On July 31, voters across Cobb will select the next county chairman from among four Republicans: Mike Boyce, Bill Byrne, incumbent Tim Lee and Larry Savage. No Democrats qualified to run for the post, so the winner of the primary will most likely be the one taking office in January.
Bill Byrne
Republican
byrneforchairman.com
Age: 70
Residence: Marietta
Career: Landscape Architect/Land Planner
Political experience: Cobb Commission Chairman: 1992-2002
Education: Syracuse University-1966 (State University of New York at Syracuse University)
Family: Married with three daughters
Do you plan to vote for the TIA on July 31?
I will NOT vote for the TIA on July 31st.
If Cobb voters reject TIA but it passes metrowide, would you spend county money to sue in an effort to block it?
My campaign has committed to file suit to challenge HB277, on a constitutional basis, if Cobb votes against the TIA and the remainder of the region approves the TIA!!!
Can the scope of county government, and thus county expenses, be reduced further? If so, what would you cut?
The scope of County Government must be reduced and I have submitted a proposal that reduces expenses by $34 million and I will pursue this if elected Chairman. My proposal is on file with the MDJ.
Is the practice of ‘walking the halls’ to gauge commissioners’ feelings on issues before they vote in public efficient government, or does it circumvent open meetings laws?
"Walking The Halls" is a practice of county staff that I will oppose as County Chairman and it is a violation of open meeting laws. I will bring this forward for a Commission vote ASAP to stop the practice.
Does Cobb offer too little, too much or the right amount of financial incentives to lure new jobs?
Cobb County offers too much for incentives to attract new business to Cobb. Cobb's reputation will attract new jobs on it's own and incentives for new businesses is a disadvantage to existing businesses already in Cobb.
Should the commission have stronger oversight of the two Community Improvement Districts? If so, what type of oversight do you envision?
The BOC must have stronger oversight over the two CID's to insure the projects proposed and money spent is in the best interest of the County residents and NOT the best interests of the CID's special interests. The law allows the County this right and we must exercise this responsibility. I will personally get involved in this process.
Do you promise not to vote for a tax increase during this term, if elected?
If elected, I will oppose ALL proposed tax increases during my term as Chairman.
When the county SPLOST expires, would you support an extension for 4, 5 or 6 years?
When the current SPLOST expires, I will NOT support an extension. County Government will always ask for more and spend more if the BOC allows it to do so. We must learn to operate within our means NOT expand our desires!!!
Do you favor changing the law to allow SPLOST money to support the arts?
It is NOT government’s responsibility to fund the arts. If the arts programs are worthy, the private sector will support them and that is the way it should be.
Should Cobb spend tax dollars on the Chamber’s EDGE program?
NOOOOO!!! The Chamber has the responsibility to support their own marketing programs NOT the taxpayer!!!
Do you favor outsourcing more economic development work to the Chamber?
NOOOOO!!! I want to work with the eleven business associations, within Cobb County, to help them grow our existing businesses and the Chamber can focus on bringing new business to Cobb County on their own.
What should the county do to encourage redevelopment in south Cobb?
This IS an area the County can focus on to redevelop distressed or foreclosed properties to attract business development, while working with local business leaders, that will address the needs of South Cobb as they determine is a benefit to the area.
What is the biggest problem you want to solve, if elected, and how would you do it?
The biggest problem is to implement the changes I have described, roll back the property tax increase of 2011 and bring PRIDE back to County Government. Give me the opportunity.....step back.....and WATCH!!!
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Fiscally conservative! No nonsense management! Focused!
During prior tenure, Cobb County balanced budgets, and grew, had stellar ratings and reputation.
btw, no need to be rude in comments. It speaks volumes about you. Stick to the issues.
Fiscally conservative! No nonsense management! Focused!
During prior tenure, Cobb County balanced budgets, and grew, had stellar ratings and reputation.
btw, no need to be rude in comments. It speaks volumes about you. Stick to the issues.
Some would say you are the reason Cobb County is behind other growing counties.
Cobb needs to break free of the good ole boy image!!
It's time to move Cobb into the 21st century. We need new ideas, new faces!
Bye-bye- Byrnie~~