The following interview was conducted by the Fayette County News. I reproduced my response to assist voters in making their decision. I am available as always to speak with anyone who wishes. Thank you very much for the opportunity I have had to serve, and I respectfully ask that you vote for me to continue the excellent course Fayette County has chartered over the past seven years.
Charles W. Oddo
Vice Chairman, Fayette County Board of Commissioners
Candidate, District 5, At Large
email: oddonow@aol.com
cell phone: 770-843-4034
Fayette County News 05.13.2020
May 13 Fayette County News – Charles W. Oddo
What future recreational opportunities do you see for the county?
When we hear Fayette County Parks and Recreation, it is natural to think sports. But like the forest we know is there, we don’t see the trees unless we look. When we “look” at Parks and Recreation, we see much more than sports. Programs are family-friendly, age-friendly, and ability-friendly. We have children’s programs, trips for adults, leisure programs, and special events for all ages as well as programs for individuals with disabilities.
To be sure, existing sports activities are standard and popular … youth baseball, volleyball, tennis, cross-country, adult basketball, men’s one-pitch softball, table-tennis, and more.
But there is also …. line dancing, yoga, karate, pickleball, Mountain Bike Club (new program), adult trips and social gatherings.
Special events are scheduled throughout the year …. Stargazing Night (Lake Horton), Summer Snores and S’mores (camping overnight at Kiwanis Park), Drive In Movies (Kiwanis Park), Summer Yard Sale (Kiwanis Park), Food Truck Frenzy (4 times at various parks), and Balloons Over Fayette (returning in 2021).
Plans are being made to resume some programs beginning in June, adhering to all safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Park walking trails have remained open throughout the recent weeks, affording families an opportunity for quality time together in fresh air and sunshine while socially distancing.
During the coming months, Parks and Recreation will develop virtual programs and on-line classes, embracing life post COVID-19. Existing facilities and walking trails will be refurbished and improved. Longer term, the vision is to grow as the County evolves. Ideas are being explored for a new facility, potentially incorporating indoor multipurpose uses, centrally located within Fayette.
A complete schedule can be requested from Parks and Recreation: Phone: 770-716-4320, or recreation@fayettecountyga.gov.
For more information on my candidacy, please visit: www.oddonow.com
Respectfully I ask your vote to continue, Charles W. Oddo, Fayette County Commissioner, District 5 At-Large.
Would you be in favor of consolidating some services with the cities?
Consolidation of some services could certainly produce economies of scale to benefit the entire community. Our population is not so great that it requires segmenting to provide services. Most counties in metro Atlanta provide services to greater populations than we have here in Fayette.
Some services in Fayette County and local municipalities are not mutually exclusive to the governing entities. In fact, to an extent there is already an informal consolidation that avoids duplication of some services. It makes sense.
For example, the County provides 911 services to all county and city residents. Where time is of essence, it clearly makes sense that emergencies are routed through a central point. Fayette County will soon be providing cutting-edge 911 technology that will precisely and quickly locate victims. We are the first county in North America to incorporate the Carbyne system that will benefit all residents in unincorporated and municipal Fayette County.
Fayette County also provides emergency medical services throughout the county, with the exceptions of Peachtree City and Fayetteville which maintain their own EMS.
Other examples of services the County provides to unincorporated and municipal residents include ….
Elections. Tax assessor. Tax collection. Water (except Fayetteville). All justice center services – Superior Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, Public Defender, District Attorney, Jail. Coroner. Emergency Management. Public Health Department. Pass through funding for senior services, and State and Federal projects. The Animal Shelter. Code enforcement support in Tyrone. Assistance with municipal paving projects.
It makes economic sense to have one provider of these mutually necessary services to the entire community. It also makes sense to look at other services that potentially could be combined. Increasing efficiency and maintaining taxes as low as possible would benefit all residents.
I believe it is our fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of our county and cities that we, as elected officials, keep our minds open to ways we can work together to enhance living in our community. However, it can only happen with a willingness among the elected officials to consider the benefits our residents could reap. During my tenure in office, I have been part of the conversation, and I respectfully ask your vote so I may continue the conversation,
Charles W. Oddo, Fayette County Commissioner, District 5 At-Large.
For more information on my candidacy, please visit: www.oddonow.com
Charles W. Oddo
Vice Chairman, Fayette County Board of Commissioners
Candidate, District 5, At Large
email: oddonow@aol.com
cell phone: 770-843-4034
Fayette County News 05.13.2020
May 13 Fayette County News – Charles W. Oddo
What future recreational opportunities do you see for the county?
When we hear Fayette County Parks and Recreation, it is natural to think sports. But like the forest we know is there, we don’t see the trees unless we look. When we “look” at Parks and Recreation, we see much more than sports. Programs are family-friendly, age-friendly, and ability-friendly. We have children’s programs, trips for adults, leisure programs, and special events for all ages as well as programs for individuals with disabilities.
To be sure, existing sports activities are standard and popular … youth baseball, volleyball, tennis, cross-country, adult basketball, men’s one-pitch softball, table-tennis, and more.
But there is also …. line dancing, yoga, karate, pickleball, Mountain Bike Club (new program), adult trips and social gatherings.
Special events are scheduled throughout the year …. Stargazing Night (Lake Horton), Summer Snores and S’mores (camping overnight at Kiwanis Park), Drive In Movies (Kiwanis Park), Summer Yard Sale (Kiwanis Park), Food Truck Frenzy (4 times at various parks), and Balloons Over Fayette (returning in 2021).
Plans are being made to resume some programs beginning in June, adhering to all safety protocols and social distancing requirements. Park walking trails have remained open throughout the recent weeks, affording families an opportunity for quality time together in fresh air and sunshine while socially distancing.
During the coming months, Parks and Recreation will develop virtual programs and on-line classes, embracing life post COVID-19. Existing facilities and walking trails will be refurbished and improved. Longer term, the vision is to grow as the County evolves. Ideas are being explored for a new facility, potentially incorporating indoor multipurpose uses, centrally located within Fayette.
A complete schedule can be requested from Parks and Recreation: Phone: 770-716-4320, or recreation@fayettecountyga.gov.
For more information on my candidacy, please visit: www.oddonow.com
Respectfully I ask your vote to continue, Charles W. Oddo, Fayette County Commissioner, District 5 At-Large.
Would you be in favor of consolidating some services with the cities?
Consolidation of some services could certainly produce economies of scale to benefit the entire community. Our population is not so great that it requires segmenting to provide services. Most counties in metro Atlanta provide services to greater populations than we have here in Fayette.
Some services in Fayette County and local municipalities are not mutually exclusive to the governing entities. In fact, to an extent there is already an informal consolidation that avoids duplication of some services. It makes sense.
For example, the County provides 911 services to all county and city residents. Where time is of essence, it clearly makes sense that emergencies are routed through a central point. Fayette County will soon be providing cutting-edge 911 technology that will precisely and quickly locate victims. We are the first county in North America to incorporate the Carbyne system that will benefit all residents in unincorporated and municipal Fayette County.
Fayette County also provides emergency medical services throughout the county, with the exceptions of Peachtree City and Fayetteville which maintain their own EMS.
Other examples of services the County provides to unincorporated and municipal residents include ….
Elections. Tax assessor. Tax collection. Water (except Fayetteville). All justice center services – Superior Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, Public Defender, District Attorney, Jail. Coroner. Emergency Management. Public Health Department. Pass through funding for senior services, and State and Federal projects. The Animal Shelter. Code enforcement support in Tyrone. Assistance with municipal paving projects.
It makes economic sense to have one provider of these mutually necessary services to the entire community. It also makes sense to look at other services that potentially could be combined. Increasing efficiency and maintaining taxes as low as possible would benefit all residents.
I believe it is our fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of our county and cities that we, as elected officials, keep our minds open to ways we can work together to enhance living in our community. However, it can only happen with a willingness among the elected officials to consider the benefits our residents could reap. During my tenure in office, I have been part of the conversation, and I respectfully ask your vote so I may continue the conversation,
Charles W. Oddo, Fayette County Commissioner, District 5 At-Large.
For more information on my candidacy, please visit: www.oddonow.com