A look at each of the candidates for the Nov. 6 election for Richmond Hill City Council.
Kevin Artz
Running for:
District 4 Post
Why he’s running:
The community of Richmond Hill has been very good to me. I have always felt a sense of civic duty, a need to give back to the community, and lately I have heard a lot of discontent from some of the younger families around Richmond Hill. Many people feel it is time for a change, and I felt I could help be the voice of that change.
Background:
Age 32; I moved to Richmond Hill after graduating from Ohio University. Over the last ten years, Richmond Hill has become my home. Five years ago I purchased an old Henry Ford home that I have been steadily restoring. In December I will marry my fiancé, a local girl named Heather Smith. We look forward to raising our family in Richmond Hill.
Current job:
I am a Project Manager for JT Turner Construction Company. I spend my days coordinating with sub contractors and vendors, creating contracts and budgets, setting schedules and communicating with home owners.
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
I have never run for a political office before.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
The city's growth is our biggest concern right now. We cannot stop development and growth in this town. The secret of Richmond Hill is out; it is a wonderful place to live with an incredible school system and great police and fire departments. There have been some growing pains and there will be more. But up until now I feel that the city government has had to be too reactionary to this growth. We need to do a better job anticipating the demands that this growth will put on the city.
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
I think a master plan needs to be drawn up for the City of Richmond Hill. Designated commercial zones need to stay commercial, the same for single family and multi family developments. A master plan could establish a level of architectural continuity in future commercial properties. The entire city could reap the benefits of improvements, not just one small area. We need to develop a comprehensive drainage system for any new developments that will not affect existing residences. Most importantly, it will give us a definitive direction for managing our community’s future growth.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I will be a fresh face to the council. I have neither old loyalties nor any lingering feuds which will prevent me from representing the citizens of Richmond Hill for the greater good of our city.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
I encourage any one with questions or concerns to contact me at kevinartz@comcast.net. The best way for our town to move forward is to open up the lines of communication.
Marilyn Hodges
Running for:
District 4 Post
Why she’s running:
I am running to bring fresh new ideas to city council. If elected, I will work to make a positive impact on our residents and our city. As a council member, I will have the opportunity to give back to the community that I love. The decisions we make today will affect our future. I am committed to protect public safety, our quality of life, and the environment in which we live.
Background:
Age 42; I have been a Richmond Hill resident for the past 18 years. I am the widow of the late Herb L. Hodges, Jr. I have two wonderful sons – Jaydon Lee, 9, and Logan Thomas, 4. I graduated from St. Vincent’s Academy and Armstrong State College in Savannah. I am a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Richmond Hill, where I serve on several committees. I am a member of the Parents, Teachers, Students Organization and Friends of the Library. I have volunteered with the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival, Relay for Life and the Richmond Hill Christmas Parade.
Current job:
I work as a personnel administrator and bookkeeper. I also work as a volunteer at the Catholic Church, serving as the Vice President of the Council of Catholic Women. I have successfully developed a volunteer committee to assist with bereavement and the loss of loved ones. I participate in Christian Social Services, Prayer Line and the Auction Committee. I also volunteer at Richmond Hill Elementary School and previously at Richmond Hill Primary.
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
I have not held an elected political office. However, Vice President of the Council of Catholic Women is an elected office. I enjoy working with people and believe in utilizing our collective intelligence to solve problems. I hope to do the same with citizens of Richmond Hill.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
Sustainable economic growth balanced with the environment to ensure our quality of life is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill residents. It requires planning, supporting our local businesses and listening to what residents want for our city. We have to work on safety and traffic. I also want to expand opportunities for our youth and our older residents.
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
I want to involve more citizens in a productive manner in local decision-making. Together, we can avoid problems and create new and exciting opportunities for our families, businesses and community members.
If elected, I will work to develop a plan for our future, a plan that balances development with our resources and infrastructure and a plan that ensures our quality of life. I will work with future developments to avoid traffic congestion, safety and flooding problems. I will work with our city council and residents to establish local ordinances to protect our natural resources. If elected, my goal is to ensure quality growth to benefit all of Richmond Hill citizens.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I am an active member of our community. I live, work, attend church here, and my children attend school here. I am a very hard worker – dedicated and well organized. I will do the research necessary and the work to make our community the best it can be. I am not afraid to ask tough questions! I do my homework on issues and listen to what local residents want. Richmond Hill residents deserve the best and I am willing to work for it.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
I have worked for two years with neighbors, city council and developers to reduce the density of a proposed development behind the Sterling Creek subdivision to ensure safety and to reduce traffic and flooding. As councilwoman, I will work to ensure the best community development possible, one balanced with green space, trees and recreational opportunities. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve Richmond Hill citizens.
Van Hunter
Running for:
District 3 Post
Why he’s running:
Character does matter. There needs to be a change in the way our residents and local businesses view our elected officials. The impression lately is that our elected officials give preferential treatment to some
Background:
Age 55; a single parent with four children and three grandchildren. Windy, with her daughter, lives and works in Richmond Hill as well as my youngest daughter Laura. Sharon and Gordon are both currently serving the troops in Iraq. My son has just left for his fourth tour of duty. Sharon’s son, Zachary, is currently staying with me and attending RHPS.
Current job:
Owner of Hunter & Co., Ltd, a computer sales and service company
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
Eight years between the Planning and Zoning Commissions of both Bryan County and the City of Richmond Hill – serving concurrently on both for a number of years, as well as being Vice-Chairman on both commissions. Richmond Hill City Councilman from 2001-2005.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
Growth and taxes! It’s not a matter of growing – growth must continue. It is a matter of how, where and why. Some in city government think smart planning/smart growth is what will get them to and through the next election.
I have lived here for nearly 25 years; some of my children live here, as well as my grand children. Our decisions today will affect our grandchildren tomorrow. Some of the elected officials in this town don’t look past the immediate needs of their partnership with the "pack and stack" philosophy of some developers. Every taxpayer, every parent with children in Bryan County schools must understand that decisions made by the Bryan County Commissioners, the Mayor and City Council of Richmond Hill could increase the strain on the teachers and schools as well as affect the Bryan County Board of Education budget. Your taxes!
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
The challenge of growth has been around since I moved here in the early 80’s. Decisions made by the city affect not only the residents within the limits of this town but county residents and our schools. This is true for the County Commission as well as the Board of Education. Three political entities that need to move toward a cooperative process of handling the impact of growth and the decisions made as a result.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
God gave me a brain, and my mother taught me to use it. There are some elected officials in the city that dislike it when you have an opposing point-of-view. There are way too many ‘yes men’ in our elected government. I do not oppose something for the sake of opposition but, as my mother raised me, if I feel you are right I will back you all the way. If I think you are wrong, I will tell you. But there are those who will hold that against you, should you disagree.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
A question to the city: what happened to our City of Ethics award?
Darryl Petermann
Running for:
District 4 Post
Why he’s running:
In the last half dozen years, the impact our municipal government has had on our lives and our pocketbooks has gained my interest.
Background:
Age 67; I have been a resident for more than 8 years. I have been married for 40 years and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. I am a retired police detective having served for 21 years. I am also a retired businessman, having concurrently owned manufacturing facilities in New York for 25 years and Georgia for 12 years. I am a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, serving on the Parish Council and Building Committee. I am also a member of Arts on the Coast and the Republican Party.
Current job:
I am retired.
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
I do not have any prior experience as an elected official, however, I ran for the office of Richmond Hill City Council in 2005.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
It is imperative that Richmond Hill maintain reasonable growth. During the last several years, the increase in the number of new housing subdivisions and the size of those subdivisions has caused a substantial increase in the population of Richmond Hill. The actions of our city council, or its failures to act responsibly, have great potential impact on each of our lives, on our families and fortunes.
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
Maintain a balance between growth and progress.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
I feel my prior business experience has well prepared me for the task of city councilperson.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
I have posted a website that goes into detail with regard to the issues I feel are important. I invite everyone to visit it at www.rhbuzz.com.
Billy Albritton
Running for:
District 4 Post
Why he’s running:
While I have been in office, the City of Richmond Hill has lowered the millage rate for four consecutive years. I will continue to be a watchdog for the taxpayer. Additionally, I have been a proponent of increased green space while on the council. It is important to me to keep our community a great place to live and raise children.
Background:
Age 58; I am married to Sheila Albritton. We have two daughters, Joni Brown and Jennifer Albritton, and four grandchildren – Andrew, William, Hannah and Jared.
Current job:
Construction Manager/Safety Coordinator
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
Elected to City Council in 2003.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
It is no secret that the rapid growth Richmond Hill has experienced in the last several years is an issue that we must deal with. People want to live here because it is a great place to live. The challenge, of course, is to keep a balance between our desire to keep our quality of life and the projected growth.
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
We have to make sure that the city continues to provide the high level of service in areas like police and fire protection. We have to make sure that there are adequate parks and green space for our residents and we need to put more emphasis on making sure that the new commercial development is aesthetically compatible with our community.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
While some people think that "change" is always good, sometimes experience is a good thing. I think that’s true in my case. I have a good working knowledge of our city government. I know the issues we face and I have the experience to be an effective voice for the people on City Council. I have a reputation for listening to both sides of an issue and for acting on my beliefs.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
I have been very active for many years in the local Relay for Life, Lions Club, Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival Committee and others, as a volunteer. I am a former member and chairman of the Richmond Hill Planning & Zoning Board. A lot of people have hobbies, like hunting and fishing. As for me, I have four hobbies – my four grandchildren!
Jimmy Hires
Running for:
District 3 Post
Why he’s running:
I’m running for reelection because I want to complete projects that we’ve been diligently working on the past two years, including street improvement and traffic congestion. The city must see that Casey Drive is repaved. We need to take a closer look at street conditions in some of our older neighborhoods, too. Also, anyone traveling along Hwy. 144 or Harris Trail knows that traffic congestion is a major concern. I want to work closely with the Board of Education and the state in finding an adequate solution to the morning traffic backup near our schools.
Background:
Age 57; married to Libby, daughter Kala, son Jimmy Jr. (Jay)
Current job:
Teacher/Coach/Athletic Director/Driver’s Education Instructor
Have you had any prior experience as an elected official?
City of Richmond Hill City Council for two years.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing Richmond Hill?
Growth – pure and simple. We all enjoy what the city’s population growth has brought: restaurants, grocery stores and other conveniences. Rarely do I have to drive to Savannah to do anything. The growth has brought challenges as well, including the traffic congestion and drainage problems.
If elected, what do you plan to do about that issue?
The city’s growth is manageable. It can be done. Developers, home owner associations, and the city must work together through communication and compromise. I will work hard to get all groups involved to work together. I know a lot about getting groups, or teams, to work together.
Also, we need to make sure we’re managing growth wisely. New development should be allowed only if city services are available to meet increased demand. I also want to ensure we can keep city taxes low by continuing to lower the millage rate. This means keeping a check on spending.
Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the office you are seeking?
Experience in working with different groups to find a solution to our problem. We must work together. Also, having lived in Richmond Hill for nearly 30 years, I know how to work with government and community leaders to get things done.
Is there anything else about you the public should know?
My wife Libby and our two children have lived here for, as I said, nearly 30 years. We enjoy the friends we’ve made here and the life we’ve built here. I enjoy serving on the council, and I want to continue to work to make things even better in Richmond Hill. A tree ordinance and neighborhood beautification comes to mind. There’s much more work to be done.