The following are the responses of Roger Tingler and Kim Carter to a series of questions submitted by several civic organizations in Newton County and distributed and compiled by The Covington News.

SMART Growth Newton:

How will you foster cooperative relationships between your city and Newton County, other municipalities, the Water & Sewerage Authority, and the School Board?

Tingler:

I would continue to encourage the Council to participate in the Newton County Leadership Collaborative, which meets regularly to discuss issues affecting the entire county. This collaborative includes the Newton County Board of Commissioners, the Newton County Board of Education, Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority, the City of Covington and other municipalities within the county. The key is to continue to work together, beyond our city boundaries, because the issues affect all of us.

Carter:

We already have the Leadership Collaborative, which provides an excellent forum for local leaders to build and advance exactly this type of cooperation.  What I bring to this personally are the lessons learned from over 25 years of business experience, during which I called on and negotiated with some of our nation's largest retailers, including Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Costco, Kohl's, and Federated Department Stores.  The most effective approach is always to seek win-win partnerships.  I will listen carefully to understand the objectives and constraints of each agency, and I will clearly explain those same elements from Covington's perspective.  From that basis of mutual interest and trust, we will work creatively to find the best answers to challenges and opportunities we face.

What are the three most important issues facing your community, and how do the 10 principles of Smart Growth apply or help address these issues?

Tingler:

1. Rapid growth. 2. Maintaining the infrastructure 3. Improvement of transportation methods (roads, intersections, etc.) The principles of Smart Growth are all directed at imtelligent, logical and responsible growth (i.e. varied housing opportunities, mix land uses, open space and natural beauty). All three of these issues relate directly to the 10 principles of Smart Growth. The City Council, along with various city departments and citizens, has developed and continue to tweak a Comprehensive Plan that addresses many of these issues. I support this plan and believe in working together to see we are successful in carrying out its purpose.

Carter:

I have four priorities for my campaign, and "achieving balanced growth" is one of those.  So, in that sense alone, all of the Smart Growth principles apply.  But, I see strong connection of these principles to my other priorities as well: promoting economic development, addressing issues of poverty, and ensuring inclusion and access in our city government.  For instance, inclusion and access are increased by principles such as:  "Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration" and "Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective."  And, addressing issues of poverty will clearly involve such principles as "Create a Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices" and "Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices."  I see much synergy between the Smart Growth philosophy and what I want to accomplish as Mayor.

How do you feel about the disproportionate level of housing versus commercial/industrial in the community?

Tingler:

We all have to continue to work with the Newton Chamber and Main Street Program to attract new businesses. Anytime we can add more commercial or industrial business to help alleviate the tax burden on the homeowners, and create additional jobs, we need to do so.

Carter:

Studies show residential developments cost municipalities more to service than they generate in revenues, while commercial and industrial developments provide a positive cash flow, providing revenues that exceed the cost of service.  So, the right balance of development is crucial.  As a candidate for Mayor of Covington, I can only speak with relevance to the residential/industrial/commercial mix within the City of Covington.  And, while the Newton County tax base is more weighted toward residential land use, in the City of Covington the situation is just the opposite.  So, Covington does not have a disproportionate mix today.  Regardless, I still support increased efforts to promote industrial and especially commercial development.

What would you like to see implemented to make the ratio more in line with where it should be (approximately 60% residential and 40% commercial/industry compared to the 80% residential and 20% commercial/industry).

Tingler:

Evidently, these figures are county-wide. The spread in the City of Covington currently consists of 32% residential, 63% residential (5% other) based on the current City Tax Digest. However, I have said many times, we all need to work on improving the ratio. Additional commercial and retail businesses would increase sales tax revenue in Covington and Newton County, provide more jobs and add to the overall quality of life for our residents. We need to be more proactive in our approach to attract new businesses.

Carter:

Actually, the figures quoted reflect unincorporated Newton County, but not the City of Covington.  In the City of Covington, our 2006 Tax Digest was 27% residential, 71% commercial/industrial, and 2% other.  That said, the county's rapid residential growth is impacting the city, and will continue to do so.  It is also worth noting our non-residential property mix is 2-to-1 industrial to commercial.  And, while our industrial base has contributed much to city revenues, our greatest untapped potential in the years ahead is to actively promote and attract more quality retail and commercial growth.  As a whole, Newton County is greatly underserved in the retail and commercial sector, with less than half the retail square footage per person enjoyed by the rest of metropolitan Atlanta.  By focusing recruitment and marketing on commercial development, we gain:

•           Increased property tax revenues;

•           Sales tax revenue from those living outside the city;

•           Enhanced quality of life through more retail and restaurant choices; and

•           A more diverse and resilient base of job opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.

Do you support impact fees, and why/why not?

Tingler:

Yes I do support some form of impact fees. I did not support the same impact fee that the county implemented because it hurt the industrial and commercial development within the city.

Carter:

I support impact fees as an effective method to keep our infrastructure current with the development that occurs in our city.  When calculated fairly and applied equitably, I believe we can show developers it is in our mutual best interest to work together to fund and build the infrastructure that makes their developments viable and marketable to the eventual buyer(s).

The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce:

What infrastructure do you consider critical for Covington to provide to prepare for future economic development?  The rewards of economic development tend to go to the communities that have invested in themselves, thus making the investor feel confident that it is a mutual investment.

Tingler:

At this point in time I believe investing in the Airport is the right thing to do. Not only will we get the tax dollars from the operation of the airport but it will be a major factor in getting larger industrial investments. These are investments that you want in the community; they do not require additional funding for classrooms, streets, etc.

Carter:

Roads, water and sewerage, gas and electric utilities, and waste management are always a factor.  Beyond that, our telecommunications infrastructure - especially wide-spread availability of high-speed data networks -- helps attract high-tech industry and supports our growing base of colleges and universities in the area.  I mentioned roads specifically, but we need to view transportation more broadly as an infrastructure component.  Things like sidewalks, multi-use trails, and possibly a public shuttle are also part of the transportation infrastructure that connects businesses with people who will work and shop there.  In that sense, the Covington Municipal Airport is also an aspect of our transportation infrastructure, and may require investments over time.  While outside the scope of the City of Covington, our county school system is also obviously a critical infrastructure component.

To the point about investing in ourselves, this is where careful planning and a strategic outlook are critical.  Knowing where, when, and how to invest in infrastructure cannot be a matter of instinct, faith, or "seizing the moment."  We need a strategic economic development plan, as well as a comprehensive plan for the community overall, to give us guidance on where to apply our finite resources toward infrastructure investments.  It is not enough to say:  "we need infrastructure to promote economic development."  The type of development we seek will determine the infrastructure most needed.  Whereas gas, electric, water, and sewerage may be the life blood of an industrial park, transportation will make or break a retail center.  This is why a strategic economic development plan is essential.  We need investments across the infrastructure spectrum, but we can only get maximum return when we prioritize investments against well-defined objectives.

Keep Covington/Newton County Beautiful:

What are your views on a stronger tree preservation and landscape ordinance?

Tingler:

The city has fairly strong tree and landscape ordinance. We also have a Tree Board that makes recommendations to the mayor and council. I support any efforts that will preserve and enhance the landscape and beautification of our city.

Carter:

Covington's large and historic trees are a natural asset we want to retain and protect.  When combined with our historic homes and friendly people, our vast tree canopy gives Covington a setting unrivaled by any town in America.  We cannot afford to lose that.  I want to encourage protection as much as possible through education and awareness.  In the end, our laws have to support conservation, but the best preservation efforts are those where the community has a shared commitment.  As far as our ordinances are concerned, I would start by ensuring we are fully and consistently enforcing the existing ordinances.  From there, we could look to other cities that have a strong track record of successful tree preservation, to learn from them what works and what does not.

Would you be willing to place a moratorium on new construction while we figure out available water resources?

Tingler:

I really think this is more a question for the county, but I think the planning commission and the council should look at future developments not only for water considerations, but other infrastructure such as waste water and electricity. Natural resources are not unlimited and we need to make responsible decisions.

Carter:

While concerned about our water supply, I do not favor a moratorium in the city at this time.  We should be considering the full impact of new developments on our water supply and other infrastructure, as we approve each one.  We need to plan for a future where drought is more frequent and severe than in the recent past, which is why I support Newton County's renewed effort to move forward on the Bear Creek Reservoir.  But, right now, a moratorium on development is not a good idea for Covington.

What are your views on local trails, i.e. biking and walking paths?

Tingler:

I support these 100%. Biking and walking paths can provide an alternative transportation system; serve as a recreational opportunity, while contributing to a healthier community and improved quality of life for its citizens.

Carter:

Walking and biking are important on several levels.  For some - whether by necessity or choice - these are modes of transportation to work, shop, and play.  For others, they are a means of recreation and social interaction.  Promoting walking and biking in both contexts is good for our city.  Our sidewalks in some parts of the city are great walking trails we have already today.  And, we should do all we can to increase that sidewalk network to neighborhoods that are underserved today in that respect.  Beyond that, providing a safe, well-maintained multi-use trail system will provide greater connectivity and enhanced recreational opportunities for our citizens and draw visitors from outside the city.  From an economic and a physical health perspective, it is good for the community.

What would you do to help provide increased maintenance of our city streets and right-of-ways?

Tingler:

I would like to see a better job done in the beautification of our streets. Many of the areas needing maintenance is due to the fact that the state will not give the city permission to work on state roads going through Covington. I would encourage the council to continue to put pressure on the state for these permits. Then we could utilize our resources to ensure all areas are kept clean and well-maintained.

Carter:

I cannot make a commitment without taking office and talking with the city officials responsible for providing this maintenance today.  I believe clean streets and right-of-ways are something we want.  At the same time, I have campaigned for fiscal responsibility and tighter spending controls in our city government.  If I promise to do more everywhere, I'm not doing my part to find fiscally responsible solutions.  So, before I advocate increases in these areas, I need to sit down with the City Manager and his department heads to discuss what can be done.

Would you support giving more support to local code enforcement officers and police to help clean up some of our blighted business and residential areas?

Tingler:

I would support it 100%.

Carter:

Yes.  My view is simple:  The law is the law, and our city ordinances are our laws.  If it is on the books - and we have extensive code governing housing - then is should be enforced consistently.  That means supporting those responsible for enforcement to whatever lengths are necessary to ensure our violations are cleaned up and our citizens know we support the laws we enact.

How would you propose to finance improvements along the Hwy 278 corridor, including the new LCI plan?

Tingler:

In 2005, Covington and Newton County received funds from the Atlanta Regional Commission for an LCI (Livable Centers Initiative) study. Funding for the project to finance improvements along the Hwy 278 corridor including the new LCI, will have to be done in stages. I propose to fund these initiatives through available city/county grants and private funding from corporate and individual investors.

Carter:

The simple answer:  One step at a time, one step at a time! 

The complicated answer:  The Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study presented a broad set of recommendations for the US 278 corridor and surrounding areas back in December of 2005.  And, the city has already undertaken some of those recommendations, like the model zoning ordinances.  But, the LCI recommendations  and underlying vision are far broader (and also less specific) than an overall plan for implementation.  The City of Covington's 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update lists in our "Short-Term Work Program" an entry titled "Implementation of LCI Recommendations," with an estimated cost of $40 million.  In reality, I don't think any of us knows the full cost of implementation.  But, it will take far more than what we have in the bank today.

Acting on LCI and making that vision a reality will require change on multiple levels:

1.         Most fundamental, and least costly, we must internalize the vision and the concepts behind LCI.  When we think about and see our city's evolution in the context of town centers, corridors, and neighborhoods, we will also find countless ways to realize the vision as part of city's natural evolution.

2.         We need to continue to implement policy changes that support an LCI view of our city's growth.  This means continuing to pursue and implement zoning changes consistent with that view.  It means maintaining our land use plans and using them to guide our day-to-day decisions and long-term thinking.  These changes are not without cost, but they are generally containable within what we already spend on maintaining our plans, policies, and ordinances. 

3.         The highest price tag items are, of course, those that deal with transportation issues.  As we know, road im