By Jonathan Copsey / Staff

It was a bittersweet evening at the Alpharetta Council meeting last week. Councilmen John Monson and Jim Paine were both leaving the council. Monson decided not to pursue re-election and Paine had reached his term limit.

Known for his sense of humor, Monson was a strong opponent of the Federal Stimulus money, often finding fellow Councilman David Belle Isle as his only like-minded ally in those discussions. He served as the liaison to Public Works for his entire four-year term, with such projects as Westside Parkway worked on under his watch.

“When we first got on council, we sat together and we have a great and brilliant mayor who realized that he needed to separate the two of us,” joked Councilman David Belle Isle. “No one can match John’s knowledge of the Public Works and Engineering [departments].”

“The city is a better place today because of John’s leadership here,” commented Councilman D.C.Aiken. “It’s been a great four years with John.”

“We haven’t always agreed on everything, but… you’ve got the best of your heart for Alpharetta and I know that,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “Thank you.”

Jim Paine, who served for 12 years, has become a staple of Alpharetta government. Serving as the Public Safety liaison, Paine was an active member of the Police Athletic/ Activities League (PAL) as well as working in his early term on such projects as acquiring Wills Park. He served as Mayor Pro Tem in his final term.

“Jim’s fingerprints are everywhere in this city,” said Aiken.

Judge Jim Matoney, who served at one time on the council beside Paine, said, “I’m proud of the way the city has performed in the last several years and Jim has played a big part in it.”

The Gift of K9

The city welcomed a new member to its crime fighting team – Robbie, the Public Safety Department’s newest canine officer.

Robbie’s purchase and training was made possible through a donation from resident Amy Finkle in honor of her brother-in-law, Robert Camp, who was a secret service agent who protected six presidents. He died of cancer shortly after retiring.

“It’s just wonderful for the gesture that Amy and her family have done,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas.

“I hope he has many years of service,” said Finkle, when she accepted a letter of recognition from the city.

On top of that, Matt Peterson of Peterson and Associates, another Alpharetta resident, donated money for the purchase of a new K9 bullet-proof vest.

“We’re glad to have the opportunity to help,” said Peterson. “We understand the value the K9’s give to the community.”

Police Get Tasers

The Alpharetta Public Safety Department will now be able to fully outfit its officers with tasers, in an effort to improve the safety of both officers and citizens.

Public Safety Director Gary George appeared before council asking to purchase 110 tasers for the entire police force. At a cost of $130,708, the tasers include holsters, spare batteries, cartridges and training supplies.

“Tasers have improved the safety for officers, bystanders and offenders,” George explained.

Tasers fire electric nodes at an individual up to 21 feet away, shocking the target and incapacitating them for five seconds.

George said that the department was extremely pleased with the performance of the handful of units they have bought over the years.

Almost half of the price will come from Justice Assistance Grants, through Federal Stimulus money that the city has already accepted. The remainder of the money will come from seized drug money.

The manufacturer, DGG Taser, is the exclusive distributor in the southeast and is a sole-source supplier.

“These guys [police] don’t have a choice [with uncooperative suspects]. On the one end you shoot them – and you don’t do that – or on the other end, you’re not able to control them,” said John Monson. “Our officers need this tool.”

The motion passed unanimously.