Henry County Commission Chairman Forum Recap

I have just returned from a successful and informative forum that was co-sponsored by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, the Henry County Council for Quality Growth and the Metro South Association of REALTORS.  In the event that you happen to be one of the few folks left who live with their heads buried neatly under a stone, let me update you on the Henry County commission chairman race.

We have six qualified candidates.  All are running as republicans.  Provided alphabetically, they are:

Fred Auletta

Mike Eddy

Jim Joyner

"BJ" Elizabeth Mathis

Charles Mobley

Chuck Tanner

One of the most interesting comments made this evening came from Mr Mike Eddy.  He suggested we ask the citizens, instead of the legislators, if they want a commuter rail running to/through Henry County.  This got me to thinking...why not put this comment in my blog and see if anyone from Henry County cares to respond with their personal thoughts on the affect of a commuter rail through Lovejoy on their individual situations and lives. 

I live in McDonough..and not the city of McDonough.  Technically, I am unincorporated Henry County just East of McDonough...I could walk to either Locust Grove or Newton County and not get too tired along the way.  At first glance, a commuter rail through Lovejoy wouldn't seem to make much more than a ripple in my daily life, personally.  I wouldn't see the rail everyday.  I can't imagine I would ever ride on the rail.  It would take me as long to drive to the rail station as it may take me to drive straight to the airport.  But would I really be so insulated from the "effects" of the commuter rail.  Would it really cause me to pass less cars on I-75?  On any given day would I be more likely to share a nutmeg shaker in Starbucks with some curious visitor from downtown who paid the nominal fee to ride down the line to see the newest stop, Lovejoy?  I can't say just now...but I am more than a little curious.