Roswell’s OK, Really

With banks failing, unemployment rising, and tax revenues falling, it is comforting to know that Roswell’s City government is well run. Comparing Roswell to other North Fulton cities shows that although Roswell’s services are second to none, we have the lowest operating property tax millage rate, and the second lowest operating cost per person in North Fulton County.

Roswell’s Recreation and Parks Department has been recognized as the best in the state – an unprecedented eight times. Roswell has the largest Police Department in North Fulton County and is consistently rated as one of the safest cities in the southeastern United States. Our Fire Department has an ISO rating of 3, better than all but one other North Fulton city. Roswell has been recognized as the third best place in the United States to raise a family, a City of Excellence and the best place to live in metro Atlanta.

The cost for Roswell’s 2008 services was only $614 per person per year, substantially lower than our neighboring cities of Alpharetta ($781), Johns Creek ($630) and Sandy Springs ($810).      

Roswell is not immune from hard economic times, but by virtue of hard work, good management and innovation, Roswell does not need to lay off employees or cut programs to make up for falling tax revenues, and we can continue to offer city services second to none at the lowest cost available without any tax increases.

For further information on the City comparisons go to www.mayorwood.com    

                Mayor Jere Wood
                Roswell

Convoy of Hope A Success

If you happened to be one of the 1,200 plus volunteers or over 4,000 guests in attendance at the Convoy of Hope celebration held on the grounds of the Roswell City Hall complex Saturday April 18th, I am sure you will agree it was one of Roswell’s most successful events. The national mission of Convoy of Hope is to transform entire communities with compassion, one life at a time. Mission accomplished for Roswell, Georgia.

The insight and vision of Fellowship Bible Church and in particular Tom Schuler and Kris Eldridge are to be congratulated. Kris Eldridge was recruited by FBC and moved to Roswell less than a year ago to coordinate this endeavor. For someone new to the community, he took on the challenge and did a stellar job of organizing, implementing and accomplishing this grand occasion. Churches and businesses from all over the community joined in to make the Convoy of Roswell a truly successful event.

Compliments to the City of Roswell as co-host. Great insight on Mayor Wood’s part to recognize the need for our city to co-sponsor this life-changing event. In light of the unprecedented economic times, our community is experiencing an unprecedented number of families with deepening financial needs. This was a day to enjoy the festivities and food and seek out assistance both physically and spiritually. In addition, it gave thousands an opportunity to address medical needs, vaccinations, screenings, free haircuts, family portraits, and even have a resume written on sight. The occasion was very well orchestrated. The steering committee worked for months on the precise organization and implementation of the day and it truly showed.

The Roswell Convoy of Hope was a true reflection of the value in the community taking care of community. It was truly inspiring to be among fellow community members reaching out to one another. The day was filled with blessings both given and received. Whether you came as a volunteer or as a guest, you came away with a renewed energy and a sense of belief in one another. The event also affirmed the fact that Roswell is a great community in which to live.
     
            Sue Sharp, Executive Director
            Find A Way Home
            Roswell

Swine Flu Solution

As of April 29, 10 states have already confirmed over 100 illnesses from H1N1 virus, one of which already resulted in a death. Swine flu is spreading like wildfire, and now is the time to act if we wish to limit the virus’s spread. Although concerns about the short-term economy prevent much political action, the most effective and ultimately least economically damaging action would be to close borders and quarantine all people, ill or healthy, to their homes for seven days. Because the incubation period for the virus is generally no longer than five days, a week-long quarantine would reveal symptoms for all currently infected people, who would then be able to receive treatment without spreading the virus further. A national hotline could be set up for all potentially ill people to call if they develop symptoms and doctors would then be dispatched to homes to test for and treat H1N1 virus. Halting the virus now through a massive quarantine will temporarily restrain the economy, but if the virus is allowed to expand to a full pandemic the consequences of millions of dead and hospitalized people unable to work will ultimately damage the economy more severely in the long run.

        Michelle Izmaylov,
        A Senior at Alpharetta High School
        Alpharetta