At the close of March, we initiated contact with all Paulding County candidates, extending an invitation for them to address common questions posed by the community. Enclosed are their unaltered responses to these inquiries, providing insight into their respective stances. While not all candidates opted to participate, we believe that understanding their viewpoints is pivotal in making informed decisions as constituents.
Posts in Paulding County
Scott Turner’s ANSWERS
Could you provide a brief overview of your background and experience, and explain what motivated you to run for the position of Post 1 Commissioner in Paulding County? Hi, I’m Scott Turner, and I’ve lived in Paulding County since 1993. I’m a dad, husband, and I run my own business. I’m also part of the HOA board and coach in the community.
I’m running for Post 1 Commissioner because I care about our county and want to make it better. I see that there are problems in Post 1, like crowded schools and roads, and I want to fix them. We’ve got new neighborhoods popping up, but our infrastructure isn’t keeping up. Our roads are too small, schools are too full, and we need more police. The water pressure’s low because there are too many taps. I hear people saying these problems were planned, but I don’t think that means we can’t change things. We can adjust plans to help us grow better. And about the SPLOST money – it’s being spent on a park when we need it for schools, police, or redesigning roads.
My goal is to listen to folks in Paulding County and work hard to fix their problems. I want our community to keep growing and improving for everyone. I’ll be honest and dedicated to serving others, and I’m ready to make a difference.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues facing Paulding County, particularly within Post 1, and how do you plan to address them? The biggest issues in Paulding County, especially in Post 1, are our roads being too crowded, schools being too full, and not enough police. What we have now is not working. I’m tired of the congestion, houses being built when we don’t have the roads to accommodate, nor the schools and police to support them.
I want to fix these problems by making roads wider, building more schools, and getting more police. It’s also important to remember that property taxes fall on homeowners. To lighten the load, we need to bring in more commercial or tourism dollars to the area. I’ll talk to people in the community to understand what they need and work with others to find solutions that make sense for everyone. Together, we can make Paulding County a better place to live for everyone in Post 1 and beyond.
How do you propose to handle infrastructure and development challenges specific to Post 1? To tackle the problems in Post 1, I think we need to focus on three things: fixing our roads, adding more schools and police, and making sure new buildings are what our community needs. We need wider roads and more schools to handle the overcrowding. And we need more police to keep everyone safe. When we’re building new stuff, we should make sure it’s what the community wants and won’t make things worse. And everyone should get a chance to have a say in these decisions.
I find it funny that meetings are held when most people are at work. Why not use our website or social media to gather opinions for free? Even if not, everyone participates, it’s better than what we’re doing now.
Let’s work together to make Post 1 better for everyone who lives here.
What is your stance on economic development and job creation within Paulding County, particularly within Post 1? My stance on boosting the economy and creating jobs in Paulding County, especially in Post 1, is simple: we need to help local businesses, bring in new investments, and make sure there are plenty of job opportunities for everyone.
To make this happen, we should make it easier for businesses to start and grow and give them the support they need. We can also attract new businesses to our area by showing them what makes Paulding County great.
Supporting small businesses is key too. They’re the backbone of our community, and we need to help them succeed.
We should also think about bringing in commercial businesses that can help offset homeowners’ taxes. And why not consider creating tourist attractions like a small water park, museums, campsites, an RV park, gardens, or even a racetrack? These could bring in money and create jobs too.
Overall, I want to focus on making sure there are plenty of jobs and opportunities for everyone in Post 1 and beyond.
What strategies do you intend to implement to address concerns regarding public safety and law enforcement within Post 1?
As Post 1 Commissioner, I can’t directly tell the police what to do, but I really want to see more cops around to keep our neighborhoods safe. Even though I don’t control how the police do their job, I’m all about teaming up with them to make sure our community stays safe and sound.
I’m also all about being proactive when it comes to keeping our community safe. That means working with the police to stop problems before they even start. We’ll team up on plans to keep our roads from getting too crowded and make sure our neighborhoods stay calm and orderly.
And let’s not forget about getting the best people to be cops. I want to work with the police to make sure we’re attracting top talent and giving them the support they need to be great at their jobs.
Overall, even though my main job is to manage our community’s money, I’m all in when it comes to making sure our neighborhoods are safe. So let’s team up with the police and get the job done right.
What is your opinion on school choice and funding allocation based on student enrollment? When it comes to schools, I think parents should have choices. They should be able to pick the school that works best for their kids, whether it’s a regular public school, charter school, private school, or homeschooling.
And when it comes to money for schools, I think it should go where the students are. Every kid deserves enough money to get a good education, whether they go to a regular public school or a different kind of school.
So basically, I’m all for letting parents choose the best school for their kids, and making sure every school gets the money it needs to give students a great education.
How would you balance the need for growth and development while preserving the natural environment in Post 1? Our area is going to grow, that’s a given by our neighboring counties, and we need to take care of our nature. We can do this by being careful about where we build stuff. Let’s make sure new buildings fit in within the surroundings. We should also make sure that new developments have landscaping requirements. This means planting trees and shrubs and keeping green spaces. It’s all about finding a balance. By being smart about how we grow, we can have a great place to live.
Can you outline your approach to engaging with residents of Post 1 to gather feedback and address their concerns effectively? I’m all about being open and reachable for the folks in Post 1. Here’s how I’ll do it:
First off, I’ll be active on social media and push for the county website to be a place where people can share their thoughts. That way, you can speak up without leaving home.
Secondly, I’ll make it easy for you to get in touch by email or phone. Whenever you have a concern or question, just reach out, and I’ll be there to listen.
Lastly, I’ll make sure to act on whatever feedback I get from you. Your voice matters, and I’m here to make sure it’s heard.
Overall, my goal is to listen to you, the residents of Post 1, and make our community even better together.
On another note, I think our county needs an app for everyone in the area. It would be a game-changer for keeping us all connected and making things run smoother.
What is your vision for the future of Post 1, and what steps do you plan to take to realize it? My vision for the future of Post 1 is a vibrant and thriving community where everyone feels proud to call home. To realize this vision, I plan to take several steps:
Firstly, I aim to prioritize responsible growth and development that enhances our community while preserving our natural environment. This means promoting smart development practices, investing in infrastructure, and supporting local businesses.
Secondly, I’m committed to ensuring that Post 1 remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. This includes working closely with law enforcement to address public safety concerns and investing in programs that support the well-being of our residents.
Lastly, I’ll advocate for transparency and accountability in local government, ensuring that residents have a voice in decision-making processes and that their concerns are heard and addressed.
Overall, my vision for Post 1 is a community where everyone can thrive, and I’ll work tirelessly to make that vision a reality.
How do you plan to address traffic congestion issues within Post 1? Dealing with traffic congestion in Post 1 is a top priority for me. Here’s how I plan to tackle it:
Firstly, I’ll work closely with transportation authorities to identify problem areas and develop strategies for alleviating congestion. This could involve improving traffic flow through better signal timing, adding turn lanes, or exploring alternative routes.
Secondly, I’ll advocate for investments in infrastructure projects that improve mobility and connectivity within our community. This could include expanding roadways or investing in alternative transportation modes like biking and walking paths.
Lastly, I’ll engage with residents to gather input and feedback on traffic issues and involve them in the decision-making process. By working together, we can develop effective solutions that address the needs of our community and improve quality of life for everyone in Post 1.
How do you intend to combat the opioid epidemic and substance abuse issues within Post 1? As a Post 1 Commissioner, I know we need to tackle the opioid crisis and substance abuse issues, even though I can’t control everything. Here’s what I plan to do:
First, I’ll team up with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community groups to spread the word about the dangers of opioids and addiction. We’ll hold events, share info, and make sure people know where to get help.
Third, I’ll work on the root causes of substance abuse, like poverty and mental health problems. We’ll team up with social services, push for more mental health funding, and do whatever we can to help people get the support they need.
Overall, even though I can’t fix everything, I’m committed to doing my part to fight substance abuse and make our community safer and healthier.
How would you ensure that infrastructure projects in Post 1 are completed within budget and on time? To keep infrastructure projects on track in Post 1, I’ll make sure contracts are crystal clear about when they should be finished. If contractors don’t stick to their promises, they’ll face consequences, like a cut in payment. When money’s on the line, people tend to get things done. I’ll hold them accountable for what they bid on and make sure they deliver as promised.
How do you plan to tackle issues of overcrowding and capacity in schools within Post 1? In addressing overcrowding and capacity challenges in schools within Post 1, it’s imperative that collaboration occurs among various stakeholders, including the school board, zoning authorities, and commissioners. Together, we must ensure that community development plans are thoughtfully executed to prevent overbuilding and strain on school resources. Additionally, while addressing immediate infrastructure needs, the school system should also prioritize cost-saving measures to optimize resource allocation and efficiency. By fostering cohesive partnerships and promoting responsible planning, we can effectively manage growth while safeguarding the quality of education for all students. I’ll also advocate for allocating a portion of SPLOST funds specifically for constructing new schools or expanding existing facilities within Post 1. By earmarking funds for school infrastructure projects, we can address overcrowding in a targeted and efficient manner.
What are your thoughts on the proposed apartment complex at the Elrod’s site, and how do you foresee its impact on the surrounding community? The proposed apartment complex at the Elrod’s site presents a complex situation for our community. Elrod’s has long been a cherished staple of our area, not only as a business, friends, but also as renters who contribute positively to our local economy. The prospect of their relocation is indeed saddening.
Furthermore, the addition of an apartment complex brings concerns about the strain it may place on our existing infrastructure. We must consider the potential increase in traffic on our roads, the impact on our schools’ capacity, and the demands on our law enforcement services.
While new developments can offer opportunities for growth, it’s crucial to approach them thoughtfully and ensure they align with the needs and character of our community. Balancing progress with the preservation of our community’s values and resources is essential.
How will you ensure fair and equitable representation for all residents of the area?
I’ll make sure everyone in the area gets fair treatment by:
- Being easy to reach and telling people what’s going on.
- Listening to everyone, no matter who they are.
- Making sure I do what’s right for everyone, not just a few.
- Making sure everyone gets what they need, no matter where they live or who they are.
- Talking to people and getting their ideas on how to make things better.
I want to make sure everyone feels heard.
Could you outline your plan for maintaining stable property tax rates, especially in the face of economic fluctuations? Keeping property tax rates stable, even when the economy is up and down, is crucial for everyone’s financial well-being. Here’s my plan to make it happen:
- I’ll work with local officials to create budgets that are careful and smart, making sure we’re not spending more than we have.
- I’ll focus on bringing in new businesses and jobs to boost our local economy. More businesses mean more tax revenue, which can help keep property taxes stable.
- I’ll make sure our government is running as efficiently as possible, cutting waste and unnecessary spending wherever we can.
- I’ll be open and honest about how tax dollars are being spent, so everyone can see where their money is going and why.
By sticking to these principles, I’m confident we can keep property tax rates stable, no matter what challenges come our way.
What are your perspectives on rental properties within Post 1?
I think it’s important to have a mix of renters and homeowners in our community. But, having too many rental properties can cause some issues. Renters don’t always take care of homes the same way homeowners do. And a lot of these rentals aren’t as cheap as people think. So, I’m not a fan of communities where almost every home is rented out. It’s all about finding the right balance to keep our community strong and thriving.
Are you actively involved with the Post 1 community? Yes, I am actively involved in the Post 1 community through my business, networking activities, participation in the HOA, and coaching. I believe in contributing to the well-being and growth of our community in various ways, and I am committed to making a positive impact wherever I can.
Additionally, we invite you to share any closing thoughts or insights you believe are important for the community to know. Our community is vibrant and diverse, filled with individuals who are passionate about making Post 1 the best it can be. As we move forward, I encourage each of you to stay engaged, voice your concerns, and contribute your ideas to the ongoing dialogue about our community’s future. Together, we can work towards a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow for all residents of Post 1. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing our journey together.
For further insight into Scott Turner’s platform and initiatives, please visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ScottTurnerPost1 or email him at Scott.Turner74@yahoo.com
