Mayoral Candidates Square Off at Forum

Voters in will have their work cut out for them when it comes to selecting a mayor on Nov. 8.

Local residents haven't had to choose between two candidates in more than 20 years, much less between candidates who fundamentally agree on a majority of issues concerning the city's future.

For the most part, candidates and echoed one another on Thursday night as they answered questions generated from audience members at a public forum sponsored by The Oconee Enterprise at the .

Both Matthews and Ivie said they'd like to see communication strengthened between the city council and Oconee County Board of Commissioners, and support the widening of Simonton Bridge and Experiment Station roads and the addition of parking spaces, sidewalks and bike paths to draw more residents and visitors into town. Both want to expand parks and events, promote the arts and do a better job of branding the town as a destination in Georgia, but they offered few details how they would attempt to accomplish such tasks.

Matthews, who is 48, works a part-time job as an office manager of an Athens law firm and has volunteered for the city with litter pick-up efforts. He worked for the county twice – as a gym supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department and as a guide at in the . Earlier this year, he lost a against Chuck Williams, who is now the state representative for District 113.

Ivie, 70, is as a district sales manager for Baldwin Filters planning to retire, who at one time was a city council member.

At several times during the forum, Ivie and Matthews pointed out the limitations of the city's budget in their responses, saying they'd need more information before considering whether to finance special projects with public funds, such as additional expansion to or a public funded art installment.

 “I hope in the future that it will be done,” Ivie said. “But we must bear in mind the funding for such an expansion (of Harris Shoals Park). “It has to come from somewhere,” Ivie said. “For every service we want, there has to be a corresponding revenue stream and I'm sorry it's that way, but that's just the way it is.”

Matthews, who has said he supports Watkinsville as “The Artland of Georgia,” said he supports the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation and a display of art around School Street, but said he didn't think the city was in a position to finance another art project downtown.

 “I don't think it's something we have a whole lot of money to spend as a government right now,” Matthews said, adding that there may be other opportunities to explore for funding.

 At one point, Matthews slightly criticized the city's Streetscape plan, adding that he felt the city could stand to make improvements so that downtown buildings aren't affected by the vibration of large trucks and cars passing through town.

Matthews proposed an idea to scrap a plan for a bypass at Simonton Bridge Road in favor of one connecting Ga. Highway 15 with U.S. Highway 441 to divert traffic around town, but acknowledged the city likely wouldn't have the money to complete such a project in the short term.

Ivie declined to comment on the issue, concerned his words may be used unjustly in a lawsuit with downtown property and business owners.

When asked how they felt about the city's beer and wine ordinance, both men agreed that it has worked well for local businesses and isn't in need of revision. Matthews said he would oppose any future provision allowing the pouring of hard spirits.

When moderator Blake Giles, editor of The Oconee Enterprise, asked how Ivie and Matthews felt about the council's decision to , the two had divergent opinions, however.

 “I think it is well overdue,” Matthews said. “I think it's something we needed to do, I'm glad the city council did it. I respect what the city council does, and sometimes as a mayor you may disagree with them, but you have to agree with what the city council has enacted.”

Ivie attended the meeting in August , due to economic circumstances.

 “I just stated my views,” Ivie said. “I told the council that the economic atmosphere was not such as to increase anyone's salary. I understand the reason why they want to get better people to be mayor – I understand that. At some point in time, the salary should be 20,000- 30,000 a year, but not in 2012.”

Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 17 and runs through Friday, Nov. 4.
and takes place at City Hall.

On Election Day, Nov. 8,  voters will head to their assigned precinct, which is either the or Oconee County Government Annex building, city clerk Julie Sanders said. 

Note: A clarification has been made about Matthews' volunteer efforts and past employment history.

What questions would you like to ask the candidates? Tell us in the comments below.