Politics & Government

Tax Increase Causes Newcomer to Run Against Guider in Primary

J.R. McCoy has announced his intent to challenge District IV Commissioner Ann Jones Guider in 2014's Republican primary in July.

Douglasville business owner, J.R. McCoy has announced his intent to challenge District IV Commissioner Ann Jones Guider in 2014’s Republican primary in July. McCoy cited the recent property tax increases and a lack of budgetary responsibility as his primary reasons for seeking office.

“After speaking with many District 4 residents, as well as the rest of the county, these citizens feel that a 23.74 percent tax increase is completely indefensible.” said McCoy in a press release.

“It comes down to accountability.  Our citizens put trust in their elected officials with the assumption that those we vote for will make tough decisions when it comes to spending and taxing. I think that our current commissioner has failed to do that.  It’s the world upside down in today’s political environment when the two registered Democrat board members stand firmly against the tax increase and the Republicans enact it.  Frame it with any justification you like, but the District 4 Commissioner was the deciding vote on this tax increase.”

McCoy said that he will direct his focus towards a leaner budget, lower taxes, and communication with voters.

“One of the biggest complaints that I’ve heard from voters and that I have myself is the way in which this tax increase was enacted.  Even highly informed voters have difficulty understanding the fact that the County sets the budget months prior to knowing for sure how much will be available to fund 
it.  Who among us can afford such an irresponsible practice in our businesses or homes?  That is an unacceptable budget cycle, and I will work to change the County’s fiscal year and budget cycle so that we know how much we have to spend prior to creating the budget. This will also allow for an informed debate by the voting public prior to the budget getting adopted…that did not happen this budget cycle.”

McCoy asserts, “This tax increase is going to hurt and there are no two ways around it. For those very few who don’t know about this increase, they are about to feel it when they get their tax bills. It may be that some property owners are paying only a few hundred dollars more, but some businesses are paying thousands and even tens of thousands more. This is not the way to bring jobs, new businesses and quality growth to Douglas County.”

J.R. McCoy is a 15 year resident of Douglas County District 4 and the Executive Director of Live Oak Village and Affordable Storage in Douglasville on Hwy 5. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management in 1990. He has three children with his wife of 23 years. He is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Douglas, is active in the local Republican Party and is a member of 
West Metro Church of God.

Related Patch story:

3-2 Vote Means 23.74% Higher Property Taxes for Douglas County Residents


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here