MORE ABOUT THE ISSUES

Thanks for staying with me to learn about my platform.

Rockdale County once had a forward looking vision that gave us the Rockdale Career Academy, Phoenix Pass, Walk of Heroes – Veterans War Memorial, and the recycling center, and an outstanding public school system.

See how I plan to build a better a better tomorrow, together:

Improving education
Taxation
What I bring to the table
Looking out for residents
Preserving Rockdale County’s natural beauty
Empowering more citizen involvement

The Key Issues of My Platform

IMPROVING EDUCATION

As part of my vision for our county I hope to establish a collegial relationship with the superintendent to improve our standing. The Public School Review puts RCPS at #164 of 221 public school systems in the state. (See the Overall Testing Rate of Rockdale County School District.)

TAXATION

Taxes have risen to meet the county budget spending from over $60 million in 2018 to over $110 million in 7 years. The vision of the $140 million Administration Complex comes with a dire warning that an additional tax burden will be imposed on us as there is no cap on the tax amount to be levied on all property in Rockdale County to make contract payments.

LOOKING OUT FOR RESIDENTS

Rockdale County has a high unmet need for commercial enterprises to pay taxes and reduce the tax burden on property owners. I’ll find ways to reduce the tax burden on residents.

PRESERVING OUR NATURAL BEAUTY & RESOURCES

For at least the last six years, the current administration has allowed developers to run roughshod in the county, building townhomes on quarter-acre lots. Citizen and Planning department objections were ignored. We need to stop the growing burden on county infrastructure, such as roads and our water supply. What we do need is more green space, sidewalks, and walking paths.

MY VISION

I am seeking your vote so by working together we achieve a new vision. A new vision does not mean the building of more cookie cutter townhouses which our current administration seems determined to make Rockdale County the Townhouse County.

Empowering More Citizen Involvement

Eight citizens spoke strongly against the current commissioners giving themselves a big raise in income. But they did it anyway. It really only takes 2 commissioners to pass motions that affect our lives. This is yet another clear sign of the need for a 5-member board of commissioners, and I am firmly committed to working with our state representatives to achieve that goal as it meets with the goals of the citizens who will have more personal involvement in directing the future of our county.

Perhaps it is that $155 thousand dollar salary that has attracted candidates to seek the chair. The 5th candidate, me, Dr. James Sendelbach, is not motivated by those dollars as I have been sufficiently blessed.

So here is the bottom line. 5 candidates, 4 of whom would likely maintain the status quo, while a 5th candidate will work diligently and intently to take us to the 5-member commission that is the norm because of the greater efficiency and involvement of citizens. It would eliminate the position of Chair, reduce the salaries, and allow far more citizen involvement in our life and livelihood. It means a lot of work for me to re-energize and improve House Bill 741, but I am firmly committed to achieving it for the good of the county and those of us who value the serenity, peacefulness, education, and safety of our families who live here.

I urge you to study and discuss all the options you have at this critical moment. Early voting is from April 29 through May 17. Election day is May 21.

What I bring to the table

I am somewhat of a dreamer. But let me tell you what I bring to my vision. When I worked for a military contractor in Washington, D.C., I learned about contract negotiations, the art of compromise, the skill of mediation, and the rewards of effective communication skills. Other candidates for the Chair can boast about the committees they have served on, offices they have held, and what businesses they own. But my skill set lets me look at the big picture and the details. For instance, one candidate claims to stop the overbuilding. It is not that simple. There are contracts in place that, if stopped, could cost the county a fortune in lawsuits. Citizens will be forced to pay more taxes to cover the costs. Part of my effort as Chair will be devoted to working with the Planning Commission, which has called for a moratorium.

The skills and experience that set me apart:

contract negotiation
mediation
government contracts
the art of compromise
effective communication

Endorsements

“Dr. James Sendelbach epitomizes honesty, sincerity, and care in every aspect of his service to Rockdale County. His intelligence and genuine concern for people and causes shine through in all that he does. Dr. Sendelbach’s caring nature and remarkable dedication make him not just a great candidate for Commission Chair, but a true champion for the community. With his leadership, I know that Rockdale County will thrive, guided by compassion, integrity, and a heartfelt commitment to serving all its residents.”

-JoAnn Blumenthal, LMHC, BCN, SENIOR FELLOW

“Dr. James Sendelbach embodies the meaning of community leadership. He is a beacon of integrity and vision. His commitment to preserving Rockdale County’s natural beauty and resources, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and advocating for all residents makes him the right person for Rockdale County Commission Chair. With Dr. Sendelbach at the helm, Rockdale County’s future is bright, promising, and inclusive for all.”

– JoAnn Lawrence, Small Business Owner and Podcaster

“Someone needs to address the overdevelopment of ugly prefab modular buildings, which are destroying the area’s natural beauty. Dr. James Sendelbach’s commitment to preserving the greenspace and limiting overdevelopment resonates with me. Here is a man who wants to protect the landscape and curtail overbuilding, and I stand with him.

Patrick Cappiello, Retired US Navy

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