: Ball Ground ● Website: www.voteformoore.com
VISION STATEMENT: I aim to end the engine of corruption under the Gold
Dome. Of the 180 Georgia State House members, I am the only one that doesn’t receive lobbyist gifts; I don’t allow them to touch my desk or enter my office. I am only beholden to constituents and the Constitution — not lobbyists, businesses, or PACs. This has resulted in me having the most conservative voting record in the entire state House. Working alongside senior members, I introduced more transparency legislation this year than any other House member. I sponsored the toughest anti-Obamacare bill in the nation ... as my first bill. I was one of only two to vote against the 5 percent state budget increase and allocation of $100 million to Obamacare. I was one of only two to vote to maximize your Second Amendment rights. I voted against abortion, voted to eliminate taxes and fought against Common Core mandates. I voted for gun rights, property rights and educational choice. I answer all emails and calls. I listen to constituents via home visits and town hall meetings, base legislation on your direct feedback, always using the Constitution as my guide. Help me get government off our back with your re-election vote.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, DISTRICT 4 w
Scott Gordon (R)
Larry Singleton (R)
Joe Robert (R)
Age: 47 ● Education: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bachelor of Arts, 1989 (Honor Graduate); University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Bachelor of Architecture, 1991 ● Job: Registered Architect ● Family: Married 23 years. Wife, Lynell Maranto Gordon; Children, Emily Jane, 13, Kayleigh Grace, 6. ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: www.Gordon4Post4.com
Age: 55 ● Education: Georgia State University — BBA in Real Estate ● Job: President, EDT Real Estate, LLC; Partner, My Property Tax Appeal; Commercial & Eminent Domain Real Estate Appraiser, Singleton LLC ● Family: Wife, Susan, three children, eldest son, Trey, son, Nicholas and daughter, Betsy. ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: https://www.facebook. com/pages/Larry-For-Cherokee/2 00539396822788?ref=hl
Age: 52 ● Education: High school graduate, multiple years college training and continuing education in automotive industry and business management. ● Job: Small business owner and entrepreneur; 18 years ownership of My Mechanic Joe, auto repair. ● Family: Wife, Margaret, son, John, daughter, Lisa; both graduates of Woodstock High School. ● Residence: Cherokee County ● Website: mycommissionerjoe.com VISION STATEMENT: I love Woodstock and Cherokee County. I raised, loved, nurtured and educated two great children in Cherokee County schools. While this is a great place to live, work and raise a family, we are not always being served well by our county government. I want to bring a new perspective to the County Commission and create conservative, common sense solutions to the problems we all face. My attitude is always “see a problem, fix a problem.” We have a lot of great things going for us in Cherokee County, but we have some problems too. It seems like the government folks don’t want to talk about the problems, don’t want to take responsibility for the things they’ve done. I think it sometimes takes a fresh set of eyes and a new voice to make our government fix the things they’d rather brush under the rug. That’s why I’m in this race, because I want to stop deceit, deception, and misinformation and introduce honesty, integrity, and transparency; we can fix this.
VISION STATEMENT: As a professional architect, I listen to the needs of my clients and deliver solutions that match their goals and vision. Listening skills are also critically important to deliver what is most important to the citizens of Cherokee County. I bring conservative values and twenty-four years of proven success, collaboratively working with businesses, educational institutions, cities and counties throughout Georgia and the United States. In 1992, my wife and I chose to make our home and raise our family in Cherokee County. Today, we are active in our community, church and volunteer organizations. In 2011, I was appointed to the Woodstock Planning Commission. Our home, church, community service, favorite bike trails, public schools our two young daughters attend and my practice are all in the post I seek to serve. My family and I know and love this community. We have a deeply vested interest in what happens here. The citizens and business owners of Cherokee County deserve a trustworthy and dedicated commissioner who will listen to their needs and responsibly deliver results. I pledge to serve all the citizens of Cherokee with respect and integrity. Thank you for your vote on May 20th in the Republican primary election. SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
VISION STATEMENT: I want your vote because we need stronger representation. I will speak up for the needs of South Cherokee and I will get results. My record speaks for itself — I deliver. Serving as your commissioner from 1999-2003, we widened Eagle Drive, added sidewalks on Towne Lake Parkway, Rose Creek Drive, expanded Hobgood Park, started construction on the Veterans Cemetery and rolled back the millage rate every year. Since then, I have been very disappointed by the lack of attention paid to South Cherokee. After listening to you, my priority list is: Demand transparency in government; ensure fairness. The commission needs to be more responsive to our needs in comparison to the amount of taxes paid here; work together with city of Woodstock to improve traffic flow and plan for growth; improve the parks and roads in South Cherokee; work with the school board to ensure our children have everything they need to receive a quality education; and I am accountable. During my first term, I earned a reputation for being responsive and accountable. I seek input from my constituents. I am accessible. I return calls. I listen. Call me at (770) 924-8421 and you’ll see.
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, CHAIR
L. B. ‘Buzz’ Ahrens Jr. (I) (R)
Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Archer (R)
Age: 70 ● Education: B.A. Yale University 1965; M.B.A. The George Washington University 1970 (earned while on active duty in the U.S. Navy) ● Job: Retired in 1999, Senior Vice President-International, Rubbermaid Inc. Since Jan 01, 2007, Chairman, Cherokee County Board of Commissioners ● Family: Married in 1964 to Joan Reid. Four children, four grandchildren ● Residence: Canton ● Website: www.electbuzz.com
Age: 49 ● Education: Evangel College, Springfield, MO. 1982-1984 ● Job: Holly Springs Council Member 2002 to 2011. Vice-Chair and Board Member, Cherokee County Development Authority since 2006. Realtor and related Real Estate Industry Executive since 1994. ● Family: Husband, Ted is in the IT / Communications Industry. Adult children with extended family nearby. ● Residence: Canton ● Website: www.electJackieArcher.com
VISION STATEMENT: I have proudly served as Chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners since 2007. I have worked collaboratively with all county and city leaders to ensure that Cherokee County is the preferred choice in Metro Atlanta to live, work, play and visit. This is consistent with the County’s Mission Statement. We follow our Mission Statement by preserving the unique character and desirability of our community; by listening to you, by respecting your rights and by representing you with the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Under my leadership we challenge ourselves to continuously ‘raise the bar’. Cherokee now has the second fewest government employees per capita and the second lowest tax burden per capita in the region. We launched successful projects like the aquatic center, which turned a $100,000 profit in its first year. Over the next four years I will focus on four key elements: economic development; quality growth by following our land use plan; fiscal integrity; and environmental stewardship. We must do this for our children and grandchildren. Let’s keep Cherokee the best place to live, work, play and visit with proven leadership and results driven focus. I ask for your vote in the Republican Primary Election May 20.
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cherokeetribuneonline.com SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
VISION STATEMENT: In2001,whenIwaselectedtotheHollySprings Council, the city was in debt, spending was out of control and reserve funds were being used. Due to careful, strategic planning and my vision for the future, Holly Springs is now debt-free with taxes stable and reserve funds replenished, while ranked #4 in Georgia Safe Cities, demonstrating that services have continued to run smoothly. In contrast, my opponent for Cherokee County Commission Chair sponsored multiple years of tax increases, the $18M+ “Bobo Boondoggle,” questionable ethics and wasteful spending. Elect Jackie Archer and I will: •Balance the budget without tax increases or new taxes •Make Cherokee job-friendly/business-friendly to revive the local economy •Restore trust and integrity to the County Commission. I pledge to: •Hold myself to the highest ethical and moral standards •Put Cherokee County and residents first •Guarantee transparent governance •Have an open door •Appoint only qualified people, without conflicts of interest, to all staff positions •Govern as a true conservative. Please vote to Elect Jackie Archer for Cherokee County Commission Chair. Questions? Please call me on my cell phone at (678) 973-7855. Thank you.
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, POST 1
Harry Johnston (I) (R)
Steve West (R)
● Age: 61 ● Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finance and Accounting from Georgia State University. Certified Public Accountant. ● Job: Accounting Manager — Southern Company ● Family: Married for 38 years to Rebecca Wheeler Johnston. Two adult children. ● Residence: Canton ● Website: HarryJohnston.com.
Age: 53 ● Education: Graduate of Cherokee High School ● Job: Owner Operator of Flex-Fab Inc. ● Family: Wife Diane, four adult children and seven grandchildren ● Residence: Free Home Community ● Website: www.gostevewest.com.
VISION STATEMENT: My vision for the next four years is to keep Cherokee great by making sure our taxes remain low while services such as fire, police and parks continue to improve and meet the needs of the community, including the East Cherokee Park. Our tax rate is 11th lowest of all 159 counties in Georgia and I will keep it there or lower it. I have always and will continue to hold growth and development to a reasonable quantity and high quality to maintain our small-town and semi-rural quality of life as we grow. We are at a crucial time in working to see that Highway 20 is improved without affecting the neighborhoods along the route. I will advocate to keep improvements to the current route and minimize any alternate routes that negatively impact residents. I led the charge for a library in the Free Home area, and I will continue to fight for a public library there. I will continue to listen to citizens and serve as their advocate. As your District 1 commissioner, I will continue to maintain the highest standards of ethics and transparency in county government and I appreciate your continued support. SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
VISION STATEMENT: I am not a politician. I am a citizen who has had enough of government waste and mismanagement and has decided to offer myself in public service to turn our Board of Commissioners around. I am a life-long resident of Cherokee County and a third generation local businessman. I am a man who believes that if you see something that’s wrong you should try to fix it. As a result of bad decisions by our current Commissioners, we have inherited a debt of $18 million that is currently costing the taxpayers of this county $110,000 per month. We need to resolve this issue that is going to last until the year 2037 and reinvest that $110,000 per month into positive things such as parks and better pay for county employees. Cherokee County deserves better. As District 1 Commissioner my goals are the following: 1.) To restore trust, integrity and transparency in Cherokee County Government 2.) To be a good steward of your money — seeking efficiency and eliminating wasteful spending. 3.) To be accessible and accountable to my constituents. I’ll listen to you when doing my job as your commissioner. 4.) To promote sound business and job opportunities in Cherokee County.
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“Buzz is a friend to anyone who cares about public safety, low taxes and the best for Cherokee. I’m voting for our Chairman Buzz Ahrens and I ask you to vote for him too.”
“I am committed to making sure our children and grandchildren inherit a Cherokee County that is THE choice for all residents, businesses and visitors.”
Cherokee County
Cherokee Board Chairman
Sheriff Roger Garrison
L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens
Cherokee County’s Successes under Chairman Ahrens’ leadership: • 3,000 NEW jobs created • 160% increase in funding for economic development • Highest SAT scores in the region • LOWEST tax burden per capita in the region • #1 EMS Agency in the region
• NEW facilities for law enforcement and fire • Thousands of acres set aside for parks green space/active park expansion • New voter approved aquatic center • REBUILT county’s cash reserves • Northside Hospital expansion
On May 20th Vote for Leadership. Vote for Public Safety. Vote for our Chairman.
L.B. “Buzz” Ahrens SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE REPUBLICAN SAMPLE BALLOT
More information can be found at voter.cherokeega.com. SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE DEMOCRAT SAMPLE BALLOT
More information can be found at voter.cherokeega.com. SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 3
John Harmon (R) Age: 41 ● Education: Alan C. Pope High School; Georgia Southern University, majored in business administration. ● Job: Business owner; owns and operates H and J Foods ● Family: Married to Whitney for 11 years, three children, Brady, Andrew and Hailey. ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: www.electjohnharmon.com
VISION STATEMENT: I believe my experience as a business owner, as a member of the board of directors of the Hickory Flat Elementary School Foundation and as a member of the Hickory Flat PTA provide me with a unique perspective on how to support, maintain, and advance the Cherokee County School District. As a business owner and a conservative, I realize the importance of making every dollar count. I understand budgets and audit reports, and I will review these reports carefully to ensure that Cherokee County School District spends your tax dollars wisely. I have worked closely with parents, administrators and teachers in my role with the Hickory Flat Foundation. I understand the needs of our schools and of our students, and I believe my experience and knowledge will help me serve the children of our district on the Board of Education. I ask for your vote on May 20. If elected, I will do my part to ensure that the school board will continue to make a difference in the life of every child. I am dedicated to providing every child with the best possible educational opportunities and I will be an advocate for teaching and learning on our school board.
Brett Ladd (R) Age: 54 ● Education: J.D., University of Georgia Law School, 1984; Bachelors of Business Administration, University of Georgia, 1981. ● Job: Lawyer at The Ladd Law Firm, LLC in Woodstock. ● Family: Married to Kyle Ladd; blended family includes four daughters and two sons, Jayne, Amy, Paige, Danielle, Eric and Aaron. ● Residence: Canton ●Website: BrettLadd.com
VISION STATEMENT: Cherokee County has great public schools, and we should build upon the academic achievement of its students. But the school system has a history of infighting, and some say, a problem regarding public trust — or perhaps, a lack thereof. For that reason, I intend to build bridges between the often conflicting interests of taxpayers, teachers, and students; and to encourage the Board to take steps to bring “sunshine” to the process, and address the concerns of various parties. I also plan to build bridges to the state legislative delegation, to advocate for proper funding and other issues from the “powers that be.” In the next four years we will likely choose a new superintendent. I envision a planned, well-executed search for the best candidate, and not a “rush job.” We should consider matching nearby counties with options for education, with cost-neutral ways to provide school choice to our students and parents. These may include magnet schools, establishing charter schools out of existing schools, and even vocational or technical education options. The biggest issue for any alternative is cost effectiveness, and I will support choice when it achieves the proper balance of the interests of our students, teachers, and taxpayers.
CHECK OUT THE VOTERS GUIDE @ cherokeetribuneonline.com
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICTS 6, 5 BOE, DISTRICT 6
Susie Tlacil (R)
Mike Chapman (R)
Age: 42 ● Education: Two years at University of Michigan. Twenty years in Telecom, certifications MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, professional development, sales training, and on-the-job training. ● Job: Owner, Sequence Networks LLC ● Family: Husband, Mike, Daughters, Amanda 15, Allie 13, son, Aaron 21 ● Residence: Canton ● Website: www.votesusiet.com
Age: 53 ● Education: BBA in Quantitative Business Analysis, with a focus on Production/Operations Management from Cleveland State University 1983; MS — Manufacturing Management from Kettering University 1991 and MS — Operations Management from Kettering University 2001 ● Job: Plant manager for Morrison Products Inc. in Canton. ● Family: Married to Mary Chapman for 30 years; two sons, Matt and Mark. Mary teaches at Freedom Middle School. Matt and Mark both attended Cherokee County schools from K-12 graduating from Cherokee High School. Both received bachelor’s degrees from schools in Pennsylvania. Matt is a current International MBA candidate at Hult University in Shanghai, China. ● Residence: Canton ● Website: www.electmikechapman.com
VISION STATEMENT: As a member of the Cherokee County School Board I want to free teachers to open the minds and create opportunity for children so desperately needed in today’s world. This means rejecting the Common Core curriculum locally and through working with the state delegation. The ability for the local community to provide a pathway for future citizens of the county to pursue the American dream should be the goal of every member of the district. Education cannot be one size fits all. Hands on education and mentoring keeps students in school and provides the best opportunity for success. Each child brings unique abilities and talents that should be allowed to be explored at the earliest ages of development. It is time for Cherokee County to come together recognizing the right of every parent to educate their child as they see fit, and that the district strives to be the best tool available for parents towards that goal. I would like to reach out to the community and engage those with the experience in their field and ask they share those talents with students in new programs aimed at providing real world examples of success.
VISION STATEMENT: For 11 years I had the privilege of serving Cherokee County as a member of the Board of Education, including four years as the Board Chairman. Today, as we look at the challenges our school system faces, it is my humble opinion that we need to regain our focus on educating students and making sure our community’s tax dollars are spent in the most efficient and productive manner possible. If elected I will work aggressively with the board and Superintendent to reduce long-term debt incurred by the successful, voter approved school construction and technology plan. I will fulfill my long-term goal of assisting in the opening and developing curriculum for a career/ technical high school. I will work to expand the Cherokee Academies school choice initiative that I proposed in 2011 to include even more learning options for every student. I will work to develop aggressive strategies that increase the graduation rate and improve the efficiency of the system, reducing costs wherever possible while increasing student performance; and I will work with fellow board members to reduce class size and improve teacher morale through the elimination of furlough days without raising taxes.
BOE, DISTRICT 5
Erica Williams (R)
Clark Menard (R)
Age: 42 ● Education: B.S. Accounting 1993; Indiana University, Bloomington, IN ● Job: Financial Systems Lead; InComm, Inc. ● Family: Wife, Dina, Child’s Play Early Learning Center; Daughters, Hannah, Woodstock Middle School, and, Grace, Carmel Elementary School ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: www.electclarkmenard.com
VISION STATEMENT: My name is Clark Menard and
Age: 41 ● Education: BA-Interdisciplinary Studies and Education ● Job: Level 8 Educator with GA Bright from the Start ● Family: Husband, Jim; three children, Jordan, Aydan and Julian ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: www.WilliamsforSchools.com
my motivation for seeking a position on the Cherokee County School Board is to give a voice to the children who attend the schools in our district and who are directly affected by its decisions. As a father of two children who attend schools within the Cherokee County School District, I find it disconcerting that members of the current board as well as candidates for the board send their children to schools outside the district. It’s time to ensure that the board is aligned with its true constituents, the nearly 40,000 students inside the district. I have been a resident of Woodstock for nine years. I am a proud supporter of our students, teachers, PTA leaders and community leaders who understand that our children’s education leads to Cherokee’s economic growth. I refuse to concede a quality education to overcrowding, state austerity cuts and an underfunded Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula. We must stop politicizing education and return to discussing alternatives that improve each child’s future. My goals as a board member will include reducing the student to teacher ratio, emphasizing vocational learning and increasing access to technology for all students within the district.
VISION STATEMENT: Erica Williams was raised in Georgia. She is a graduate of Walton High and Kennesaw State University. Erica works as a Georgia Bright from the Start Educator in Woodstock. She and her husband, Jim, a Navy Veteran, are 17-year residents of Woodstock. The Williams are proud parents of three public school children and their oldest will graduate from Woodstock High this spring. Erica’s love for education is infectious and she will put her passion to work for all of Cherokee’s children. As your next School Board representative, Erica will advocate the ‘3 Cs’ for our children ... Community, Culture and Communication so that parents, teachers and stakeholders are involved at every level from the classroom to the kitchen table. Community — Engage a much wider audience in conversation about our schools. Focus our entire community on prioritizing the classroom. Culture — Develop a culture that encourages full engagement and ensures parents, grandparents and all who wish to be involved feel safe when openly communicating. Bring a fresh perspective focused on what’s best for the children in the classrooms and end “group think” mentality. Communication — Leverage technology that will improve communication so that we engage all of Cherokee County in the education of our children. Promote frequent and open conversation using family/business coalition groups.
CHECK OUT THE VOTERS GUIDE @ cherokeetribuneonline.com SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 4 BOE, DISTRICT 4
Rick Steiner (I) (R)
Robert Strozier (R)
Age: 53 ● Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education, University of Michigan; Working toward Master’s Degree in Special Education Administration, Liberty University ● Job: District 4 Board of Education Member; Owns business: Rick Steiner & Associates with Keller Williams Realty ● Television personality with Turner Broadcasting/ AOL /Time Warner ● Family: Wife Jamye, married 26 years. Three sons, youngest is a sophomore at Etowah High School and two oldest boys are attending college. ●
Age: 49 ● Education: Oglethorpe University — Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. In 1994, graduated magna cum laude from Oglethorpe University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. ● Job: Retired Financial Asset Manager ● Family: Wife Tracie, married 20 years. Son, James graduated from Etowah High School with honor, involved in a medically related field. ● Residence: Woodstock ● Website: www.cherokeeschools.com
VISION STATEMENT: It has been a privilege to represent the students, parents and taxpayers of Cherokee County on the School Board over the last nine years. During my time on the board, we have accomplished many great things. We have received and been renewed for district accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), receiving high honors and glowing remarks. We have opened Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) academies and Fine Arts academies in several elementary schools in the district, with plans for middle school academies in the works. Several of our schools have received recognitions and honors. Our test scores have not only led the state, but are continuing to exceed the national average. But, I know we have more work to do, and I would like to continue my service on the board as we work to expand options and choices for students, increase our graduation rate and restore teacher morale. I would also like to be involved in the selection of our next superintendent. I would be honored if you would vote for me in the upcoming Republican primary election on May 20, so that I can continue to make that vision a reality. SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
VISION STATEMENT: After years of volunteering in our community at church as a youth Sunday School teacher as well as a Sunday School director, serving on school council, and as a coach and commissioner of an adaptive special needs baseball program, Robert would like to combine his passion for community service with his experience managing equity portfolios to review the Cherokee County School District financial statements and offer constructive advice on ways to improve our school district in a challenging economic environment. Robert has a number of innovative solutions to enhance education funding and control spending as a means to lower class size. In order to improve the graduation rate, Robert would encourage initiatives that transform the “one size fits all” high school curriculum to a new paradigm which offers high school students more avenues of study including college preparation and vocational opportunities. In order to maintain continuity and the continued success of our school district, Robert would strongly encourage a smooth superintendent transition to Dr. Brian Hightower. Robert supports a parent’s ability to control their child’s destiny through school choice. Between his financial insight and volunteer service, Robert is uniquely qualified to represent the students, teachers and taxpayers of Cherokee County.
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 11
Barry Loudermilk (R)
Bob Barr (R)
Age: 50 • Job: president, Innovative Network Systems, Inc. • Spouse’s name: Desiree • Children/grandchildren: Travis, Christiana, Michael and daughter-in-law, Sarah. First grandchild due in May • Residence: Cassville • Education: B.S. in Occupational Education/Business, Wayland Baptist University, Plainview, Texas (1992), Minor in Business Information Technology; Associate Degree in Telecommunications Technologies, United States Air Force Community College, Colorado Springs, Colorado (1987) • Campaign website: www.StandwithBarry.com
Age: 65 •Job: Practicing Attorney •Spouse’s name: Jeri •Children/grandchildren: four children, eight grandchildren • Residence: Smyrna • Education: Georgetown Law School — J.D. (1977); George Washington University — M.A., International Affairs (1972); University of Southern California — B.A., International Relations (1970) • Campaign website: www.barrcongress.com
VISION STATEMENT: My father served in WWII; he saw action on the beaches of Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge. He gave me one rule for life, NEVER COMPLAIN. He would say, complaining never accomplishes anything. If there’s something you don’t like, you have two choices, stay silent or do something about it. I took my father’s advice, and instead of just complaining about the direction my state government was headed, I took my experience as a Husband, Father, Veteran, Small Business owner, Employee and employer to the state capitol. There I served in both the State House and Senate, where I consistently advanced the principles of less government, lower taxes, pro-family and pro-freedom. Because of my consistent stance on these principles, I became known as one of the foremost conservative leaders in Georgia. While we face many unprecedented challenges brought on by big government, overwhelming debt and a loss of our traditional family values, I still believe in the American dream, and I am confident we can take our nation back. Why am I running for Congress? Well, that’s simple ... because our children and grandchildren deserve better than what we are passing on to them.
Ed Lindsey (R) Age: 55 •Job: Business owner/lawyer Goodman, McGuffey, Lindsey & Johnson, LLP • Spouse’s name: Elizabeth Lindsey • Children: three sons: Harman (U.S. Military Academy at West Point), Charlie (UGA) and Zack (UGA) • Residence: Atlanta • Education: Davidson College, Bachelor’s Degree in History; University of Georgia, law degree • Campaign website: www.edlindsey.us
VISION STATEMENT: I am running for Congress as a Georgia Conservative who gets the job done. Our country is heading in the wrong direction. Debt and spending are out of control. Obamacare threatens to destroy businesses and leave our families with substandard, socialized health care. We need conservative action, not more empty rhetoric, to get America back on track. Washington needs more of the conservative leadership Republicans have shown in Georgia. In Georgia, we have balanced the budget, cut taxes, reduced the size of government, and fought to block the implementation of ObamaCare. The reason Georgia’s economy is growing, and hundreds of thousands of new jobs have been created, is the strong Republican leadership we have at the State Capitol. I spent the past 10 years as a conservative Republican Representative in the Georgia House and a member of the Republican leadership team as House Majority Whip. I earned a reputation as a work horse who initiated, carried and passed 34 major bills. I believe it takes a Georgia conservative with a proven record of getting the job done to fix Washington and get America back on track. Voters can trust my decade-long proven track record to get the job done in Washington.
Col. Larry Mrozinski (R)
Age: 64 • Job: president, Network Consultants, Inc. • Spouse’s name: Joyce • Children: none •Residence: Kennesaw • Education: No four year degree. Have professional designations — CFP, CNE, MCSE •Campaign website: www.allanleveneforcongress.com
VISION STATEMENT: I can provide well-paid jobs for everyone who wants to work. How? Lower the U.S. corporate tax rates to zero so that foreign businesses come here, and U.S. corporations will bring their over $1 trillion back from overseas. Foreign companies will flood this country with trillions of dollars of their money. It will be invested in new facilities and factories. Why? Because only profits are subject to tax. Foreign corporations will be forced to invest their trillions to take advantage of the United States tax haven. This will give an enormous boost to our economy, will generate many millions of well-paid domestic jobs and reduce the cost of living for Americans. It will encourage corporations to build new factories here to increase their tax-free profits, and reduce the number of outsourced products built in China. The stock market will also roar ahead making Americans wealthier. The loss of corporate tax revenue will be offset by new income tax revenue, and the surplus can be used to start paying down the national debt. Once again, we’ll become an optimistic society. I will also introduce these bills: I will encourage incumbents to retire by eliminating congressional pensions if they run again after a maximum of 12 years in office. It’s a practical form of a Term Limits Amendment, that won’t take a decade to enact. I will propose a bill to do this. We need to eliminate saved campaign funds accumulated election to election. Why? It will stop incumbents from dominating challengers through accumulation of many millions of dollars, constantly donated by special interests before and after elections. All of the leftover money will be donated to charity. This accumulation corrupts our system; giving the leftover funds to charity will fix the system. I will propose a bill to do this. Our election system is dominated by the raising of enormous amounts of money. The money is used to buy name recognition first, and address the candidate’s platform a distant second. I will propose that the post office delivers information envelopes with the ballot candidate’s information, so every candidate can explain their platform to every voter and give a web site address for the voters to follow-up if they want to. I will propose a bill to do this.
Age: 42 • Job: Full-time candidate, former small business owner • Spouse’s name: Mike • Children: None • Residence: Marietta • Education: Kennesaw State University, BA • Campaign website: pridemoreforcongress.com
Serve America as a Congressman who will restore faith in our Representative government and return to our Constitutional core principles through a change of congressional “leadership.” End the Era of career politician and begin anew with Leaders of solid character, who will exert strong, bold, trusted leadership and rekindle promise in the American Dream for families, our children, seniors and those yet unborn. I envision our 11th District having a Congressman that’s accountable in Georgia as well as in the Halls of Congress. A federal government that reflects the will of “We the People,” not the burden of bureaucracy. An America where our inalienable rights granted to all by God: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are protected. Where the individual is part of their government and never disenfranchised from it. An America on the path towards prosperity and security of our people and our homeland by restoring a strong national defense, a vibrant economy, Rule-of–Law and a nation where Veterans and Military Families have a true advocate in Congress. An America where you can rise up to be whomever you wish through hard work and perseverance. I envision it and together we will realize it.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
Allen Levene (R)
Tricia Pridemore (R)
Age: 58 • Job: Retired U.S. Army • Spouse’s name: Danelle • Children/Grandchildren: four children, one grandchild • Residence: Woodstock • Education: Master’s Degree, International Relations, Troy University; Degree Military Science UCLA; Baccalaureate Degrees’ Political Science and Health Science SUNY, Brockport. • Campaign website: ColonelLarry.com.
VISION STATEMENT:
VISION STATEMENT: I am running to return to the U.S. House because I love this country too much to watch the damage being done in Washington from outside the arena. I have been in the arena before. I have fought for a balanced budget, tax reduction and meaningful regulatory reform; and I was part of the team than succeeded in achieving those results. It can be done. Taxpayers are fed up with the mess in Washington, and they want a Member of Congress with the track record and backbone to actually move the conservative agenda forward — to shrink the size, scope, cost and power of the government. Once in Congress, I will work to: (1) Reform Obamacare; (2) Cut the debt; and (3) Streamline government. I have done this before and will do it again. I anticipate serving again on The Judiciary, Financial Services and Government Reform and Oversight Committees; on which I will begin service in January 2015 with my prior years of seniority. I have the experience, drive and desire to help do so again. I alone in the Republican Primary for the 11th District of Georgia have the proven ability and record to do this.
VISION STATEMENT: Tricia and her husband started a marketing automation software company in the spare bedroom of their Marietta home, growing the business into a multi-million dollar organization servicing some of the nation’s leading Fortune 500 companies. A devoted conservative activist, Tricia has been an active member of the Cobb County Republican Party and a community volunteer for charities such as MUST Ministries, helping the homeless and fighting cancer. She has served on the Republican Leadership for Georgia Board of Directors and the Georgia World Congress Center Board of Governors. In 2011, Tricia was appointed Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development where she was tasked with the overhaul of a struggling state agency. Using her private sector experience, Tricia successfully designed and implemented innovative strategies to build and improve Georgia’s workforce, while driving economic growth. Tricia earned her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University. She and her husband, Michael, live in Marietta and are members of Mount Paran Church in Atlanta, where Tricia serves as a mentor in the Women’s Ministry.
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2014 CHEROKEE VOTERS GUIDE GOVERNOR *
John D. Barge (R) Age: 47 ● Job: State School Superintendent, Georgia Department of Education ● Family: Wife, Loraine Barge; Children, one daughter ● Residence: Floyd County ● Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree, Berry College; Master of Education Degree, State University of West Georgia; Education Specialist Degree, State University of West Georgia; Doctorate of Education Degree — University of Georgia ● Website: http://www.johnbarge.com
VISION STATEMENT: I have a vision for true leadership in this state that seeks to make life better for ALL of her citizens not just a select few. In order to do that, we must address some key issues. We must cease looking at education as an expense in the budget and see it as the single most important investment this state can make in its future. We have significantly more people living in poverty today than we did four years ago. We have hundreds of thousands unemployed or underemployed. They need jobs. How do you create jobs? Not simply by giving tax credits, but you must also leverage a strong educational system that can guarantee an educated and skilled workforce. It’s hard to promote an educational system where most of your students are not in school 180 days a year. Additionally, we must reform our tax structure in this state while maintaining essential services and providing for those in need. We can combine redundant state agencies, reduce expenses and the size of government. We can keep electing the same types of people and expect different results, or we can elect a new kind of leader who is motivated by the desire to serve others more than himself.
Nathan Deal (I) (R) Age: 71 ● Job: 82nd Governor of Georgia ● Family: Wife, Sandra Deal, a former Hall County public school teacher; Children: Four adult children, six grandchildren. ● Residence: Demorest, Habersham Co. ● Education: Mercer University, undergraduate and J.D. ● Campaign website: www.nathandeal.org.
VISION STATEMENT: Under Gov. Deal’s leadership, more than 235,000 private sector jobs were created and Georgia was named the No. 1 state in which to do business. In his first term, Gov. Deal saved HOPE scholarship Georgia Pre-K from bankruptcy, implemented tax reform and cracked down on illegal immigration. Gov. Deal has balanced the budget while lowering taxes, reduced burdensome regulations and eliminated wasteful or duplicative programs. He also cut government spending, streamlined services and reduced the size of its workforce. At the same time, he’s grown Georgia’s rainy day fund by more than 518 percent, or $700 million and maintained our AAA bond rating. Gov. Deal lowered the unemployment rate dramatically and provided for teacher raises while ending furlough days. He’s also fought to increase public safety on our waterways, worked to save lives and taxpayer dollars through juvenile justice reform, improved our workforce by aiding veterans and technical college students, and signed ethics reform into law. In his second term, Gov. Deal will continue focusing on job creation, improving workforce development training and initiatives, and investing in K-12 education and innovation.
David E. Pennington, III (R) Age: 61 ● Job: Owner, Advanced Insurance Strategies ● Family: Wife, Pamela Gillert Pennington; Children: Mary Jane Pennington and David E. Pennington, IV; daughterin-law — Sara Gunn Pennington; granddaughter — Ella Gray Pennington ● Residence: Dalton ● Education: University of Georgia, Bachelor of Arts — Economics Major ● Campaign website: www.DavidforGeorgia.com
VISION STATEMENT: Nathan Deal’s ethics issues, tax increases, spending increases and abuses of power have failed Georgia. Bold change must be made now to restore Georgia to greatness. Bold change requires conviction, courage, honesty and ethical public servants, not self-servers. As Dalton’s Mayor, I cut property taxes 6 straight years for a total of 30 percent. I cut the size and cost of government significantly. I cut business license fees 50 percent. I ensured real government transparency and accountability to the people. This led to Dalton’s being named a City of Ethics and my receipt of the Rotary’s Guardian of Ethics Award. Each year as Mayor, I donated my entire Mayor’s salary to scholarships at the local college because I know public service is about serving the public, not advancing oneself. My vision as Governor is to cut the state income tax immediately by 33 percent, cut state spending and government red-tape so businesses can grow, return educational control to local communities to empower parents and teachers, and advance real ethics reform that holds elected officials accountable and allows Georgians to trust government again. My service as Mayor is proof I can accomplish this vision. I ask for your support and vote to do so.
* The winner will face Democrat Jason Carter in November SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014
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