Catoosa County: The Ferrari of Northwest Georgia With 5 Drivers
As long as the commissioners don’t burn out the clutch, Catoosa will be just fine.
There’s something thrilling—and a bit nerve-wracking—about watching someone take the wheel of a high-performance machine for the first time. Especially when that machine isn’t just powerful, but also wildly expensive. That’s the energy surrounding Catoosa County as Tuesday night’s commission meeting approaches—a moment of both continuity and change.
On January 7th, the Catoosa County Board of Commissioners kicks off a new term. Newly elected District Three Commissioner Richard Tharpe joins the board, taking his place alongside returning Chairman Steven Henry, who reclaims his role after a brief political detour. They join the leadership of a county that others might envy: stable finances, seasoned management staff, and a thriving local economy poised for even greater growth.
I’ve often likened Catoosa County to a Ferrari—loud, powerful, and full of untapped potential. But as anyone who’s driven a high-performance vehicle (or even a Tesla Plaid) knows, all that potential is meaningless without the skill to handle it. And that brings me, oddly enough, to Elon Musk.
Musk’s entrepreneurial philosophy, particularly his principles of efficiency and simplification, offers a compelling blueprint for local government. One of his most memorable observations goes like this: "Possibly the most common error of a smart engineer is to optimize a thing that should not exist." Replace “engineer” with “commissioner,” and you’ve got a mantra for streamlining local governance.
Musk’s Mindset: A Model for Local Leadership
Musk’s approach—focused on questioning the status quo, eliminating unnecessary complexity, and streamlining processes—could be transformative for Catoosa. Consider how many county procedures exist simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.” How many forms require multiple signatures when one would suffice? How many programs are still running long after their purpose has faded into obscurity?
A fresh perspective on local government could start by adopting Musk’s practice of “questioning the question.” Before revising or expanding a process, leaders should ask: Is this solving the right problem? Does it even solve a problem? Or is it just a relic of a bygone era?
Another Musk principle to adopt: delete unnecessary parts. Government often resembles patchwork of programs and regulations stitched together over decades. Streamlining isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about sharpening focus. Imagine a budget discussion that begins not with “How do we fund this?” but with “Do we even need this?”
This isn’t a call to strip the county government down to its bare bones. Like a well-maintained Ferrari, a great local government is powerful and precise, with every component serving a clear purpose. Regulations should protect, not obstruct. Processes should deliver value, not frustration. Budgets should reflect priorities, not inertia.
The Road Ahead for Catoosa
As the Catoosa County Commissioners settle into their roles for a new term, they have an opportunity to set the tone for purposeful, efficient governance. By embracing a mindset of simplification and scrutiny—let’s call it the “DOGE Doctrine,” for the Department of Governmental Efficiency—they can build on what works and address what doesn’t. This isn’t about fixing what isn’t broken. It’s about ensuring every part of the machine serves a purpose, adds value and contributes to Catoosa’s success.
Catoosa County is a Ferrari, built for speed and capable of greatness. But even the finest machine needs careful handling to reach its full potential. With thoughtful leadership and a commitment to smart, efficient governance, the commissioners can ensure Catoosa stays in the fast lane.
Buckle up.