We just confirmed two candidate forums to take place over the next two weeks.
An old-school Georgia Political Rally will be held Thursday, October 22 in conjunction with the Deep Roots Festival BBQ Cook Off Sneak Peek under a large tent behind City Hall in downtown Milledgeville. This forum will feature candidates in the first district municipal race and candidates for the special election to replace Bobby Parham.
Don't forget to come out early for Sneak Peek so you can mark your ballot with the greasy goodness of three national BBQ teams.
And that following Monday, October 26, Georgia College's American Democracy Project will host a municipal election Candidate forum at the Arts & Sciences Auditorium on the GCSU campus, featuring candidates in the third, fourth and fifth district races.
Come out to learn about the issues and support your candidates of choice in these great community political events!
Showing posts with label City Council '09. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City Council '09. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Attention City Council Candidates:
More students registered to vote during a campus voter registration drive than the number of people who voted in each of the first, second, third or fourth district races in the last municipal election.
According to this article in the Colonnade, over 650 students registered to vote in Baldwin County in the last several months. The November 9, 2005 post-election edition of the U-R reported voter turnout in each of the fore-mentioned districts as follows: District One: 435; District Two: 216*; District Three: 393; and District Four: 298.
*Jeanette Walden ran unopposed in the 2005 election.
The image above is just a lil bit of election lore. District Four Challenger Zach Johnson, who was enrolled as a Georgia College student at the time of the election, wore this costume out for Halloween in the last days before 2005's contest. Although it didn't seem like a kind joke at the time, outgoing District Four Councilman Ken Vance told me that he carried this picture in his wallet for several years afterwards.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The First Candidate to return their candidate questions is...
Phillip Joiner
And to show my appreciation for getting back to me on this, here's a sneak peek at Joiner's responses.
Name as I would like it to appear on the ballot:
Phillip Joiner
Age: 32
Occupation: Promotions/Talent Director, Sales Exec and On-air personality for Z97 FM / Marketing/Promotions Director for Amici Italian Cafe
Office qualifying for: Milledgeville City Council - District 4
Positions/titles in the community: Executive Producer/emcee for Milledgeville Idol/Milledgeville's Got Talent, Deep Roots Festival committee member and mainstage emcee, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and have helped with Milledgeville's Junior Miss program, The Oconee River Greenway Foundation and Young Professionals Organization. Recently named Milledgeville's "Radio Personality of the Year" by the readers of the Union Recorder
List and Describe the attributes that make you an effective public servant:
I have dedicated myself to serving this city by becoming immersed in many of its great organizations over the years and using my marketing and sales background to promote the city. Recruitment of business and visitors is key to maintaining our financial and cultural vitality and I hope to make further use of my skill set to benefit Milledgeville in a larger capacity. I'm also very energetic and available to the constituents to try and immediately address their needs or concerns.
Why do you feel compelled to represent your fellow residents on Council?
We all must contribute to our city's growth and I believe being a public servant is an important way to make a contribution. Serving the needs of the people directly is a challenge that I'm excited to take on.
What are the 3 biggest issues facing the city of milledgeville/what would you do to address these 3:
Obviously, creating opportunities for new jobs is number one. Vigorously recruiting new businesses both large and small is going to be crucial in the coming year. Our leaders in government must become ambassadors to the city and do whatever it takes to compel companies to consider Milledgeville as a destination. Higher unemployment leads to a higher crime rate. Crime would then be the second issue. I support the outlining of a plan consisting of education, awareness and prevention to tackle this very serious problem. Once the next city budget is put forth, council should continue to support our local law enforcement in any way necessary and provide them the resources they require. The third issue affects my district specifically. Our "Town and Gown" divide in the downtown area has been a contentious battle for too long. The District needs a councilman who can work with long time residents, new residents, college students and downtown businesses. I have built strong relationships with all parties with whom these issues concern. From Parking to housing, renters rights to vandalism of homes and yards, there are a myriad of complex issues that I have been immersed in for years and feel qualified to address as the representative in council for the district.
The tax collection and budget balancing:
Each year, the city deals with issues both new and old, and the budget should reflect the ever changing landscape of these issues. I believe in careful spending, and making sure that city infrastructure is maintained and improved.
What are Milledgeville's most marketable resources:
Milledgeville is a unique position, in that we are 90 minutes from Atlanta, 80 minutes from Athens, 30 minutes from Macon and 2 hours from Savannah. Being in the center of these major Georgia cities is a marketable resource for recruitment of industry and cultural vitality. We have a great River Greenway, 2 lakes just minutes away, beautiful antebellum homes downtown, Andalusia, Lockerly Arboretum, the old Governors Mansion, The Liberal Arts College of Georgia in GCSU, Georgia Military College and more. I've been involved in marketing all these things and consider them valuable resources to attract businesses, visitors and future residents.
Vision of Milledgeville for the 21st century:
I see Milledgeville as being in the early stages of a Renaissance period, our current job situation not withstanding. If you look back at the early history of this town and follow the timeline all the way to the present, you'll notice that Milledgeville has always "repacked" itself. Things are evolving and times are once again changing, and Milledgeville must find its identity and work with all of our efforts to positively brand that identity on the local, state and regional levels.
Alright Dan the man, hope all that can be of use and I appreciate all of your help. Good luck covering all this - it could get interesting!
Warmest Regards,
Phillip
see the original questionnaire here.
And to show my appreciation for getting back to me on this, here's a sneak peek at Joiner's responses.
Name as I would like it to appear on the ballot:
Phillip Joiner
Age: 32
Occupation: Promotions/Talent Director, Sales Exec and On-air personality for Z97 FM / Marketing/Promotions Director for Amici Italian Cafe
Office qualifying for: Milledgeville City Council - District 4
Positions/titles in the community: Executive Producer/emcee for Milledgeville Idol/Milledgeville's Got Talent, Deep Roots Festival committee member and mainstage emcee, Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and have helped with Milledgeville's Junior Miss program, The Oconee River Greenway Foundation and Young Professionals Organization. Recently named Milledgeville's "Radio Personality of the Year" by the readers of the Union Recorder
List and Describe the attributes that make you an effective public servant:
I have dedicated myself to serving this city by becoming immersed in many of its great organizations over the years and using my marketing and sales background to promote the city. Recruitment of business and visitors is key to maintaining our financial and cultural vitality and I hope to make further use of my skill set to benefit Milledgeville in a larger capacity. I'm also very energetic and available to the constituents to try and immediately address their needs or concerns.
Why do you feel compelled to represent your fellow residents on Council?
We all must contribute to our city's growth and I believe being a public servant is an important way to make a contribution. Serving the needs of the people directly is a challenge that I'm excited to take on.
What are the 3 biggest issues facing the city of milledgeville/what would you do to address these 3:
Obviously, creating opportunities for new jobs is number one. Vigorously recruiting new businesses both large and small is going to be crucial in the coming year. Our leaders in government must become ambassadors to the city and do whatever it takes to compel companies to consider Milledgeville as a destination. Higher unemployment leads to a higher crime rate. Crime would then be the second issue. I support the outlining of a plan consisting of education, awareness and prevention to tackle this very serious problem. Once the next city budget is put forth, council should continue to support our local law enforcement in any way necessary and provide them the resources they require. The third issue affects my district specifically. Our "Town and Gown" divide in the downtown area has been a contentious battle for too long. The District needs a councilman who can work with long time residents, new residents, college students and downtown businesses. I have built strong relationships with all parties with whom these issues concern. From Parking to housing, renters rights to vandalism of homes and yards, there are a myriad of complex issues that I have been immersed in for years and feel qualified to address as the representative in council for the district.
The tax collection and budget balancing:
Each year, the city deals with issues both new and old, and the budget should reflect the ever changing landscape of these issues. I believe in careful spending, and making sure that city infrastructure is maintained and improved.
What are Milledgeville's most marketable resources:
Milledgeville is a unique position, in that we are 90 minutes from Atlanta, 80 minutes from Athens, 30 minutes from Macon and 2 hours from Savannah. Being in the center of these major Georgia cities is a marketable resource for recruitment of industry and cultural vitality. We have a great River Greenway, 2 lakes just minutes away, beautiful antebellum homes downtown, Andalusia, Lockerly Arboretum, the old Governors Mansion, The Liberal Arts College of Georgia in GCSU, Georgia Military College and more. I've been involved in marketing all these things and consider them valuable resources to attract businesses, visitors and future residents.
Vision of Milledgeville for the 21st century:
I see Milledgeville as being in the early stages of a Renaissance period, our current job situation not withstanding. If you look back at the early history of this town and follow the timeline all the way to the present, you'll notice that Milledgeville has always "repacked" itself. Things are evolving and times are once again changing, and Milledgeville must find its identity and work with all of our efforts to positively brand that identity on the local, state and regional levels.
Alright Dan the man, hope all that can be of use and I appreciate all of your help. Good luck covering all this - it could get interesting!
Warmest Regards,
Phillip
see the original questionnaire here.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Decision Time
Following last week's municipal qualifying, you wouldn't think there could be too many more questions about who will run the City of Milledgeville in the immediate future. But think again.
Milledgeville City Manager Scott Wood told the Union-Recorder Friday that he would make a decision about whether or not he will accept the City of Canton's offer to assume their City Manager position today (Tuesday).
The City of Canton offered Wood the position in a called meeting Thursday. The Canton City Council voted unanimously (read: All of them might sign-off on his contract) to offer Wood the city's top administrative position.
I'm expecting some excited (not particularly in the positive sense of the word) reactions about Wood's decision, whichever way he decides to go.
Should Wood decide to leave Milledgeville, his new assignment will begin October 1st, the beginning of the budget year in Canton.
Milledgeville City Manager Scott Wood told the Union-Recorder Friday that he would make a decision about whether or not he will accept the City of Canton's offer to assume their City Manager position today (Tuesday).
The City of Canton offered Wood the position in a called meeting Thursday. The Canton City Council voted unanimously (read: All of them might sign-off on his contract) to offer Wood the city's top administrative position.
I'm expecting some excited (not particularly in the positive sense of the word) reactions about Wood's decision, whichever way he decides to go.
Should Wood decide to leave Milledgeville, his new assignment will begin October 1st, the beginning of the budget year in Canton.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Final Council Race Roster
District One:
Alan Wicker
Collinda J. Lee
District Two:
Jeanette Walden (i)
District Three:
Donald Hill
Denese Shinholster (i)
District Four:
Phillip Joiner
John Alton
Ed "Dodo" Hollis
District Five:
Richard "Boo" Mullins (i)
Benjamin Lewis
District Six:
Steve Chambers (i)
Mayoral Race:
Richard Bentley (i)
i=incumbent
Alan Wicker
Collinda J. Lee
District Two:
Jeanette Walden (i)
District Three:
Donald Hill
Denese Shinholster (i)
District Four:
Phillip Joiner
John Alton
Ed "Dodo" Hollis
District Five:
Richard "Boo" Mullins (i)
Benjamin Lewis
District Six:
Steve Chambers (i)
Mayoral Race:
Richard Bentley (i)
i=incumbent
We're back live at City Hall
Today is the last day of municipal qualifying, and for the last 45 minutes of qualifying we'll be counting down with Municipal Elections Superintendent Patti Rushin.
We've had a few folks we've missed since the last municipal post and we'll update you on that in a moment. But for now we'll just release the big news of the day.
Ed "Dodo" Hollis just completed filling out his paperwork to run for City Council in the Fourth District.
"I think this position on council comes down to good common sense and helping as many people as you can possibly help," he said. "You can't have tunnel vision, you've got to look at the whole picture. That's what I'll do when I'm up there."
Update:
Benjamin Lewis just qualified for the Fifth District.
He had no comment about his candidacy.
Former Mayor Johnny Grant Jr. is now in Mrs. Rushin's office with six minutes left in qualifying.
We've had a few folks we've missed since the last municipal post and we'll update you on that in a moment. But for now we'll just release the big news of the day.
Ed "Dodo" Hollis just completed filling out his paperwork to run for City Council in the Fourth District.
"I think this position on council comes down to good common sense and helping as many people as you can possibly help," he said. "You can't have tunnel vision, you've got to look at the whole picture. That's what I'll do when I'm up there."
Update:
Benjamin Lewis just qualified for the Fifth District.
He had no comment about his candidacy.
Former Mayor Johnny Grant Jr. is now in Mrs. Rushin's office with six minutes left in qualifying.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
More Municipal and Special Election Qualifying
Municipal Elections Superintendent Patti Rushin said she's going to keep me posted on all candidates who qualify throughout the week. (I had to retreat back to the U-R offices to focus on all the news that's not elections related.)
So check back to the original qualifying posts to stay up-to-date on the who's who in elections news.
Municipal Qualifying and Special Elections Qualifying
So check back to the original qualifying posts to stay up-to-date on the who's who in elections news.
Municipal Qualifying and Special Elections Qualifying
Candidate Questions?
I'd like to enlist the help of readers in questioning our candidates for municipal offices in the city of Milledgeville.
Below I've listed all the questions I put on a questionnaire that the paper is asking all candidates to fill out and send back to us to be put in the paper, but I'd like to hear community input about issues they would like addressed as we look forward to the November 3 contest.
You can either post them in the comment section or e-mail them to me at dmcdonald@unionrecorder.com
Note on these questions: I tried to ask really open-ended questions that force the candidate to come up with a response and defend it. I felt compelled to address certain issues, but I wanted the candidates to prove that they have a vision for the community, because I think that's what we're going to need to get through hard times.
Name as you would like it to appear on the ballot and in any newspaper articles:
Age:
Occupation:
Family:
Office you are qualifying for (please include district number, if applicable):
Previous elected offices held, governmental appointments or positions (local and other):
Please list and describe the attributes that make you an effective public servant.
Why do you feel compelled to represent your fellow residents on the Milledgeville City Council?
What are the three biggest issues facing the City of Milledgeville?
As a member of the Milledgeville City Council, what will you do to address these three issues during the next four years?
Falling tax collections are causing many local governments to choose between cutting services and raising taxes, in what ways would you recommend city officials maintain a balanced budget?
What are the City of Milledgeville's most marketable resources, and how would you use those resources to recruit and retain new businesses and/or industry?
What is your vision for the City of Milledgeville in the 21st Century, and how will you work with community, state and federal leaders to lay the ground work for that vision in the next four years?
If you are an incumbent, what is the most important issue the Milledgeville City Council addressed in the last four years, and are you satisfied with the way Council addressed that issue, please explain?
If you are a challenger, how will you help affect progressive local governance in the City of Milledgeville?
Below I've listed all the questions I put on a questionnaire that the paper is asking all candidates to fill out and send back to us to be put in the paper, but I'd like to hear community input about issues they would like addressed as we look forward to the November 3 contest.
You can either post them in the comment section or e-mail them to me at dmcdonald@unionrecorder.com
Note on these questions: I tried to ask really open-ended questions that force the candidate to come up with a response and defend it. I felt compelled to address certain issues, but I wanted the candidates to prove that they have a vision for the community, because I think that's what we're going to need to get through hard times.
Name as you would like it to appear on the ballot and in any newspaper articles:
Age:
Occupation:
Family:
Office you are qualifying for (please include district number, if applicable):
Previous elected offices held, governmental appointments or positions (local and other):
Please list and describe the attributes that make you an effective public servant.
Why do you feel compelled to represent your fellow residents on the Milledgeville City Council?
What are the three biggest issues facing the City of Milledgeville?
As a member of the Milledgeville City Council, what will you do to address these three issues during the next four years?
Falling tax collections are causing many local governments to choose between cutting services and raising taxes, in what ways would you recommend city officials maintain a balanced budget?
What are the City of Milledgeville's most marketable resources, and how would you use those resources to recruit and retain new businesses and/or industry?
What is your vision for the City of Milledgeville in the 21st Century, and how will you work with community, state and federal leaders to lay the ground work for that vision in the next four years?
If you are an incumbent, what is the most important issue the Milledgeville City Council addressed in the last four years, and are you satisfied with the way Council addressed that issue, please explain?
If you are a challenger, how will you help affect progressive local governance in the City of Milledgeville?
Monday, August 31, 2009
Municipal Qualifying 2009
One Capital Removed is coming to you live today from the ground floor of Milledgeville City Hall.
With help from the City of Milledgeville, we've set up shop across the hall from Municipal Elections Superintendent Patti Rushin's office in order to catch all the action for day one of 2009 municipal qualifying.
Starting today and continuing for the next four days, Milledgeville residents can throw their hat in the ring for the offices of Mayor, one of six open City Council seats and one of six open seats on the Georgia Military College Board of Trustees.
Qualifying ends abruptly at 4:30 p.m. Friday, and if last year's County Qualifying is any example, all the action will take place in the waning hours of candidate registration.
So check back as often as you'd like to see who's putting their money down early to get on the ballot for November 3rd's non-partisan election.
Update: Qualifying started off with a pop and a fizzle as a power outage killed the lights on the entire 100 Block of East Hancock Street in downtown Milledgeville this morning.
Lights went out at approximately 8:45 a.m. causing city employees to go into emergency mode. Everyone was accounted for, and the lights were back on within 45 minutes.
The interruption did not keep anyone from being the first to qualify Monday morning.
Update 2: Rev. Donald Hill was the first to candidate to qualify for municipal elections at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Hill, a former Alderman who served the third district for just over nine years, said that he wanted to qualify as soon as possible to get the gears in motion.
"The quicker people know who is running, the more able they are to look at the issues and know who can best represent them," he said.
Update 3: Jeanette Walden was the first Council incumbent to sign her name on the dotted line and qualify for the 2009 elections.
"I always come in [and qualify] on the first day," Walden said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a public servant, there's no strategy involved, I just enjoy serving the public and I love my district."
And that is District 2, in case you're wondering.
Updates 4 & 5: I took a short lunch break, but here's what's happened since the last few minutes before that and what's happened since.
A newcomer, Alan Wicker, a presiding elder in the AME church, qualified to run for the council seat in the first district.
"I'd like to see Milledgeville progress, and I'd like to be a catalyst in that process," he said.
One of the more widely speculated candidates in this year's municipal elections ended all the speculation and qualified today.
Phillip Joiner said that his experience as a student, resident and businessman give a good perspective with which to view public issues in the city.
"i am not running as a candidate for the college student, but I will not dismiss their input and opinions," he said. "As an alumnus and businessman, I have a good middle ground with which to understand both sides of any issue, and I have ideas to bring both sides together."
Update 6: The pace has quickened during the middle part of the day.
The first mayoral candidates has qualified.
Milledgeville Mayor Richard Bentley came in around 3:30 p.m. to qualify.
"As far as I'm concerned there's no need to wait," he said about qualifying on day one. "I'm prepared to continue serving the people and I want [to qualify] as soon as I can. I would've done it sooner, but the power was out."
Day 4
Update 7: Incumbents including Denese Shinholster, District 3; Richard "Boo" Mullins, District 5; and Steve Chambers, District 6, have filed their qualifying papers for municipal elections.
The only newcomer to the field, for the last three-day stretch, has been the entrance of John Alton in the fourth district race. For now his only opponent is Phillip Joiner. Expect this to be the race to watch as old and new Milledgeville clash in D4.
With help from the City of Milledgeville, we've set up shop across the hall from Municipal Elections Superintendent Patti Rushin's office in order to catch all the action for day one of 2009 municipal qualifying.
Starting today and continuing for the next four days, Milledgeville residents can throw their hat in the ring for the offices of Mayor, one of six open City Council seats and one of six open seats on the Georgia Military College Board of Trustees.
Qualifying ends abruptly at 4:30 p.m. Friday, and if last year's County Qualifying is any example, all the action will take place in the waning hours of candidate registration.
So check back as often as you'd like to see who's putting their money down early to get on the ballot for November 3rd's non-partisan election.
Update: Qualifying started off with a pop and a fizzle as a power outage killed the lights on the entire 100 Block of East Hancock Street in downtown Milledgeville this morning.
Lights went out at approximately 8:45 a.m. causing city employees to go into emergency mode. Everyone was accounted for, and the lights were back on within 45 minutes.
The interruption did not keep anyone from being the first to qualify Monday morning.
Update 2: Rev. Donald Hill was the first to candidate to qualify for municipal elections at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Hill, a former Alderman who served the third district for just over nine years, said that he wanted to qualify as soon as possible to get the gears in motion.
"The quicker people know who is running, the more able they are to look at the issues and know who can best represent them," he said.
Update 3: Jeanette Walden was the first Council incumbent to sign her name on the dotted line and qualify for the 2009 elections.
"I always come in [and qualify] on the first day," Walden said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm a public servant, there's no strategy involved, I just enjoy serving the public and I love my district."
And that is District 2, in case you're wondering.
Updates 4 & 5: I took a short lunch break, but here's what's happened since the last few minutes before that and what's happened since.
A newcomer, Alan Wicker, a presiding elder in the AME church, qualified to run for the council seat in the first district.
"I'd like to see Milledgeville progress, and I'd like to be a catalyst in that process," he said.
One of the more widely speculated candidates in this year's municipal elections ended all the speculation and qualified today.
Phillip Joiner said that his experience as a student, resident and businessman give a good perspective with which to view public issues in the city.
"i am not running as a candidate for the college student, but I will not dismiss their input and opinions," he said. "As an alumnus and businessman, I have a good middle ground with which to understand both sides of any issue, and I have ideas to bring both sides together."
Update 6: The pace has quickened during the middle part of the day.
The first mayoral candidates has qualified.
Milledgeville Mayor Richard Bentley came in around 3:30 p.m. to qualify.
"As far as I'm concerned there's no need to wait," he said about qualifying on day one. "I'm prepared to continue serving the people and I want [to qualify] as soon as I can. I would've done it sooner, but the power was out."
Day 4
Update 7: Incumbents including Denese Shinholster, District 3; Richard "Boo" Mullins, District 5; and Steve Chambers, District 6, have filed their qualifying papers for municipal elections.
The only newcomer to the field, for the last three-day stretch, has been the entrance of John Alton in the fourth district race. For now his only opponent is Phillip Joiner. Expect this to be the race to watch as old and new Milledgeville clash in D4.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
It All Begins Monday
Qualifying for Milledgeville Municipal Elections, and for the special election to fill Bobby Parham's state House seat, begin Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.
If you're so inclined, you'll be able to find me at City Hall trying to get the skinny on all the candidates and their prospective races.
At the U-R, we'll also be searching for interesting ways to cover the elections from as many angles as possible. So if you have suggestions on how you would like to see the elections covered, drop me a line at dmcodnald@unionrecorder.com or leave a comment on this post.
I look forward to any insight into what should be a contentious election during a watershed moment in Milledgeville history.
Cheers!
If you're so inclined, you'll be able to find me at City Hall trying to get the skinny on all the candidates and their prospective races.
At the U-R, we'll also be searching for interesting ways to cover the elections from as many angles as possible. So if you have suggestions on how you would like to see the elections covered, drop me a line at dmcodnald@unionrecorder.com or leave a comment on this post.
I look forward to any insight into what should be a contentious election during a watershed moment in Milledgeville history.
Cheers!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Another 'ruminations' update
Expect Phillip Joiner to be hittin' the newsstands two and maybe three times in the next seven-day period.
The young media mogul called in to the U-R newsroom today to schedule his announcement interview for next week. While scheduling, he dropped the hint that the Bulletin may re-run their announcement story in today's Bulletin--we won't know until 'around lunchtime.'
But I imagine the U-R will also be trumped by the Colonnade--who also ran Joiner's announcement last year.
But all things considered, I think that's a good thing. I wish I could remember the feeling of being a college reporter trumping the local organ on some steamin' piece of hot newz.
Yeah-Yeah!
The young media mogul called in to the U-R newsroom today to schedule his announcement interview for next week. While scheduling, he dropped the hint that the Bulletin may re-run their announcement story in today's Bulletin--we won't know until 'around lunchtime.'
But I imagine the U-R will also be trumped by the Colonnade--who also ran Joiner's announcement last year.
But all things considered, I think that's a good thing. I wish I could remember the feeling of being a college reporter trumping the local organ on some steamin' piece of hot newz.
Yeah-Yeah!
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