ROSWELL MAYOR

Lori Henry

Top three legislative priorities that you want to accomplish in your first year.

Finances. It’s time to get Roswell’s fiscal house back in order. That calls for making hard spending choices. It is not time to play politics with the city’s future or impose stealth tax increases.

Redevelopment / Transportation. There is a broad consensus in Roswell that it’s past time for us to get moving on redeveloping blighted and underperforming areas. Those efforts will be coordinated with our master transportation plan. The two are inseparable. Even though redevelopment funds are still sitting on the sidelines, we can lay plans now for how to go about redevelopment so that we cure the most egregious mistakes made in the past rather than add to them. Also, to the extent that we are able to get stimulus funds, we will move aggressively to implement the transportation master plan.

Economic Development. Even before the current recession, there were far too many empty commercial spaces and far too few quality employment opportunities in Roswell. That can and will change as we move forward with redevelopment – provided the model going forward isn’t a rehash of the failed sprawl-based commercial center model whose time is past. Going forward we will encourage and attract reputable developers who will help us step Roswell into a new paradigm for the future that actually brings out the best of the city’s treasured past.

What specifically differentiates your positions and your approach from your opponents?

I see myself as being more like-minded with the majority in Roswell than either of my opponents. I take firm stands based on principles, the law and what I think the majority would agree is in the city’s best interests. I don’t put my finger in the wind to see which way it’s blowing, and I don’t change positions out of political expedience. What you see is what I am. As for how my positions differ from my opponents – it depends on where they stand on any given day.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city? If so, what specifically do you plan to do to address it?

Of course there’s a crime problem in Roswell. Just look back through the archives of your own paper. You can play games with crime stats, but at the end of the day, in raw numbers the incidence of serious crime has been on the rise for years. As for how will I address it, I’ve already begun. Joining forces with Lynne Riley and Chief Williams I led the effort that brought a fulltime Assistant District Attorney to North Fulton, and now we are on path to get a dedicated superior court judge here as well. Beyond that I will actually listen to the people in the criminal justice system who know how to fight crime and I will do everything I can to follow their recommendations.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a statewide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

This is another issue where I’ve been out in front. By now my opponents realize they can no longer ignore or deny the charges that the Wood Administration is hostile to the business community – he says one thing while his staff does quite another. When I take office that game comes to an end. I plan an extensive overhaul of the Community Development area. While no one segment of our community – business or otherwise will get special favors from my administration, everyone coming before the city will be treated with respect.

Projections of Roswell’s budget show that the reserve fund will be depleted within five years. what are your specific plans to address the coming budget shortfall?

This is no time for tax increases nor can we continue on the present path to insolvency. That means cuts. Under my leadership, we will set priorities – separate the need-to-haves from the nice-to-haves, and cut back on spending until the economy rebounds and our economic development efforts bear fruit.

Do you support the Ga. State Assembly’s proposed Constitutional Amendment to cap property tax assessment increases to 3 percent per year?

I am in favor of capping property tax increases by law. We must learn to do more with less. We need to put a halt to the tax hike shell game that lets local officials blame county assessors for tax increases and visa versa. We need transparency and accountability. In 2009 I was the only elected municipal official out of 35 representing the five cities in North Fulton that supported Mark Burkhalter’s constitutional amendment, HR1, to freeze property tax assessments for a 3-year period. I am the authentic fiscal conservative in this race.

ROSWELL MAYOR

David Tolleson

Top three legislative priorities that you want to accomplish in your first year

My priorities are to improve the quality of life in Roswell and to address school, safety and tax base concerns by revitalizing aging strip centers and apartment complexes and making Roswell business friendly. We also need to work on infrastructure improvements, such as transportation issues. In terms of 2010 legislation, I would (1) work with staff and council to develop a bond referendum for citizen approval that will result in low interest funds to pay for needed projects, such as transportation improvements, without a tax increase. (2) We will begin to put in the zoning changes, process improvements and incentives needed to draw quality growth to Roswell. As part of that, I would like to bring a referendum to voters to allow the city to establish Tax Allocation Districts, a needed tool in our redevelopment arsenal. (3) I would also seek to simplify our business permitting process and develop codes that encourage, rather than discourage, new investment in Roswell.

What specifically differentiates your positions and your approach from your opponents?

My positions and approach involve creativity, flexibility and building relationships within the private sector to achieve economically viable, community friendly options. After all, government isn’t known for new solutions and entrepreneurial solutions – the private sector is. I would actively engage Roswell’s existing community of business leaders to improve processes and develop economic “pods” that would encourage new investment in Roswell. I would also work with staff and council to allow flexible office options in vacant retail centers, and then aggressively pursue start-up and growth businesses, such as “green tech” companies to fill the space, creating new jobs. I have a history of identifying areas ripe for strategic redevelopment – such as the Grove Way community between City Hall and the Roswell Housing Authority complex, the Northwest Quadrant behind Red Lobster and Holcomb Bridge Road. When I’m mayor, I will aggressively pursue redevelopment opportunities in these key areas. As for my approach, I am a consensus builder who moves projects forward in a timely manner. I have a track record of bringing citizens, developers, council and staff together to find real solutions to tough development issues (Centennial Walk, East Village). I will continue to do what I’ve done before – bring people together for real, timely community-led options. There’s a reason why so many current and former elected officials who have worked with the three mayoral candidates support me. I provide respectful forums that bring results.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city? If so, what specifically do you plan to do to address it?

Crime is a growing concern to Roswell residents and should be to the next mayor and council. Statistics show that most people in Roswell are very safe. However, those who are illegal immigrants, those involved with drugs, or those who have domestic issues, are increasingly likely to be involved in a crime. I will immediately work with the Police Department to make sure they have the tools they need to do their job – one of my opponents didn’t support using “rainy day” savings to buy pursuit vehicles the Chief requested. I will work with the staff and Council to make sure we have the personnel we need to get the job done. Two immediate areas to explore are expansion of our Crime Free Housing program, to make it more difficult for criminals to move from one complex to another, and full staffing of our Special Operations Unit to insure that gangs aren’t able to grow in Roswell. I would also like to see greater opportunities for involvement by our citizens, particularly our large veteran population, in public safety issues. Finally, redevelopment is the key to a healthy long-term future of our town. I will work to replace the aging apartment complexes that are causing school and crime issues with development appropriate for Roswell.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a statewide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

I will involve the small business development units of local universities, as well as leaders in our own business community in launching creative approaches to recruiting, growing and keeping businesses in Roswell, such as the “economic pods” and flex space mentioned earlier. We will build on the work of Councilman Rich Dippolito’s Blue Ribbon Committee and expedite recommended changes in procedures and approach. As part of that, we will examine our Code Enforcement function, so that we improve the quality of life for Roswell’s citizens and businesses, while eliminating unnecessary burdens that repel business owners.

Projections of Roswell’s budget show that the reserve fund will be depleted within five years. what are your specific plans to address the coming budget shortfall?

Budgeting is an ongoing process. Last year, we worked with staff to make mid-year adjustments and, as a result, ended the fiscal year with a $1 million surplus. Many of our needs could be addressed through a bond that would not require a tax increase. Also, we must use this economic downturn to change our approach, attract new businesses and prepare for future development and redevelopment so that we build our tax base and shift some of the burden away from residents. It is important to constantly look for ways to work better and smarter, but whatever we do we must do it in an open, transparent manner. For the current budget year, I consulted with staff on ways to avoid implementation of a storm water fee. I brought a well-researched alternative to mayor and council at a public meeting well in advance of our final budget hearings and the plan was readily embraced, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. By contrast, one of my opponents proposed staff furloughs on the final night of a five month public process, without having researched the ramifications with the City Administrator, the Budget Director, the Finance Director, the Human Resources Director, or the City Attorney, nor was the majority of the mayor and council consulted. As the City Administrator noted that night, a poorly executed furlough could actually cost us more money, as salaried employees had to be converted to hourly positions. The lack of research and transparency was troubling. It wasn’t fiscal conservatism; it was just politics as usual.

Do you support the Ga. State Assembly’s proposed Constitutional Amendment to cap property tax assessment increases to 3 percent per year?

I believe that issues related to the budget and taxation should be open and transparent, so I support the General Assembly’s requirement that tax increases based on assessments be identified for what they are – tax increases. However, I don’t agree with the state’s ongoing efforts to wrest local control from its citizens. Our community should determine what’s best for Roswell, not some legislator from Hahira or Hazelhurst.

ROSWELL MAYOR

David Tolleson

Top three legislative priorities that you want to accomplish in your first year

1. At the state level, Metro Atlanta needs a regional sales tax dedicated to transportation improvements, including new highways, bridges, and commuter rail. I will work with the Chamber of Commerce, metro mayors, and our state representatives to secure the money required to build transportation improvements needed to reduce congestion and improve mobility.

2. To encourage redevelopment, I will ask the new City Council to expand the Historic District mixed-use overlay district to blighted areas of Roswell. The Council created this zoning last year to allow enough density for property owners in the Historic District to earn a profit on redevelopment. In the past my opponents have opposed redevelopment at sufficient density for property owners to earn back the cost of re-development, which is why we did not see redevelopment of blighted properties when the economy was booming.

3. To help local businesses I will ask the Council to approve way-finding signage directing customers to their businesses. I will ask the Council again to eliminate the requirement that the Design Review Board review small improvement projects. It should not take two months and a trip to the Design Review Board to build a three rail fence on commercial property on a highway. I will ask the Council to extend the Find-it All Roswell program, which I initiated this year.

What specifically differentiates your positions and your approach from your opponents?

I have the experience of being mayor of a city of 100,000 people and overseeing a budget of over $100,000,000; my opponents do not.

I work 30 hours a week performing my duties as Mayor. One of my opponents thinks that the Mayor’s job is only to preside at Council meetings, so he believes that it will not take time away from his full-time job outside Roswell. My other opponent has no job, so she has the time to be Mayor, but she does not have the temperament for the job.

I am open to suggestions, I have the courage to take positions on promising new ideas, and I have the wisdom to change my position when conditions change. I believe in engaging the community in discussions of how best to meet Roswell’s challenges and I accept their decisions. One of my opponents consistently opposes discussing new ideas, and the other consistently elects to take no position until his colleagues reach a consensus.

I have been active in regional and state government; my opponents have not. I served on the Atlanta Regional Commission and I was the first chairperson of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association, chairperson of the North Fulton Municipal Association, and president of the North Metro District of the Georgia Municipal Association. I serve on the board of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, The Roswell Teaching Museum, and The North Fulton Republican Party. I served as President of the Roswell Historical Society, chairperson of High Meadows School, President of the North Fulton Bar Association, President of the Roswell Neighborhood Network, and President of the Greenway Community Club. I am a charter member of the Roswell Kiwanis Club and a member of Roswell Rotary. I incorporated Bike Roswell, and I am a long-time member of RAMBO, Roswell’s mountain biking club. My opponents have no comparable record of service to the community.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city? If so, what specifically do you plan to do to address it?

Any crime is too much crime. Keeping the citizens of Roswell safe has always been my top priority. I am proud that Roswell is doing a good job of preventing crime. Roswell has the lowest crime rate in North Fulton County and in 2007 was the 18th safest city in the U.S., based upon the published FBI Index Crime Rate. To reduce crime and make Roswell safer, we have to address the source. I recently initiated a partnership between the Police Department and our apartment communities to prevent crime in Roswell’s multi-family housing, including changing leases to allow landlords to throw convicted criminals out of Roswell apartment communities. Longer term, we need to redevelop our aging apartment communities. My opponent, who is claiming that she can reduce crime, has been in charge of overseeing our Police Department for the last two years.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a statewide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

[Editor’s Note: Mayor Wood did not respond to this question]

Projections of Roswell’s budget show that the reserve fund will be depleted within five years. what are your specific plans to address the coming budget shortfall?

At the current rate of spending for operations and capital maintenance, in 2014 Roswell will have $13,000,000 in reserves and be debt free. In 2015 we can lower our property tax rate from 5.5 to 4.75, or if approved by vote of our citizens, we can borrow money for new roads, parks or fire stations without a tax increase. There is no need for a tax increase, and no budget shortfall is projected unless the Council votes to raise the level of services currently offered by the city or they approve new capital projects. I am in favor of maintaining the city services that have made Roswell a great place to live. One of my opponents, who voted to furlough employees but not take a pay cut, would rather cut services than capital spending and disputes the projections of our Finance Department, which earned our city an AAA bond rating.

Do you support the Ga. State Assembly’s proposed Constitutional Amendment to cap property tax assessment increases to 3 percent per year? Why or why not?

I believe the Georgia State Assembly should eliminate all residential property taxes and replace them with a municipal option sales tax. Capping property tax assessments does not solve any problems; it will only shift the tax burden to new residential property owners, including our children if they want to live in Georgia, and new businesses that come to Georgia. The only ones who will benefit in the long run are existing commercial property owners.

Roswell Post 3

Betty Price

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

The fiscal year 2010 Budget Report for the City of Roswell indicates the city is in sound financial position maintaining its AAA bond rating with a .75 percent ratio of bonded debt to assessed value, well below the Georgia constitutional threshold of 10 percent. It would not be wise to burden homeowners and businesses with increased taxes or fees. As we monitor closely the monthly revenues, continued shortfalls may require reductions in expenditures, such as nonessential services, capital expenses and new hires. The millage rate should remain the same, especially if property valuations increase. “Rainy day” reserves, which are adequate at $26 million, can be used for nonrecurring costs, maintaining the recommended level needed for unforeseen emergencies or continued sluggishness in the economy.

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

I am well differentiated from my opponent by my active participation in the community for over 25 years, and my positions are well defined on my website at www.BettyPriceForRoswell.com and at www.ajc.com/voterguide.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

Safety of Roswell’s citizens is the highest priority of the city and represents the largest expenditure in the budget. Roswell, by comparison to national and regional cities, is very safe. The crime rate has actually fallen, with the exception of property break-ins which are on the increase. Our blighted areas have the worst crime rates and drug problems, leading us to focus on redeveloping those neglected areas. We need to look at Sandy Springs’ tough solution with respect to bypassing Fulton County’s revolving door incarcerations that may have shifted the criminal element northward to Roswell. We also need to step up partnerships with the apartment managers, the education, business and faith communities.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

A business unfriendly environment affects the tax base of our city and leads to empty store fronts. The principles and guidelines we must impart are encouragement and assistance to existing businesses, reducing the hassle factor, and eliminating onerous regulations and fees. For redevelopment we must welcome and facilitate appropriate projects that will improve our economic well being and quality of life. The specifics of code enforcement are currently subject to the procedures of the Economic Development department and need critical review by the new director of that department under the oversight of council, which provides the vision and policy.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

A proposed constitutional amendment for the state of Georgia with intent to specify an economic variable may have serious unintended consequences. While it sounds like a no brainer, there are significant repercussions to the municipalities and education system which rely on property taxes. This would have to be factored in when setting the millage rate in projecting future revenues for the city.

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

We vote to reaffirm or replace half of our city council every two years for four year terms. The people should decide who best represents them and for how long. We know, however, that an ill informed and apathetic electorate can repeatedly return an underperforming official to office due to the “incumbent advantage.” Term limits ensure that new blood is infused. However, if the length of the term is set too short, the bureaucrats get the advantage. I would not be opposed to a four term limit for serving on council.

Roswell Post 3

Craig Voth

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

We have the lowest rate and the highest quality of living; this is not easily balanced. As stated at the debate on Wednesday, people don’t live in Roswell for the lowest tax rate - they live here for the amenities. Those amenities come at a cost and the people would like to keep these intact. First and foremost, we must work on responsible redevelopment and revitalization in the community. Drawing in new business and redeveloping vacant areas will offer citizens more local choices, thereby increasing sales tax revenue and ultimately increasing our property tax revenue. This will help support the budget without making arbitrary cuts. This will not happen overnight, and in the near term we will need to make tough choices. Balancing cuts in the operating budget with minimal reserve draw will be key to bridge the gap. 

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

I am not recognized as a politician but as a person who is approachable by people of any status or background. Personally, I have had successes and failures, and do not believe I am better than anyone else. In my business of real estate it has been important to build relationships and work with all types of people. When there is a difference of opinion, we should not be idle or uncooperative. My focus is on Roswell and the effort I will put forth at the local level. National issues – such as Health Care Reform – belong in Washington. We have a significant responsibility to the people of Roswell and they deserve for us to have our time and attention focused here.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

While there are many areas of Roswell that have been fortunate to not be impacted by crime, the fact is that crime exists in every city and we cannot afford to become complacent with statistics. We must continue to place a high level of importance on protecting our citizens. Information and communication is key. Formalized neighborhood watch programs, alerts to residents and HOAs, and other community involvement programs will help deter crime. Our best defense is to let the criminals know we are on the watch as a community.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

Historically we have had the reputation of being unfriendly. Economic development in the community is not solely based on code enforcement procedures. Opinions are changing with the citizens, merchants, and government. As we recognize this we must adjust to those needs. Certain things need to remain in place to protect us, but leniency should be applied if an overall impact is detrimental.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

An increase limit is necessary for all property owners. Just as the city tries to manage a tight budget each year, property owners face this same challenge and need to count on a measurable assessment. The state should not control this increase as different areas of the state that experience separate increases in value, have different needs for funding. The right approach is for the local government to set self-imposed limits that can be re-evaluated at specific time intervals (no fewer than 5 years) and should be capped at the average growth experienced by that municipality. 

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

As a city in a fast growing area of the country, it is imperative that the Council remains fresh and energized, and term limits would be a natural way to keep a constant flow of new ideas coming into the city. However, the number of terms appropriate for each city will vary based on the needs of the city, and the citizens of Roswell should have an opportunity to vote on the issue as well as the number of term's if imposed.

Roswell Post 4

Jim Pollak

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

Specific actions will differ according to the actual overall financial situation at the time. The first priority is to cut expenses when projected expenses exceed projected revenue. This needs to be done in the open and early in the budget process with all parties involved in that process fully participating and aware of all of the ramifications. Another priority of equal importance is to immediately initiate programs to unearth new revenue streams to the city. Again, depending on the situation at the time, these efforts may need to be combined with changes in the millage rate and use of the reserve fund, but I will strongly advocate exhausting all other opportunities before taking either of those last two steps.

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

The length and breadth of my business background involving financial forecasting, budgeting, managing to budget and producing a favorable bottom line is far superior to that of my opponent. As one of my supporters has said “he has high integrity and is extremely collaborative, with the rare ability to combine a strategic vision with the practical ability to get things done.” That very much differentiates me from my opponent. I am also more open-minded than my opponent and much more willing to listen to and consider all sides of an issue.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

There is a crime problem in every city. To address it my priorities would include advocating and supporting every effort to make sure our public safety officials have the funding they need to be effective. I will also support more programs such as the recently launched cooperative effort between the city and Pastor Strickland at the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Such programs cost the city little or nothing and can be extremely effective in preventing crime.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

The anti-business reputation of the city simply must be changed. That involves new initiatives with the business community and an examination of all of our procedures which in any way affect economic development. If that requires changes in code enforcement or any other effort, so be it.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

Not as it was amended at the last session of the legislature. I will not support any effort which infringes on local government and gives more power to the state and/or federal government.

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

Term limits can be imposed on any office holder by the voters, but since that doesn’t seem to happen, I support term limits and believe twelve years is appropriate for any office. I have no objection to someone moving from one level of government to another and thus serving for longer periods of time.

Roswell Post 4

Kent Igleheart

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

I’ve pushed for years for realistic long-term financial plans. Our capital needs are four times larger than our projected capital reserve fund (this is what will be exhausted, not our operating reserve). Yet this year we dipped into that fund to pay for ongoing costs. We did not touch the operating reserve (the supposed “rainy day” fund). Using savings set aside for needed projects like intersection improvements is not a prudent way to spend your tax dollars.

I’ve pushed for millions of dollars in cuts to operating expenses. We had a $108 million budget this year but couldn’t find $1.2 million of additional cuts? It’s time to make tough choices. If we don’t make responsible cuts now, we will be forced to make substantial cuts later that actually will harm our quality of life.

Even so, cuts will still not be sufficient. Our extensive capital needs will require a bond at some point. But we must push for operational changes and efficiencies in order to make systemic improvements toward less costly operations. My opponents, including those on Council, have refused to push for these changes.

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

I have an eight year record of fighting for issues that matter - billboards, rezoning, taxes, runaway spending, redevelopment, common sense approaches to transportation, always pushing for better ways to do things.

I don’t spout generalities that don’t mean anything. I have presented specific, detailed proposals. I take a stand for what I think is right and don’t just go along. It’s my job to tell the truth and do whatever it takes to protect and enhance the Roswell we love.

I’ve worked with those who have opposed my ideas and have sought them out to create compromises we can all live with - that is true consensus building.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

There is no question that some property crimes have increased tremendously during this recession and that many residents feel less safe. I’ve long supported 12-hour shifts for police officers, which puts more officers on the streets.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

That supposed reputation comes more from our procedures for every day approvals than from our insistence on high-quality development. Alpharetta is far more strict in zoning requirements yet is considered business friendly.

I’ve advocated redevelopment through the expansion of zoning options like mixed-use. Millions of dollars of infrastructure improvements will “prime the pump” for redevelopment along Highway 9. GDOT red tape has delayed that but it will begin soon.

We must completely overhaul our Community Development department, primarily permitting and inspection processes. I’ve heard over and over from businesses facing daunting tasks of just trying to operate. THAT needs changing. My opponents consistently just go along with what staff wants and have refused to challenge the status quo and push for common sense improvements.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

No. The State keeps pushing costs down to cities. We must have options to deal with our financial situations. Tax decisions are best made at the local level. It’s also critical that property assessments are done correctly so that property owners are treated fairly.

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

I have no intention to serve indefinitely so I could support term limits for both Council and Mayor. Three terms seem reasonable if staggered replacements are dealt with. Having an entirely or mostly new Mayor and Council would be detrimental to the operation of the city.

Roswell Post 5

Lee Fleck

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

Just as soon as the next Mayor is elected (and even before inauguration) he/she must meet with the new (and existing) Council members to immediately address the financial stability of the city because that is what drives all the services that are important to us. The next administration does not have the luxury to wait seven months.
I am opposed to property tax increases in the current economic climate; therefore, the only alternative is to go through the budget, line by line, and postpone or eliminate “selected wants” and keep “the needs.” I will not support any cuts in sworn Police Officers, Firefighters or any reduction in the Recreation Participatory Programs because they are self-funded.

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

I wish to institute a higher level of core values that has been missing with the current administration as the result of selective enforcement of policies, procedures, ordinances, and state law for the benefit of both city employees and citizens.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

Absolutely, and here are my plans to reduce crime in our city. I will press for a more pro-active Police Department focusing on both the reduction and prevention of crime. Many helpful law enforcement tools are available using technology now available and are currently in use in other communities, which would allow our officers to take even more criminals off our streets. I will encourage adult and youth community information/ instructional programs regarding crime prevention and personal safety. Finally, I will address the influx of the criminal alien problem in Roswell, which accounts for every fifth individual arrested, by retaining the foremost authority to develop ordinances focused on attrition through enforcement. This approach has been successful in addressing the illegal alien problem in other municipalities.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

I am not opposed to smart and innovative development, but I am opposed to development just for the sake of developing every available parcel of land in the city. I believe we all want to keep as much “green” in our city as possible.

Some good old-fashioned “common sense” must be reinstituted in the Code Enforcement Department. There have been some real blunders in the past that have either brought the NRA or Veterans Groups down on the city or have made our city look foolish prosecuting a long-time, law-abiding citizen [the case of the “Chicken Man” Andrew Wordes]. If you look at the harassment of Roswell’s auto dealerships and the long, drawn out process to obtain a business license, one certainly understands why Roswell has the reputation of being unfriendly towards business.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

Absolutely, yes. While Mayor Wood is opposed to such a cap, I am convinced that this requirement will force the city administration and the City Council to be a lot more prudent and frugal with taxpayers’ dollars.

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

Absolutely, yes. I favor term-limits and I am willing to self-impose them if elected.

Roswell Post 5

Jerry Orlans

Roswell budget Director Mike Erwin projects that the city will have exhausted its reserves in five years. What is your solution to this?

There has been some panic and misinformation put out to the public regarding our budget. Our conservative budgeting has been the key to our success and has kept us in great shape with a AAA bond rating. Let’s put these projections in perspective.  The current projection shows the city having $13m in reserves at the end of 2014. The reserves are not exhausted as your question indicates. That paper is for discussion purposes only and assumes: 1) that nothing changes, 2) that our projection of future projects stays constant, 3) that we have no additional surpluses between now and 2014, 4) that our expenditures and revenues do not change. It also assumes we spend 100 percent of all budgeted expenditures which we rarely if ever do because of our conservative budget practice. Every year we need to review all of the information, including cutting operation expenses, using reserves or other solutions. That’s why we spend six months working on the budget.

What specifically differentiates your positions, and your approach, from your opponent(s)?

I have 16 years experience as a Roswell City Councilmember. After working in corporate America, I started my own company, which is located in Roswell. I have served on many boards in North Fulton, such as North Fulton Regional Hospital, YMCA, Rotary and the Community Foundation of North Fulton. Currently, we have two council members that were elected just two years ago and the potential of two to three new council members from this election. My re-election will provide needed experience and continuity on the council to help us through this transition.

The city has received many awards while I have been on the city council, such as: “One of the best cities in the country to raise a family;” “One of the safest cities in the country;” “First city in Georgia to receive a AAA bond rating.” I have helped provide the type of leadership the city needed to win these awards and pledge to continue to provide this leadership to the City of Roswell.

Do you think there is a crime problem in the city?

Roswell has been selected as one of the safest cities in the country. This still holds true. Our crime index rate (for serious crimes) did go up 1 percent in 2008. Any increase needs to be addressed, but this was primarily caused by car break-ins, which are crimes of opportunity. Crimes of opportunity tend to increase when the economy goes down. We increased patrols in the areas affected and have caught some of the individuals involved.

We need to be sure we provide the equipment needed for our Police Department to perform their job and give them the support needed.

Roswell and its code enforcement division have a state-wide reputation of being unfriendly to business. What are your specific plans for economic development in the city?

Code enforcement has a difficult job to do for the city. We operate on a complaint basis. Someone has made a complaint about their neighbor and code enforcement tries to rectify the problem. It is an unfriendly situation to deal with but they still need to treat our citizens as our customers. We need to review procedures and perhaps review some of the ordinances to be sure they are still practical and necessary. We need to encourage our Economic Development Department to aggressively pursue new business in Roswell.

Do you favor a Ga. Constitutional Amendment to cap property assessment tax increases to 3 percent per year?

I do not believe the State of Georgia should be getting involved in local decisions. This would be like Washington D.C. telling the State of Georgia how and what they could do in their ordinances. I understand what their intent may be, but they should not be telling the city and counties what they can and cannot do.

Do you favor term-limits for Council Members?

On a local level, I do not favor mandated term limits. The people already have the right to do this through their vote. When we have good people stepping up to run for a seat, the voters will put them in office.

 

CONTINUE