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Roswell-Alpharetta election overview
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September 23, 2009
NORTH FULTON - Local residents will have many decisions to make when they cast their ballots Nov. 3. Both Roswell and Alpharetta have municipal elections this year.
Remember, Fulton County residents have until close of business on Oct. 5 to register for the race.
Below you will find a breakdown of the Roswell mayoral and City Council races.
Race: Roswell Mayor
NAME: Jere Wood, incumbent
AGE: 60
OCCUPATION: Attorney
EDUCATION: University of Georgia, BBA, Cum Laude; Juris Doctor
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Mayor of Roswell since 1998; N.F. Municipal Association, chair; Atlanta Mayors Association, 1st chair; Atlanta Regional Commission board; Ga. Municipal Association board; Roswell Council candidate 1979, 1981.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Roswell Historical Society -past president; Ros. Kiwanis-Past VP; Roswell Rotary; Bike Roswell; Roswell-Alpharetta Mountain. Bike Club; N.F. Bar Association-past president; High Meadow School-past chair; Roswell Teaching Museum Board; N.F. Chamber-Board; Greenway Community Club-past president.
WHY I AM RUNNING: I am running for re-election because I love my hometown, I have a vision of how we can make Roswell better and, as mayor, I can make it happen.
I was 29 the first time I ran for public office. I ran because growth was threatening to destroy the places and things I loved about my hometown. I followed in the footsteps of my father, who founded the Chattahoochee Nature Center, and my mother, who started the first kindergarten in Roswell. Even though I was not elected, I stopped the city from four-laning the road through my neighborhood.
I remained active in Roswell but did not run for office again until I was 49. I ran against a 31-year incumbent mayor whom not even my mother believed I could beat. I had a vision of making Roswell a better place to live by setting aside land for parks and green space, preserving our historic district and protecting our environment. The incumbent mayor was worried that Roswell was not growing as fast as Alpharetta.
I am running for Mayor because I want to create more street and sidewalk connections to improve mobility, add turn lanes and build roundabouts at intersections to reduce congestions, work with neighborhoods and property owners to encourage re-development, promote local businesses and work to re-create Milton County.
I want to continue to preserve Roswell's history, protect our environment, strengthen our neighborhoods, celebrate our culture and improve our schools. I am running for mayor because I want Roswell to become an even better place to live.
Race: Roswell Mayor
NAME: Councilwoman Lori Henry
AGE: 53
OCCUPATION: Retired small business executive, former school teacher
EDUCATION: BAE, Ohio State University
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Serving a second term on City Council (8 years), Design Review Board, Community Development Advisory Committee, Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Organization (ZORRO), Environmental Task Force, Citizen advisory group for the initial rewriting of the Cell Tower Ordinance
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Roswell Historical Society; Friends of Bulloch; Archibald Smith Plantation Preservationist; Friends of the Roswell Library; Founder/director of the former Roswell Urban Forest Foundation; chair of the 2004 North Fulton March of Dimes WalkAmerica Campaign
WHY I AM RUNNING: I am running because I am best-suited to run the city I love.
I have a 3-pronged plan to make us more fiscally responsible, more responsive to crime and more welcoming to businesses. My 32 years in Roswell and eight years on City Council have given me a clear vision of how to improve these deficiencies.
First, I will return fiscal sanity to Roswell through conservative budgeting. In the middle of a crippling recession, my opponents voted to approve a deficit budget that spends over $1 million more than the city is taking in. I opposed that deficit budget, and when I'm mayor I'll insist on balanced
budgeting.
Next, I will address the city's ineffective Community Development Department, which is the main reason Roswell is considered by many to be business-unfriendly. It must end the years of frustration it has imposed on business owners, developers and permit applicants. I will make it welcoming and helpful instead.
Next, as mayor I will lead a coordinated effort to stop Roswell's growing crime
problem.
I have already started by targeting the most serious law enforcement problem we have violent repeat offenders who are pushed back onto our streets by the Fulton County criminal justice system.
I have taken a major step toward ending this revolving-door system of justice by helping to convince the Fulton District Attorney's Office to station a full-time Assistant DA in North Fulton. That will save our police officers huge amounts of time time they can spend on the streets of Roswell instead of making worthless trips to downtown Atlanta to deal with the bureaucracy.
Next I will push for a Fulton Superior Court judge to be stationed up here as well, which will make the criminal justice system even more responsive to Roswell's needs.
Race: Roswell Mayor
NAME: David Tolleson
AGE: 47
OCCUPATION: Executive Director, National Down Syndrome Congress
EDUCATION: ABJ, University of Georgia
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Served on Roswell City Council 2000-2009
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Fulton County School Superintendent's Community Council; Centennial Cluster Council Member; Northwood Foundation Board; Graduate of Leadership North Fulton; Roswell Inclusion Task Force Chair; former: HOA president; Big Creek Alliance president; Stephen Minister; A Beacon of Hope Board Chair; Sunday School teacher at Roswell and Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Churches.
WHY I AM RUNNING: Roswell is at a turning point. The recession has given us the opportunity to envision what we want our community to be and to put the programs and policies in place for a successful future. We have the chance to shed our anti-business image and ensure that we have a well-balanced tax base. To do so, we must heal the divisions that have developed over the past dozen years. We must work together to achieve common goals and to do that to "reboot" both our image and reality we need new leadership.
In Roswell, the mayor has no vote, except in the case of a tie. The strength of the mayor comes from an ability to bring the community together around a common vision, to ensure the government functions well, and to ensure Roswell is respected by businesses and other governments. I have a reputation for bringing people together, of being deliberate, of being assertive without being abrasive, of finding solutions.
When the Centennial Walk project was rejected, I worked with community leaders to develop a plan that was embraced by the neighborhoods, the developer and, ultimately, the City Council. Likewise, I worked to improve what is now East Village, which was originally zoned as a 1970s-era strip center. Again, working with community leaders and the developer, we were able to reach a consensus plan that led to an improved product for our community.
I am running because I have the skills we need in a mayor at this point in our history. Together we will institute the community's vision for Roswell. We will shed our anti-business reputation and actively recruit the small and mid-size businesses we need for a well-rounded community and a more sustainable tax base. It's your city. It should be your vision that leads us forward.
Race: Roswell City
Council Post 3
NAME: Elizabeth Clark (Betty) Price
AGE: 57
OCCUPATION: Physician
EDUCATION: Pomona College B.A., McGill University M.D., C.M.
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Roswell Design Review Board; President, North Fulton Republican Women; Vice Chairman Fulton County GOP; Georgia legislative spouse chairman; poll manager; no prior elected office
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Roswell Women's Club, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Roswell Historical Society, Drake House Advisory Council, Senior Services North Fulton, Fulton County Board of Health, Friends of the Roswell Library, Lakemont Homeowner's Association past president, Lifetime member Roswell Jr. Women's Club
WHY I AM RUNNING: Roswell is a great place to live and work. Our history and natural beauty are assets we should enhance and preserve. During this time of many economic challenges, we must focus on reducing the burden on homeowners and small businesses. Roswell must continue to attract tourism and economic vitality to our area. Mayor and council must be able to articulate a vision and set sound policy for the city. We must be diligent to oversee and account for the city operations. We must manage the resources wisely and remain fiscally responsible by working toward best government practices with professionalism and civility.
Roswell has steadily grown and changed. With these changes have come challenges we must address without delay. We must adopt a sound transportation plan to alleviate traffic congestion. We must encourage reasonable development and, particularly, redevelopment in ways that advance, enhance, preserve and protect. We must assure our citizens' safety, especially from an encroaching criminal element.
My vision is to improve and protect Roswell as a desirable place in which to live and work. I care greatly about our city and wish to serve where I am most needed and best suited. My lifetime of experiences within the medical profession, in leadership positions and working with community organizations and governmental entities have given me a thinking process to analyze problems, collaborate toward a resolution and assimilate a variety creative solutions to diverse situations. City governance must be responsive, innovative and facilitative to projects that fit our city's comprehensive plan.
With this election, there is the potential for a considerable turnover in elected officials. Having lived in Roswell for over 25 years, I enjoy good relationships both east and west, with neighboring cities, and with businesses and non-profits. I expect to draw on the input and contributions of many dedicated citizens.
Race: Roswell City
Council Post 3
NAME: Craig Michael Voth
AGE: 39
OCCUPATION: Real Estate, entrepreneur, self-employed.
EDUCATION: Degreed
WHY I AM RUNNING: When I learned of the opportunity to serve the people of Roswell by becoming a member of the City Council, I welcomed the chance to give back to this great community.
My wife, Julie, and I have called Roswell home for over 10 years and appreciate its people, neighborhoods, culture and parks. As a Realtor, I know how having great schools, strong businesses and a positive economic climate can affect a community.
With a love for the outdoors, I realize the importance of keeping a commitment to our parks and recreation so that Roswell's families can enjoy them for years to come. Friends and fellow voters share how they feel about our community. Through them my belief is reinforced that the people place a high priority on values, vision and voice.
I share these values and am committed to preserving the quality of life that Roswell has to offer. I understand the vision to keep community safe and help it grow must be through keeping an eye on the future while appreciating its past. I will listen and be your voice on the Roswell City Council by building a consensus and knowing your concerns.
Everyone who lives, works, and plays in Roswell is an important part of its future. When I was growing up my parents were active in our community and instilled in me the belief that we all have a duty to help each other. Being elected to the City Council will enable me to use my experiences in life as a Realtor and my corporate background, as well as my love of Roswell, to help the city grow and prosper.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 4
NAME: Jim Pollak
AGE: 69
OCCUPATION: Advertising agency owner/executive - semi-retired
EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in business sdministration, Georgia Southern; master of business sdministration - Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Member, Citizen's Advisory Group in Roswell; past president, Westbrook Homeowner's Association
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Past member of Lions Club in Buckhead
WHY I AM RUNNING: Roswell is a great city that can become even greater. My successful business career uniquely positions me to become a catalyst in making Roswell an even better place in which to live, work and play.
Working with clients of all types during my business career as manager of JWT's Altanta Office, and later as one of the founders and the CEO of Pollak Levitt, I know how to listen. That is the first and most critical element in fully understanding a situation.
I know how to take what I've heard and then study and research the facts. With that base of knowledge, I know how to plan strategy. I know how to execute against strategy effectively and to assess results. As a Roswell City Councilman, the citizens and businesses of the city will be my clients, and that's where my business experience comes into play.
As the CEO of a company with revenues and a payroll in the millions of dollars, I know how to be financially successful. Revenues, expenses, capital expenditures, and finance are all second nature to me. I know how to be successful in good times and in bad. This knowledge will serve the citizens and businesses of Roswell.
As CEO of a company and as a board member of a multi-million dollar non-profit, I know how to set goals for management and staff. I know how to give them the tools to do their jobs and to judge them on results. I am not a micro-manager. My skill set is strong when it comes to the ability to work with others, to understand disparate points of view, to compromise and to move the ball forward.
These are the reasons I'm running and I am confident that if I win, Roswell wins.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 4
NAME: Kent Igleheart
AGE: 46
OCCUPATION: Non-profit consultant
EDUCATION: B.A., Economics and Business Administration, Furman University, 1985; Graduate Coursework, M.P.A, University of Georgia
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Roswell City Council, January, 2002 - present
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Served on boards of North Pond Homes Association, Martin's Landing Foundation, Big Creek Alliance, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia River Network, Scenic Georgia
WHY I AM RUNNING: I am running to keep Roswell the place we all love. I have worked with a wide range of residents and businesses for more than 10 years to protect Roswell's residential character and to move us toward a successful future. I have been a leader in fighting against billboards, Charlie Brown, and bloated budgets and for efforts to expand redevelopment options and create common-sense transportation solutions.
Roswell is again at a crossroads - pressure is building to allow substantial increases in development and budget concerns are growing. Everything we have all worked for is at risk.
I am Roswell's budget hawk and have been called the most fiscally conservative local representative in North Fulton county. Of everyone running for office, I am the only one who has voted against a tax increase and against a deficit budget. Our current spending patterns are not sustainable and long-term financial planning is insufficient. I have been the only one consistently pushing to change that.
I have been the most reliable defender of neighborhoods and homeowner property values. But I have also been a strong supporter of creating new mixed-use zoning and working for redevelopment along commercial corridors.
I have led Roswell's sustainability efforts, bringing together all sides - developers, realtors, businesses and residents - and working collaboratively to create reasonable, real-world strategies that will actually reduce our future operational costs. This must continue.
Next year will be a unique situation where at least two, and possibly four, council members will be brand new and the other two will only have two years of experience. New blood and change are good things, but as we've seen in Washington, too much change can be detrimental. If you want to keep your property values high and your taxes from increasing, I am the only proven choice.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 5
NAME: Lee Fleck
AGE: 62
OCCUPATION: Customs House Broker
EDUCATION: Customs House Broker, licensed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, B.A., McMicken College Arts & Science, University of Cincinnati
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Licensed youth coach, U.S. Soccer Federation; Georgia State Soccer Association; Georgia Sports Official Association member; Mt. Pisgah youth coach and volunteer; Roswell Recreation Department coach, soccer official; Atlanta Air Cargo Association
WHY I AM RUNNING: I am running because I believe that we need a City Council that functions collaboratively in establishing and overseeing the implementation of local policies. I believe that council members have a "social contract" with citizens to be good stewards of taxpayers' money while insuring the maintenance of city assets and maintaining homeowners' property values.
Additionally, it is crucial for me to clarify to the public certain misleading statements made by the current administration and to address the lack of core values at City Hall.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 5
NAME: Jerry Orlans
OCCUPATION: Self-employed (office in Roswell) in insurance, employee benefits
EDUCATION: B.S. degree, Wayne State University
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Roswell City Council since 1992 and have worked on other campaigns.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: North Fulton Hospital Board member; Chamber of Commerce member; Roswell Rotary Club member and prior Rotary board member; Community Foundation of North Fulton; YMCA of North Fulton; Leadership North Fulton; graduate, first Roswell Citizens Police Academy; Completed Regional Leadership Institute through the ARC
WHY I AM RUNNING: I got involved on the City Council to help maintain a vibrant and healthy city in which I could raise my family. Other reasons have come into play over the years to help protect our quality of life and natural resources.
In this particular election many people have encouraged me to run so I can provide my experience and expertise because of the changes on the Council. We have two new council members from two years ago and we could have two to three new council members this year. My re-election will provide this experience and continuity to help through this type of change-over.
There are also several issues that I want to have the opportunity to provide solutions to going forward. One of these is the redevelopment of our older commercial areas. We need to put into place the tools we need to move forward once the economy begins to turn around. I have worked to recruit developers to get them interested in Roswell, doing things the "Roswell Way."
I would like to see us encourage small business development in Roswell so our children will have employment opportunities after they finish their schooling.
We need to work on our traffic flow with some innovative ideas, such as roundabouts, improved connectivity and intersections.
Quality of life issues are a constant battle. I would work hard to maintain that small town atmosphere in Roswell. We need to finish our trail system, connect sidewalks, and improve our streetscapes where possible. We need to continually support our police and fire departments, keeping us one of the safest and best cities to raise a family: distinctions we have already achieved!
I am a Roswell booster, and I want to continue to put heart and soul into our city and do what is best for Roswell the "Roswell Way."
Race: Roswell City Council Post 6
NAME: James D. (Jim) Hargreaves
AGE: 66
OCCUPATION: Financial software developer, IT manager and consultant
EDUCATION: Bachelor's of science in industrial management with majors in economics, political philosophy, international relations and logic/applied discrete mathematics from Perdue University; completed course work for a MBA, MS in adult education from University of Wisconsin.
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Elected president, Purdue Ward Organization (a 7,000 member campus); ran two times for council in 2005 and 2007.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Volunteer church duties and projects, church choirs and music related projects. Teach class for individual investors.
WHY I AM RUNNING: Roswell's council and administration have drifted away from Roswell's best interests in favor of a highly effective minority (special interests). They have cost Roswell millions and plan to spend much more. Only 15 percent of our registered voters vote in our elections. Thus, less than 8 percent of the registered voters win elections. Forty percent turnout in a few large subdivisions can get special interest candidates elected. They have successfully kept Roswell voters unaware of this conspiracy.
Roswell is an over $110 million-per-year, "mid-sized" business. Roswell's council is the city's policy making body - similar to a corporate board of directors. Council policies determine the city's administrative direction and effectiveness. Council members need to understand how to manage and grow a "mid-sized" (or larger) business. That only comes from proper training and work experience. If voters want effective government, serving on Roswell's council should not be a popularity or beauty contest.
I am asking the voters and citizens of Roswell for the privilege and opportunity to represent their best interests. No candidates or incumbents on council have my accounting, business or technical expertise. If elected, I promise to:
1. Serve all the people - not special interests
2. Improve, not just maintain, Roswell's quality of life and levels of service.
3. Show the city (and its citizens) how to reduce real estate taxes 3 percent per year 12 percent over a four-year period. Instead of rising taxes, by the end of my four-year term your should have saved $300 for every $1,000 per year you now pay in real estate taxes.
4. Bring open government and full disclosure to voters and residents. Full disclosure should start with all candidates and incumbents - a detailed chronological resume of education and business experience.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 6
NAME: Nancy Diamond
AGE: 46
OCCUPATION: Community volunteer, retired mortgage loan officer and small business owner
EDUCATION: Attended Georgia State University
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Treasurer, Linda Schultz campaign for Fulton County School Board
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: STAR House Foundation co-chair; board member Roswell Rotary Club; Past treasurer PTA - Crabapple MS, Roswell HS; Roswell Arts Festival Committee; Grove Way Community Charrette Steering Committee; Roswell High School Foundation; Roswell United Methodist Church
WHY I AM RUNNING: As a life long North Fulton resident, I've seen great growth and change here. For 25 years my husband, Glenn, and I have loved living and raising our daughters in Roswell. Now that they are grown, it's my hope and responsibility to give back to this city that has given so much to so many. I want to help ensure that families continue to choose to raise their children here, that our children have the option to make their adult lives here, and that our seniors have options here, too.
In this unusual election, voters will decide four of the six city council seats, and critical issues with long-term implications are on the docket. We must do more with less given the economic conditions. Important decisions must be made about how to maintain our award winning recreation and parks facilities and how to repair and keep our infrastructure intact.
Our Fire Department needs two new stations and more full-time staff. We need to address the high number of empty apartments that create short-term tenants and contribute to crime and strain our schools.
Decisions must be pro-active and targeted in our approach to filling the empty commercial properties throughout the city. We need to address the perception of Roswell being "anti-business" and make our processes more user-friendly. And as always, putting customer service first and serving our constituents is paramount.
Government is much like parenting. There is no magic book filled with answers, often the choices are difficult and it's ever changing. But if we gather the facts, evaluate the consequences and listen with an open mind, we can find the best course.
I'm new at making campaign promises, but I promise to do my homework, listen to you and put Roswell first.
Race: Roswell City Council Post 6
NAME: Alex Fudali
AGE: 52
OCCUPA-TION: Airline Planning Manager at Delta Airlines Inc.
EDUCA-TION: B.S. in business administration, Pace University.; M.A. in international relations, Manhattanville College
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Elected deputy mayor for Municipal Council Board in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. in the late 1980s and eliminated $500,000 deficit in first term of office.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Roswell Citizen Communications Committee; 2001-2003 Roswell North Elementary Local School Advisory Committee (LSAC) member; Roswell Citizen Communications Committee; N.F. Performing Arts Center Steering Committee; president, North Point Subdivision homeowner association; Polish-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeast in Atlanta co-founder; Chopin Society of Atlanta.
WHY I AM RUNNING: I want to secure these goals:
Establish permanent districts geographically tied to specific areas of the city of Roswell. The needs of Roswell east are different than the needs of Roswell west, north or south
Roswell has become too large and complex. Eliminate the at-large-post concept for the City Council seats and bring government closer to the people.
Create an environment for residents to know their elected officials, encourage accountability and promote neighborhood representation.
Promote live airing of Roswell City Council meetings on Roswell's Cable Channel RCTV. People live busy lives but they want to be engaged. Airing live council meetings will lead to open, honest government.
Begin serious dialogue to find workable solutions to our ever-growing traffic congestion in Roswell. The State Assembly is reaching a funding agreement on transportation. Roswell needs to be on the forefront of this issue to ensure our needs are heard and addressed.
We need committed leaders who are our advocates and are willing to make tough decisions.
Establish communication channels with local schools in Roswell. Open communication promotes awareness and helps establish strong planning foundations for our local schools and the city.
Below you will find a breakdown of the Alpharetta City Council races.
Race: Alpharetta City Council Post 3
NAME: John R. Keim
AGE: 46
OCCUPATION: Retired senior vice president, Fidelity Investments; Currently basketball and lacrosse coach Alpharetta High School
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Elected to the Copely Fairlawn City School District Board of Education, 4-year team; served as board vice president
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: President, Alpharetta High School Athletic Association; Alpharetta High School Foundation Executive Committee; Fulton County Board of Education Superintendent's Community Council; Webb Bridge Middle School Local School Advisory Council; Young Life North Fulton Area Parent Committee; Alpharetta Parks and Rec coach; Bridgeway Soccer Coach; Upward Basketball coach; Trustee. The Chapel at University Park; Hillsdale College Parent Advisory Committee; Jewish Community Federation Interfaith Mission to D.C.; North Point Community Church, member, C3G leader, Starting Point leader
WHY I AM RUNNING: I am seeking to reclaim the foundation of public service that appears to be missing in America today.
As your councilman, I will keep no compensation for my service. Every dime will be given back to local Alpharetta-based charities.
Second, I will accept nothing — not a meal, game ticket, pen, or T-shirt from a vendor doing business with Alpharetta. Imagine a judge accepting gifts from an attorney whose case he was trying. We would be outraged by such behavior. Why should it be any different for a public servant looking to make a zoning or purchasing decision?
Third, I will run and serve for one term only, voting for what I believe is in the best interest of Alpharetta and then moving out of the way for the next qualified candidate.
I'm proud of my work history with a number of the world's finest corporations where I helped to invest billions of dollars of retirement assets for my clients. My experience as an elected member of a Board of Education displays a unique record of having held public office. Not once in my four-year term did I support or vote for a tax increase. Then, as now, I voluntarily stepped down after serving one term, would keep no compensation and would accept no gifts from vendors.
My diverse volunteer experience in the community shows a commitment to leave Alpharetta a better place than I found it.
For the past 25 years I have given my best to insure a safe, secure financial future for those I have advised and the best start possible for their children.
I invite you to partner with me as I seek to serve you as a guardian for our city's safety, prosperity and way of life.
Race: Alpharetta City
Council Post 3
NAME: Tom Miller
AGE: 50
OCCUPATION: Senior Finance Manager, Cox Enterprises
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: No prior political office held.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: President, Windward Homeowners Inc.; City of Alpharetta Citizen Survey Committee; City of Alpharetta Redevelopment Powers Referendum Committee; Treasurer, Windward Homeowners Inc.; Public Library Board of Directors, Webster, N.Y.; Public School Redistricting Policy Committee, Webster Schools
EDUCATION: Bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's of international management
WHY I AM RUNNING: I've been an active community advocate for the past 12 years, representing the interests of the citizenry on over 45 zoning- and parks-related issues. I have also participated in studies involving transportation and land use. Because of these efforts, I've become well versed in Alpharetta's land-use plan and zoning codes.
As a strong defender of homeowners' interests, I've been recognized by local officials as a knowledgeable and trusted resource.
That's why Fulton Commissioner Lynne Riley asked me to join her advisory team of community leaders to help address community issues.
I believe that, in some cases, our city lost track of what makes Alpharetta a special place to live. Some zoning decisions, such as Prospect Park, are now visible reminders that we need to provide stronger protections for our community in the future. Unlike other candidates, I have never depended on land developers for my livelihood.
That's why I'm running for City Council. It's my strong belief that we need to position Alpharetta to be ready for the economic turnaround.
Our great city needs to be the prime destination for high quality businesses.
To be competitive, we need a planning vision centering on what I term "intelligent development."
Intelligent development will focus on balanced, forward-looking planning that promotes economic development while improving roads and infrastructure.
It places greater focus on how development will ultimately impact our quality of life, schools and resources.
The five components of intelligent development are: improved roads and infrastructure; quality development that creates jobs and protects schools; respect for existing land use plans and zoning; promotion of efficient and effective community services; support of sound financial planning and low taxes.
Race: Alpharetta City
Council Post 3
NAME: Chris Owens
AGE: 38
OCCUPATION: Civil Engineer
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: I have worked with city councils and county commissions on land use issues for over 16 years.
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Active member of Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, where I am an ordained Elder and Chair of the Property Committee; coached the APC Men's Softball Team at Alpharetta's North Park since 2005; Science Fair Judge - Forsyth County School Board for three years; Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce - board member and 2009 Golf Committee Chair; Served on the Alpharetta Transportation Committee seeking to link transportation planning to land use plans; serving on the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan Committee as a community stakeholder for Alpharetta at the Mayor's request; volunteering time and professional services to North Fulton Community Charities; volunteering time and professional services to The Lionheart School; member of Alpharetta YMCA; graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute (RLI
WHY I AM RUNNING: Alpharetta and its future mean a lot to Chris Owens. His family is here. His roots are deeply planted here. That's why Chris Owens is running for Alpharetta City Council, Post 3.
Here is Chris Owens' plan for Alpharetta:
Protecting our neighborhoods: The city has two main functions: to deliver cost-effective, efficient community services and protect our neighborhoods from unwise development. Chris will continue that fight, putting the interests of residents first.
Transportation: As a civil engineer, Chris knows we can't build our way out of congestion. We must first squeeze maximum efficiency from our existing transportation system to help traffic move more efficiently. He will also make sidewalks and bicycle lanes an integral part of a total transportation solution.
Public Safety: Alpharetta has an excellent public safety program, but the departments need new, up-to-date tools to keep us safe.
Chris will work to make our public safety team even better by pushing for more training, education and community outreach.
Land use: Chris believes our land use plan is the city's development blueprint. On council, he will push for sustainable community initiatives, the Green City Program, Lifelong Community Components and other cutting-edge land use initiatives that protect our community and add to property values.
Parks/recreation and youth Sports: Chris believes Alpharetta still lacks adequate green space.
He will work to find new parcels that can be reserved for citizen enjoyment and allow for expanded youth sports programs.
Fiscal responsibility: Responsible borrowing is necessary from time to time, as we can all attest. Our AAA municipal bond rating is a distinction shared with only one other city in Georgia.
This rating translates directly into savings for our residents and therefore must be protected. Chris is not afraid to ask tough questions when it comes to protecting our strong financial position.
Race: Alpharetta City
Council Post 2
NAME: Mike Kennedy
AGE: 48
OCCUPATION: President, North Point Financial Advisors, Inc., Registered Investment Advisors
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Vice chairman, Alpharetta Development Authority; Kimball Bridge Coalition, Citizen Advocacy Organization
CIVIC EXPERIENCE & ORGANIZATIONS: Kimball Farms Homeowners Association, Board of Directors; Wills Park Youth Baseball Association, volunteer; Hopewell Youth Association, volunteer; Angelman Syndrome Foundation of Georgia, Inc., President
WHY I AM RUNNING: As the only conservative in the race for Post 2, I am committed to continuing the city's conservative budgeting philosophy. This approach has served the city well during these tough economic times, as evidenced by Alpharetta currently being in the strongest financial position of any city in the state of Georgia.
Having said that, even in tough times we must continue to invest wisely in what I call the "nuts and bolts" of municipal government: police services, fire services, road maintenance and intersection improvements.
In the big picture, however, large-scale traffic improvements will have to be accomplished through regional transportation solutions like the North Fulton Traffic Plan being coordinated by the Atlanta Regional Commission.
I will push for Alpharetta to be a productive, pro-active partner in the development of an aggressive regional solution to our traffic issues.
I am also concerned about the large amount of vacant retail and commercial space in Alpharetta.
In the short term, we must insist that these properties be properly maintained.
In the medium term, we need to make sure that existing retail space is filled before approving any additional retail development.
In the long term, we must ensure that our land use plans for retail and commercial properties properly reflect the "new" economy.
This new economy should also be the catalyst for an updated economic development plan for our city. We must continue to work to attract high quality businesses to Alpharetta. A strong corporate tax base brings with it good jobs and helps keep property taxes low for Alpharetta residents.
I have lived in Alpharetta for over 11 years. I am the only candidate for Post 2 who is raising a family in our city. I believe that having roots in our community is an important part of serving the citizens.
Race: Alpharetta City
Council Post 2
NAME: Aubrey Osteen
AGE: 68
OCCUPATION: Real estate broker and educator, retired law enforcement
POLITICAL EXPER-IENCE: Fulton County Tax Assessor's Board; Fulton County Sheriff's Office
WHY I AM RUNNING: I, Aubrey Osteen, am seeking the post of Alpharetta City Council member because I like my community, and I enjoy serving it.
My background includes employment in the fields of law enforcement, education, real estate tax and small business. I have a history of finding ways to make government better serve its citizens.
While appointed to the Fulton County Tax Assessor's Board, I established the first satellite tax office in North Fulton. This saved Alpharetta's citizens from traveling all the way downtown for property tax information.
The program was so successful that soon after the tax commissioner added a satellite tag office. My experience on the tax board provides me with insight in the areas of zoning, taxation and property assessment.
When hired by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, I established the first Fulton County satellite jail in Alpharetta.
This was accompanied by coordinating the resources and manpower from both municipal and county law enforcement agencies. The jail was met with enthusiasm from the Alpharetta police because it saved them the hours of travel necessary to transport offenders downtown.
The local jail made law enforcement more efficient by keeping our officers here in Alpharetta. My knowledge, experience and ties with our local police force will give me an edge in finding effective and innovative solutions for our city's law enforcement needs.
I have a degree in criminal justice and am a graduate of the FBI Academy. I retired from the Fulton County District Attorney's Office as an investigator and indictment
supervisor.
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Tags: Alpharetta, Alpharetta City Council, BLOG: alpharetta city council, Roswell, Roswell City Council
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