Highlighting the relationships he has forged with other local governments, Incumbent Mayor of Porterdale Bobby Hamby says if reelected he will focus on revitalization of the downtown, managing residential growth and maintaining the city's infrastructure.

Responding to a candidate survey with questions from various local civic organizations, compiled by The News and distributed to all candidates for municipal office in contested races, Hamby touched on his membership in the Newton County Leadership Collaborative where he sits on the Communications Committee as well as his seat on the board of the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority.

Asked by Smart Growth Newton what he would like to see implemented to bring more industrial and commercial businesses to the city, Hamby who is running for his second term as mayor responded, "Most of the county's population is in the western half. It is more convenient for these citizens to go to Rockdale to shop, eat, etc," Hamby wrote.

"We have to locate the retail and commercial area closer and more convenient to these residents. I believe the area along Crowell Road and Almon Road to be the best place to have this retail and commercial."

Responding to a question from The Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce on what infrastructure he believes is critical to the future economic development of the city, Hamby answered he felt Porterdale was well-prepared for future economic growth on account of some additional sewerage capacity which the city has recently acquired.

"I was instrumental in Porterdale acquiring 200,000 gallons per day of additional sewer treatment capacity," Hamby wrote. "This will allow Porterdale to grow over the next 10 to 15 years."

Asked by Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful if in light of the current drought he would be in support of placing a moratorium on new construction while the county assesses its water supply, Hamby said he would consider it but that other options such as exploring further the potential of the Yellow River and the South River as drinking sources should be taken first.

"If we need a moratorium, I would not be opposed to it, but with the slowing of the residential housing market, I believe we will have time to study our options," Hamby wrote.

Hamby is challenged by James Himes for the mayor's seat.

To read Hamby's full responses to questions from Smart Growth Newton, the Covington/Newton County Chamber of Commerce, Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, FaithWorks and The Arts Association in Newton County visit link below.