Incumbents to Face Challenges

The terms of Mayor Gene Hobgood and council members Pat Tanner (Ward I), Jack Goodwin (Ward II) and Amelia Rose (Ward III) are up and all have said they plan to run for re-election.

At the end of the first day of the qualifying period, challengers stepped up to unseat everyone except Hobgood. A total of five people—incumbents Hobgood and Goodwin and challengers Glen Cummins, Bill Grant, and Hooky Huffman—jumped into races for mayor and three city council seats, city clerk Coty Ervin said today.

These are the candidates who have submitted background information to Canton-Sixes Patch. We will update this file as more candidates follow suit.

MAYOR

• Mayor Gene Hobgood
  • Professional background: commercial real estate appraiser for 20 years on a part- and full-time basis; marketing representative for PBS&J (now Atkins) from 1995-2011; marketing representative for MSE from 1991-1995.
  • Government-related experience: Cherokee County Tax Commissioner, 1977-1982, (twice elected); sole Cherokee County Commissioner, 1983-1990, (twice elected); Canton Mayor, 2008-present.
  • Why you're running for mayor/Your plan to move Canton forward: "I am seeking re-election because I love this city and I want our residents both current and future to be proud to say they live in Canton, GA. I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of solving problems and Canton needs a problem solver. We have made tremendous progress in stabilizing Canton's debt-ridden finances through conservative budgeting and cautious spending. While the city's debt has prevented us from moving forward with some much needed projects and improvements, we are now in a better position to move our city forward in a number of different areas, including water and sewer, recreation, street improvements, updating our zoning ordinance and development regulations, new fire stations and improved public safety, and promoting economic development. Dealing with these issues will move our city forward." 
  • Should Canton keep the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir: "The city of Canton has already spent $4.5 million on the Reservoir with an additional principal amount of debt of $22.5 million, a total thus far of $27 million. The city must retain at least a portion of this great asset. While we cannot afford to continue with this debt load and maintain water and sewer rates which are reasonably comparable to other jurisdictions, we must seek an alternative which allows us to maintain some of our capacity in the Reservoir. We are currently in negotiations with the Cherokee County Water Authority and the Cobb-Marietta Water Authority on a proposal which would benefit all three entities and relieve the Reservoir debt from the city. I am hopeful that we will be able to reach a concurrence on this proposal soon."
  • Campaign website: genehobgood.com

WARD I

• Hooky Huffman (challenger)
  
  • Professional background: "I will bring a new set of eyes and ears to the city council. My past experience was a sales manager over eight states and 16 representatives and $30 million dollars with the 3M Company. I had to create solutions to complex issues regularly. I was employed by the 3M Company/Imation from 1971 until 2000. I feel I can use the experiences of my past to help move Canton forward."
  • Government-related experience: Appointed chairman of Canton's Horizon 2030 Comprehensive Plan; Appointed to the city's Zoning Appeals Board; Past member of Downtown Canton Merchant Association; Volunteer of the Year for the ; Appointed to the Board of Directors, Cherokee County YMCA and Outdoor YMCA; Charter member and director of the Cherokee Rotary Club.
  • Why you're running for council: "Canton’s future is bright. The opportunities are tremendous. I believe we need to use smart and balanced decision making to maximize the many assets and continue to help our city move forward. I have always been in an environment that works on moving forward."
  • Your plan to move Canton forward: "To move Canton forward, there is a lot of work that will be required. We must solve some of the debt. The Reservoir represents a very large portion. Mayor and council must develop a plan, I agree! After this is solved we can begin to tackle other problems. I see we must increase the tax base. I did not say increase taxes. Canton government along with the must bring in new businesses (i.e. Woodstock). This does not mean 500 new jobs at one employer. We need a lot of small businesses. Therefore we must make our codes more competitive so the small businesses want to come to Canton. My emotions say to keep the Reservoir. We will need it someday! We must consider all alternatives and issues that involve the Reservoir’s sale. I would have to get much deeper into the details to give a final recommendation."
  • Campaign website: HookyHuffman.com

WARD II

• Council member Jack Goodwin (incumbent)
  • Professional background: Sales consultant and sales manager in the plastics industry for 32 years.
  • Government-related experience: Ward II council member, 2008-present.
  • Why you're running for council/Your plan to move Canton forward: "I am seeking re-election because I care deeply about Canton. I believe that my experience, commitment and drive will be valuable assets to continue the work towards the city’s financial recovery while focusing on other issues that are important to our citizens and business owners. Those issues include preserving low tax rates, ensuring we have properly staffed and equipped fire and police, preserving our natural resources, historic preservation and providing more recreational opportunities for all ages. I look forward to continue the economic development in Canton. While many cities are losing private sector jobs, Canton has experienced job growth. Most recently has announced expansion plans which will add 200 new positions and Northside Hospital is set to start building their new campus which will add hundreds of new jobs and will spur additional economic development in the area."
  • Should Canton keep the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir: "Personally, I see great value for Canton to retain the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir. However, I feel that ultimately we need to give careful consideration to the wishes of our citizens in any decision we make. I would like to see this included as a referendum on the ballot, so that the citizens can have their voices heard on this very important issue. As a council, we have voted in favor of a resolution to further explore selling our share of the Reservoir, and our water and sewer treatment plants. I plan to give careful consideration to these options. The plans that have been presented to the council thus far do not appear to benefit our citizens financially in regard to their water and sewer rates. I believe if we are going to agree to sell the water and sewer treatment plants, it should be done with an agreement that would lower our citizen’s monthly bills or at the very least eliminate any increases in the near future."
  • Campaign website: jackgoodwin.com

• Bill Grant (challenger)
  
  • Professional background: President and creative director of Grant Design Collaborative in Canton.
  • Government-related experience: Organized and led "Keep East Main Street Residential" effort; president of the Historic Canton Homeowners Association; identified the Main Street Program as a viable tool for revitalizing Historic Downtown Canton; worked with the mayor as president of the Main Street Board to interview and hire the Main Street Program director; actively involved in all Main Street initiatives; served on the Variance Board of Appeals since 2009 and worked diligently to uphold the City’s zoning and planning ordinances for responsible growth; served on the Canton Development Authority; served as President of the from 2010-2011 and on the center’s board since 2009; contributed a complete rebranding program for the Arts Center and worked with the board to reposition the center for future growth.
  • Why you're running for council: "After living and working in Canton for over 15 years, I desire to serve our city in a greater capacity. I believe my background and experience as a creative problem solver for Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs alike will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the Canton City Council. I think the current issues facing Canton require us to think beyond the status quo. I believe 'if we keep doing what we’ve been doing, we’ll keep getting what we’ve been getting.' I know we can do better, and I want to provide new ideas for meaningful change."
  • Your plan to move Canton forward: "The City of Canton needs a strategic business plan to jump-start the local economy by retaining and expanding existing businesses, attracting new investors and marketing the city. Without a plan in place that reflects today’s reality, it is impossible to make strategic and proactive decisions. We cannot achieve fiscal stability through cuts alone. We must create a vision for the City’s future that ensures a mix of businesses, industries and housing types that are complimentary and synergistic."
  • Campaign website: grantforcanton.org