Election 2020: Q&A with Harris County Board of Commissioners District 5 candidates

To help Columbus area voters decide which local candidates to support in the June 9 election, the Ledger-Enquirer is publishing a series of stories about the contested races in a Q&A format.

This article features the District 5 seat on the Harris County Board of Commissioners. Susan Andrews is the incumbent. The challenger is Frank Dillard.

Andrews, 64, is a retired educator with a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Auburn University. She served 37 years as an educator in Harris County as a teacher, principal and superintendent.

Governor Nathan Deal appointed her to the office of Deputy Superintendent at the Georgia Department of Education to manage the state’s $400 million “Race to the Top” grant in 2012, and she served as the governor’s Director of Special Projects for the Education Reform Commission. She also served on the state Department of Community Affairs’ Hotel/Motel Tax Review Committee, served on the Georgia Workforce Development Committee and is a former treasurer and president of the Harris County Chamber of Commerce.

Dillard, 37, is the director of financial operations at Piedmont Payment Services LLC. He has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts as well as a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics.

The candidates answered the following questions via email.

Why do you think you are the best choice for District 5?

Andrews: “I have lived in District 5 for 43 years and have served in many capacities in the County. Harris County is a wonderful place to live and raise a family and I have had a seat at the decision-making table for decades working to ensure this quality of life. I know citizens from every city and every unincorporated area and can solicit their opinions and input at a very personal and grass roots level. My love for this County and my ability to lead are proven by my record.”

Dillard: “I love helping people and want better for Harris County. I have the energy and passion to help as many people as possible. In raising a four year old daughter here, keeping the quality of Harris County high will be critical for her as she grows up.

“I also have the ability to hear everyone’s opinion objectively, and remove any biases I may have. Sometimes when you hear people, not just listen to them, they have great ideas and opinions that you may not have ever thought of on your own. Together, we are better.”

What things do you want to change or make better in the district?

Andrews: “We are currently engaged in reviewing and revising the county’s zoning and land use ordinances to better reflect the vision for the county expressed in the latest comprehensive plan. I want to complete this process. We are also engaged in a salary study with Carl Vinson Institute. I want to ensure that county employees are paid for their experience and expertise.”

“I want to see the completion of the development of Ellerslie Park. I also want to ensure that we retain our rural lifestyle while managing growth. I want to continue supporting public safety by ensuring our Sheriff’s Department, Volunteer Fire Departments, EMS, and 911 are adequately funded.”

Dillard: “I want to push for Impact Fees and Impact Studies on development within the county. Tax paying property owners should not be forced to consistently subsidize developers. We need thorough Impact Studies of developments before things are approved to move forward. How is is going to affect traffic, schools, Sheriff/EMS/VFD, infrastructure, surrounding areas, etc.”

“I want to help Small and Local business succeed. We do this in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, social media marketing, possible rezonings, and helping break down hurdles for them to be successful. If they succeed, we all succeed.”

Other items Dillard wants to focus on include:

• Supporting the county’s first responders
• Expanding broadband internet in the county
• Making sure Ellerslie Park opens and phases 2-4 are completed
• Diversifying the tax base by making sure the county receives its share of SPLOST revenue from online sales and apps

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process of the county?

Andrews: “My telephone number and email address are public information and citizens may reach me at any time. Citizens communicate with me on Facebook and through (Facebook) Messenger. I have also held public forums where citizens are invited to come and share their thoughts and concerns. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public hearings and speak on issues of concern at meetings.”

Dillard: “Primarily in two ways: through social media and also having monthly or bi-monthly meetings inviting people to come and let me hear their voice.”

What is your favorite thing about Harris County or favorite place in the county?

Andrews: “My favorite thing about Harris County is the good people who live here. Our friends and neighbors are hard-working, law-abiding, and generous people who are eager to help others in need and who consciously try to make Harris County a great place to live and raise a family.”

Dillard: “My favorite thing about Harris County is the rural atmosphere with low crime.

“Now, my favorite spot is Dowdell’s Knob on Pine Mountain. To think that one of the US Presidents, during one of the darker times of American History, came to this very spot for inspiration in how to help make the United States great again and pull us out of the Great Depression...it’s amazing that in all the United States, he looked to this spot right here in Harris County in order to do so.”