Newcomer Challenges Bishop for Commission Seat

Fairhope contractor (Young Republican) Daniel Dyas is seeking to unseat 2 term incumbent David Bishop in the June 1st Republican primary election. In his announcement, Dyas says the conservative movement is "stagnating" and "there must be a new generation of leadership." Dyas: "If elected . . . I will (work to) enact a Transferable Development Rights (TDR) policy . . . which will protect our farmers and citizens from the loss of farmlands . . . and greenspace. If growth is not managed well, and I contend that here to fore it has not been, our county could suffer irreparable damage." Dyas platform will be: 1) Smart growth 2) Fiscal responsibility 3) Bold conservative leadership Dyas has never held office and has no prior political record. His extended family owns considerable land in the Fairhope area including the "Triangle" at the town's entrance. [ Dyas has previously expressed (on internet postings) tentative approval of the so called "Fair Tax" (abolish the IRS via a national sales tax).] Commissioner David "Ed" Bishop-- appointed to the Commission in 2002 by then Governor Siegelman (when then Commissioner Joe Faust was elected to the State House of Representatives)-- is seeking re-election for a third (full) term. Bishop has previously served as a Fairhope City Councilman (1972-1997)-- and unsuccessfully ran for Mayor in 2000. In his announcement, Bishop listed as his main accomplishments: 1) Baldwin County's high bond rating AA+ (next to highest possible) 2) Implementing of a 10 year strategic (growth) plan 3) Major new road projects (Al 181, CR 13, CR 83) 4) Planned expansion of Satellite Courthouses (Fairhope, Foley) 5) Expansion of BRATS bus service 6) A new 100% garbage/recycling project--soon beginning at the Magnolia landfill 7) Preservation of large tracts of environmentally sensitive land for future generations Bishop said his future priorities include: 1) Adhering to the new strategic growth plan 2) Managing growth 3) Planning for infrastructure needs 4) Supporting economic development 5) Developing new revenue sources 6) Protecting the environment According to media reports, during his current term Bishop has been instrumental in obtaining numerous Federal grants (ARR) for the Fairhope area including for road paving/expansion, sidewalk/trail construction, new BRATS bus facilities/service/equipment, courthouse security, flood elevation study, et al. He became involved in a "big box" store controversy (2007); and another concerning the purchase price of property for satellite courthouse expansion (2008). Also in 2008, Bishop supported a (4 mil) property tax hike (for road/bridge/drainage project construction) --and currently is supporting the proposed temporary one cent sales tax increase for emergency school funding (March 23rd referendum). Since no Democrats/Independents typically seek the District 2 Commission seat, the Republican primary usually decides the election.