« Candidates debate commission structure »

(Note: I am not clear whether this story relates to last night's Commission Chairman candidates' forum in Lilburn.  Nevertheless, the views of the candidates is what is important, not where they were made.)

As part of the its report on its investigation into Gwinnett County land deals, the grand jury whose work prompted the resignation of both Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly recommended a reorganization of the the Gwinnett County Commission.  The grand jury split between recommending making all commissioners full-time or expanding the size of the board.  Turns out, the four candidates are split as well.  Their comments have caused to me to reconsider my order of preference after last week's candidates forum.

Though Charlotte Nash was my least favorite choice based on her position on commercial aviation at Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field, I agree wholeheartedly with her assessment of the impact of the board structure on the recent corruption:

It’s not necessarily the structure (of the commission) that’s the problem,” said one, Charlotte Nash of Dacula. “It’s the behavior of the commissioners that has led to this situation.”

Precisely.  If Kenerly accepted the bribe of which he is accused, it was not because being part-time did not allow him enough time to propriety of accepting a bribe.  Nor would the extra pay from being full-time have made the financial incentive of $1 million less attractive.  As Nash said, the alleged action of Kenerly was solely due to his choices and was unrelated to the structure of the Board of Commissioners.  I further agree with Nash that the fact that part-time commissioners hold "real jobs" keeps them in touch with the average Gwinnett resident.  However, despite opposing full-time commissioners, Nash is apparently not opposed to expanding the board to seven members.  I do not take extreme exception with this recommendation.  I think the grand jury has a point that "smaller districts would reduce commissioners’ workload and provide better representation of each district."  That being said, I would tend to agree with Larry Gause that the structure of the baord as it currently stands is fine.  

Duane Kissel does favor making all commissioners full-time, though Kissel made a suggestion worth considering: limiting commisioners to two terms.  I always struggle with term limits.  If you have a good leader, why do you want to get rid of him?  While I supported Bannister in 2008 against Lorraine Green, I still firmly believe that Gwinnett County would have been better off had Wayne Hill been reelected in 2004.  Conversely, if you are saddled with Mike Beaudreau like I am in my district, the prospect of knowing he could not run again next year is very appealing.  

The candidate who disappoints me the most on this issue though is Will Costa.  Costa was my clear first choice after considering his views on the airport.  However, though he favors expanding the board rather than making commissioners full-time, his larger position regarding the structure of Gwinnett government is completely unacceptable.

But Costa believes the ultimate solution would be to incorporate more of Gwinnett County so commissioners have less power. Smaller governments that are closer to the people will be better able to serve their people than one large county government that tries to be all things to everyone,” Costa said.

A Libertarian advocating more government?  While there is some merit in theory to the idea that municipal governments are closer to, and therefore, more responsive to citizens, there are larger concerns that override any possible benefit.  (I say "possible" because I am not sure that city politicians are significantly more responsive to the needs of their constituents than are county commissioners.)  What about the additional costs to the taxpayer for services that are duplicates of the county (e.g., planning, police, etc.)?  Another problem with municipalties sprouting like mushrooms is the burden placed on companies trying to do business in Gwinnett County.  As I wrote a year ago regarding a potential City of Peachtree Corners:

The last thing Gwinnett needs is an addition to the patchwork of zoning jurisdictions and code enforcement authorities. This adds complexity and, in turn, cost for businesses that have to deal with yet another jurisdiction as they try to serve local customers. Given the reputation of many small-town zoning boards, this additional layer can result in desirable businesses being prevented from opening shop in these communities. If businesses cannot serve a community, residents suffer by not having sufficient local amenities.  Also, as happened in Milton, GA, potential revenue shortfalls are even possible if enough commercial taxpayers are denied access to the area.

Even if Costa is not suggesting new municipalities but rather expansion of existing cities, his support of greater incorporation causes me to seriously reconsider my opinion of his candidacy.

As for who I support for chairman, the debate on commission structure complicates that and I am not sure I have a clear front-runner.  Property rights still outweigh most considerations so that argues that I should pay more attention the candidates' positions on the airport.  Fortunately, another forum will be held on March 8 at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.  Hopefully, a clear front-runner will emerge at that time if not before.

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