JoynerResponses

Response to Concerned Citizens for Responsible Government
Jim Joyner

A. Why do you want to serve as Chairman?

To provide experience and leadership for Henry County government, based on my successful business practices, 10 years experience on the Commission (6 years as Chairman), and my commitment to the people of Henry County.

B. What personal or professional traits, experiences or abilities distinguish you?

I have more experience as a county commissioner and as chairman than any candidate, and have no “learning curve” for the chairman position. Additionally, I am a proven, successful businessman; have construction/engineering/infrastructure skills, and am a committed budget manager.

C. What specific existing policies would you work to change?

Although unwritten, the Board of Commissioners seems to have a policy of over-hiring many people to do the job that can be performed by one. This needs budget-minded scrutiny which I have done many times, and will continue to do.

D. What specific new policies would you work to implement?

It is time to reduce the overwhelming bureaucracy that seems to be prevalent in our county government. It is also time to implement strict cost constraints and oversight on all expenditures.

1. Fiscal Responsibility

A. Do you call yourself a fiscal conservative? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I am a conservative when it comes to spending the public’s money, but am adamant about serving the public’s needs.

B. Do you believe economic studies should be performed as part of growth Management policies?

Economic study must be part of any growth management policy, in order to ensure all projections are sound, responsible, cost-effective and realistic.

C. As a countywide priority, what is your position on project creep (growing expenditures beyond the originally announced costs or project description) at parks, athletic venues and other facilities? Specific references would be Heritage Park, Moseley Park and Holder Park.

Heritage Park is a prime example of “money gone wild,” and I will not tolerate such overspending on any project via change to the original concept. This type of “project creep” is not acceptable. Unfortunately, material costs can influence project costs due to world markets, but these costs must be effectively managed.

D. Is it appropriate for the county to spend tax dollars to provide venues or facilities that could be provided by private enterprise?

This is an open-ended issue, but the Nash Farm Battlefield is an example of how NOT To spend tax dollars.

E. What specific actions or programs would you implement toward enticing a broader base of businesses to the county?

We need to make better use of our Industrial Development Authority, and work closer with the Georgia Dept of Industry and Trade to attract more business to Henry County. Partnering with these agencies can help determine incentives necessary to attract quality business and industry and expand employment opportunities.

2. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax

A. Have you read the state laws (OCGA Title 48) or relevant cases (i.e., Dickey v. Storey) pertaining to a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST)?

Not familiar with this.

B. What is your position on whether the county should impose a SPLOST?

I am in favor of letting the citizens of the county vote on whether or not to implement a SPLOST, and if so, how the monies should be spent.

C. Should SPLOST revenues be considered as a supplement the county’s General Fund?

In that projects approved by SPLOST are funded outside of
the county’s general fund, yes. But if additional funding is necessary to
augment approved projects, the county should budget for this.

D. Should SPLOST revenues be used to offset property taxes?

Yes. In fact, SPLOST and LOST revenues already offset property taxes because non-property tax funding is used to pay for approved projects.

E. Should SPLOST revenues be dedicated solely to projects specifically named on the referendum ballot?

Yes.

F. Should SPLOST revenues be used at the commissioners’ discretion as priorities change over time?

Committed projects have to be completed as per the SPLOST, however, if the projects are later deemed unbuildable or cannot be fulfilled, the commissioners should go back to the SPLOST committee to determine replacement projects, or priorities.

G. Has the county fulfilled citizens’ expectations through the last two SPLOST programs?

For the most part, yes. The exceptions would be if projects ran into cost overruns or estimates changed, and funding ran out.

H. As Chairman are there any changes you would make regarding management of SPLOST revenues?

In order to get projects moving, and avoid inflationary increases, it is often imperative to use effective bonding procedures.

I. Should a ballot question used for a SPLOST referendum be intentionally vague, depriving voters realistic fair notice of the projects for which revenues may be used?

No.

3. Zoning & Development

A. Do you agree with the statements of current and past commissioners that “We cannot legally consider impact to infrastructure like schools or roads when making zoning or development decisions?”

Past county attorneys have advised commissioners that this is the law. I don’t necessarily agree with this, but the law must be adhered to. Even though the law is specific, zoning has such an impact on schools and roads, the impact on these should be considered.

B. Would you support incorporation and adoption of OCGA § 36-67-3 as local legislation or local ordinance, thereby reinforcing infrastructure as a required (as opposed to optional) consideration in zoning decisions?

Yes.

C. Do you believe that existing school enrollment numbers should be a restricting factor in approving residential development in that school zone?

Yes

D. Do you believe that existing road designations (artery, connector, etc.) are correctly or effectively assigned?

Yes, but such designations should be reviewed on a regular basis.

E. Do you believe existing road infrastructure and traffic congestion should be a determining factor in zoning and development decisions?

Yes.

F. Do you believe that retail development brings sufficient overall benefit to allow it before requiring road improvements?

This is situation-dependent, and must be decided on a case-by-case basis to be determined on the impact of the retail establishment.

G. What is your position on modifying zoning approvals with conditions or variances that tangibly allow, for example, an R-1 to be developed as R-2?

Zoning must adhere to the conditions of the code, wherein substantial variances, for example, don’t allow R-2 zoning in an R-1 area.

H. Do you believe a land owner’s “Constitutional rights” require approval of a desired development or use, if it is not consistent with county ordinances?

The county ordinances are the guiding principle, where they don’t infringe on anyone’s Constitutional Rights. The Land Use Plan should be the guide for zonings.

I. What is your position concerning our county’s history of granting higher density development because of sewer availability? Do you believe our county ordinances “allow” higher density, or “require” it?

Sewer availability would often allow different density than non-sewered property. I believe in such instances consideration should be given to higher…but not high…density.

4. Transportation Issues

A. Describe Henry County’s greatest transportation needs today.

My TOP priority is roads, roads, and roads. Expand them, build them, resurface them, add turn lanes, provide more traffic control devices, eliminate traffic tie-ups, offer more major and minor alternate routes, and do it all within budget, without raising taxes.

B. What policies would you work to implement toward resolving Henry’s transportation needs?

Ensure that we obtain funding from all available agencies to move our projects forward.

C. Do you believe intersection improvements, road widening and new roads should be a higher priority than parks or other facilities?

We need roads to get to the parks and facilities.

D. Do you support adding lanes to I-75?

Yes.

E. Do you believe that development of all types should be held financially responsible for road and intersection improvements adjacent to the developed property?

Yes, already required by ordinance.

F. Do you agree that transportation impact fees should be imposed and designated for use in the specific area of impact?

Yes, as necessary and fair.

G. What is your position on whether or how the county has used transportation dollars to promote development?

Not familiar with this issue.

5. Economic Development

A. What do you see as Henry County’s greatest economic base today?

Shopping centers and large-scale retail sales (provide both sales taxes and property taxes).

B. What do you see as Henry County’s greatest economic liability today?

Accelerated depreciation of property values due to foreclosures and negative economic influences.

C. Would you propose changing our trend toward retail malls in favor of more technology, financial or manufacturing companies?

Yes. This is why we need to improve Henry County’s “sales pitch” to high-tech, financial and manufacturing companies.

D. What policies, if any, would you work to implement that would raise median family income in Henry?

See “C” above, and provide a live-work-play community. This will reduce travel and fuel costs for families having to commute out of county for employment.

E. Do you believe Henry is well served by retail development that offers low-
paying jobs and entices low-cost workforce housing?

While we may not be “best-served,” at least these establishments provide some jobs, but we need to attract better paying retailers and employers.

F. There is an argument that commercial development eventually brings sufficient tax revenues for infrastructure improvement. Do you believe Henry is well served by retail malls even when exiting roads will not accommodate the increased traffic?

In general, yes. However, if traffic becomes a problem we need to seek funding to improve the traffic issues. We can’t lose sight of the fact that these malls bring in significant sales taxes and property taxes.

6. Grants and Local Projects

A. What emphasis is currently placed on securing grants from private industry,
state or federal agencies toward financing local projects?

B. Does the county currently have a grant department or specifically educated,
certified or experienced grant administrator?

In some area, but not all departments.

C. What policies would you work to implement toward securing more grant
funding?

Hire outside, professional grant-writers. They get a percentage of the grants obtained…no grant…no commission..

D. What policies would you work to implement toward insuring that grant funds
are considered an integral part of financing all local projects?

Grants aren’t available in all areas, however we should pursue them where applicable.

7. Ethics in Government

A. Do you believe a commissioner should recuse and exclude himself from influence, discussion and votes on any matter before the board if he received campaign funds from a concerned party?

No. However, all parties giving campaign funds should be advised that such funding buys no votes or special, favorable treatment.

B. Would you support a County Ethics Commission with authority and resources to investigate and possibly indict public officers and employees under Georgia’s Code of Ethics?

Yes.

C. What is your position on appointing members to boards and authorities, such as the water authority or development authority, when those appointees will be in a position to use otherwise privileged information to enhance their own business pursuits?

We have to be emphatic to appointees that they have to recuse themselves from issues where they could get personal or financial gain.

D. What is your position regarding an elected official or county employee who
maintains a private business relationship with another official or employee, their spouse or other close relative?

This would have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. If there is no conflict of interest, there should be no issue.

E. Regarding Question D, should such relationship prohibit a business or partner from being awarded contracts or other compensation from the county?

Yes.

8. Taxes (from all sources)

A. Henry County has the fourth highest taxes in the metro area. What, if anything, would you propose to lower property taxes?

Work toward this goal.

B. Property taxes are disproportionately increased based on assessments, which
are called a “backdoor tax increase.” In the current housing market downturn with a 3 to 4 year housing inventory, how would you explain current increases in assessments and therefore taxes?

There is NO logical explanation. Our board of tax assessors need to be strongly challenged on these increased assessments.

C. In your opinion, what are the primary functions of government and what are
the top priorities for spending tax dollars?

Serve the people, use their tax dollars wisely, provide a safe and secure living environment.

D. Define and discuss Health, Safety and Welfare as each pertains to expenditures of tax revenues.

See “C” above.

E. We are told almost annually that “the county budget is tight.” Since the board of commissioners sets the budget, how would you respond to that statement? What official actions would alleviate the impression or belief that revenue is too low?

We must communicate with the citizens regarding what is needed, what is requested, and how they are to be paid for. Keeping the people informed and ensuring budget control will balance the revenues with expenditures, and let the people know the realities of what we can afford.

F. The president of Henry County’s Chamber of Commerce was once quoted in the press as saying, “We grow houses.” What is your position on residential tax revenues as opposed to costs of needed services?

One of the problems with government vs. business is that government provides a NON-PROFIT service to its citizens. We cannot put the burden of providing services totally on the backs of the property –tax payers. That points out the importance of large-scale retail establishments and other businesses which augment our property tax base.

G. What, if any, actions could have been taken by the board of commissioners so that the Board of Education tax millage would not be at its highest legal limit?

State law allows the BOE to raise their own millage and they must be held accountable for their actions.

H. What public benefit is derived from the one-mil annual tax given to Henry Medical Center? Is the cost justified or acceptable while there is no representation on the HMC board and no voting authority within the HMC Foundation?

While it may seem that the BOC has no representation on the HMC board, the BOC
nominates members to that board. The one-mil portion of the taxes goes
mainly toward indigent medical treatment (which is mandated by law), and in
fact, does not come close to covering these expenses.

I. Regarding public/private development projects, how is it justifiable to provide tax revenues to a private business venture? What, if any, safeguards can citizens be guaranteed regarding public ownership or return on investment?

This has to be considered as the issues arise. For example, this could be a situation where a major employer or higher education facility would come to the county, and they would reimburse the county over a pre-determined time. Safeguards would have to be built into the contract to ensure a strict compliance basis.

J. What public benefit is derived from giving the Convention & Visitors Bureau (Henry Chamber of Commerce) tax monies when that private organization is under no obligation or accountability to make public any information regarding income, expenditures or members? As a follow-up, what is the justification for giving tax monies to a private organization whose stated purpose is to lobby state and local governments.

The money collected for this comes from the hotel-motel tax, which by law, has to be collected by the local governing authority and used for promotion of Henry County (as the motel owners say “To put heads in beds).”