By John Fredericks / STAFF

Alpharetta Post 3 City Council candidate Chris Owens picked up some key endorsements by Alpharetta politicos in the final week of the campaign, including Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas, Alpharetta City Councilmen David Belle Isle and John Monson and GA. State House Rep. Chuck Martin, a former Alpharetta mayor.

“Chris did a great job working on Alpharetta’s Transportation Planning Task Force and currently serves as an Alpharetta Citizen Stakeholder on the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan Committee.  His understanding of transportation issues is a real asset,” said Letchas.

“I’ve worked with Chris for years.  He brings a positive attitude and real business sense to problem-solving,” added Monson.

Belle Isle said, “Chris Owens brings the personality, skill-set and a willingness to listen to voters that would make him a great addition to the Alpharetta city council.”

OPPONENTS REACT

Tom Miller, who picked up the endorsement of Alpharetta D.C. Aiken earlier in the campaign, had this reaction: “Letchas’ endorsement of Chris Owens is consistent with their shared views of aggressive development in our city, which I’ve opposed.  Many of Chris’ other endorsements are from people who have supported high density as well.”

John Kiem was not particularly impressed with Owens’ show of support, either. “I have not sought any endorsements from anyone. I am free from any deals or ties. I am the only candidate in this race who doesn’t owe anything to anyone; I am free of political entanglements,” said Keim.

Then Keim gave an example, “If Chris wins and Chuck Martin calls him from the Capitol and says ‘I need a favor’ – he has to do it – regardless of its impact on the taxpayers. I don’t.” Keim then summed up the race from his perspective: “If you are happy with government as a whole, then this reinforces that Chris is your guy. It just represents more of the same and business as usual.”