Todd Levent's Position on Issues

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To: ForsythCRG.org  Committee Members
Subject: My position on issues contained in your Candidate Questions
by: Todd Levent
Date: May 1, 2010

Forsyth Citizens for Responsible Growth,

Thank you for the opportunity to fully address the issues in your 14 questions and the opportunity to more fully state my positions which are based on what the citizens I have talked to want in their commissioner.  If elected I will strive to follow these commitments.

Sincerely

Todd Levent

1.     Will the candidate place a maximum $$ contribution limit from LLC's/Corporations/other entities professionals in or serving the Development Industry?

I will not discriminate against any other citizen or group of citizens who wish to participate in the electoral process regardless of whether they make a contribution.  I will however limit contributions from the development industry to $750.
2. What is most important to a BoC member?
  • Existing residents
  • Development industry
The existing residents of Forsyth County.
 
3. How should the county obtain revenue from new non-residential properties?

For the second month in a row, Georgia's unemployment has reached an all-time high of 10.6%. For the purpose of creating jobs and generating revenue from new businesses it's important to encourage national & international companies to move to Forsyth County.
 
4. Does the county have adequate undeveloped property designated in the Future Land Use Map for Office, Commercial, and Industrial uses?

I believe there are adequate parcels designated by the Land Use Plan with infrastructure in place for regional offices or manufacturing sites that will cover us for years.
 
5. How should the county follow the Comprehensive Plan, the Future Land Use Map, and the UDC?
  • Use as a guideline or follow strictly, and,
  • Change only when approved by majority of nearby citizens or frequently without input

I believe all are documents that must be followed very closely and any changes should be made only with significant citizen input, particularly nearby homeowners.
 
6. How does the county handle the fact that
  • There are some 10+ years of residential lots and tracts undeveloped?
  • There are major vacancies in malls, strip malls, and "re-zoned major" complexes postponed due to economic conditions.
I believe in having a twofold plan:
  • One that will establish laws that prevent unfinished development from becoming unsightly blight and the unnecessary reduction of nearby property values
  • Secondly we need to encourage development of the stalled shopping centers as our economy shows positive signs.
     
7.

County revenue decreases have required substantial county budget reductions. What specific actions should the county take to overcome this issue? (Name at least 5)

Clearly, we should follow the state mandated split by population of all future Lost and Splost revenue with the city (#8 below).  The county will rightfully gain at least $8 million dollars in annual revenue.
  • I commit to end the reckless spending and fiscal mismanagement of the last four years. I believe a commissioner should be as reluctant to spend taxpayer's money as he is his own.  One good example is the $7.2 million spent on land to build a new jail. Today the land sits vacant, produces no tax revenue and is worth less than the day it was purchased.
  • We need to make sure all property owners pay their fair share of property tax, and, that tax assessments and tax laws are being enforced equally.
  • We need to look at how fees can be adjusted where certain entities create large costs for the county and pay little or no off-setting fees or taxes.
  • I believe the commissioners should be pro-active in attracting new businesses into Forsyth County to increase our tax base.
  • We need to encourage more new residents to fill vacant homes and properties.
     
8. How should the county handle the Splost and Lost revenue splits with the City of Cumming?

I believe that all future Splost & Lost arrangements shall follow the State mandated rule based on the population percentages in the event that negotiations do not result in a similar amount.
 
9. How should the County handle the water supply situation with the Corps of Engineers and the City of Cumming? Do you think it's OK that the city charges the county approximately 2X as much per 1,000 gallons (for wholesale finished water) as it charges city residents as a retail price?

No. I don't think charging the county almost twice the amount charged city residents is fair.  In light of Judge Paul Magnusson's ruling, I believe it is critical the county begin to look for alternative water sources.
 
10. What are the advantages & disadvantages of just having a county government (combining the city and county governments and infrastructure?)

Athens Clarke County is a perfect example of what can be done when city and county governments are combined.  There are numerous efficiencies that result from eliminating the duplication of services.  This is a long term issue that needs to be addressed by all parties as all will benefit.
 
11.   Road Widenings:
  • Castleberry Rd (between Bethelview & Cumming).  Voter approved Splost called for widening but did not specify.  Most adjacent citizens wish only 3 lanes (which include turn lanes).  What will you support?

3 lanes including turning lanes would be appropriate

  • Castleberry Rd (between Bethelview & Highway 9.  No Splost approval. What would you support?

I believe the BoC approved widening this part of Castleberry by 2 feet. This is OK plus the right hand turning lanes required by the recent rezoning.

  • Majors Road - - how many lanes?  What would you support for Majors  between:
    • Ronald Reagan to Highway 9?
      3 lanes
    • Highway 9 to Castleberry Rd?
      3 lanes & assess during final plan reviews of Venable Hall
    • Castleberry to Post Road?
      Maintain no thru truck and two lanes
       
12. If elected, would the candidate serve a single term or multiple terms?

I only have plans to run a single term at this time unless enough citizens persuade me to run for an additional term.
 
13. What would be the top three initiatives you would undertake as Commissioner District 3?

I have Four top priorities:
  • First.  Be responsive to all District 3 homeowners and families.
  • Second.  Responsible growth in both residential and Business/commercial per the Land Use Plan to increase our tax base.
  • Third.  Provide Fiscal Responsibility.
  • Fourth.  Continue Quality of Life Development including exploring options that might assist School Board revenue shortfalls. Also, keep Forsyth citizens safe with the best First Responders.
     
14 After 4 years as Commissioner, what would be the 3 most common characterizations by District 3 citizens of you?

I would like people to say
  • “he showed us respect by listening.
  • “he pursued responsible growth to help create a better Quality of Life,” and
  • “he helped the county and thus we, its residents be financially more secure."