Questions for the Candidates

By the Sustainable Newton Board of Directors

On November 5, 2019, Georgia cities head to the polls to elect new mayors and city council members.  Locally, in Newton County, residents of Covington, Mansfield, Newborn, Oxford, and Porterdale have offices up for election, but only Covington, Oxford, and Porterdale have contested races (two or more candidates).

As a 501(C)(3) charity, Sustainable Newton doesn't endorse specific candidates for any elected office.  However, as an advocacy and education organization, we want candidates and voters to carefully consider sustainability-related issues in their platforms and in their voting.  So, for the contested races, we sent questions to candidates and are publishing their answers to the public.  The questions we asked are:

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Q1. Explain how, if elected, you will work to promote sustainability in AT LEAST ONE of the following areas of opportunity identified in the EPA’s Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Guide for Local Governments.  For more information, download the guide here.

Transportation
Land Use Planning
Biological Conservation and Open Space Preservation
Solid Waste Generation and Recycling
Energy, Air Quality and Climate
Protecting Water Quality and Ensuring Future Supply
Green Building
Green Construction
Green Procurement

Q2. Through its electric and/or gas utilities, your city is in the energy business. What steps should be taken to ensure that your city’s reliance on utility profits avoids a conflict of interest when it comes to promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources in your city?

To view candidate responses, click on the race you are interested in below.  Advanced voting started October 14 in Covington at the Newton County Administration Building.  Voting on Election Day (November 5) will be at City Hall.  Please consult the clerk's office for Oxford and Porterdale voting dates, times, and locations.

Covington:
Mayor
City Council Post 2 East
City Council Post 3 East
City Council Post 1 West (uncontested)

Mansfield:
Mayor (uncontested)
City Council Post 1 (uncontested)
Post 2 (uncontested)

Newborn:
City Council Post 1 (uncontested)
City Council Post 2 (uncontested)

Oxford:
Mayor
City Council Post 1 (uncontested)
City Council Post 2 (uncontested)
City Council Post 3 (uncontested)

Porterdale:
Mayor (uncontested)
City Council Post 1
City Council Post 1 (uncontested)