Rufus Ed Bacon
63, of Pembroke
Employment:
Retired, formally employed with the U.S. Army, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, the Fort Stewart Forestry division, public works director for the City of Pembroke, and the Georgia Army National Guard.
Why he’s running:
There is still work to be done such as completing the master planning implementation of the recreation program for the county, ensuring the recently state-approved water and sewer authority becomes a reality and will benefit the county. The 2000 census showed District 1 as having a high poverty level and I want to continue working with the Development Authority to create jobs in the area that will reduce the poverty level. There are still roads to be built and ditches to be maintained. I want to continue serve on the Commission as the voice for all citizens of the First District!
Top issue:
Water, economics and taxes.
How he’ll address it:
I will ensure that qualified people are selected to serve on the Water and Sewer Authority to determine rules and regulations for the use of water and disposal of wastewater that will protect our environment and will be fair and equitable to all. We will generate a computer-based schedule that will direct the maintenance and upgrade of our existing watershed channels to eliminate the flooding that we have experienced in recent years. We will continue to work to utilize SPLOST and user fees to reduce the burdens of ad valorem taxation.
Henry Luis Rey, Jr.
Of Keller
Employment:
Currently working at the Schulze Eye Surgery Center in Savannah and has 15 years of Emergency Room Registered Nurse experience
Why he’s running:
I have seen our area grow enormously over the past 13 years. I am proud to live in Richmond Hill and wish to continue raising my family here. My wife and I chose the area for its beauty, history and potential to grow. As all families in the area, we have seen our home values increase and the town of Richmond Hill has expanded with new business owners.
Top issue:
I have talked with residents from established subdivisions and have discovered that their roads are in need of repair. New subdivions are increasing, but the damage to the roads from construction has increased. Residents have become frustrated with the county and developers. It’s difficult to sell your home when the road leading to it is full of potholes and cracks. Residents invested in their property and have paid taxes; they deserve to have services provided. Ask any parent who has dropped their child off at school in Richmond Hill and you will discover frustration with routing and traffic. The schools are overcrowded and the buses are filled to capacity. Our children are learning about the mistakes we have made in the past concerning recycling and natural habitat.
How he’ll address it:
I have not seen Richmond Hill or the county improve on these issues. There needs to be more collaboration with the DNR for more boat ramp access. Richmond Hill is well known for its Wildlife Management Area (WMA) use. Hunters and fisherman have a long history in the county. Land and wildlife needs to be maintained for an equal balance. Growth is good for the area, but it needs to be properly balanced and continually maintained. I would like to see a new recycling center established and a new emergency access road integrated within our district. Our children deserve a balanced and maintained community that represents pride.
Glen Willard
40, of Richmond Hill
Employment:
President of Savannah Aviation, Inc., multiple business owner
Why he’s running:
I am seeking re-election to continue improving my community. I am also committed to completing projects I have been involved with over the past few years such as Henderson Park, road improvements on Belfast Keller and Belfast Siding, creation of a Bryan County water and sewer system and impact fee system for future development that will reduce the strain of taxes on homeowners.
Top issue:
Property taxes are on the rise with all the growth on the coast; recreation facilities are desperately needed in our community for our children as well as adults; and road improvements are a slow process when dealing with GDOT while our community continues to grow at a very fast pace.
How he’ll address it:
Implement impact fees that will help pay for the cost of new infrastructure which can minimize the impact of growth on the existing tax base; encourage new industry to locate in Bryan County such as Oneida, Oracal and DKW Logistics (Kawasaki products distributors), which located in Bryan during my term as a commissioner; keep county operational costs as efficient as possible; look for other opportunities to save taxpayers money such as the $30,000 Homestead Exemption for all residents and $50,000 for senior residents that was implemented during my term as a commissioner; complete Henderson Park, which will open this fall with new soccer fields; and continue working with our state representatives along with GA DOT to expedite our transportation needs. Complete improvements of Belfast Keller Road and Belfast Siding Road.