Both Monroe County District 2 race candidates want to create jobs

The race for the District 2 seat on the Monroe County Commission pits a 29-year incumbent against a challenger who has never held elected office.

Jim Ham, 54, who has been on the commission since 1987, serving four of those years as chairman, is facing John Martin, 66, a newcomer who says it’s time for a change.

There are several things going on in the county, and Ham said he wants to wants to continue to be involved.

“I want to be a part of the solution to fix what needs to be fixed and bring in new ideas and pick up ideas from the people,” he said.

Both candidates agree that economic development and job growth is important.

Ham said that for every dollar that industry or commercial businesses pay in taxes only requires a small amount in services.

“So it’s important to bring commercial and industrial jobs to the county to offset what you would lose on a house that does not pay its way,” Ham said.

One way the county commission has tried to help its growth is to contract with the Macon Water Authority and the Butts County Water & Sewer Authority to provide water to residents.

“The state decided a long time ago it wanted to regionalize the water business,” Ham said. “It made sense for us, and I played a major role in getting water to come to Monroe County from the Macon Water Authority, and we have a long-term contract.”

Martin to approach seat as he did railroad job

Martin grew up in Macon and after retiring from Norfolk Southern Railway in 2010, he moved to Monroe County.

“After coming back here you realize that Forsyth and Monroe County are basically unchanged,” he said.

The county has had two industrial parks for years, but they have one or two businesses, he said.

“In my opinion, we have certain special interest groups i.e., cattle farmers, and their main interest is … green, grazing grassland and water,” Martin said. “So it seems the county is stymied by certain people and those special interest groups. … We need jobs in Monroe County. We need growth. … I don’t feel like we’re getting anywhere. I ran (for office) basically to try to move that process along.

“I’m not a career politician,” he said. “I will approach it like I did on my job with the railroad … try to figure out what it’s going to take to fix or correct the problem and move forward.”

Martin would like to see the county make better use of the two rail lines it has by adding rail head service, which could attract more industry. He also would like to see the county improve its Internet service and cell phone service.

Martin also would like to encourage residents to get more involved in local government.

“They need to take an interest,” he said. “They need to come to commission meetings and City Council meetings and be involved. And that’s what I want to do, is get involvement of the people.”

Martin said he wants the county to set goals.

“I want a this-year plan,” he said. “I want a five-year projected plan, and a 10-year plan to move this county forward.”

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Both Monroe County District 2 race candidates want to create jobs."