Milton Loves its Volunteers
It takes a lot to run a city smoothly – a lot of time, money and effort. And it also takes a lot of people. In Milton we have seven council members, 83 full-time employees and 13 part-time employees. Yet even with all those individuals working hard to serve Milton, there is still much to be done. Luckily, the good people living in this City have truly stepped up to the plate and have lend a hand whenever it was needed. The City of Milton is grateful for our unofficial volunteers and for the nearly 150 sworn-in volunteers who serve on our committees and boards.

The Council, City Staff, and I appreciate the men and women who give their time to help make Milton a better place. And let's not forget the dozens of other volunteers who help with various activities throughout Milton like our Milton Roundup, art exhibits at City Hall, our recent clean up of Birmingham Park and much more. Without the help of these giving individuals, our City would not be what it is today.

Last month's event at Birmingham Park proved that Milton is not only a caring community but a giving one. More than 380 residents and nonresidents volunteered their time on that hot April Saturday to help clean up the 202-acre park. They mowed fields, took down a mile and a half of barbed wire, collected five dumpsters worth of trash, cleaned the house on the property, and more. Twenty-three Milton-area restaurants donated food and beverages, and 12 different businesses donated services and materials without which the cleanup would not have been possible.

Council and I believe it is important to show our appreciation to all of the volunteers. This month, we will be hosting a dinner, prepared by me and our City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, at my home to thank all the committee and board members who give of themselves so generously to help serve our City. And to all of our other volunteers who do not serve an official City entity: I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in volunteering in the City of Milton, please let us know. There is always something going on that could use volunteers. Please contact me or Linda Blow, our Project Coordinator, for information on volunteering. You may also check this Web site for additional information.

Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Lockwood
Milton

   
Chateau Alpharetta
Dear Alpharetta Residents:

Your help is urgently needed.

While you are cutting expenses during this recession, Alpharetta city officials are planning to build a luxurious $25 million palace for themselves – and they’re prepared to raise your taxes to do it.

They call this boondoggle “City Center,” but it is becoming better known as “Chateau Alpharetta” – the $25 million palace of big-government luxury.

These arrogant officials don’t seem to understand that our country is currently mired in a deep economic crisis. Instead of tightening their belts and reining in government spending, they want to spend $25 million of your tax money for a 50,000 square-foot castle with opulent office suites, private underground parking spaces, and lavish private dining rooms.

And it doesn’t stop there – Alpharetta officials plan to surround Chateau Alpharetta with 60,000 square feet of new retail space – at a time when retail vacancies have become a plague throughout our city.

They may deny it in public, but city officials privately admit that a tax increase of as much as 25% may be necessary to pay the debt service for “Chateau Alpharetta.” But you can stop this from happening. Contact Mayor Arthur Letchas and your city council members today - and tell them that you’ll be voting NO on Chateau Alpharetta!

Learn more at chateaualpharetta.com.

Jeff Berry
Alpharetta