The Company You Keep

Population increases stress resources and our ability to maintain quality of life. Yet, population fuels the housing industry. That economic sector has for years held huge influence over our board of commissioners, mayors and councils. The evidence is in campaign financing, zoning enforcement, code enforcement and political positions and actions of Henry’s Chamber of Commerce.

The results are seen in the county’s growth plans that advocate higher density development; traffic gridlock; schools at twice capacity; annual water use restrictions; new taxes to manage wastewater impact; and, Henry having the fourth highest property tax among metro Atlanta’s counties. We are exceeding capacity. Our problems do not reflect “living comfortably south of Atlanta.” And it does not require Einstein to know the same kind of old thinking cannot resolve the issues.

The formulas must change. That means the people in elected office must change. Chamber of Commerce executive director Kay Pippin addressed the South Metro Development Outlook Conference on January 31. She said Henry County has been a developer's dream since early in 1990s, "and that dream has manifested itself into the county being the second fastest growing county in Georgia."

While millions in tax dollars are at stake the Chamber continues its fight for commuter rail – and opposition to a referendum. The AJC labeled lawmakers as dishonest for wanting accountability and open debate before future tax dollars are spent. The real lying hypocrites are hiding their true agenda: raise taxes to subsidize development! Like Ms. Pippin said, “[Commuter Rail] could completely change the appearance of that side of the county and lead to all sorts of positive change." While the Chamber’s fight includes public statements and clandestine emails to legislators, several Chamber members with land investment along the proposed rail line are the real promoters!

The Chamber’s role as political action committee must be considered. Which legislators have been threatened for refusing to go along with them? (The ones insisting on honest accountability) And, which candidates will have their support? Remember that Ms. Pippin told the Atlanta Business Chronicle, “We grow houses. It's the truth. Like many counties, once known for agricultural products, now Henry County grows houses." Knowing their allegiance tells a lot about which candidates are in that camp!

Gerry Adams, incumbent District 4 commissioner, betrayed Henry’s taxpayers. He voted against supporting HB1033 which would have given taxpayers a referendum before our taxes could increase to pay for the rail. At the same time Chairman Harper and Commissioner Holder also voted against support for HB 1033 – but they are not candidates this year. For reasons only Gerry Adams can say, he supported the Chamber’s money and influence over the taxpayers of Henry County.

Another District 4 candidate is Phil Crosby. He is the guy Adams unseated in 2002, largely because Crosby’s voting record as commissioner showed some real questions about conflicts of interest. Crosby’s employer back then was a powerful developer, one whose name is nearly synonymous with our Chamber of Commerce. The same developer supported Kay Pippin for state representative in 2000 – a failed candidacy. Almost immediately, Pippin was hired as the Chamber’s executive director. Then in 2002, Crosby hired Pippin as a political consultant in his campaign for re-election to the county commission – another failed campaign.

These words of warning about political allegiances and power brokering are offered honestly. Like the great Titanic, our USS Henry is taking on water. Real vision for the future must take root now. What kind of communities do you want for yourself and your family? What kinds of tax burdens do you want foisted upon us without a referendum?

You must decide what is really important. Carefully examine the candidates for county commission seats. Which ones are truly capable and willing to manage our resources, taxes and quality of life? The only way to change the formula is by voting in the July Primary Election.