Lookout Mountain voters hear candidates

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- Residents got a chance to hear from all five candidates running in next week's city government election at a forum Tuesday hosted by the League of Women Voters of Georgia and Lookout Mountain United Methodist Church.

Current Mayor Tom Gifford is running against challenger Bill Glascock, who lost the last election to Mr. Gifford by six votes. City Council incumbents David Bennet, Dennis Eischeid and Sandy Gothard are up against Blair Ramey for three open seats.

The atmosphere of the forum, hosted in the church's sanctuary, was mostly civil and polite, with candidates agreeing on many issues.

Mr. Glascock said his "expertise" as a developer made him qualified for mayor. He said the current council had taken an "all or nothing" approach to development, which he would change.

"Development is nothing but one big compromise," he said.

Several candidates spoke in favor of some type of assisted-living facility, whether it be the proposed Chapelbrow development or something else. Mr. Bennett said he wanted to see some type of development that would allow seniors to stay on the mountain.

"I hate it that when it comes to a certain point in their lives, when they need help, we don't have an option for them," he said.

Mr. Gifford said the town is "leaning toward" including the Chapelbrow development in its comprehensive plan, which is still in the works.

He said his experience as mayor makes him more able "to make the tough decisions."

"This job is really about leadership in all areas," he said.

Mr. Gothard, chairman of the steering committee overseeing the comprehensive plan, cited passing the plan as a main goal if re-elected. He and others said they wanted to see to completion the proposed town center, which has been halted because of the faltering economy.

"We need to get behind it, start getting it built," he said. "We can do this in the next three years."

Mr. Eischeid said the quality of life on the mountain had recently gone "downhill," with the addition of new rental properties and with more people parking cars in their yards or not taking care of their lawns.

"We've got to look ahead and have a vision for the future," he said. "We cannot remain on the status quo."

Mr. Ramey said he got involved in the city council race at the last minute because of neighbors and friends who wanted to see change.

"My reason for jumping into this race was basically to offer voters and alternative," he said.

WHAT'S NEXT

The polls in Lookout Mountain, Ga., will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters can apply for an absentee ballot at city hall or at www.lookoutmtnga.com