I believe that former Cobb Chairman Ernest Barrett was a visionary who believed in something bigger than himself and was confident that he would achieve his goals regardless of the challenges. He was a small-business man with a large vision who understood the infrastructure that was needed for Cobb to become an economic powerhouse and persuaded the voters to fund this vision through bonds.

We are the beneficiaries of his political acumen and live in a Cobb markedly different and better than his time. The crux of the race for Cobb chairman is how to differentiate between the candidates. This is where vision comes into play. A vision is forward-looking. It doesn’t look to restore or return to something but to build on the gains achieved. The execution of the vision recognizes the diversity of the voters while seeking common ground upon which to build a consensus.

In my campaign for Cobb County chairman, I have a vision of Cobb government that, in the words of another Marine, is principled, competitive and strong. This vision is an amalgam of my life experiences as a Marine officer and several years of listening to people through my involvement with the community in Cobb. The planks of this vision are low taxes, lean government and solidly standing behind our peace officers and firemen. The vision emerges from what I have heard voters request in their public officials: integrity, recognizing that a sound economic footprint is the underpinning for low taxes, and a conviction that by working together we can build a better future.

We shall seek to continue our tradition of low taxes. Certainly any sales tax above 6 percent does not meet that standard except under extraordinary circumstances. We shall have policies that encourage entrepreneurship with responsible growth. We shall work closely with, but not subservient to, the private sector in attracting and redeveloping businesses in Cobb County. We shall work as hard to enhance the business environment on 6 Flags Drive as we shall on Canton Road. With regard to zoning decisions, they should reflect the same fairness for communities along Dallas Highway as they do for those on Johnson Ferry Road. While we do not live in fear, we realize that the preservation of law and order requires a properly compensated, trained and equipped force of first responders. We shall celebrate our diversity because that is the formula that best uses the gifts of everyone for the common good.

With this vision we can create a tomorrow in Cobb that assures those rights in our Declaration of Independence of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. With their vote on July 31 I look to join with other residents in continuing the legacy of greatness that is Cobb's.