Columbus mayoral candidates face off at forum

Columbus’ four mayoral candidates fielded questions ranging from public safety to BRAC to restoring faith in government at a forum Thursday night at the Cunningham Center for Leadership Development.

The candidates — Wayne Anthony, Zeph Baker, Paul Olson and Teresa Tomlinson — staked out positions and touted their experience in their quest to take Mayor Jim Wetherington’s seat.

A frequent visitor to Columbus Council meetings, Olson claimed that councilors don’t abide by the city’s charter. He said his military experience gives him rapport with majors and generals, which will help bring business to the area.

Olson told the some 300 people in attendance that he was the only candidate who would provide tax relief. He said he wouldn’t raise the city’s garbage rates and would keep financial promises he claims past councils haven’t. “I’ll stop digging us deeper and deeper into the hole,” he said.

Concerning public safety, Olson said police officers need to be more visible in neighborhoods. The level of car break-ins and thefts are unacceptable, and he said he’d work toward removing drugs from the community.

Anthony, who has served on council for eight years, said he’d use his experience in corporate management and in public service if elected mayor.

In answer to a question about how faith in government can be restored, Anthony said a government must be transparent, responsible with its resources, be accountable to the people and continually improve itself.

“In those types of ways, I think we build the walls of trust,” he said.

Anthony said he knows the personalities on the council, knows what it takes to manage the city’s various departments and will use the “servant leader” style of leadership. In addition, he would work with Columbus’ delegation to the General Assembly.

Tomlinson said she has a passion for Columbus’ history but also its future. The next mayor must be able to think outside of the box and use real world experience to complete the job, she added.

Tomlinson, the former executive director of MidTown Inc., said she’s had success in economic development and consensus building.

“That’s what I bring to the table,” she said. “That’s why I’m running for mayor.”

Speaking about fighting crime, Tomlinson said law enforcement salaries must be competitive, that the mayor must use economic development as a method of fighting crime and that prevention must be employed. Columbus youth need entry-level jobs, giving them the opportunity to become productive.

Baker said he’s helped build programs and businesses in the city, and that he wants opportunities for everyone regardless of the ZIP code they live in. The city needs life centers instead of recreation centers — places where children can prepare for tests and not just play ball.

In answer to a question about the city’s strengths and weaknesses, Baker said Columbus is a city of promise where someone can pursue their dreams.

“There needs to be more opportunities available here,” he added.

Speaking about the city’s infrastructure with the Base Realignment and Closure initiative quickly coming, Baker said the infrastructure must be ready. As more people come to the area, more jobs must be available. He would work with the state delegation to help bring more business to Columbus.

Bishop, Keown spar

Mike Keown, who defeated two other candidates to secure the Republican nomination, will face U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop in the November election. Both appeared at Thursday’s forum.

Keown blasted his opponent in his opening statement, linking Bishop to the policies of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and President Barack Obama. He said people wonder whom Bishop represents.

“I will never forget who works for you,” he said.

Keown said he goes to sleep each night worried about what Congress will do by the time he wakes, and that he has a record of following through on the promises he makes.

Keown said people should ask themselves where federal dollars come from, saying that taxpayers have mortgaged their children’s future. Small businesses are essential to economic recovery, Keown said, and he intends to reduce taxes and let people keep more of their own money.

In addition, Keown said he wants to get the federal government out of education.

Bishop said that education drives economic development. Access to education should be expanded and schools strengthened, adding that the nation should invest in its schools.

The federal government should create an atmosphere that enables the economy to work. He said he’s helped create jobs in the 2nd Congressional District, noting he serves on a subcommittee that funds BRAC and that $3.5 billion will be spent in the area in the next three years.

There are 434 other U.S. representatives in the House fighting for a piece of the pie, Bishop said. In his time in office, he said he’s helped ensure the 2nd Congressional District gets the slice it deserves, Bishop said.

“A proven leader, working for you,” he added.

Real Deal

Republican gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal spoke briefly at the forum, saying the direction of the state would be decided in November’s election. He said redistricting the state’s Congressional districts must be done fairly, and potentially could include an additional district for Georgia.

Deal also spoke about education and water, saying Columbus’ needs will be addressed, in the three minutes he was allotted. Deal faces Democrat Roy Barnes in November.