Hear From the County Executive Candidates
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Three candidates are on the ballot for one of the most important roles in Dade County: county executive (sometimes referred to as executive commissioner). This role encompasses that of chairman of the board of commissioners, and it is a full-time job.
At the end of the current term, Ted Rumley will have held the position for 20 years and five terms, four of which were consecutive. He first ran and was elected for the 2001-2004 term. He did not run the following election, but he returned to the ballot and subsequently the office in January 2009.
The Sentinel sent the three candidates (Daniel Case, Don Townsend, and Robby Ryan) the same set of questions. These are their answers (with limited grammatical, punctuation, and capitalization corrections made). Candidates for commission seats were also sent these questions, and their answers will be published soon.
Reminder: The local primary is May 21st.
Q: What are the top two or three responsibilities of a county government? Similarly, what are the two or three areas that should be prioritized in the budget?
Daniel Case: In my opinion, nothing is more important than keeping our people safe. Our
citizens should feel secure and have confidence that we place the utmost priority keeping
them and their families safe. Second to that would be infrastructure implementation and
sustainability. Security and sustainability for all our Dade County families should be a
primary focus.
Don Townsend: Public safety is the most important responsibility a county commissioner faces in local government. As county executive, I will ensure the safety and lives of our citizens and visitors are always protected. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office and Dade County Emergency Management Agency have been charged with the duty of protecting life, protecting real and personal property, and mitigating general disruptions to community life. Likewise, the Emergency 9-1-1 service to our county is a critical need that cannot be forfeited. Communication is the backbone of an emergency services program. Over the last 18 years, I have assisted with grants and source funding to provide our citizens dependable access to fire, law enforcement, emergency medical, and other services when there is an emergency.
I have to say that public safety i.e. law enforcement, fire protection, and all emergency services provided to our citizens must always remain a high priority in the county’s budgeting process. This also includes Emergency Medical Services which provide reliable ambulance service to those in need at a moment’s notice. All county government services are important, and we all have different perspectives–from Parks & Recreation to the Courts, from Elections to Animal Control, from the Library to paving roads and removing the solid waste from our community–but public safety remains my number one priority in Dade County.
Robby Ryan: The top two responsibilities of county government are: Infrastructure–various governmental departments, roads, and water and sewer, and Public Services–law enforcement, emergency medical and health services, fire and rescue services. I believe that both of these should be prioritized and reflected as top priorities in the budget.
Q: If you currently serve on the board, what are you most proud of accomplishing this last term, and is there anything you aren’t satisfied with and/or hope to continue improving?
Daniel Case: N/A
Don Townsend: Although I currently do not serve on the board, I have been a servant to the board for 18 years, and there are many accomplishments of which I am honored to be a part. (Disclosure: I answered these questions from the Sentinel after the close of business, and not during business hours of the County government operations. No minutes/hours utilized by myself to fulfill this request were at the expense of the citizens of Dade County, Georgia.)
Robby Ryan: N/A
Q: If you aren’t currently on the board, what do you think the current board has done well, and do you see any areas for improvement?
Daniel Case: I’d like to recognize this board for a job well done in taking the financial deficit they inherited and transforming it into a manageable budget. As with any entity, there are always
opportunities for improvement. However, without having all the information that the board has,
I believe it would be remiss to focus on areas that have not been done well when I do not have all
the data. That said, if given the chance, I will devote myself to the areas lacking and to those
that will benefit our citizens the most.
Don Townsend: I will have served in the role of county clerk and chief financial officer for 18 years this November. My office reduced the need for printing so many documents and files due to migrating our processes over to document imaging. This process also includes our commission meeting agendas and minutes that may now be found online on the county’s website, also providing all documentation to all citizens that formerly only a county commissioner had access to in our recent past. As CFO, I worked side by side with our commissioners to rebuild the county’s fund balance from a negative number in 2013 to over a three million dollar balance in 2023. This process has taken ten years of conservative financial budgeting and maintaining limited spending from our general fund. Basically, if we didn’t have it to spend, then it was delayed or cut from the budget. The county’s fund balance is relative to our net worth which can be thought of as a kind of savings account. We have accomplished the building of our fund balance with one of the lowest millage rates in the entire State of Georgia over the last five years.
Robby Ryan: I feel that the current board’s formation of the Special Use Permit Board for Industrial Purposes in the Unincorporated part of the county was a need. However, there needs to be written justification for capital projects within the county.
Q: What experiences, expertise, etc. qualifies you for this position?
Daniel Case: First and foremost, I’m a Dade County citizen; born and raised right here. My family has deep roots here, and I care very deeply about this community, its welfare, and its success. I have proven my commitment to serve and improve our county in many ways. As the former president and member of the Chamber of Commerce, I was able to give insights to our county’s needs and promote local businesses. I was a member of the Dade County Board of Education. I actively served in this capacity for one and a half terms and only resigned my position to seek a greater capacity of service as executive commissioner. In addition to these service positions, I’ve owned and operated two successful local companies right here in Dade County. As a business owner and operator, I have a unique perspective of the needs of local citizens looking for good jobs, local businesses opening and operating in our county, and local operations that are necessary to be successful. I can manage our county’s daily operations, and my previous board experience will be instrumental in chairing the Dade County Board of Commissioners.
Don Townsend: My years as county clerk and CFO to the Board of Commissioners makes me the most qualified candidate running for county executive. I have served under 13 different county commissioners which has provided a wide scope of perspectives during my tenure in these positions. In 1993, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. I also received a diploma from Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking & Finance in 2001. Since 2006, I received a diploma for completing the requirements as a Certified County Clerk in the State of Georgia from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. From that same school, I received a diploma of Clerks Master Education Program. Furthermore, I have already completed half of the requirements to become a Certified County Commissioner as provided by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia through UGA’s CVIOG. Courses from these programs include: County Government Law, County Government Revenue & Finance, Economic and Community Development, Ethics, Human Resources Leadership Institute, Property Appraisal and Taxation, Public Health and Safety, Citizen Engagement, County Operations and Management, Intergovernmental Relations, Leadership Development, Quality of Life and Social Issues, plus many other academic classes. Each of these academic tracks requires 48 hours of coursework and could potentially take years to complete. Overall, my day-to-day operations working with county commissioners and Mr. Ted Rumley (current county executive), has provided the on-job training necessary to prepare me to take office on January 1, 2025 without ever missing a beat in local government operations.
Robby Ryan: My expertise of providing solutions to problems in the commercial, pharmaceutical, chemical, water, and wastewater sectors, along with my experience in price negotiations with small and large companies, makes me a qualified candidate for the position of county executive.
Q: How should the Dade County Board of Commissioners communicate with the public, and how should individual members communicate with constituents?
Daniel Case: Communication is KEY! Every citizen should have the opportunity to voice their
questions and/or concerns to our Board of Commissioners. Whether this is via email, phone, in person, fax, or text, the board exists to serve and help and should be available to the citizens. I
also hold to the belief that honesty, transparency, and accountability are central to effective and
appropriate communication. These are the components that I would uphold as executive
commissioner.
Don Townsend: Ultimately, communication between a county commissioner and their constituents is a personal decision that each district commissioners must decide for themselves. I doubt a board policy dictating otherwise would ever pass this legislative body. Therefore, I can only speak for myself. I will communicate with the public through most forms of social media. I would commit to using these outlets on a weekly basis and during times of emergency or other more timely situations that warrant such posts. I feel we have an obligation to not only use social media but also our local news media, the Dade County Sentinel, the local radio station partners, www.discoverdade.com, and media outlets in Chattanooga such as Channels 3, 9, 12 and 61.
As a board, I recommend using the county’s website www.dadecounty-ga.gov and the county’s social media outlets to fully communicate announcements and happenings of local government operations. Our Emergency 9-1-1 continues to manage and announce weather events and other special announcements through direct telephone calls and/or texts that users may subscribe to directly. Furthermore, I would encourage the use of products like TextMyGov that use a mobile phone’s regular messaging as a way to relay information to citizens by sending a text along with a picture of any issues that citizens may be facing. For example, a driver may report a pothole along with a picture of the surrounding area to assist our local public works with knowing where the pothole is located. This type of communication would also allow us to communicate direct messages to constituents who may like to subscribe to such alerts or allow them to participate in surveys regarding local issues. This, in turn, would enable commissioners to make better informed decisions about these issues before voting in public. I would encourage more town hall meetings, especially regarding major announcements or at times we need public input. Instead of having the community always come to the county, perhaps it is time the county officials go back to the community to seek responses to these type issues.
Robby Ryan: The Dade County Board of Commissioners currently uses a website, livestreaming of meetings, local publications and announcements, along with other media and social media sites to communicate with the public. However, the frequency and the content of information shared is the more important factor. The method in which individual district members communicate with their constituents can vary based on the ability of the individual, but for me, phone conversations and face-to-face meetings are best, as information may be misinterpreted through other forms of communication. In my experience, agreements and goals are reached more easily through personal communications.
Q: The next commission will inherit several projects, namely the animal shelter and reservoir, and related costs. What are your views on and plans for these projects?
Daniel Case: I know many people have advocated for an animal shelter for years. That said, I would research the information available and our options to help make the best decision of how to move forward with the support of the other four board members.
As to the reservoir, at first glance, it seems as if the extreme cost of the project wasn’t investigated thoroughly enough before making the plan to move forward. Many people in the community have had concerns about the need for the reservoir; these reasons must be assessed before moving forward and potentially costing even more tax dollars. However, if the reservoir is needed due to water shortage concerns, we must evaluate the timeline to be ready.
Don Townsend: The citizens of Dade County have clearly spoken on the issue of constructing an animal control facility. If this project has not been completed by the time I take office, then I would like to see that item placed on the January 2, 2025 commission meeting agenda to discuss plans to begin construction. The people have waited too long for this plan to come to fruition. Costs of the construction are only going to increase with each passing year. Based on construction costs, the building we planned in 2009 would now cost about three times the 2009 cost. The costs to construct this facility will come solely from sales tax revenues, not property taxes, but the funds to run this facility would be required to come from general operations of the county according to state laws. I recommend the county and the City of Trenton join in partnership to construct and operate this facility by sharing the ongoing expenses 50/50. There’s no need for a city shelter and a county animal facility; one building should be plenty large enough to accommodate the needs of both the city and county.
Regarding the reservoir, I have had very mixed emotions about this process and progress. Since the city never agreed to take ownership of the land off of Sells Lane, and the Dade County Water and Sewer Authority voted to give their half back to the county, then the land at the proposed reservoir is 100% owned by the people of Dade County. Will a lake be built for recreational purposes? I have no idea, because, simply put, that is a board of commissioners decision. Am I opposed to another source of clean water? No. Am I opposed to having a lake to provide recreational uses for our citizens? No. But only if we can attain federal or state grants to make this happen, again under the approval of the entire board. Furthermore, the recreational value of the property extends past having a lake, since the property has direct access to Lookout Creek. There are trail grants currently available to create better access points near and along the creek for canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking trails and picnic areas that may be installed along Lookout Creek. The people of Dade County have a vested interest in the 61 acres appraised at over $500,000 whereas the county’s final purchase price was $355,000. Again, the entire board should deliberate about the future uses of this property, allowing that discussion to dictate which direction we take next to create a place for local citizens to visit for recreational purposes. If future testing shows that a lake is not sustainable, then we may consider a portion of this property being placed back on the taxable digest. In regards to the future water security of Dade County, I have already spoken at length with the regional director of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and will continue to look for the best possible solutions.
Regarding all other projects (e.g. the construction of the elections building and renovation of the historic courthouse and train depot), all of these projects appear to be on schedule to be completed before the end of the current year. The Dade County Sentinel has done a fabulous job documenting these three projects and may be accessed online.
Robby Ryan: Animal Shelter–My view is that since the citizens voted in favor of an animal shelter, it should be built when a “Plan of Use” has been established in accordance with agreements between county and city. Based on the “Plan of Use,” size and design of the facility should then be considered to find the right fit for our county’s building budget and needs. The biggest challenge for this project will be figuring in operational and maintenance costs and determining the source of funding for these costs, as this is something that is often overlooked in the initial planning stages for projects such as these.
Perhaps a partnership could be forged with the local Tri-State Humane Society to operate the facility. I believe that finding alternative funding for the operation of the shelter is a top priority and that the operational costs of this project should not become an added ongoing expense for the residents of our county.
Reservoir–I feel strongly that the property for the reservoir should not have been purchased at the price paid by the county. Considering the appraisal and the prices of comparable properties, the county paid a premium. Until a further review of the Water Authority’s feasibility report can be examined, I would not recommend the property being turned into a reservoir. However, I think setting it up now as a greenspace for people that use Lookout Creek would be a good use for the property. I look forward to discussions with other board members on how to utilize this property.
Q: Do you have any goals for/opinions about county-owned property?
Daniel Case: I try not to speculate as to why certain properties and projects have been approved and acted upon. I do, on the other hand, think that in the future, county owned property shouldn’t take up so much prime real estate in the city. I will do my best to effectively manage the progression of current projects.
Don Townsend: All property belonging to the county is vested in the county commission, which has “original and exclusive jurisdiction” over the control of county property. When opportunities to purchase private property are made available to county leaders, then those in charge have a fiduciary responsibility to investigate the need for the proposed purchase. This is why under State law (OCGA § 50-14-3(4)) there is a provision to hold a private meeting, which is known as an Executive Session, to allow all five commissioners to discuss the future acquisition of real estate. Once a determination has been made to consider purchasing real property, then the county should have a declared purpose or goal for use of that property, but for the county to simply purchase land and hold it for no intended purpose is not something I’m in favor of. When private property is transferred to public lands, that means the county’s tax base just dropped, meaning that land is no longer subject to property taxes being collected on that real property. For the local government to collect the exact amount of taxes as it did in the prior year (assuming no other values in the entire county changed), the purchase of said property could cause a tax increase–something I oppose. Overall, if county-owned property ceases to be used by the public to the extent that no substantial public purpose is served by it, then the Board of Commissioners should consider placing that property back on the taxable county digest by declaring it as surplus property and disposing of it properly either through a bidding process or public auction.
Robby Ryan: My opinion on county-owned property is that we are not a real estate company and property owned by the county does not generate much-needed tax revenue. I feel a review of each property should be done, and the intended future use of these properties should be discussed thoroughly.
Q: What are your views on industry in Dade County, and what role does the county government play in industry?
Daniel Case: I believe industry is needed in Dade County, but there must be a balance of industry vs. retail and hospitality-type businesses to capitalize on the tourism industry that is already in place in our county. Too much industry could be detrimental to the heritage of our county which is the very reason so many people love to visit and live here. Too little industry could have a negative economic impact. There must be a balance.
Don Townsend: The commission plays a critical role in economic and industrial growth in our community. Dade County has a wide range of industries from medical tubing to fabricated metal product manufacturing jobs totaling around 17% of all employed individuals working in our county, making it the largest single group of employees. There are 19 manufacturing firms that make up 1,255 jobs in Dade County alone. The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was created under a local constitutional amendment in 1967 and has successfully bridged the gap between the public and private sectors to facilitate job creation projects that are desirable to both. Although I am proud of the past accomplishments of our IDA, I am much more interested in our future. I look forward to collaborating with our IDA, Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, and local business leaders to bring more high tech, higher-paying jobs as well as find new ways to fully utilize our beautiful landscape for tourism. Together, we have made our entire community stronger for supplying these much needed manufacturing jobs to many who now reside in Dade County as a result of having these jobs.
Robby Ryan: My view of industry in Dade County varies based on the type of industry and how it pertains to the needs of our county. This is a question that would require a more detailed discussion. However, I feel that government should always have a unique role in partnering with companies as a way of maintaining an active part in its own development. Our government and the way it operates should reflect the county’s mission statement in the Dade County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2022-2027 which reads: “Dade County is the cornerstone of the State of Georgia and will be a great place to live, work, and learn. We are small enough to be a safe, affordable place to raise a family, led by an efficient government, with business-friendly ordinances and policies. We will continuously pursue opportunities for quality economic growth.”
Q: What are the biggest obstacles to a flourishing life that Dade County families currently face?
Daniel Case: Our county faces many of the same obstacles that people all over the state and really the nation are facing, like economic struggles, rising costs, and rural disparities. However, unique to Dade County is that we are a hidden gem. Our beautiful area must be carefully managed to both encourage growth and maintain/increase infrastructure while keeping living expenses at levels that families can handle and preserving our great historical area.
Don Townsend: Loss of “trust in government” institutions such as our federal and state governments have caused what I fear may be cultural and generational obstacles for even local county government leaders. When our elementary children see the world news highlights showing public officials serving in Congress tossing out words like fellow Americans being called “deplorables” and labeling others as “white nationalists” and they hear about hateful speech coming from the mouths of elected officials in our State legislatures across the country, those words are changing the hearts of an entire generation. I will be a leader of not only the adults in our county but the children too. I love Dade County and hope that the people will see my love for them. I will always show respect to my fellow elected officials, even when we don’t fully agree on all the issues laid before us.
Although we have a clean source of water and available growth in our local sewer plant, we must be constantly aware of our future growth potential. Aging infrastructure decisions at the county level concern both the type and location of infrastructure. The most common infrastructure decisions made by the Board of Commissioners pertain to the following: roads and bridges, new water lines, sewer, parks and recreation facilities, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services facilities.
Planning for our future sounds easy, but it takes a lot of effort by numerous partners in our region. Dade County has an active comprehensive plan that is reviewed every five years, but more community input is required at these meetings to encompass all ideas from the ground level up to the county commission. Planning includes: capital financing, comprehensive planning, fire master plan, health care, implementation program, infrastructure decisions, regional partnerships, service delivery strategy, short-term work plan, emergency preparedness and water needs. President Dwight D. Eisenhower said it best, “Plans are nothing; Planning is everything.” Our county must be proactive in planning and not reactive to events or situations that blindside us, because together, we are building a better Dade.
Robby Ryan: The biggest obstacles to a flourishing life that Dade County families face in 2024 is a combination of inflation and housing. Finding a way to improve these issues should be a priority as they affect every family in our county.
As with all written communication, I hope I have conveyed my thoughts with clarity in expressing some of my views. Thank you, Dade County Sentinel, for reaching out and thank you Dade County citizens for your support!
