By Shane Scoggins
Publisher
Editor’s note: The Franklin County Citizen Leader submitted questions to each candidate running for city offices in the Nov. 2 election.
The questions were: 1. Please provide information about your background, education, past service in government or with community organizations, church and family. 2. What qualities and/or qualifications do you feel will serve you best in the position you seek? 3. What are your plans if you are elected to the position? 4. As the lone natural gas provider in Franklin County, what should Royston’s policy be when deciding where and when to expand its gas system? 5. If you had a chance to speak one-on-one with each registered voter in Royston, what would you say to secure his or her vote?
Candidates were welcomed to respond to the questions any way they wished.
Their answers were then used to write the profile stories below.
Fletcher Hodges
In seeking the Post 1 seat on the Royston City Council, Fletcher Hodges said his “overriding” goal is to build a city full of opportunity.
“Opportunity to work. Opportunity to dine and shop. Opportunity to enjoy arts and cultural activities. Opportunity to grow our families in a safe environment, engaged in community,” he said. “That is my hope for my family and that is my hope for yours as well.”
Hodges is a native of Early County in Southwest Georgia.
He served in the U.S. Navy as an analyst before attending first Georgia Southern University and then the University of Georgia to earn a master’s degree in public health.
“Along the way I met my wife of 20 years, Kassie, and began our family,” he said. “We have been blessed with five children, four of which still live at home and go to school in Franklin County. I have not previously served with local government and look forward to bringing a fresh set of eyes and energy to the Royston City Council.”
Hodges said his work in the safety and environmental compliance field for 21 years with the same company in Athens allowed him to gain knowledge and expertise in project planning, efficient personnel management and regulatory compliance.
That experience will be beneficial as a council member, he said.
“That experience will enable me to work with a variety of people across different disciplines within city government and the community, as well as vendors and contractors hired by the city to meet complex, technical challenges,” he said.
Hodges said he wants to work with to build up downtown Royston.
“My family and I chose Royston as our home because of the walkability to amenities in the downtown area and the immense capacity left to continue downtown development,” he said. “Community is our most important resource in Royston. I will work with our local Downtown Development Authority, my fellow Council members and building owners to develop blighted storefronts and attract new businesses to the downtown community.”
Recruiting jobs is also a focus.
“Hand-in-hand with downtown development is my commitment to work with county and regional development groups to provide high-quality jobs from appropriate industries that we so desperately need,” he said.
Royston’s natural gas system will be a key to achieving that goal.
“As the lone natural gas provider in Franklin County, we are in a prime position to expand the gas distribution network into areas where we can achieve the most benefit from an appropriate industry through employment and fees,” Hodges said. “It is attractive to industries when utility infrastructure is already in place, but we must ensure this is done in a way that does not expose the tax payers to undue financial liability. I want to make it clear to potential industries that Royston and Franklin County are ready to work and we want their business.”
Hodges asks voters to choose him on Nov. 2 or during early voting.
“I commit to bring a fresh energy and renewed vision to the Royston City Council,” he said.
Kenneth Roach
If given the chance to sit down one-on-one with each voter in Royston, Kenneth Roach said his message would be a simple one.
“I would thank each and every one of our voters for giving us the chance to grow and better our city,” Roach said.
Roach, a 20 year veteran of the council, is seeking reelection to the Post 1 seat.
Royston’s budget “is in the best shape it has been in years,” he said. “Also, look at the progress the city has made, look at our streets, equipment and cars that our employees have to work with. Also, look at the new renovated library, Depot and city hall, just to mention a few.”
He said he would also thank voters for their support in allowing the city’s leaders to work together and continue the city’s progress, Roach said.
Roach and wife Mary have been married for more than 49 years.
Their son, Kevin, manages Tri-County Sporting Goods, which Kenneth operated for more than 40 years before his recent retirement.
The Roaches are members of Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
Roach is a two-year graduate of Emmanuel College.
His 20 years of experience on the Royston council have given Roach “the knowledge and experience needed to work with the mayor and council and listen to the needs of our city’s citizens and business owners as we move forward in our goal of making Royston a safe and thriving place to live and work,” he said.
Roach said when he is reelected, he will continue to work with the mayor and council and other departments to continue progress in the city.
That progress includes finishing an amphitheater at the Royston Wellness and Community Park, “which is well on its way to completion,” Roach said.
In 2022, the city plans to begin work on a splash pad for young people.
The city will also continue work on water and sewer projects, he said. The city has spent more than $2 million on upgrades “so we can handle the needs of our city and its growth.”
When considering natural gas expansion, Roach said the city should evaluate the cost and need.
“We should look at the length of the project, the size of the lines and if we have the right pressure to handle the project,” he said. “Then we should look at the cost and see how long it will take to pay back our investment. We should try to stay with a cost amount that can pay itself out in 7-10 years.”
Roach asked residents to vote for him for reelection.