Transportation Improvements  
SPLOST III addresses local road projects as well as projects along the 109 miles of State highways. SPLOST III funds can be used as leverage to move projects up on the State’s priority list, and encourage the Georgia Department of Transportation to invest dollars into the project years earlier than planned. Additionally we need to look at opportunities for public- private partnerships. These partnerships can address infrastructure improvements while encouraging economic development in select areas. With a clear understanding of the Comprehensive Transportation plan, which I was part of from its inception, and as an experienced Commissioner, I understand the need to prioritize and maximize the limited transportation funds we have. I’m always looking for ways to stretch those dollars. As Chairman I will be ready to move forward on day one to pursue all solutions available to us.

Crime
Keeping our Community safe is a top priority. Not only is it important for the welfare of our citizens, but crime can affect our economy and lower our property values. We must assure that our law enforcement departments are fully staffed, fully trained, fully equipped and fully supported for the task. In the position of County Commissioner and as a concerned citizen, I have been working with several agencies to address the emerging gang activity in the County and foster cooperation between these agencies. Additionally I have been meeting with church leaders to enlist their help as well. It is a complex problem that must be dealt with at every level starting at home and continuing all the way through the court system.

Life Management Solutions: Following the tragic death of two young girls last summer, we began looking for ways to curtail gang activity. This activity impacts the safety of our community, and the well being of our youth. We knew that police initiatives alone weren’t enough. We found a solution in our existing Juvenile Services Department. For the past 10 years, under the direction of Sandra Reagan, programs offered through the Juvenile Court targeted youth at risk. These programs have received recognition at the local, state and national level, and received approximately one million dollars in grant funding.

Due to the program’s overwhelming success, and the fact these programs were already in place, the Commissioners moved the department out from under Juvenile Court, and changed the name from “Juvenile Services” to “Life Management Solutions,” making it available to ALL families in Henry County.

Now any family in Henry County can utilize the programs- not just those in the criminal court system. The participants are charged a fee to attend, however there are grants available (thanks to local business and church sponsors) to families who are financially unable to pay the fees. Since opening the programs to all families in the community, the number of participants has tripled.

How does this help crime in Henry County? The programs are proactive not reactive, and prevention is always the best option. For more information about these successful programs go to http://www.co.henry.ga.us/LifeManagementSolutions/index.shtml

Parks/ Green Space/ The Environment
We must be good stewards of our natural resources. Currently less than 2% of land is dedicated for parks and green space. We must diligently seek ways to increase that percentage. Through the purchase of more park land/green space, establishing Transfer Development Rights, and encouraging conservation subdivisions in environmentally sensitive areas we can preserve and protect our limited resources. During my past three years as a District Commissioner, I have been a staunch advocate for protecting our environment and will continue that fight as Chairman. The decisions we make today is the legacy we leave to our children.