Candidate Profile: Corey Ragsdale For Cherokee Commission District 4

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — Two candidates are running for Cherokee County Board of Commissioners District 4 in the May 24 General Primary Election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as the primary draws near.

Corey Ragsdale is running for Cherokee County Board of Commissioners District 4.

<b>Name</b>

Corey Ragsdale

<b>Campaign website</b>

https://www.electragsdale.com

<b>City or town of residence</b>

Acworth, GA

<b>Office sought</b>

Cherokee County Commissioner, District 4

<b>Party affiliation</b>

Republican

<b>Education</b>

BS Mechanical Engineering and MBA

<b>Occupation</b>

Self Employed, Manufacturing Sales 12 years

<b>Family</b>

Wife of 13 years, Angela. 8 year old daughter, Everley.

<b>Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?</b>

No, just me.

<b>Age</b>

35

<b>Previous public office, appointive or elective</b>

Yes, I am currently the County Commissioner for District 4

<b>Why are you seeking this office?</b>

I ran for this office and was elected 4 years ago. During my first term, we have made great progress in controlling development in District 4, engaging the community and developing future plans for parks and recreation. Now that we have great plans in place, I am running for a second term to see those plans put into action. I have also established great relationships with our public safety departments over the last three years and want to continue supporting them and giving their employees the tools they need to succeed.

<b>Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.</b>

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is growth, and I plan to continue implementing the comprehensive land use plan to keep growth under control. In District 4, we also have the SW Cherokee Small Area Plan and the SW Cherokee Parks and Trails Plan. These plans are critical in planning future growth in District 4 and I will continue to utilize them during my next term.

<b>What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?</b>

The major differences between my opponent and I are our views on growth, she wants to plan for more growth, and I support responsible controlled growth. My opponent has said time and time again that we need a strategic plan to prepare for future growth. The county already has a 20-year strategic plan, our land use plan, and I think we have to follow it in order to control the growth and preserve our quality of life.

The comprehensive land use plan is a 20-year strategic plan that not only controls our growth it also includes planning for transportation and other infrastructure needs, a capital improvement plan, planning for parks, recreation and greenspace, the airport area master plan, the SW Cherokee redevelopment plan, the Bells Ferry LCI plan, Technology Ridge redevelopment plan, a solid waste management plan, plans to preserve and protect our natural resources, and planning economic opportunities for job growth and a balanced tax base. The county also has development regulations for both residential and commercial developments that include architectural standards.

Another issue that my opponent and I have a difference of opinion is the transfer of development rights, which she supports, I don't! Transfer of development rights would render our land use plan useless and would eliminate citizen participation in the zoning process. We encourage residents to participate in the process, and I would not support a plan that would remove our residents from the process.

<b>If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?</b>

I am the incumbent in this race and am very proud of what the board has accomplished in the last 3 years.

<b>What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?</b>

I have been a big supporter of public safety during my first term and I will continue to push for better pay and resources for public safety. As our county grows, the needs of public safety grow as well and we need to ensure we are meeting those needs.

I have also pushed hard for additional parks and recreation developments in District 4 during my first term. I will continue to do that and see that our District 4 parks are developed according to the new plans we have.

<b>What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?</b>

Over the last three years, I have been able to guide developments and growth in District 4 in a direction that the public approves of and that follows our land use plan. I have also helped keep our taxes at one of the lowest rates in the entire state. Upon reelection, I will continue those efforts to keep Cherokee as the best place to live in Georgia.

<b>What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?</b>

Surround yourself with the right people.

<b>Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?</b>

We currently have a very effective board of commissioners that is doing great things for Cherokee County. I need your support and your vote on or before May 24th so that I can continue to make a positive impact in District 4.