Steve Gailey Calls for Accountability, Fair Spending, and Investment in North & East Hall
Hall County District 3 candidate Steve Gailey says residents are tired of wasteful spending and promises to fight for accountability, infrastructure, tennis courts, and pickleball facilities in North and East Hall. It is time for change.
Where is our money going?
Steve Gailey, candidate for Hall County District 3, says he has heard the frustration loud and clear from citizens across the district who feel they have been overlooked while tax dollars continue to be spent elsewhere in the county. He has been fielding phone calls and emails over this issue as well as getting stopped when he is out shopping.
“People are telling me they are tired of the mismanagement of money,” Gailey said. “This has got to stop, and the money needs to be allocated and spent wisely — not how commissioners want, but how the citizens of this county want. We work for them after all.”
Gailey says one of the biggest concerns he hears from residents is opposition to additional taxes and SPLOST referendums. Property taxes and home values have skyrocketed over the last 5 or 6 years and citizens have had enough. Some have had property taxes more than double in price. Home values have increased from 30% to over 100%, in some cases. When millage rates are barely rolled back and your home values have increased so much people are still facing massive increases in taxes.
“I have been hearing from constituents all over District 3 who are refusing to continue to vote yes for any tax increases or SPLOST referendums,” Gailey said. “Citizens feel their money is continually being wasted, and many no longer trust that Hall County leadership is spending taxpayer dollars responsibly.”
According to Gailey, residents in North and East Hall have repeatedly been promised projects and amenities that have yet to materialize. When Steve was instrumental in getting the North Hall Community Center built the county has promised people that they would get more amenities and that just has not happened.
“People have been promised amenities and improvements in the District 3 area that have not come to fruition — especially in Clermont, Murrayville, and throughout East Hall,” he said.
One issue that continues to frustrate residents is the long-discussed tennis court expansion tied to the North Hall Community project.
“North Hall is still waiting on tennis courts that SPLOST was supposed to help pay for when the North Hall Community area was built,” Gailey said. “The North Hall tennis teams are still playing varsity and junior varsity matches on only four courts. No other school in our region, that I am aware of, has had to deal with that situation in years.”
While Gailey acknowledged that school athletic facilities are primarily a Board of Education matter, he believes county commissioners still have influence and a responsibility when it comes to advocating for community priorities.
“I know the tennis court issue at North Hall High School is technically a Board of Education issue, but commissioners can absolutely help advocate for those needs,” Gailey said. “I will fight for those improvements as well.”
Another growing concern among residents is the lack of pickleball facilities in North Hall. Pickleball has become very popular and continues to grow.
“Citizens need pickleball courts in the North Hall area near Murrayville and Clermont,” Gailey said. “People are tired of seeing our money spent only in certain parts of Hall County while North Hall continues to wait.”
Gailey also questioned whether current county solutions are truly serving North Hall residents.
“Laurel Park is much closer to Gainesville than North Hall,” he said. “Converting tennis courts there does not solve the problem for families and players in North Hall. Without proper lighting they courts are useless for people that work during the winter and can only be used a couple of hours during the summer months.”
Gailey says Hall County also needs to invest in facilities that support year-round recreational opportunities for local residents.
“We need pickleball league play in Hall County that operates year-round in the evenings,” he said. “Right now, many residents are having to pay to play in the city of Gainesville or even travel to another county because we simply do not have enough courts available to use.”
Gailey believes the broader issue comes down to accountability and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent fairly throughout Hall County.
“I will do all I can to allocate money equitably and with common sense,” he said. “North Hall and East Hall deserve the same level of investment and attention as every other part of this county. I will do this without voting for a tax increase. I have never voted for one and I never will”
Gailey says voters have an opportunity to demand change during the upcoming election.
“Vote for me during early voting or on Election Day, May 19th, and we will make these changes happen,” he said. “I will hold sitting commissioners accountable when needed, and we will bring this county back to the citizens where it belongs.”
As the District 3 race continues, Gailey says his campaign will remain focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, infrastructure, and ensuring North and East Hall are no longer left behind.
Experience. Integrity. Leadership.
Listen to Steve Gailey's Podcast with North Georgia Advocate. It is very informative.
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