Columbia County Commission candidates
Question: What is your stance on a $43 million county proposed bond issue that will go before voters in the Nov. 7 election?
Scott Nichols - D
"Although those projects, some of them, are needed projects, I am opposed to the bond referendum because I'm opposed to property tax increases until we have meaningful impact fees in place.''
Ron Thigpen - R
"I think the bond issue needs careful consideration by the voters. I think there are a number of issues in that bond issue that are existing deficiencies that need to be addressed. And those issues, I think quite frankly, it's cheaper to ... address those and pay for them now in this manner than it is to delay and try and pay for them later.''
Question: Should growth in Columbia County be restricted or should developers be welcomed with open arms?
Scott Nichols - D
"There should be a happy medium. We have got to increase the quality of construction in this county. I travel a great deal and we're just trashing this county as fast as we can. And our long term interest would be much better served with a higher quality of growth.''
Ron Thigpen - R
"I think like in most things in life there has to be a balance ...We need to have a plan for responsible growth and I think that plan has to contain certain standards and in some cases restrictions so that we can ensure that we maintain the quality of life in Columbia County that we all enjoy.''
Question: Would you be supportive of a county consolidation effort, and why?
Scott Nichols - D
"Not as it stands now. I feel that as proposed Harlem and Grovetown get the short end of the stick. And until all of their issues have been addressed in a fair manner, I'm opposed to it.''
Ron Thigpen - R
"... I don't think it needs to be taken off the table arbitrarily. But I think there's a lot of work to do with regards to that consolidation issue. ... Once we have worked through all those issue and fully understand the implications and educate the public, then and only then do we need to take it back to the voters.''
CANDIDATE PROFILES
Scott Nichols - D
Residency: Evans
Age: 52
Political experience: Chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Party, a member of the Georgia Democratic state party committee, member of the Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs
Profession: Senior project manager for dams and levees in North America
Education: several special accreditations in construction and engineering; attended University of Arizona, Augusta State University
Family: Wife, Carol; son, Chad, 20; daughter, Chasity, 21
Ron Thigpen - R
Residency: Martinez
Age: 54
Political experience: Former chairman of Columbia County's Planning Commission; current chairman of Development Authority; served on Columbia County and Metro Chamber of Commerce boards; University Healthcare Foundation; chairman of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon
Profession: Executive vice president and chief operating officer for Georgia Bank and Trust
Education: BBA from Augusta State University; specialized banking courses
Family: wife, Mary Carolyn; daughter, Carrie, 29