While voter turnout last week was good, it does not necessarily mean that a lot of you will go to the polls Tuesday to vote for your county leadership. If the general populace does not vote in large numbers then the special interests of the county will again take control of your county.

Forsyth County government is more open, honest and efficient than ever before.  Even our work sessions are now being broadcast.   In addition, we
are currently studying personnel usage and have a team looking at internal controls. Fiscal responsibility is being aggressively addressed.   As a fiscal conservative, I love it!

The “New Majority” Board of Commissioners(BOC) has done the following:

1. Improved the quality of residential growth by fixing loopholes in high density development rules.

2. Put Forsyth County on the Fast track to better roads with SPLOST VI, and kept it whole despite challenges with the City of Cumming

3. Kept public safety funding high for the sheriff and fire departments

4. Worked with the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce and the City of Cumming to bring prospective big businesses to Forsyth County.   In addition to “Phipps Plaza North”, as I call the Taubman project, there are some very exciting projects such as a 4 year college and a major resort. These projects help keep personal property taxes low.

5. Presented a Parks and Recreation Proposal to the people of the county to allow us to set aside some key green-space for all time and to build some additional active parks.   The measure passed 70% to 30%.

Water remains a key and complicated issue but, be assured, that this board is looking at every possible solution.   More on this soon.

With key county management solidly in place and with the proper direction from the “New Majority” BOC, great progress is being made for the people of Forsyth County. 

I share these things with you to put the issues in a different perspective from the campaign rhetoric.   If the above issues are your issues, and they
are certainly mine,  then I ask you to consider adding Jim Boff and Mike Busse to your Board of Commissioners to help us push these issues forward.

While I take great exception to Dave Richard’s personal attacks, I truly believe that he votes very well and is there for no other reason than to serve the people of Forsyth County.

No matter who your candidates are, please go cast your votes today.  You owe it to yourself.

Thank you for your continued support, and remember, If you ever need air-time with a commissioner, please contact Carol Haag in the commissioners’ office and ask her to set up an appointment with me.

Jim Harrell
Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
District 3