Fire Bond Referendum Fails
71 percent of the more than 700 voters in Canton opposed the $6 million bond that would have seen the city construct three new fire stations.
The Canton City Council will have to start at square one to solve the contentious issue of fire services for the city after voters overwhelmingly rejected a bond that would have paid for the construction of three new city fire stations.
Of the 731 votes cast early and on Election Day, 518 ballots, or 70.86 percent, were marked against the measure.
There are 11,683 registered voters in Canton, which translates to a turnout of 6.3 percent. The low turnout drew criticism from those on both sides of the referendum issue.
"I'm sorry we didn't get a better turnout," said Councilman John Beresford, who was in support of the bond. "We would have if people understood the issue better. We didn't have a grassroots bunch of cronies like the mayor did to get the word out."
Beresford went on to say, "I wish more citizens had taken a more active interest in the city, but I understand that most people are just trying to provide for their families in this economy. They leave decisions up to the city council. That's what we got voted in to do and that's what we will do."
"Turnout was terrible, yet I honestly feel like it was a fairly representative sample of everyone, even if they didn't make it out to the polls," said Mayor Gene Hobgood. "When you don't vote, you don't count. The apathy there is inexcusable to me. Even though it was only a six percent turnout, those six percent made a difference."
Beresford criticized the mayor for his "misinformation" on the fire bond and consolidating Canton's fire services with those provided by Cherokee County, and wondered why Hobgood was so eager to turn over essential city services to the the county.
"If he's the mayor of this city, he should act like the mayor of a city and not give it away to the county," he said. "To be the mayor of a city you have to have city services."
Hobgood said he was "very pleased" with the vote, and hoped the city council would respect the voice of the people and consider all options on the table for improving the city's fire services, including consolidation.
He added that he thought the way the city council dismissed consolidation proposals with the county last year played a part in the failure of the referendun.
Hobgood felt that the plans to build three new fire stations were overly ambitious, and suggested that if the city had wanted to only build one new station and not use bond money, Canton's voters would have accepted that proposal.
"We need to provide the best service at the most economic cost and I don't care what name is on the side of the truck," he said.
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Etowahwah
9:59 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Dear John,
Stop whining and accept defeat with dignity and honor. Did you ever stop to think that the Mayor has simply earned the trust of the people? To my knowledge, he approved the referendum, and he welcomed the people's decision. Unlike you and other members of the Gang of Five that actively and unethically advocated a yes vote, the Mayor said nothing on public record. Obviously, the NO side did a better job articulating their opinion. That's what referendums are all about. Welcome to democracy! Now, lick your wounds and move on. Perhaps you and your Council "cronies" could attempt to be more coolaborative and professional. As demonstrated by your past behavior, why should we entrust you with ouroney and best interests? The people have spoken. You have lost. Deal with it!
Shipp Cain
11:50 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Maybe the Gang of Five will understand the citizens of Canton stand behind our Mayor! Now ,has the Gof5 got the message they were wrong and reinstate Mayorial Powers as we have known them or will you still try to go against the Citizens and Mayor,who by the way,has the expierience and knowledgde and best interests of our City at heart to correctly lead Us forward or you will still try to undermine His decisions because ya'll didn't get your way?Let me be sure I sign this letter or I might be accused of hiding behind print. Sincerely, Shipp Cain
Patricia Saye
9:50 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I agree with you very much about this Shipp Cain and like you said God got the message and these people better believe that he got it
Retired Teacher
9:50 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Politics aside, seems to me like a foolish decision not to want your own safety.
Change For Canton
9:50 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Mr. Beresford,
If this "Plan" would have been a good one then the citizens would have supported it. It has nothing to do with sides or the Mayor. The major event that defeated this bond was the "Town Hall Meeting" and video. After seeing that, how could anyone vote yes for this measure? The Council of Five was ill prepared to sell their "vision" and that is the only reason this measure did not pass. Blame yourself, not "the cronies". You and the rest of your "buddies" had all the tools available to promote "your plan". You just did not use them. Grow up and gracefully except your defeat. Just think...at the end of the year, you will be free of this responsibility.
Cogito Ergo Sum
11:52 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I was pleased to see the referendum fail because I believe taxing homeowners differently than any other resident is wrong. Whether the taxing authority is local, state or federal, all liability should be equally divided among the residents of said jurisdiction. It's obscene that anyone be able to "vote" to raise my taxes, but not their own.
hope
11:52 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hobgood - "Turnout was terrible, yet I honestly feel like it was a fairly representative sample of everyone, even if they didn't make it out to the polls"...(6.3 percent of registered voters!) Fairly representative? Can someone make him stop talking?
Canton Old Timer
4:35 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
glad bond defeated
Canton Forward
5:21 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
I hope that the gang of five will now listen to the ideas of the Mayor and Cummings. They need to restart at square one and this time do a thorough analysis of consolidation with the county. That is what the citizens have voted.
Fire Eater
8:28 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
As a fire officer for another department, that lives in the Canton area, several of my friends have asked me my opinion on the fire bond. My answer: "Until the city is willing to properly staff the stations and equipment it has, there is no point in building any more buildings, or buying anymore trucks. The downtown station should have a minimum of 9 on duty, 24 hours a day. The south station should have a minimum of 4, unless of course the ladder truck there is still in service and not a reserve, then a minimum of 9 as well. They are a LONG way from this, so either fix the staffing, or get out of the fire business altogether.
Mr. Blue and Mr. White
12:56 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
The citizens of Canton better wake up. If you really think consolidation of your fire services is the key to better service, then keep going down this path. I don't like our city council nor our mayor. They are a disgrace. Do your homework... Not only on the politicians running your city but on consolidation. I have nothing against the county fire service. I don't have anything against the city fire service either. Both have good folks that love to serve the public. Just make sure if you want consolidation that the coverage will be the same if not better for the city. The county is short staffed as well. The last time this was seriously talked about Station 16 in downtown would house the Hazmat team and Station 11 would be closed. What does that mean for the city? NO COVERAGE!! DO YOUR HOMEWORK PEOPLE!!
youngmom
4:22 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013
guys the real statement to come out of all this is the rudundancy not only of the canton fire department but of the entire city. a city inside of a thriving county like cherokee is a dinosaur and an expensive one at that. we have taken a great first step towards getting rid of the whole thing. after fire all thats left of any significance is police and streets. lets get rid of them next.
Change For Canton
11:13 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
You would like that Mr. Bryan..