THOMASVILLE — The City of Thomasville’s purchase of the Caterpillar building brought about contentious exchanges among Thomasville City Council candidates at a Tuesday night forum.

Incumbents and candidates for District 2 and at-large council seats made up the forum, sponsored by the Thomas County Democratic Party, at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium.

In response to a question about expanding the Thomasville job market, District 2 Councilmember Max Beverly said jobs that do not require a college education are critical. Beverly pointed out the loss of about 1,000 jobs with the closing of Southwestern State Hospital and the Caterpillar plant.

Beverly said the city purchased the Caterpillar building to have a facility that could provide the types of jobs he mentioned.

Countered opponent David Hufstetler, “That’s a heck of a risk to take with $3.5 million of somebody else’s money. … I will treat that money like it was my own.”

Incumbent at-large Councilmember Don Sims responded that it is easy to say what one would do. The city purchased the Caterpillar building several months ago when a company that would provide 400 jobs was looking at Thomasville.

“You have to step up to the plate some time,” Sims said.

He said the city can control how the building is used, such as for a manufacturing plant that would use considerable city utilities. It could just as easily be purchased for use as a warehouse and not bring in much utilities revenue, Sims said, adding that something “dramatic” must be done to keep jobs in rural Georgia.

Sims told an audience of more than 200 he has “the experience and guts” to do what needs to be done.

At-large seat candidate Matt Kirkley said the Caterpillar building purchase was an “ambush” by the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority.

Todd Mobley, also an at-large candidate, questioned why industries are not choosing Thomasville. He said the community lost jobs during the last four years.

Mobley said that if he is elected to the council, he will try to find out why Thomasville is lagging in industries and jobs.

 Gateway corridors

Candidates were asked about their thoughts on improving gateway corridors into the city, particularly Smith Avenue and West Jackson Street.

Beverly said he disagrees with anyone who is satisfied with the appearance of West Jackson. 

“The important thing about West Jackson is that we don’t quit trying,” he said, pointing out that beautification is an issue, along with a lack of retail, restaurants and shopping on the stretch leading away from downtown.

Smith Avenue, he said, is a state highway that should be aesthetically-pleasing, as should Madison Street.

Hufstetler said West Jackson and Smith are important arteries into downtown, Thomasville’s “crown jewel.” He is in favor of beautifying both, but said the streets should be four-laned and, for safety reasons, void of biking/walking trails.

Many consider the West Jackson project “a done deal,” Sims said, but the street is being improved in sections. He said Smith will remain “pretty much as it is now.”

Mobley said many Thomasville streets are in bad shape, pointing out potholes. He thinks West Jackson should continue to direct traffic to downtown.

Also, Mobley said, traffic lights are needed to slow traffic on Smith. Traffic signals on Smith, which is on a state highway, are the domain of the state Department of Transportation.

Kirkley said there was no traffic count for West Jackson. He added that as the city grows, gathered data should be presented to all council members.

To attract young people — millennials — to the city, Hufstetler said downtown is a unique draw. He also pointed out an outstanding medical community, schools, Thomas University and plantations.

“We have got so much here,” Hufstetler said. “My question is, ‘Why would a millennial not want to come here?’ “

Sims pointed out his longtime Chamber of Commerce career of selling the community. The city needs high-tech businesses to draw new people and to keep current residents, he said.

Recreation, housing and a nice downtown drew teachers to his school, said Mobley, recently retired Thomasville High School principal.

He said the city should attempt to attract downtown businesses that stay open after 6 p.m., and jobs also are a necessity.

The town should show spirit, Kirkley said.

Having great schools is not gong to bring a 22-year-old to Thomasville, Beverly said. 

“We are fighting an uphill battle,” he added, saying the community should be “more likable and workable.”

 Chase policy

Candidates also staked their positions on Thomasville Police Department (TPD) high-speed chases in the city.

Beverly said the TPD policy for the chases is that they are not done unless there is an immediate threat of loss of life.

“I completely agree with that,” Beverly said, adding that TPD is proactive and progressive.

Hufstetler agreed with Beverly. “He’s got my my full faith and confidence,” Hufstetler said, in reference to Police Chief Troy Rich.

Hufsteler said he would not “second-guess” Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell’s chase policy.

“We should keep doing what we’re doing now,” he said.

Law enforcement must be maintained through the community, Sims said. 

“I’m certainly not in a position to advise them about what’s going on,” he said.

High-speed chases are dangerous, particularly in school zones, Mobley said, adding that he supports the chief and his decisions about chases.

Kirkley said use of force is a subject he wants to discuss with the chief and sheriff. He also wants to discuss cessation of serving warrants during school bus activity.

 Priorities

Increasing the number of sidewalks and sidewalk repair are among Sims’ priorities. Some sidewalks do not connect, Sims said, adding that another high priority with him is to connect city parks with biking/walking trails.

Sidewalks also are a priority with Mobley. He said sidewalks became a city priority in recent months, but they have been been a problem for three decades.

Some areas have no sidewalks, he said, and children walk to school in the dark on streets.

“We need to make sure our sidewalks are walkable,” Mobley said.

Kirkley said the city has not listened to residents who have no sidewalks.

Beverly said he has always pushed for more sidewalks. Connecting trails and making the city more walkable are among Beverly’s priorities.