RINGGOLD, Ga. – In the race to determine who will be the head of Catoosa County’s local government, the two candidates are vying to be the better small-government, low-tax, business-friendly politician.
Keith Greene, Catoosa County’s board of commissioners chairman for the past 7 years, is leaning on what he sees as accomplishments under his watch. His challenger, Steven Henry, is pointing to his experience as a home builder – and asking voters to believe those skills will translate to a successful politician.
Greene and Henry will face each other in the May 24 Republican Primary, and on Monday night they fielded questions from residents during a town hall forum inside the Catoosa County Colonnade.
Catoosa County Commission Board Chair Keith Greene, right, answers a question as challenger Steven Henry listens Monday, April 4, 2016 at the Colonnade in Ringgold, Ga.Greene pointed out that, relatively speaking, the local portion of property taxes is low under his watch. The county has the 16th-lowest millage rate in the state, he said. He said all spending is approved during public board of commissioners’ meetings, so residents should be able to figure out where their money is going.
He also reminded voters that the county has seen a boost in sales tax revenue with the opening of Costco and Cabela’s.