Marks, Wilson seek seat on Catoosa Commission

Incumbent Ken Marks and Barbara Wilson, a retired construction company vice president, are vying for the Republican nomination for the District 1 seat on the Catoosa County Commission.

Since no Democrat is in the race, the July 15 primary winner will take office Jan. 1 for a four-year term. The district includes the precincts of Fort Oglethorpe, Lakeview and Chambers.

Mr. Marks said voters are most concerned about sewers, roads and resolution of fire protection coverage.

Mrs. Wilson said she is against higher property taxes.

She has served as a Catoosa County jury commissioner and on the Catoosa Committee on Open Government. She has been a member of the National Association of Women in Construction and is a 40-year member of Lakeview First Baptist Church.

Mr. Marks, who is seeking a second term, previously served as a Fort Oglethorpe councilman.

He served in the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam as a sergeant in the Army Rangers from 1971 until 1973. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor.

Mr. Marks is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Kiwanis Club.

Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Marks both said they favor the plan for the Catoosa County Library to leave the regional library system and become independent starting July 1, but they want to protect library employee benefits.

Mr. Marks said he voted for a disability tax exemption and a homestead tax exemption while on the Fort Oglethorpe Council.

Mrs. Wilson said she worries about senior citizens on fixed incomes battling higher prices and about safe recreation places for youth.

She said the Colonnade is great resource for Catoosa County, but she favors the recent facility management switch from the Catoosa Foundation for the Performing Arts to county management.

Mrs. Wilson said the county has subsidized the Colonnade to the tune of about $600,000 since 2001, which she called a significant amount.

Mr. Marks said he views the Colonnade as an asset that offers a service, much like the library or recreation.

He said he opposed the management change at the Colonnade because it may reduce the number of volunteers working there and increase the operating deficit.

Mr. Marks said disputes always arise in government, but most are minor and can be resolved through conversation and dialogue.

Mrs. Wilson said she is concerned with negativity that she said usually is involved with politics.

Mr. Marks said voter approval of the special purpose local option sales tax referendum in September is vital, because such projects as roads and sewers would stop if it were not to pass.

Mrs. Wilson said all groups or agencies that receive county funds should give an accounting of where and how those funds were used.

Both candidates praised the work of volunteer firefighters in Catoosa County, but said paid full-time individuals also are needed.