Candidate questionnaire: Kenny Shook

2. Can you outline your top three priorities if you are elected as commissioner?

My top priorities for Barrow County are:

1. Providing the highest level of essential services at the most affordable cost to the citizens of Barrow County.

2. Maintaining a budget that does not require tax increases.

3. Ensuring that our approach to growth that will occur is smart, sensible and sustainable.

Essential services such as water, sewer, public safety, roads and bridges are what your tax dollars are used for. We are required to provide these services. They should continue to be priority one. While in office 2012-2016, I never voted for a tax increase and I will not vote for a tax increase, ever. I am a “growth pays for growth” candidate. Effectively balancing our county with the proper matrix of agricultural, residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial growth will ensure the millage rate will remain steady. Barrow County reviews its comprehensive plan every 5-10 years. Understanding the growth and preparing for it is paramount to our county’s success. My experience with growing business as well as understanding government will help navigate us through our growth.

3. How do you plan to manage the county’s budget effectively and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely?

Barrow County functions under a county manager framework.

The county manager is responsible for submitting a budget to the Board of Commissioners for approval. He will work closely with department heads and commissioners to develop a budget that is fiscally responsible and ensures essential services. As commissioner I will meticulously review the budget line item by line item to make sure we do not have wasteful spending. I will look at our budget just like I do my household budget and my business budget. Your tax dollars need to work for you. After all, it is my job as commissioner to be accountable to you in all areas of government.

4. What steps do you believe need to be taken to improve infrastructure and transportation within the county?

Barrow County has major arteries like I-85 and 316 as well as highways 11, 53 and others running through it. We all know it is a busy place. Our infrastructure is in great shape for the future. Bear Creek Reservoir and other sources will provide water for the next 50-70 years. Recently, Tsplost took effect and will generate upwards of $180 million dollars the next 5 years. Collaborative efforts between the county, DOT and cities will continue to strengthen infrastructure and improve transportation in the county. Recently, we have seen new overpasses and roundabouts to improve traffic issues with more to come. As commissioner I will work diligently to achieve solutions to keep us ahead of the growth.

5. How do you envision the county evolving and improving over the next four years under your leadership?

Barrow County is in the 5th fastest growing micropolitan region in the United States. People want to be here for many reasons. Our county has a lot to offer. Yet room for even better. Strong leadership, common sense, accountability, and being available to you the citizens will be the approach I bring the next 4 years. I have invested a lifetime and now 3 generations of family in our county. I am both passionate and excited about our future. Change and growth is coming and I am capable to lead us forward. Most of all, I want to be a part of our great county and am fully committed to giving you my best. We will be successful. Vote Kenny Shook District 2 Commissioner. The clear choice for Barrow County.

Thank you for this opportunity and may God continue to bless you and our county we proudly call home.