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Challenger Tom Gordineer and council member Lance Bagley are running for Post 6.
With the race for Dahlonega City Council well underway and early voting fast approaching, The Nugget recently posed several questions to Post 6 contenders for the first in our series of candidate Q&A's.
Council member Lance Bagley and challenger Tom Gordineer touched on topics ranging from the current City-vs-County lawsuit to open container rules to future growth strategies for Dahlonega. Next week will feature questions-and-answers for Post 5 candidates Dan Brown, Melanie Dunlap and James Guy. Early voting will begin October 16 and will be held at the Lumpkin County Elections and Registration Office on Short Street.
Question: What is the greatest need for Dahlonega right now? How should the City fulfill it?
Bagley:
We need a strategic plan on how to manage growth in our City. As a current City council member, I voted for a housing study and for a review of our current zoning ordinances in order to identify needs and gaps to ensure that we have strong zoning rules to manage growth. We need to have a clear road map of where and what growth will look like within the City. People want to live, visit, and stay in Dahlonega, and we need to ensure that citizens have access to housing/affordable housing, and our neighborhoods and residential areas continue to be for residents of the City. Future home and apartment growth should target home ownership for residents and inventory for long term renters. We need active community involvement in the zoning update. We need to implement current plans to maintain and enhance our infrastructure, to include providing clean drinking water and ensuring a safe environment for our residents. There is a schedule for repairing streets and sidewalks throughout our neighborhoods and communities, which we need to continue to work through as the budget permits.
Gordineer:
The greatest need is a clear picture of Dahlonega of the future. Do we have a good comprehensive plan to manage growth? Just 10 miles down 400 in Dawson County we are seeing the effects of Urban Sprawl. Yes, 10,000 plus people are still moving to the metro Atlanta area each year- some will look toward the mountains sooner or later.
We presently have two large apartment complexes under discussion. One will be proposed October 2nd at the planning meeting, the other is in pending litigation against the City by the developer. They want to change zoning from R-2 (townhomes) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) (apartments) which would allow for high density housing/development.
Right now, I believe is the time to make sure we have good, solid and historically relevant zoning . We will be reviewing our zoning requirements this year, I feel this is the most important part of the council's agenda- to protect our town. We need to make sure that we do not rush forward with developing our limited resources, our land at too great a cost to our future and our citizens' tax dollars.
Question: The City and County are currently embroiled in a lawsuit. What’s your stance on this suit? Do you support going forward with it or finding a way to end it?
Bagley:
As a resident and a current City Council member, I want a strong working relationship with the County. Dahlonega and Lumpkin County leaders should be working together to find common areas for positive community impacts, such as the reservoir recreation development plans. I am always willing to meet with County leaders to find an amicable resolution to the current lawsuits. Lawsuits should be a last resort, especially when dealing with the City/County. I will, however, always fight to protect the interests of the City and its constituents when necessary.
Gordineer:
I can not believe we got to the point of suing ourselves (which is what is happening). We are City residents but we are also County residents. We are also neighbors and Friends with County residents. We go to Yahoola Park together, we play pickleball together. How is it that with the vast experiences and backgrounds of our County commissioners and City council, they would not be able to get in a room and iron out an agreement like grown ups. It appears the only winner in this dispute will be the out of town attorneys. The loser will be the taxpayers of Lumpkin County and City of Dahlonega. Let’s get this family matter settled now so we can celebrate Thanksgiving together.
Question: Some local vendors have called for a special dining district in downtown Dahlonega, in which restaurants customers are allowed to openly carry alcohol in approved containers. Would you support something like this?
Bagley:
Dahlonega was recently named the best small City in Georgia by Southern Living magazine. Our City has history, nature, quaint shops, and unique restaurants in a safe, clean, mountain setting. This reputation has taken years to develop, so I support a slow approach to anything that would affect this success. On the City council, I voted to create the first liquor store in the City in 2022 and for loosening the alcohol restrictions during recent festivals. I want to clearly understand the benefits and consequences of open container for the City, hear the feedback of citizens, and review the potential impacts to our City. Dahlonega is a safe, fun, and family-oriented City, and I will always support programs that maintain, enhance and grow the Dahlonega experience for our citizens and visitors.
Gordineer:
I believe this is one of those issues which brings a lot of emotion to the surface, I think it should be brought to referendum. There are several cities that have successfully implemented this program such as Decatur, Norcross and Roswell. Dahlonega needs to discuss with them the pros and cons.
A “ Tourist / Dining Enhancement Program” would be a better title for this rather than “ Open Container” as it has been referred to.
Our downtown area does experience a high volume of traffic on weekends, during events and throughout the holidays. The ability for customers to enjoy a mobile beverage while they wait would enable them to visit the shops more, thereby bringing more revenue to not only their restaurants of choice, but also to our City as a whole. This should not be viewed as an opportunity for people to be engaging in gross public intoxication - there will be containers specific either to individual establishments or to Historic Dahlonega (more advertising). They will be discrete, normal size cups. As with any topic, there are multiple sides to be considered. An in-depth discussion (citizens listening session) and so the council would know how citizens truly feel.
Question: The proposed housing complex on Pinetree Way has some concerned about traffic and stress on infrastructure, while others see it fulfilling a need for housing within the City limits. What are your thoughts on this potential development?
Bagley:
Dahlonega needs more housing, but we need more housing in the right locations. We will need to understand the traffic impact that the Cottrell Elementary School and future Aquatic Center will have on our traffic on the Pinetree Way intersection. The City Council also requested a review of our zoning ordinances to ensure that they are current and reflect the direction of the City. It will be important to see the final plans submitted by the developer to understand the full size and scope of their project. Finally, we need to ensure that we hear the voice of the citizens. We will have listening sessions to ensure that the community has input regarding the project. The traffic impact study, zoning ordinance review, final developer plans, and citizen feedback will be used to determine if this project is a fit for Pinetree Way.
Gordineer:
If you drive on Morrison Moore Parkway, you know the problem. The traffic backs up at certain times from S. Chestatee to Memorial. You can not make a left out of Riley St or the library. It is a similar problem if you want to make left onto S. Chestatee from the main entrance at Achasta. I have seen it time and time again that a beautiful area becomes desirable, then developers jump in with big dollars to buy land to optimize their profit by cramming the most bedrooms (cars) per square foot of land, making the statement “we're going to pay more taxes.” I have never seen it offset the strain on roads, schools, water, sewer and all infrastructure. And our way of life. Who gets to pay the bill? You and me.
I believe we need to take a breath and think this out before we can’t move around town and how the new housing is not the panacea.
The alternative is Urban Sprawl like what you see on 400 in Dawson County.
Remember why you choose to live in and love Dahlonega: clean air, clean water, bright skies, good environment, open roads, low crime, good schools and nice people.
Your input would be appreciated votegordineer.com
Question: What personal qualities make you the most qualified candidate for this position?
Bagley:
I first came to Dahlonega in January 1989 for Ranger School; I remember that visit very well. We moved here permanently in 2018 with the goal of being involved in the community. My wife and I have started two businesses in the City, and I currently serve as a Dahlonega City Council member and am an active member of the Sunrise Rotary. My daughter and son-in-law are UNG alumni. I am passionate about community involvement, and spend my time and resources at numerous non-profits throughout the City and County. I am a leader in the Memorial Marker project, run the chains for LCHS football games, and have announced LCHS basketball and football games. As a veteran, I am a leader in the US Mountain Ranger Assoc, and a member of the American Legion and VFW. I am a West Point graduate with an MBA from the Univ of Oregon, former Army Infantry officer, Airborne Ranger, and current corporate executive. I chose to live in Dahlonega and want to keep our City a great, family-oriented City for our kids and grandkids. I ask for your support and vote. Please follow me at my Facebook page: Lance Bagley Dahlonega City Council.
Gordineer:
Knowing that I don’t know it all. Studying all issues, especially listening, asking for input, willing to change positions with more knowledge.
Good negotiator and great compromiser.
Good communicator with intelligent , articulate, and thoughtful presentations designed to include all perspectives.
I will build consensus to pull our council together, while respecting council, City staff and citizens.
I will bring a fresh new look to the council. A citizen's voice of reason.
Vote gordineer.com your input will be appreciated.
DJ, my wife of 42 years is part of the management team at our local Walmart. We participate in and help with many community activities. We love Dahlonega.
I have a wide range of corporate and small business experience. My first position was with the Veterans Administration. I held financial Controller positions with three Fortune 100 companies, ending with an Officers position with Motorola Communications and Electronics. I was involved in property acquisition and zoning in my last position. My wife and I also started four small businesses: a restaurant, Montessori Preschool, real estate and property management. I presently do air quality inspections throughout the region.