tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72474089946563454932024-03-05T05:16:12.438-08:00Peachtree Corners City FactsFacts and Commentary on the City of Peachtree CornersPeachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-52046209649275073662017-09-28T10:32:00.002-07:002017-09-28T10:32:39.185-07:00Q and A with Post 4 Candidates<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The seat for Peachtree Corners City Council Post 4 is on the ballot in November.
This is an At Large seat meaning all
residents of Peachtree Corners should vote. There are three candidates competing for the
seat: Incumbent Jeanne Aulbach, Luke Crawford, and Joe Sawyer. We asked each
candidate to respond to a set of written questions about our city and its
direction. The questions and unedited answers
are posted below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. In
2011, the idea of a City of Peachtree Corners was sold to residents as a three-
service, $700,000 per year “city-lite”. In the five years since incorporation,
the city has grown to include a DDA, a PFA, a Public Works department, has
bought and tried to develop a mixed- use development, bought a city hall
building and the annual budget is now over $16 Million. Do you believe this is
in keeping with the spirit of a ‘city- lite’? If so, how? If not, what would
you do differently?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH</b> : First, as a city, we are responsible for ensuring all
services are provided to our citizens. We provide three directly; Community
Development (as defined by the county’s Service Delivery Strategy), Code
Compliance and Trash Pickup. All other services are provided through
Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA’s), including Public Works. We initially
contracted with the county for Public Works. We are currently contracting
through Johns Creek to provide that service. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our annual budget reflects our
revenue streams: Franchise Fees, Business and Occupation Licenses, Permitting
Fees and SPLOST dollars. Except for small increases in your electrical and land
line franchise fees, all of these revenues were previously collected by the
county and spent outside of Peachtree Corners. Your county taxes are less than
what you paid prior to incorporation, there is no city property tax and there
is significant savings on your trash collection fees. <b>Overall, it is less expensive to live in Peachtree Corners than it is
to live in unincorporated Gwinnett County</b>. And our services are tailored
specifically for this community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We purchased the land across from
the Forum to prevent apartments from being built there. After many years of
planning, work is now underway on our Town Center. We were able to pay off the
debt used to acquire the land and all funding for the portions the city will
retain will come from reserves we set aside for this project. The DDA was
required to hold the land. It is not a service or power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buying City Hall makes sense when
you look at the numbers. Our lease on our current City hall would be $15,800 a
month or $189,600 a year. Does it make sense to keep paying the out
indefinitely or do we invest in a building that we will own free and clear in
less than 15 years?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD</b>: The main reason our budget so drastically increased is
due to the influx of SPLOST dollars, I think the spirit of “city-lite” was in
some ways lost due to that large increase in revenue. If elected, my goal would be to keep the city
government as small as possible. I do
not foresee the need for growth within the government as I think one of our
main problems, nationwide, is the growth of government. I support the idea of
limited government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> I believe that the City that City is staying with city lite
because most of the other services provided are being outsourced <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2: In 2018, the City
of Peachtree Corners will begin charging/ collecting stormwater service fees
and will be responsible for maintaining the existing stormwater drainage system
(until now a county function). Do you
believe that charging a fee and providing a new service should have been voted
on by residents per the city’s charter?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> I do not think a vote was necessary. The stormwater
service fees will not change from what residents have been paying, the city
simply switched from using Gwinnett County to Johns Creek to maintain the
stormwater system. The benefit of the
situation is that we will have more control over how storm water issues are
handled, as we will be dealing with the smaller and Johns Creek water authority. As a proponent of a small and limited
government, I think it is very important for us to consider the dollars our
city spends on everything, including elections. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> That fee is not a new fee ,it was being charged by the
county 10-11 years ago and when
Peachtree Corners was created they kept the fee in place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> Again, the city has been responsible for ensuring that
service is provided since we incorporated. It was provided by the county
through an IGA. The only difference now will be change in the service provider.
It will be provided through an IGA with Johns Creek. You are already billed for
stormwater fees by the county. Those fees will not change but will come back to
the city to support the service. We are already responsible for ensuring
compliance with storm water regulations. And our Public Works crew has been
dealing with many storm water issues, like ensuring drains are kept clear, etc.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3: During your term
(if elected) the city’s IGA with Gwinnett County for police services will
expire. Do you believe that Peachtree Corners should have its own police
department? If so, why? If not, why not?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> No ,I think that the agreement should be kept with the
police because it saves the city moneyI<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> I do not anticipate any need to provide police services
directly. These services are covered are covered by the Service Delivery
Strategy agreement that was negotiated between the county and the cities, not
through an IGA. Other cities have police services provided by the county, so
there are economies of scale. It is much less expensive to have this paid
through our county property taxes than it would be to provide the service
directly. Unless there is an overwhelming desire by city residents to have a
referendum on this issue, there is no need to provide police services directly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> I do not, Gwinnett County Police Department does an
exceptional job in handling our issues from everything I have seen and we do
not need this additional growth in our government. I would like to see GPD step up their patrols
in certain areas, but I do not feel the need to replace them with a PTC
department. I will insist upon and hold
Gwinnett County responsible to serve our city as best they can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4: The city is in the
process of building approximately 11 miles of trails for walking, jogging and
biking. How do you propose to provide security for the users of these trails?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> The truth is that no trail will ever be perfectly
safe. The continued collaboration with
Gwinnett Counties police department coupled with citizens actively reporting
suspicious activity will go a long way in keeping our trails safe. Lighting and call boxes would certainly be
worth considering, but I could not confidently advocate for them until further
researching the cost vs. benefit. We are
already succeeding in developing a stable community and environment, the better
job we do developing a stable community the safer our city will be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER</b>: I think with all the technology out there we should be able
to provide things like cameras , lighting and other security options.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> We are still working on the plans for the trails. Part of
these plans will include security. I am certain we will be looking for guidance
from other trail systems on this issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5: How do you see the
city using the powers of the Public Facilities Authority (PFA)?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH: </b>The PFA was never activated. If we did activate, it would
have no “powers” that City Council did not already have. All funding would have
to come from the city by a vote of City Council on the budget. If it had been activated
in time to purchase City hall, it would have allowed us to have a better
funding mechanism and saved us a significant amount of fees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> I could see the PFA being used in a variety of ways, but
the most important implementation of the PFA should be working to reduce city
costs. This could be done through longer
lease agreements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> I can’t think of any use of it at this time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6: Given public
opinion on “the bridge”, do you think it should be built? If so, why? If not,
why not? And do you believe it should be voted on by residents?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> If the bridge is built I believe it should be a simple
bridge because it’s always about the safety of the citizens<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> I have to make my decision on the bridge based on what is
in the best interest of the city. Once Town Center is complete, there will be
significant foot traffic between Town Center and the Forum, particularly when
we have events on our Town Green. We need to be able to allow people to cross
141 safely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD</b>: At this time I would vote no on a bridge. While not
ruling the idea out completely, it is too early in the planning stages for me
to make a solid decision. I would support the bridge being voted on by
residents if its proposed costs are accurate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7: There are several
parcels of land adjacent to the new town center project that are still owned by
others (and not part of the town center project). What would you like to see
happen to those parcels and what, if anything, should the city do regarding
them?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> The property owners should be allowed to do whatever they
wish with the property, as long as it fits within their zoning allowances. If developed, I would like to see the
property utilized for multi-level mixed-use space as it is proven to raise
property values and generally rates very high in its value per acre. I would
also love to see the property turned into green space, but do not currently see
a viable way to make that happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> I think more retail would be good and more trails<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> The decision of what to do with those properties is up to
the property owner(s). It would be nice to see them developed in a way that
would be consistent with our Town center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8: The new town
center relies greatly on small retail businesses and restaurants. Given the
rise of the internet economy and the demise of many ‘brick and mortar’ retail
outlets, and the competitive nature of the restaurant business, what, if
anything, should the city do to ensure the long term success of the town
center?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH: </b>The city has no role in ensuring the long-term success of
any enterprise. Our role is to ensure we continue to attract employers and
residents to the city by being both business and resident friendly. It is those
employees and residents who will shop and dine, not only in Town Center, but
also other establishments all over the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> I think the primary way the city can help the growth of
Town Center would be to work closely with small business owners to make sure
that the process of starting a business in Peachtree Corners is easy and
inexpensive. The better job we can do in
encouraging small business owners over large chains, the more successful I
think the town center will be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> That would be up to the private sector and how well the business does at Town Center .
And the City should concentrate on traffic around Town Center<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9: Do you believe the
city should be providing more services than it currently does? If so, what service(s)
would you like to see added? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>SAWYER:</b> I think the services that city provides now are good and I
would like to improve on what we have but not add<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>AULBACH:</b> The city is already ensuring that all services needed for
our residents are provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>CRAWFORD:</b> I do not; necessary services are currently well taken
care of by various agreements with other cities, counties and business’s. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-7918320351785120432016-05-22T09:09:00.000-07:002016-05-22T09:09:06.965-07:00City Council Post 2 Candidates Answer PCBC Questions<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee submitted questions to the candidates for city </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">council post 2 - Stephen Peet and Eric Christ. The unedited responses to each question are <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=2325" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=2325" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY31N-keQ5jkJYoKcxIs5rF8-ZHNSVgdMyLtwdyzpI_9_51o_5x_aHyDxFMj7dX3xnDWdOacsS1bUM1pRmiF-xUsvmzElwbh2IXUKwg1nUnioZmVp5lQvpPNaGSiZd6DikDuRE0ENOb8/s1600/Stephen+Peet.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Peet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
listed below exactly as the candidates submitted them. The election is Tuesday May 24th. Those that live in Post 2 must go to city hall to vote for the Post 2 candidate. If you are uncertain what post you live in, check the </span><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=2365" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">map here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Post 2 is highlighted in yellow.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=2323" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=2323" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMNDqW1KBah5kMwi2Bmw3PLn74zDwBS_rk1Zv4ZQdGGgwzd86q8t4l9o326yj3Zvx6aZ3jjAIxWb-SWawmbePTsCVC_90Tz1YjoTc2dne5E7KJKszJGj27Me6uHbJtczSTIHbIDVdvjA/s1600/Eric+Christ.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric Christ</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>1. City officials now admit there is no such thing as a 'city lite' even though they sold that very idea to voters back in 2011. What do you think the city can/ should do to try and live up to the spirit of that idea?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peet -</em></strong> According to Georgia law every city must provide a full set of services. A ‘city-lite’ must directly provide a minimum of 3 services with all other services provided by some government entity. Peachtree Corners directly provides only 3 services: 1) planning and zoning, 2) code enforcement, and 3) solid waste management. The other services are provided by inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) with other government entities. The service of public works is provided by Johns Creek and the remaining services are provided by Gwinnett County. Peachtree Corners is ‘city-lite’ and directly provides services that allow the residents to have the greatest local control (planning and zoning) while keeping costs low by taking advantage of existing county services.<br />The detailed background for those interested: Georgia has only one type of city according to Georgia law. The law also allows a county to provide services like a city. Since Gwinnett County was (and is) providing services, such as zoning, planning, solid waste management, police, and fire, this created a conflict with all Gwinnett cities that also provide those services. A three year court case culminated with a decision in February 2012 followed by negotiations between the county and each city. The court decision resolved what could be used as income for the county versus a city. It also created Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) areas which allow cities to contract with the county to provide some of these services, such as police and fire, while receiving a reduction of the property tax millage rate for services provided directly by the city.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Christ -</em></strong> My understanding of the "City Lite" concept at the time of the vote to become a City was that, while every city in Georgia is required to provide the same sixteen services (fire/safety, parks, public works, etc.), the charter would limit Peachtree Corners to directly providing just three of those services (land use planning and zoning; code enforcement; and waste management). The other 13 services are provided indirectly through inter-governmental agreements with other city or county governments. Before the City could start providing any of those other 13 services directly, city residents would need to approve that through a referendum. For example, we currently receive police services from Gwinnett County. Before the City could directly provide police, that would need to be approved via a referendum. As a member of the City Council, I will consider carefully any proposal to provide additional direct services and respect the outcome of any referenda.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2. What is your position on the pedestrian bridge over 141?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Christ - </em></strong>While my opponent has stated that if a vote were held today on the bridge, he would vote yes, I am not ready to vote on a bridge, tunnel, or other connector across 141. Before I consider a vote, we need to have more community input. After knocking on 350 doors across the district, it is clear that there are many residents who feel that they have not yet been heard on this important issue. Also, while not the only reason for a connection, the Town Center development would be a key driver of potential usage of any connection. That development needs to get underway before I would be ready to vote. And finally, before voting, I would need the final cost of the connection on a prioritized list of other transportation projects. When I listened to residents on the west side of the side of the City, they ask when something will be done on the Holcomb Bridge corridor to improve traffic and increase walkability. Other residents ask about improving the intersection of Peachtree Corners Circle and Medlock Bridge, street paving within their neighborhood, or the proposed walking trail system. Building a bridge or tunnel creates an opportunity cost that takes funds away from these other worthwhile projects.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peet </em></strong>- I believe more communications from the city to the community, and feedback from the community back to the city needs to happen. There seems to be too much misinformation circulating in the community about this issue. I have seen polls for and against the bridge. I need to know not just what the community in general wants but what do Post 2 residents want. I hear the community asking about more information on a tunnel instead of a bridge. I’ve heard requests for a referendum vote. Furthermore, we need to move the discussion of the pedestrian bridge into the context of the plan for walkability and pedestrian connectivity. It is not just a way to cross the street from the Forum to the new town center, it is part of the larger multi-use trail system for all of Peachtree Corners.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>3. Do you think that the city has handled the 'roll-out' of the bridge proposal well? If so, how? If not, how?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peet -</em></strong> I think the city made a good faith attempt to communicate the bridge proposal to the residents through the January UPCCA meeting. However, I think that the size of the response after the UPCCA meeting and the emotion involved was unanticipated. The second meeting in March was another attempt to get information from the community, but there were complaints about the format and the questions. I have heard that the city plans to have additional meetings for community input, but do not see anything planned on the city calendar. At this point, the city should publish the dates for these additional meetings and reviews.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>Christ -</em></strong> I don't think the City has done as good a job as it could have of gathering input on on the proposed bridge. Many residents feel that it has been presented as a "done deal." As a member of the City Council, I would advocate for more town halls and opportunities for community input on this major project. Neither the City Council nor the City Staff has a monopoly on good ideas and I would welcome additional feedback from residents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>4. Recent town halls have revealed a strong sentiment among residents that the city is not doing a good job communicating with them. What would you do, or do differently, to address these concerns?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Christ - </em></strong>I applaud the City's recent initiatives to communicate more on Facebook, Next Door Neighbor, and other social media venues. Additional initiatives I would propose as a member of the City Council are:<br />1. Livestreaming City Council meetings so that all residents can see the council in action.<br />2. Creating a document repository on the City web site where all studies, surveys, meeting minutes, and other material related to a Council agenda item can be easily accessed by residents.<br />3. Requiring all applicants for rezoning to hold two community meetings, with at least one in the district where the property is located, before they can submit an application to the Planning Commission for its review. This would provide five opportunities for resident input on any rezoning - two community meetings, a Planning Commission hearing, and two City Council meetings - before a vote is held.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peet -</em></strong> The city has a number of ways they communicate: through the website, the printed and e-newsletter, press releases, and city council minutes. But we need to utilize these communication channels in a better way. I will promote to folks in Post 2 to take advantage of these. Alex Wright has a monthly e-mail on Post 3, and I plan to do this in Post 2. Some of the council members have had town hall meetings, and I’ve attended one recently in Post 2, and in Post 3. I think we should do more town hall meetings especially in neighborhoods that are interested in having one. I’ve recently been reading the more than 400 posts on just one topic on Nextdoor, as well as posts on other topics. I’ve responded to many resident questions thru Nextdoor and will continue to utilize social media as a communication tool.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>5. The city has more than $20 million in cash on hand due to accumulation of franchise, permit, business license, and other fees and fines. What do you think is the best use of these dollars?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Peet -</em></strong> The city should have a reserve and/or a minimum level of cash on hand for unexpected expenses, litigation, and emergencies, just like individuals. Once our reserves have been reached the next area of focus should be the studies and projects. When they are prioritized I will work with my fellow council members to allocate funding and ensure their successful and efficient implementation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>Christ -</em></strong> As of March, the City has $23.9 million in cash reserves. Of this total, $9.4 million is in our SPLOST account and is restricted to transportation initiatives. (When the City negotiated the SPLOST sharing agreement with the county, we stipulated that our SPLOST allocation would be spent on transportation.) There is also $1.4 million in our Solid Waste Management Services account. That leaves $13 million in our general reserve account.<br />The best use of the SPLOST funds is as stipulated - transportation initiatives that improve and maintain our City roads and sidewalks. Projects should be prioritized based their impact on all residents. For the remaining $13 million, I support a conservative budgeting and appropriations process that keeps expenses below revenue, supports our low property tax, and maintains a significant "rainy day" fund.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Post 2 residents vote for one of these candidates on Tuesday May 24th at City Hall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-45210606691276772572016-05-22T07:33:00.000-07:002016-05-22T07:33:22.641-07:00State House Candidates Hilton and Lowe Answer the PCBC's Questions<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee submitted questions to the candidates for state <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://votejaylowe.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://votejaylowe.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sooW9Ew7eAWTaR9ND7Rhrpen6ctwFAA7Jh6vGmTSGUMMOT3cnd1DscDyf78OSRg_juSTcS6CsyYuKAGgo_8Q2HRZFOaYxfuRDm8yzQCKUfNYxGLW5UVFl7dOu5McF92YVSn2QvcLZgE/s1600/Jay+Lowe.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jay Lowe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://votescotthilton.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://votescotthilton.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9p5GrR0ySt19D2OO69x1M77zUcU-YmWgFqMIAArfLg99i8dwX7cmF-nLsx2CZZ4vxdI3nKiCwcPzBzMzs0OeUgc7anysfWstihV7qc6y5K1BFEz4wWsLEjTr123Ohnl5Voj1_3p9HiA/s1600/Scott+Hilton.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Hilton</td></tr>
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house district 95 Scott Hilton and Jay Lowe. The unedited responses to each question are listed below exactly as the candidates submitted them. The election is Tuesday May 24th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>1. What is your position on Campus Carry laws?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Hilton -</strong></em> When elected, I will support the campus carry bill passed this past session. I do not believe that our Constitutional rights end once you step foot on a college campus. The legislation which passed last session addressed many concerns that opponents had of the bill. Only those who were over 21 years old with a weapons carry permit would be allowed to carry on campus, and firearms would be banned from fraternities and sororities, dorms, sporting events, etc. I would join with legislative leaders and the Governor in reaching a compromise that would keep students safe on campus and maintain our Constitutional rights. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> I support it. I am disappointed in Governor Deal's veto and he is wrong. Our students have 2nd amendment rights just as any of us and it should not end on campus. Students (over 21) who have concealed weapons permits should be allowed to protect themselves and others. As a father I feel my children should have that right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>2. What is your position on Religious Freedom laws (i.e., the Christian baker refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding, etc)</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> I do not believe the government should be used as a tool to discriminate against people of faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> My position has been consistent since the beginning of this race - I would have supported the religious liberty legislation passed by the General Assembly this year. I believe religious liberties must be protected while ensuring that absolutely no one is a victim of discrimination. I would be supportive of taking up the Pastor Protection legislation that was originally proposed that would prevent pastors and religious organizations from being forced to perform services and religious ceremonies when it compromises their faith. This piece of legislation enjoyed wide public support and likely would receive the Governor’s signature. While religious liberty is a very important issue. My focus as your State Representative will be on growing our economy, improving education and addressing transportation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>3. What is your position on transgender bathroom laws?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> First, the recent mandate from the Obama Administration is an example of federal overreach at its worst. The federal government has no place in this issue and should not be forcing our schools to allow members of the opposite sex to use a bathroom or locker room if they claim to be transgender. Second, as a public servant my role would be to create an environment that enhances the safety of all Georgians. This is a common sense public safety issue. The world is dangerous enough for our children already, and the government should not be creating yet another way to put our children at risk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> The government should not force any private company or organization to change its bathrooms to fit its policy. It is the duty of the government to provide safe public bathrooms for boys and girls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>4. What should the State of Georgia's response be to recent threats from the Federal govt to withhold education funds from states that refuse to allow transgender students in 'opposite' gender bathrooms, locker rooms and showers?</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> It is none of the Federal Governments business and they should stay out of it.<br /><br /><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> The state needs to stand firm against federal overreach and exercise our 10th Amendment right. The Federal Government possesses only those powers delegated to it by the United States Constitution. All remaining powers are reserved for the states or the people. We need to join with other states in drawing a hard-line on this issue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>5. What should the role of State Government be in our current political climate?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> My vision for State Government is that we collaborate with other states on policies that have enjoyed success in communities across the U.S. We should then implement those policies in an effort to make Georgia the #1 state for families and business. In this process, I believe that the role of our state government should absolutely be limited and adhere to its Constitutional functions—education, transportation and public safety. Additionally, the state should continue to stand up to federal overreach and radical policies coming out of D.C.; it is the state’s role to hold the federal government accountable. The state must also continue to find ways to reduce taxes and regulations to encourage business to flourish in Georgia. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> Simply put to actually get things done. I am an entrepreneur that has started, owned and operated numerous companies locally. Knowing how to make decisions and how to handle mistakes is paramount to running a company. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>6. What issues should the State House take up in the coming session?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> The Georgia Fair Tax. I believe it is time we fix our state tax code and let working families keep more of their money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> After knocking on over a thousand doors across our community, I have a clear understanding of the issues on the minds of voters. I have presented a vision for our District that will address three important issues which include: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.) Growing the Economy - I will use my experience in the private sector working with small businesses owners to push free-market reforms to encourage innovation and attract jobs to our District. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2.) Education - we are blessed to have excellent schools and educational options in our community. From a statewide standpoint, I believe we need to remove testing and bureaucracy from the classrooms and allow teachers to teach. Spending more money is not the answer to improving educational opportunities. Any education reform package should include school choice where parents are allowed to choose the educational path that is best for their child whether it is a public school, a charter school, home school, private school or a virtual school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.) Transportation - I believe we need a conservative transportation plan that considers all options from traditional roads to other alternatives, including rail. As a fiscal conservative, transportation plans should not place an additional tax burden on Georgians.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>7. What should the State government stop doing or cease to be involved in that it is involved in now?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> In the State House, I would support legislation that was passed a few years ago that would set up a Sunset Review Committee that would be responsible for reviewing every function and budget item in state government and identify programs to eliminate. This would allow us to identify duplicate or unneeded programs to reduce the size of government and further cut wasteful spending.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> We as state need to learn to be independent. Our state depends on the federal government financially – This needs to stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>8. What actions will you take as a State representative that will directly impact the welfare of District 95 residents?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Lowe -</em></strong> I will work to bring jobs to the community and help Georgians save money by passing the Georgia Fair Tax. I will also work to rid ourselves of the Ad Valorem tax.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Hilton -</em></strong> Our District has all the tools and resources we need to be one of the central job hubs in Georgia. My vision for District 95 is to bring high-paying, quality jobs to our area – truly creating a live, work, play community. This is accomplished through supporting Mayor Mason’s Business Incubator for Peachtree Corners. In Norcross and Duluth we have wonderful small business districts in downtown areas. We should remove regulations, red-tape, and lower taxes, allowing those businesses the opportunity to succeed. In Berkeley Lake and Johns Creek we have dozens of entrepreneurs who live in those communities and take advantage of all that Georgia has to offer from the Atlanta airport, technical colleges, and coastal ports. Better jobs translate to improved educational opportunities at home – a true win-win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The election will be held Tuesday May 24th. Go to your regular polling place to vote!</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-50220210586212856802016-05-06T06:21:00.000-07:002016-05-06T06:21:17.051-07:00To Bridge or Not to Bridge? That is the Question<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Survey Results for the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee Survey on the
City's Proposed Pedestrian Bridge to Span 141.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The city is considering a large, meandering pedestrian
bridge connecting the Forum to the shops on the other side of 141. City officials refer to the bridge as "innovative
and remarkable". It is to be an iconic
structure to rival the Eiffel Tower or Washington Monument. After an open house at city hall regarding
the bridge provided no chance for residents to voice their concerns and
opposition, citizens took to social media sites including Nextdoor and Facebook
to vent their frustrations and opinions on the city's plans. The Ballot Committee constructed a survey
with the help of a survey and marketing professional who volunteers with the
group. Our goal was to aggregate
resident opinions on the bridge and the city's adherence to their promise of
"city-lite". The plan is to
share the results with city officials to ensure citizens are heard.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Results<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As of Monday May 2, 2016 more than 500 people had taken the
survey. 96% of respondents indicated
that they live in the city limits of Peachtree Corners. Here is how those residents responded:</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Did you vote in favor
of forming the city?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy37c0X0DNmizo0TQ-EOqAj3U7GXqKlUNRThtF3SFWcuI73MvPR_0fiW7YB5ixCCuSKfMOvfRAeRy667kvJC71ZDGvpKX8jDCiZV44ObYwRreN8hH2di9ObW9p9MyAdMeBmH1tiyPbCQ/s1600/Did+you+vote+for+cityhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy37c0X0DNmizo0TQ-EOqAj3U7GXqKlUNRThtF3SFWcuI73MvPR_0fiW7YB5ixCCuSKfMOvfRAeRy667kvJC71ZDGvpKX8jDCiZV44ObYwRreN8hH2di9ObW9p9MyAdMeBmH1tiyPbCQ/s320/Did+you+vote+for+cityhood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of those that answered "yes" to the question
above, we asked: </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you believe the city is
living up to the promise of city-lite?</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYXfB4I8UcMH2IVWg5h2n-N2QN7lLHuofwZC-Qm8r1HxNDYbx1N1fJDd9e3ajKw18KWK1kc987BxB02wwk5Fm-Yi3gEwhevuiftPWQBuCot9ecYrJyzLiKN1o28Twin1Ieaifzy1Vh5g/s1600/Living+up+to+city-lite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYXfB4I8UcMH2IVWg5h2n-N2QN7lLHuofwZC-Qm8r1HxNDYbx1N1fJDd9e3ajKw18KWK1kc987BxB02wwk5Fm-Yi3gEwhevuiftPWQBuCot9ecYrJyzLiKN1o28Twin1Ieaifzy1Vh5g/s320/Living+up+to+city-lite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We asked that same group of original "yes" to
forming a city voters: <i>Knowing what you know now,
would you vote for the city today?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFmfCUzwg1Z2TNkgtr7RweiVA7tgLKvD0UNbVOoKVCLl3MafveOS94Qk9hxrQ2gJJIe1ER1ynZOt3TwhnzZQCXXrOCAalVUJDSz2yTGUjH7oTC4Zm9V8LMlHykE_jMlhyphenhyphendCTw-yUUTbY/s1600/Would+you+vote+yes+today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFmfCUzwg1Z2TNkgtr7RweiVA7tgLKvD0UNbVOoKVCLl3MafveOS94Qk9hxrQ2gJJIe1ER1ynZOt3TwhnzZQCXXrOCAalVUJDSz2yTGUjH7oTC4Zm9V8LMlHykE_jMlhyphenhyphendCTw-yUUTbY/s320/Would+you+vote+yes+today.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then to all residents, we asked a few questions about the
proposed bridge versus other options for crossing 141.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To walk across highway
141 at the Forum shopping center in Peachtree Corners to stores and the new
development being built across the street , which would you prefer?</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2O0x7hwBsazVCa7Tc79tRYjOSACv8Z8pGDA4zUrchGVC3Fm7oxAndHfRdTKjxl0KNX8MfMrkohmbchtkAEJDtp2Ujjj2WWUcpzRXPqn4R_Cxk970QfK4qg5804IV5mZJOC7zG3PI28I/s1600/To+Bridge+or+Not+to+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2O0x7hwBsazVCa7Tc79tRYjOSACv8Z8pGDA4zUrchGVC3Fm7oxAndHfRdTKjxl0KNX8MfMrkohmbchtkAEJDtp2Ujjj2WWUcpzRXPqn4R_Cxk970QfK4qg5804IV5mZJOC7zG3PI28I/s320/To+Bridge+or+Not+to+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Assuming the bridge were
built and the restaurants, shopping outlets, townhomes etc, were in the
new development across from the Forum, how many times per month(round trips)
might you use the bridge: <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSKfvU1Hd_WK_rJplBO6OkAvoL1XNJqPwMv9YoKaO2TGpnvNF2ykst_Y4qvTnEFI5HT43emc5jnatOFMBsoMf6XJ4OgGp8wpbuuMgGI6-Xzrod1MxgYb4Q-9J8yKePrV14VQBK72ejXk/s1600/Use+the+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSKfvU1Hd_WK_rJplBO6OkAvoL1XNJqPwMv9YoKaO2TGpnvNF2ykst_Y4qvTnEFI5HT43emc5jnatOFMBsoMf6XJ4OgGp8wpbuuMgGI6-Xzrod1MxgYb4Q-9J8yKePrV14VQBK72ejXk/s320/Use+the+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also asked Peachtree Corners residents </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">what post do you reside in</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALLIzyJp0ENFcOhwdafdeUP3YrOl0o0OdNvGZNAgQmHszNcBHHZy3mHzo029qX7gAqNx-1t-Tp7ZCQutDoAhTUOk6zxRYq8sEDfCo2AjRrJ6pEcApUrtMTdFM3Jv1D0aGhTjP5tkF_M8/s1600/What+Post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALLIzyJp0ENFcOhwdafdeUP3YrOl0o0OdNvGZNAgQmHszNcBHHZy3mHzo029qX7gAqNx-1t-Tp7ZCQutDoAhTUOk6zxRYq8sEDfCo2AjRrJ6pEcApUrtMTdFM3Jv1D0aGhTjP5tkF_M8/s320/What+Post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a few
take-away observations from the data collected here:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. It is not just the
"no city" voters that are opposed to this bridge or who are critical
of the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Most of the "yes city" voters believe that the
city is failing in their promise of city-lite and as a result, a quarter of
them would not vote for the city again if the vote were held today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. The majority - 64% - do not want any kind of bridge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Most people have no idea what post they live in. With an election for a city council rep for Post
2 just weeks away, voter turnout will be very low if this is not remedied in a
hurry. Given the current state of
knowledge, we predict that there will be more respondents to this survey than
there will be votes for the winning candidate for the Post 2 seat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We appreciate everyone that responded to this survey. We will send a copy of this report to all the
city council representatives. We wonder
if they will listen to it or dismiss it as they have other feedback. We hope they adhere to the ideals originally
expressed about local control and a real voice in government rather than
continue to go their own way without regard to how their constituents feel
about the bridge and the drift from city-lite. </span></div>
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Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-49912963943057152152016-04-26T11:45:00.003-07:002016-04-26T11:45:59.611-07:00Peachtree Corners Bridge Survey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzkvorOvDkIFeycp_2oGRWNMAEExU-ZxstT7OQTRJCSkAXI27-LG6XQ_s69pq9_3Y0tWu2suWZSLAU9m3pG_OkEfHXP3dKtPFODCa046WbAjZ5WHvocNyF8V5U6AAYVLaLn4-vj6ZvOI/s1600/16_0418_PCBridgOne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzkvorOvDkIFeycp_2oGRWNMAEExU-ZxstT7OQTRJCSkAXI27-LG6XQ_s69pq9_3Y0tWu2suWZSLAU9m3pG_OkEfHXP3dKtPFODCa046WbAjZ5WHvocNyF8V5U6AAYVLaLn4-vj6ZvOI/s320/16_0418_PCBridgOne.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee is hosting a <a href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2739586/Peachtree-Corners-Bridge-Survey" target="_blank">survey on the Bridge</a>. Please take the survey here and tell your friends and neighbors to take it. We will publish the responses on Facebook, on our blog, and share them with the city council. The more people we get to respond, the better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Click Here to take the survey or paste the link below into your browser</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2739586/Peachtree-Corners-Bridge-Survey</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-23321327201069961312016-04-11T07:23:00.002-07:002016-04-12T11:02:17.768-07:00The Bridge from Citylite to Big Government<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F5crbzq46W7R3G-KjmAx1ZXVysrAI6yLPoqSNYorhJ3Ffkv_bIjCA5O6sOUV6yKhYvHGQOLQKAHNIVayn8lbY763mh5M9YorF5eLxDdIzIQgzaoExer9-RFvOKaY7_2GZBagEV96Hck/s1600/Bridge2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F5crbzq46W7R3G-KjmAx1ZXVysrAI6yLPoqSNYorhJ3Ffkv_bIjCA5O6sOUV6yKhYvHGQOLQKAHNIVayn8lbY763mh5M9YorF5eLxDdIzIQgzaoExer9-RFvOKaY7_2GZBagEV96Hck/s320/Bridge2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was barely four years ago Mike Mason was the president of
the United Peachtree Corners </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Civic Association on the campaign trail to sell us
all on a new concept in local government that he branded <a href="http://patch.com/georgia/peachtreecorners/bp--peachtree-corners-city-charter-powers-and-services-2" target="_blank">"city-lite"</a>.
As the story went, this was a brand new
form of government. A city <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">chartered </a>for
only 3 services - trash collection, code enforcement, and planning and
zoning. He touted <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_FiscalAnalysis.pdf" target="_blank">a financial study</a> that
said the whole thing could be run for $750,000. It was all very simple. He promised local control of whether and
where apartments would be built and cheaper trash. That was the mission and the cost of the
proposed city of Peachtree Corners a mere four years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here we are four years later. Mason is now Mayor. The city has a <a href="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/home/showdocument?id=1831" target="_blank">budget</a> nearing $10 million
dollars, debt nearing $20 million*, a cash slush-fund of $22 million, and a
series of residential zoning approvals that include hundreds of new
apartments. The city owns two large tracts
of land including the <a href="http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/archive/peachtree-corners-makes-first-land-purchase/article_53eb057f-d337-5813-ab32-5015928f0330.html" target="_blank">property across from the Forum</a> and a stake* in the old
<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/church-agrees-to-sell-simpsonwood/njGh9/" target="_blank">Simpsonwood</a> retreat. And now they are planning a monstrosity of a
<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/peachtree-corners-unveils-iconic-pedestrian-bridge/nqDQ3/" target="_blank">pedestrian bridge</a> to span 141 and connect the Forum to the strip mall across
the street. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">City employees give <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PCBCommittee/" target="_blank">lofty presentations</a> that this bridge
will be an everlasting, iconic structure to rival the Eiffel Tower and
Washington Monument. It will reflect Peachtree
Corners mission to be "innovative and remarkable". It
will last the ages. It will bring
businesses and jobs. It will inspire
your twenty-something kid to get out of your basement and into their own
apartment. I would not be surprised if
it solved world hunger and made Iran really and truly America's friend. It is
a wonderful, magical bridge... that connects Sprouts to Belk over a busy
four-lane highway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gone is all the talk of a small, un-ambitious, fiscally minuscule, little city government. No one utters
the word city-lite anymore. No one
refers to or remembers the city charter with its three little services. The talk of a $750,000 budget was abandoned
before the last vote for the first city council was counted. The cost of this magical bridge between two
shopping malls has yet to be disclosed.
The city represents that it will be funded by a Special Purpose Local Option
Sales Tax - SPLOST. They intimate that
this funding mechanism somehow means it is free and that SPLOST is a permanent
endless supply of dollars rather than a tax that must be approved by tax-payer
vote.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The idea of city-lite was a great sales pitch to convince a
citizenry skeptical of politicians and sick to death of big government to vote
it into existence. It turns out this was
just marketing. After all, who wants to
be mayor of a city known for cheap trash pickup and not much else. Now the city is to be "innovative and
remarkable." We should accept that
apartments are not really apartments if they are labeled "<a href="http://peachtreecornersga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/158/18?backlist=%2fhome" target="_blank">millennial housing</a>". And that a giant,
meandering pedestrian bridge spanning a busy highway is some magical conduit to
higher property values and better paying jobs.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So is this a bridge to some glorious future or just another
tribute to government expansion and political ego? Is the marketing of the bridge as a necessary feature real or just a way for six-figure salaried city employees to justify their
existence? Is there any way to bring
back city-lite and the lofty promise of something so small and
unobtrusive? Or are we doomed to watch
the government grow ever-larger and ever more deaf to the desires of the
citizens that brought it into existence? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A poll on the Bridge is available here: <a href="http://m.ajc.com/news/news/local/peachtree-corners-bridge-designs-bring-out-divided/nq2mr/" target="_blank">http://m.ajc.com/news/news/local/peachtree-corners-bridge-designs-bring-out-divided/nq2mr/ </a> Send a message by choosing "No Bridge".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Visit/Like our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PCBCommittee/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for ongoing updates.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em>* Update 4-12-16 of clarifying points: The city's debt is currently about $12 million. This is a result of the purchase of the land across from the Forum. The council voted late last year "</em></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em>By a 5-2 vote the
Council voted to authorize $15.25M in bonds for the DDA to use for projects
related to the Town Center project." This is authorization to issue debt, but is not yet actual debt. Additionally, although an AJC article referenced here led us to believe the city purchased a stake in Simpsonwood, members of city hall have informed us the $2 million was a "gift" to the church to make the deal with the county happen. No ownership interest was purchased for those dollars.</em></span> </span></span></div>
Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-91835938207994831622013-10-31T10:33:00.004-07:002013-10-31T10:33:54.207-07:00<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyHc85dZ1PmnzPGLyeyHGlaFwPaXL0ekAWPO4geR9CKC3UPL2U3dd5nw5KJxw4szXJyEICKLMRiCOjDT-hK8eGqoeQdy5lyLlCP60Fa9UorNMa_RWiFvsTlrAyJZm1mt5Fy0a4zNydoU/s1600/Fuqua+Rendering.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyHc85dZ1PmnzPGLyeyHGlaFwPaXL0ekAWPO4geR9CKC3UPL2U3dd5nw5KJxw4szXJyEICKLMRiCOjDT-hK8eGqoeQdy5lyLlCP60Fa9UorNMa_RWiFvsTlrAyJZm1mt5Fy0a4zNydoU/s320/Fuqua+Rendering.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conceptual rendering submitted by Fuqua.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Last Tuesday evening Post 1 city councilman Phil Sadd hosted a townhall meeting at Winters Chapel UMC. The agenda included such topics as the new trash plan, code enforcement and the upcoming votes on SPLOST renewal and Redevelopment Powers. But the most contentious subject was the inclusion of apartments in the proposed 'town center' development across from the Forum, and the mayor's apparent reversal on the subject. Several residents angrily pointed out that after opposing apartments earlier this year, he now claims to be open to the idea "if it is in the best interest of the city".</div>
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The city recently selected Fuqua Development as their choice to develop the former 'Robert's property'. Fuqua's selection was based in part on their conceptual rendering of the property and their ability to complete a project of this size. At issue is the part of their proposal that includes 356 apartments, in light of the fact that the main reason cited by the city for originally buying the land was to prevent the construction of 267 apartments by Lennar Corp. The city has been quick to point out that a final development plan has not been approved. According to city officials there will be some 'negotiations' with Fuqua prior to the sale of the property, and that the planning commission and city council will have to approve final site plans before any construction permits are issued.</div>
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This is where things get interesting. When the city bought the 20.6 acre tract earlier this year it was zoned RM-13 (residential multi-family at a density of 13 units per acre) allowing for a total of 267 apartments. After the city bought the property, they quickly and with much fanfare changed the zoning to mixed -use (MUD). What wasn't publicized is that mixed use zoning allows apartments at a density of 32 units per acre. This means that as many as 659 apartments could be built on this property. (see zoning defs here:<a href="http://peachtreecornersga.org/Assets/Files/Home/Peachtree_Corners_Zoning_Code_Exhibit_C_FINAL_7_22w_7-24_chgns_8.pdf" rel="nofollow" style="color: #207bb8; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">http://peachtreecornersga.org/Assets/Files/Home/Peachtree_Corners_Zoning_Code_Exhibit_C_FINAL_7_22w_7-24_chgns_8.pdf</a>)</div>
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Recall last January when the city was trying to buy this property from Lennar. In an editorial in the Patch, Mayor Mason defended the city's actions by saying that the idea "that the apartment plans will have to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and will ultimately need the City Council’s approval to proceed... is just not true. If the plans meet the building and zoning code requirements, the city will be obligated to issue a development permit. We don’t have the ability to reject a permit application if all the codes have been met."</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(<a href="http://peachtreecorners.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/mayor-responds" rel="nofollow" style="color: #207bb8; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">http://peachtreecorners.patch.com/groups/politics-and-elections/p/mayor-responds</a>)</div>
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Here is where the mayor's comment about 'the best interest of the city' becomes important. Once Fuqua owns the land, they can build up to 659 apartments and still be within the building and zoning code requirements. The explanation we will hear will be that it is in the best interest of the city to not deny construction permits and be dragged into a lawsuit that we cannot win.</div>
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If you don't want to see apartments on this property, in any quantity or regardless of other development there, let your mayor and council know. Send the mayor an email and copy all the councilmembers even if they aren't from your district. Their email addresses are as follows:</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
mmason@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
psadd@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
jlowe@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
awright@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
jaulbach@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
lchristopher@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
wgratwick@peachtreecornersga.org</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Instead of trying to create a town center out of thin air, do it somewhere that already has some elements present. Technology Park already has office space and a job base, a couple of hotels, some condos and multiple access points from Peachtree Industrial Blvd, 141 and Spalding Drive that can handle the traffic. Let the city buy one of the buildings near one of the lakes and tear it down to make a 'town green' space. Change the zoning to allow some of the empty buildings to be re-purposed for retail, or even unique living spaces. After all, wasn't keeping Norcross from annexing Technology Park one of the main reasons for incorporating a few years ago?</div>
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As for the Robert's property, turn it into a passive park. Walking/ jogging trails, bike trails, green space, maybe some picnic tables...no ball fields or dog parks, just a peaceful oasis in the middle of town. Use the expected windfall from the SPLOST to pay for it. This city is already running a surplus, the council doesn't need a $20 million slush fund. </div>
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Originally published in the Peachtree Corners <a href="http://peachtreecorners.patch.com/groups/bob-martells-blog/p/apartments-coming-soon-to-a-mixeduse-development-near-you" target="_blank">Patch</a> on 10-27-2013</div>
Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-211041453952543322013-03-25T11:47:00.003-07:002013-03-25T11:47:51.398-07:00To Tad or Not to TAD - What are Tax Allocation Districts and Should Peachtree Corners Make Use of Them?
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Last week Patch
reported on the city's plans to seek redevelopment powers in order to stimulate
development in the Holcomb Bridge Rd corridor. Much of the article centered on
the proposed use of TADs (Tax Allocation Districts) to accomplish redevelopment
goals, but didnt go into much detail about what a TAD is and how it works.
Hopefully some of the following information will be helpful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tax Allocation
Districts are sometimes called TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) because they are
based upon the incremental increase in tax revenues. Basically, the city
designates an area as blighted, or economically underdeveloped. It then issues
bonds to raise money specifically for making improvements within the TAD. These
improvements are usually in the form of infrastructure- roads, sidewalks,
sewers, stormwater drainage and even public transportation. The public
improvements the city makes coupled with the private redevelopment it
(hopefully) spurs cause property values in the TAD to rise. As the property
values rise, so does the amount of money those properties pay in property tax.
That increase in the amount of taxes paid is put in a special account and used
to pay off the bonds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Although TADs have
been in use for years, the jury is still out as to how well they work. Many
point to Atlantic Station as a great example of a TAD at work. The site of the
former Atlantic Steel plant was designated as a brownfield; the old steel plant
was an eyesore and the land around it was polluted from the fallout of years
steel production. In 1999 the assessed value of the property was $7 million.
The City of Atlanta floated $67.5 million worth of TAD bonds to help pay for
nearly $190 million in cleanup and infrastructure improvements to the site. By
2008 the assessed value of the property was $452 million and it was generating
an incremental increase in tax revenues of $8.3 million per year to the City of
Atlanta- more than enough to pay off the bonds in thirty years. But since then,
the economy at large has been in recession. Stores and restaurants at Atlantic
Station have closed, condos have gone unsold and apartments have become vacant.
The area has developed (no pun intended) a reputation for cruising and crime. A
real estate professional and resident of Atlantic Station likened it's downward
spiral to Underground Atlanta. The accompanying drop in property values has
reduced the amount of 'incremental increase' in taxes to the city. Time will
ultimately tell if it is successful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
TAD to redevelop residential areas near 'the square' in Marietta is facing
similar difficulties. As a result of the recession, several of the developers
involved have gone bankrupt leaving some of the area undeveloped. Those who
bought 'early' have seen their home values decline and the city has seen tax
revenues decrease, although not enough yet to put the TAD bonds at risk. As
with Atlantic Station, time will tell if the TAD is successful. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes there are
other municipal costs associated with a TADs that are not covered by the
increase in tax revenues. The increased development may create an increased
need for services like police and fire. Since the funds generated by the TAD
are earmarked to pay the bonds, the increase in the cost of services is borne
by the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">W</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">hat happens if the
TAD doesnt live up to expectations? The AJC reported a couple of years ago that
the taxpayers of Kansas City were stuck for $6 million in 1999 for a TAD gone
bad. In Georgia, the laws regarding the use of TADs are much stricter. Cities
are not allowed to pledge general revenues to back the bonds. The investors who
buy the bonds bear the loss if the bonds default. John Matthews, a professor of
policy and planning at Georgia Tech has studied and written extensively about
TADs. In the event of a default he believes that "bond ratings could
suffer and interest rates rise" on future bond issuances, and he says that
cities are seen as having a "moral" duty to guarantee the bonds. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Unanswered as yet is
what Peachtree Corners would do with a TAD given that the municipal
contribution to the TAD is infrastructure improvement. As a limited services
city, Peachtree Corners cant build roads, sidewalks or sewers and cant run
buses or trolleys. Does the Redevelopment Powers Act give them these powers?
The mayor claims that it does not. Is Holcomb Bridge Road blighted or
economically underdeveloped? I think most would agree that portions of it are
unsightly, mostly as a result of haphazard zoning and a diverse collection of
architectural styles, but not blighted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps a CID
independent of the city would be better suited to the city's purposes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Originally Published in the <a href="http://peachtreecorners.patch.com/blog_posts/to-tad-or-not-to-tad" target="_blank">Peachtree Corners Patch</a> on March 25th, 2013 by Bob Martell</span></div>
Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-77923454595707252162013-03-05T11:21:00.000-08:002013-03-05T11:21:14.764-08:00Major Concerns over Peachtree Corners Council and Mayor Expanding Powers
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT7P1lv166QcA29TRR_HA96bl9uubXlLMxBuqt5_N9EE6j7o5aGkIcY-rpIQLhCNP2W2aa3klcuC-RTZf7PZRtK3bremji-YdJEW8iBgsWHkJZ75-VLKhG4-cm6FUo8HbJzC16UoqX18/s1600/The+Kingdom+Decrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT7P1lv166QcA29TRR_HA96bl9uubXlLMxBuqt5_N9EE6j7o5aGkIcY-rpIQLhCNP2W2aa3klcuC-RTZf7PZRtK3bremji-YdJEW8iBgsWHkJZ75-VLKhG4-cm6FUo8HbJzC16UoqX18/s320/The+Kingdom+Decrees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The city of
Peachtree Corners is designated as a very unique form of government - a
city-lite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is because the city is
charted by the state legislature to provide just three services - 1. Planning
and Zoning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. code Enforcement<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trash Collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city has
not even been functioning a year and only one of the 3 services is completely
operational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet the council and mayor
are already looking to expand their powers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tonight's city council meeting has two items on it that attempt to do
just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">
<span class="apple-style-span">1. The council is looking to pass an ordinance
removing the second read requirement to pass ordinances in the future. This is
a problem because it gives us, the citizens, no time to react to the proposed
law before the council can vote it into being. They argue that this is holding
up businesses who need zoning changes and that the second read is really moot
because they could hold back to back meetings to meet the second read
requirement. We are OK with the idea of changing the second read requirement on
business zoning issues that have already passed the zoning commission vetting
process. We do not want the council's powers expanded to pass any ordinance
this way. They may circumvent the requirement by holding the back to back
meetings, but then we would at least be alerted to the fact they are up to no
good and trying to block citizen input. We want the ordinance eliminating the
second read to have tighter, more limiting language.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">2. The council wants to expand the charter to
allow them to provide a 4th service. The resolution reads "A Resolution of
the Mayor and Council of Peachtree Corners, Georgia requesting the local
legislative delegation of Peachtree Corners, Georgia to introduce a local law
authorizing Peachtree Corners, Georgia to have redevelopment powers pursuant to
the redevelopment powers law; and for other purposes." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It appears they will put this on the ballot
for a November referendum. We believe they are already breaking their promises
to keep this a city-lite with this expansion of powers. We think they should
get the other 3 services implemented and running smoothly before they try to
convince us they deserve more power and more money to spend.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">Add this to the elimination of the second read in
item 1 above and you have recipe for all sorts of abuse without the citizens
able to react or voice their objections before the council buys land, builds
infrastructure or otherwise spends tax money the way they want.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="apple-style-span">You can read the full agenda here:</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com%2F1__2013-03-05_-_City_Council_Agenda.pdf&h=PAQELUQq2AQEGeweY69iwic_O8-i4JcRcGVnx1pguC49Yzg&s=1" style="cursor: pointer;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.cityofpeachtreecornersga.com/1__2013-03-05_-_City_Council_Agenda.pdf</span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-11617548508214447852013-02-18T08:36:00.001-08:002013-02-18T08:36:14.805-08:00Should Peachtree Corners Buy the Land Across from the Forum<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally published in the Peachtree Corners Patch - January 30, 2012</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recent announcement of plans to build apartments on the Roberts property across from the Forum has stirred up quite a controversy in Peachtree Corners.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commenters on a recent Patch article expressed concerns ranging from worry about the effects such a development would have on traffic, to overcrowding at Simpson Elementary and Norcross High schools, to negative effects on property values.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever their reason, all seemed to agree that they don't want to see apartments built on that parcel of land. Based on the mayor's statement a couple of weeks ago, he and the council are as opposed to apartments in that location as everybody else.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lennar Homes out of Miami is currently planning to close on the property on Feb. 7th and expects to break ground this spring. As long as they meet the zoning requirements and building codes, the city is powerless to stop them. Any attempt by the city to deny building permits or otherwise stop the project would likely result in a costly lawsuit that the city would lose.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately that leaves the city few options: do nothing and allow the development to proceed as planned (which nobody wants); or buy the property and hope to sell it to someone who will develop it in a manner more to the city's liking (which opens up a whole new can of worms).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given that Lennar already has a contract to buy the land on Feb. 7th, it's too late for the city to buy the property directly from Charlie Roberts. That means the city would have to buy the land from Lennar before they begin construction. Lennar is spending a reported $7.6 million to buy the property. Obviously, they expect to make a profit from the development or they wouldn't be doing it. That suggests it would cost the city a sum greater than $7.6 million to get Lennar to part with the property.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the main question to the residents of Peachtree Corners is, are you in favor of the city spending $10 million, $12 million or more to buy this piece of land in order to prevent apartments from being built on it? </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said, buying the property opens up a can of worms. While the charter gives the city power to purchase property, does it permit the city to purchase land for this purpose? Keeping in mind that it could be several years before a suitable buyer is found, are you comfortable that a future mayor and council would follow through on the plan, or do you worry that they could use the land for another purpose (like building a city hall)?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you comfortable with the possibility of the city someday having to sell the property at a loss? Knowing it would require the city to continue levying property taxes at or near the (one mil) limit, are you comfortable with the city assuming such a large long term debt barely halfway through its first year in operation?How much would you be willing for the city to spend?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And lastly, what kind of precedent would it set? In the future, will some other property owner propose to redevelop his property in an unpopular manner in the hopes that a public outcry might prompt the city to buy him out?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do the real and perceived benefits of not having apartments there outweigh those concerns and others?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have it on good authority that the mayor and council want to hear from residents on this issue. Do you want the city to buy the land in order to prevent apartments from being built? Call city hall at 678-691-1200 or email the mayor and council and let them know your thoughts:</span><br />
<a href="mailto:mmason@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mmason@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:psadd@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">psadd@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:jlowe@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">jlowe@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:awright@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">awright@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:jaulbach@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">jaulbach@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:lchristopher@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lchristopher@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<a href="mailto:wgratwick@peachtreecornersga.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wgratwick@peachtreecornersga.org</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Call and write soon. February 7th is next week.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Written by Bob Martell - PCBC</span><br />
Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-3273749611840480982012-07-25T07:34:00.003-07:002012-07-25T07:34:49.584-07:00Review of Peachtree Corners Council Meeting - July 24<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City Council lifts the moratorium on business <br />permits, licenses, etc.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meeting started at 7:30 PM and did not adjourn until nearly 10:00. Alex Wright was the only councilperson who did not make the meeting. About 20 or so people made up the audience. There were a lot of tedious items on the agenda. A team of lawyers were present to go over amendments to the zoning ordinance, the sign ordinance, the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/IGA%20with%20Gwinnett%20for%20Zoning%20and%20Permitting.pdf" target="_blank">Intergovernmental Agreement with Gwinnett</a>, the contract with a zoning liaison, and the moratorium on building permits. One businessman spoke during the public comments period about his need for a the last of his permits so he could open his new restaurant. He expressed frustrations at being stymied by the moratorium. The mayor, after telling the man that he was not supposed to respond, responded to let the man know that the moratorium was on the evening's agenda.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The highlights of the meeting included the lifting of the moratorium on building permits, business licenses, etc. that have been frozen since May 1. Everyone in the room was excited to see this business stifling moratorium lifted. It is expected that the county will begin processing permits on behalf of the city today.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other major item was the introduction and distribution of an application to be on the Zoning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals. The Mayor assured the audience that zoning would be done differently than in other cities. The commission and appeals board are not to be political appointments but rather a citizen panel of qualified people with the best interest of the city at heart. The Mayor promised broad representation from across Peachtree Corners. The application is due on August 4th. <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/Application%20for%20Zoning%20Commission%20and%20Appeals%20Board.pdf" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to download a copy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The very last thing addressed by the council was a matter of litigation. Apparently, a billboard company wanted to install a billboard on Peachtree Parkway near the Forum and is suing Gwinnett for some supposed procedural violation due to the moratorium. I will not pretend to understand the legalese involved. Bottom line is that the city has retained legal counsel to assist in dealing with this pending lawsuit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing phrases and wording in various ordinances and agreements. The council and lawyers tweaked little phrases and parts of ordinances in use at Gwinnett before they were adopted by the city. It was detailed and tedious.</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-60414170151920720192012-06-14T12:30:00.006-07:002012-06-14T12:30:58.094-07:00Peachtree Corners Detailed Budget Proposal<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The proposed budget for Peachtree Corners fiscal 2013 is now available. <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_budget6-12.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a> to review the budget and see how the council plans to spend $2.7 million of your money. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next 3 council meetings: June 14, June 19, and June 26 are all expected to deal with the budget, expenses, and proposed taxes to fund it all. Please come to all the meetings you can. They are held at the YMCA at 7:30 PM.</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-37373328008652521742012-06-06T17:37:00.000-07:002012-06-06T17:37:44.313-07:00Review of June 5 Peachtree Corners City Council Meeting<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Peachtree Corners City Council met Tuesday night, sans Post 1 councilman Phil Sadd. This is the third or fourth meeting he has missed, and we're not even a city yet...Doesn't bode well for District 1.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were about 30 residents in attendance. Also present were city clerk Joan Jones, consultant John Kachmar and city attorney Bill Riley and his assistant.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No residents made any public comments, although there was an opportunity to do so. The mayor introduced the city's new 'comment card' which the public will fill out beforehand and then the mayor will call on you...the card includes your name and address and the purpose/ subject of your comment. He explained this is for keeping track of comments for 'open records' purposes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next item - the council accepted the invitation to join the Georgia Municipal Association free of charge. Normally, membership would cost approximately $10,000 for a city our size but the GMA offered to waive the first year dues. Jay Lowe stipulated that they would agree to first year free, but any subsequent years would need to be voted on before committing monies to join. The rest of the council agreed with Jay.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first and main agenda item was a presentation on call centers from Kirsten, a '311' expert from CH2MHill...The presentation lasted about 40 minutes and it was obvious from the reactions of the council and the residents that it was overkill. She made the presentation based upon her experience running the call centers for Sandy Springs and Johns Creek (big surprise there!) and didn't seem to grasp the concept of 'limited services city'. During the discussion after the presentation, under pressure from Alex Wright and Jay Lowe, consultant Kachmar finally conceded that CH2MHill's solution would likely cost the city about $150,000/ yr. Even the mayor seemed a little taken aback at the size of the number. It also pretty much killed the call center discussion for now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next item - consultant Kachmar updated the council on the search for a city manager, saying they had received 48 resumes so far, many from out of state candidates.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next item - city hall...the council have visited several sites and had basically narrowed it down to two locations, both in Tech Park. One site has approx 5000 sq ft of space, and would need a bit of 'build out' to accommodate the council, staff and meeting areas...because of that, the 'rent' would be approx $20/ sq ft. Site 2 has approx 8000 sq ft of space, but is already configured in a manner such that it requires little build out to meet needs, has better access and infrastructure and is available for $14/ sq ft. The Council decided on site 2, even though it is a little larger than needed. The attorney and consultant suggested that the council give the okay for them to negotiate the best deal and authorize the mayor to sign what they present. Alex Wright and Jeanne Aulbach objected, and the council agreed that they should review any lease proposal prior to the mayor signing it. Good call on their part.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next item - The council adopted a fiscal yr to run from July 1st thru June 30.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last item - The council adopted a set schedule for council meetings, effective June 19th, which will announce the schedule for the next few months...the reasons for this were:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cheaper to put out one announcement now, instead of a new one every week,</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">can always cancel a meeting if not needed,</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eliminates the 'problem' they ran into last week where they couldn’t amend the agenda to allow public comment. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meeting adjourned approx 9:15.</span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-72125860696628557862012-05-24T03:39:00.000-07:002012-05-24T13:09:48.682-07:00May 22 City Council Meeting: A Bait and Switch?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The City Council met Tuesday night to receive updates from the two consultants the council has hired to help set up the city. John McDonough, current Sandy Springs city manager, and John Kachmar, current Johns Creek city manager, took the council through the agenda: </span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Search for City Hall Office Space </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Request for Proposal (RFP) for Banking Services</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Review of Legal Requirements and Timeline for Ad Valorem Tax Billing and Collection</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Organizational Structure of the City</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Neighborhood and Business Response Center Services </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The most enlightening and alarming item discussed was the Organizational Structure agenda item. The consultants provided a draft/sample budget for what it will cost to run the city. Given the size of the staff and the services expected, they are estimating <b>$2,869,225</b> to run the city. This is nearly <b>FOUR times</b> the cost estimate in the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_FiscalAnalysis.pdf" target="_blank">Carl Vinson study</a> touted by the <a href="http://peachtreecornersyes.com/faq.php"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">Vote Yes</span></a> group and State Senator and city sponsor Tom Rice during the cityhood campaign. Alex Wright, Post 3, was visibly baffled by the idea that the two estimates were not even on the same planet. Mayor Mason, a major player in the Vote Yes campaign, dismissed the study just short of rolling his eyes at the idea that anyone would believe it. He said that The Carl Vinson study is not a budget it is just a feasibility study. It was for Tom Rice and the legislature and not meant to determine the cost to run the city. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mr. Wright questioned the consultants throughout the tax and budget presentation. The consultants recommended building up large reserves and contingency funds to which Mr. Wright responded, “It is against my personal philosophy to build up large reserves. I want to prevent government waste.” The consultants scoffed at the idea that any waste would occur in government. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the current $2.8 million cost estimate, the city will need the full 1 mil in taxes allowed by the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">Charter</a>. All the Vote Yes promises that property taxes probably would not be needed at all to cover the expenses of the city are so quickly up in political campaign smoke. The city council must vote on the exact level of millage that property owners will pay. Before the vote, the council must advertise the millage rate under consideration and hold 3 meetings for the public to comment before the vote. The consultants recommend advertising the full millage allowed by the Charter. Councilman Wright seemed to bristle at the idea that so much would be needed given the Carl Vinson study. The consultants assured him that it was the conservative and responsible way to go about it and their later budget discussion showed why. The advertisement will occur on June 21. The first hearing will be the morning of July 2, the second at 6:30 PM July 2<sup>nd</sup>, and the final meeting and vote on July 9<sup>th</sup> at 7:30 PM.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During this discussion, Mr. Kachmar let it be known that the councilpersons and mayor are not required to attend the hearings on the 2<sup>nd</sup>. They may assign staff to take down public comments. The PCBC is greatly disturbed by the suggestion that our elected officials would delegate listening to their constituents to hired staff and consultants rather than be present themselves and hope that they all reject this suggestion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We also hope Mr. Wright sticks to his guns on expenses and taxes. We hope he recruits some other council-members to stand firm against the mayor and the consultants on dismissing the Carl Vinson study, absorbing the full one mil in available taxes, and on stockpiling massive amounts of money for “rainy days” and nebulous “community investment projects”. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Other items covered in the meeting:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The consultants presented a list of properties for the council to consider renting. They reviewed their evaluation criteria. 4 of the 5 properties are in Tech Park. They expect to make a final recommendation at next week’s meeting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The RFP for city banking services was provided. Councilman Weare Gratwick, At Large Post 6, excused himself and left the room during the discussion. Mr. Gratwick works for a bank and wanted to avoid any accusation of impropriety or undue influence on the council discussions. The RFP will be released in the coming days. Ms. Jeanne Aulbach, Councilperson At Large Post 4, will serve on the RFP evaluation team with the consultants and lawyer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They ended the session with a rushed discussion of a call center to respond to citizen inquiries. The YMCA was shutting its doors so the council was instructed to think about the kind of services they want to provide and what a call center might do for a later discussion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Councilpersons in attendance: Jay Lowe - Post 2; Alex Wright – Post 3; Jeanne Aulbach – Post 4; Lorri Christopher – Post 5; Weare Gratwick – Post 6; Mike Mason – Mayor. Phil Sadd – Post 1 was not in attendance.</span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-13067422289975689542012-05-02T16:20:00.000-07:002012-05-02T16:20:30.107-07:00Review of the 5-1-12 Peachtree Corners City Council Meeting<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIJJcvGeTFNyLH9sZ6wtfSl3x4TYXGs7cJHlMCEEkDGgFbHB4kYYc60uZK3Hvi18dfKxdluquLVoHzuKT1NmYlUAuJrHLKI1FLffP11UUwwkKZIVImDd_o8bfZmFVtr5dZCl8ySlnr64/s1600/Gavel+and+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIJJcvGeTFNyLH9sZ6wtfSl3x4TYXGs7cJHlMCEEkDGgFbHB4kYYc60uZK3Hvi18dfKxdluquLVoHzuKT1NmYlUAuJrHLKI1FLffP11UUwwkKZIVImDd_o8bfZmFVtr5dZCl8ySlnr64/s200/Gavel+and+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The Peachtree Corners City Council had a special “called” meeting yesterday at 11:00 AM at the Peachtree Corners YMCA. There was only one major item on the agenda: Whether to submit a request to the County for a moratorium on all permitting, zoning applications, business licenses etc. </div>
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The lawyer – Bill Riley - laid out the argument that there is often a rush to the county for permits before a new city takes over. He argued that folks will get caught having started the process under the county and may have to finish under the city causing confusion. He recounted stories of troubles between Johns Creek and Fulton County. Specifically that the county collected permit and inspection fees, but the city had to do the work because of the timing of the takeover. That work had to be done without the funding because the county refused to turn over the money collected. Although he says he does not anticipate any issues with Gwinnett officials, he is seeking to avoid this transition trouble through the moratorium. In addition, he cautioned that without the moratorium, adult bookstores, massage parlors, etc. often try to slip into the area, believing that the county process will be easier than any new city process is likely to be. </div>
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The councilpersons asked some good questions. Wright, Aulbach, Lowe, and to a lesser extent Christopher and Gratwick all challenged the lawyer on the implications of doing nothing, the burden on businesses unable to get a license during the moratorium, etc. Phil Sadd was not at the meeting. The mayor had no questions for the attorney. The discussion went on for a bout 25-30 minutes before the council was satisfied and voted to approve the request to the County.</div>
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Overall, I was satisfied with how the council handled this meeting. The questions they asked were in my mind as well. I was pleased to see them challenge the lawyer’s recommendation, require examples of when the worst happened in reality, and explore the implications and burdens on residents and businesses that the moratorium may cause.</div>
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My dissatisfaction all centers on the speed that the meeting was called. Most of us had only about 12 hours notice that it would occur. It gave off the impression of a rushed, “secret” meeting, held at a time when most folks work and cannot attend. The meetings are supposed to be announced in the Gwinnett Daily Post in advance. The acting city clerk assured me that she contacted The Post last week. Myself and others in attendance let her know that we were unable to locate that announcement, finding out through The Peachtree Corners Patch instead. She promised to investigate the issue.</div>
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I talked to a couple of the councilpersons afterward, spending quite a bit of time with Jeanne Aulbach, Post 4. I let her know that I felt this meeting ran better than the first one because we saw the council explore the implications of the issue before them. They challenged the guidance they were getting to ensure it was sound and as many sides were examined as possible. The last meeting was a series of approvals and hires without any feeling that due diligence had been done. Those of us attending the meetings expect to see our council really engage and vet the issues, but it appeared they simply abdicated their responsibility to a contingent of Johns Creek bureaucrats. Ms. Aulbach promised to do more to communicate with her constituents – which includes everyone in Peachtree Corners – so we see the due diligence happen and can better understand the trade-offs and ultimate decisions reached. </div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-28259621431407490782012-04-19T17:25:00.000-07:002012-04-19T17:25:16.639-07:00Review of First City Council Meeting for Peachtree Corners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGR4b2VLL0pQEM6DcAqynR7kdpBJuHyY4eBnh4H-yZOo2AMNHmCmO-Dgs2qJHjTbr2sYV2WG86fGXAiI2RGtTnbcBfK19XruGrvqmlfiMmJw5SWnFUnt-w1WJf6ITS8zZpR017gF9DHY/s1600/The+Puppet+Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGR4b2VLL0pQEM6DcAqynR7kdpBJuHyY4eBnh4H-yZOo2AMNHmCmO-Dgs2qJHjTbr2sYV2WG86fGXAiI2RGtTnbcBfK19XruGrvqmlfiMmJw5SWnFUnt-w1WJf6ITS8zZpR017gF9DHY/s320/The+Puppet+Show.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well the first City of Peachtree Corners city council meeting is in the history books...and all I can say is “buckle up, it looks like its going to be a bumpy ride.”</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Apparently the new mayor believes that any dialogue between the council and the citizenry should occur somewhere other than the council chambers. As he explained to one citizen who asked a question during the only ‘public comment’ period (before any city business was introduced)- the plan is to have a few minutes at the beginning of each council meeting for citizens to approach the microphone and comment on the subject of their desire. The mayor made it clear he does not intend to engage in a conversation with anyone during this period, he will just nod his head, thank you for your input and move on to the next person. This policy needs to change. The mayor claims this is how ‘they’ do it, alluding to the cities of Johns Creek and Dunwoody. A check of both those cities websites reveals that their council meetings include public comment sections both before and after city business is introduced. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Then the council gets down to business. The mayor taps his gavel and asks the new interim city clerk "what’s next?" The clerk reads the next point of order, the mayor asks the council for their comments or questions, asks for yea votes and nay votes, taps the gavel again and says "the motion is passed". Repeat that scenario as often as the agenda dictates.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I spoke to one councilman after the meeting and voiced my displeasure with the idea that the mayor and council were just going to sit up there and 'proclaim' things without any public input. I was informed that 'most of the actual work' is done in work sessions which are open to the public. The meeting is just a formality. But then he goofed and admitted that there wouldn’t be any public input at the work sessions either.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Am I the only one who remembers the council candidates talking about how accessible they would be during the campaign? How they would listen to their constituents? Some even posted on our fb page that issues would be open to public comment for 30 days before the council would vote on them.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For those of you who didn’t attend the meeting, there are a few things you might like to know. Despite the fact your new city isn’t even a legal entity for 73 more days:</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You already have an attorney on the city payroll. You don’t know anything about him, or his compensation package.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a city clerk on the city payroll. You don’t know anything about her, or her compensation package.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have an executive search firm on the city payroll, trying to hire a city manager. You don’t know anything about the search firm, or their fee structure.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have hired a 'facilitator' to assist with developing a long and short term strategic plan for the city. You know nothing about this 'facilitator', or his salary.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have purchased an insurance policy to protect the mayor and council, presumably from the consequences of any bad decisions they make. You don’t know anything about the coverage terms, or the cost of the policy.</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The one thing we do know about our new city attorney, city clerk, city consultant, and facilitator is that they are all currently employees of the City of Johns Creek. We hired the whole bunch of them.</span><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We thought we elected a mayor and a city council. Apparently what we got was a Czar and his ruling cabal...or perhaps a puppet regime of the bureaucrats of John’s Creek.</span><br />
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</div></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-58797601709486477422012-04-04T14:59:00.000-07:002012-04-04T14:59:09.873-07:00Peachtree Corners Finalizes the City Council - Looking Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLAgGv3p6GldGZTf_QlE4C-_90-IKqAo0l6ENIxWHO3pY-OM4gLoazt2eDz9SBZ_SOEbl_CmD7dq8MgrdkdIj84R2PxDvR5PYCKoL4Naog59G0FshMMOt-JOYo6T5eJY6sMd9mim9uuk/s1600/First+Council+Meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLAgGv3p6GldGZTf_QlE4C-_90-IKqAo0l6ENIxWHO3pY-OM4gLoazt2eDz9SBZ_SOEbl_CmD7dq8MgrdkdIj84R2PxDvR5PYCKoL4Naog59G0FshMMOt-JOYo6T5eJY6sMd9mim9uuk/s320/First+Council+Meeting.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday's run-off finalized the last 4 contested seats for the inaugural city council of Peachtree Corners. Turnout was very low with less than 12% of voters going to the polls. Here is the new city council:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page319.htm" target="_blank">Phil Sadd</a> will represent the geography of District 1</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1010.htm" target="_blank">Jay Lowe</a> will represent the geography of District 2</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1580.htm" target="_blank">Alex Wright</a> will represent the geography of District 3</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1394.htm" target="_blank">Jeanne Aulbach</a> will represent Post 4 At-Large</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2129.htm" target="_blank">Lorri Christopher</a> will represent Post 5 At-Large</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2515.htm" target="_blank">Weare Gratwick</a> will represent Post 6 At-Large</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These six folks join mayor Mike Mason in the task of setting up the new city. They will implement the 3 services proclaimed in the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">city charter</a>: Code Enforcement, Zoning, and Trash Collection. In addition, this council is challenged to settle a border dispute with Berkeley Lake, hire a city manager and other employees, procure office space, enter into vendor contracts, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With so few voters turning out in this and the last election, the new council hardly has a strong mandate for sweeping action. We expect that the members will act carefully and cautiously before committing the city and its tax payers to irrevocable, long-term obligations. The council has been granted great power over many by very few. They have the power to make taxes, code enforcement, fees, etc. a burden on citizens. They should wield that power very delicately. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The role of the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee will continue to be as a watch dog of the new city government. We will work to hold our new officials to the promises made in the campaign for city hood and their campaigns for city council. We want to ensure that Peachtree Corners sticks to the promise of "city-lite". This city was proclaimed to be something unique among governments - forever small, unobtrusive, and inexpensive. We will be holding you to it.</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-4075422986175094892012-03-20T17:59:00.000-07:002012-03-20T17:59:22.597-07:00Peachtree Corners City Council Candidate Debate – How Did They Do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkealwi-FPj9dM1ftUgaphyphenhyphen2Ox6h8cAu_Dz7Ag2RFSDoSWMgHqHGw2GrSCvQSPIGwfkorEXfEzrK73CktXEacgCecHJy0c-KSoMTbbdPWnotN8svn8GoGdS4fko8kFQqH22eAf_Jx7lho/s1600/Debate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkealwi-FPj9dM1ftUgaphyphenhyphen2Ox6h8cAu_Dz7Ag2RFSDoSWMgHqHGw2GrSCvQSPIGwfkorEXfEzrK73CktXEacgCecHJy0c-KSoMTbbdPWnotN8svn8GoGdS4fko8kFQqH22eAf_Jx7lho/s320/Debate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On Monday night, the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) hosted a final candidate forum for those competing in the run-off election for Peachtree Corners City Council. Judge Warren Davis moderated the event which was composed, at least in part, of audience questions to the candidates. Here is my assessment of how it went, who did well, and who missed the mark.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1293.htm" target="_blank">David Proud</a> and <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1580.htm" target="_blank">Alex Wright</a> are contending for the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1513.htm" target="_blank">Post 3</a> seat representing District 3. Unfortunately for these gentlemen, the questions presented to them were not very demanding and sometimes just silly. Mr. Wright made jokes about his wife in an attempt to liven up the evening and counter the silliness of questions like how “squeaky clean” his background check might be and what to do if a vendor vying for a contract tried to buy lunch. Mr. Proud answered most of these questions more earnestly but to the same result. They had similar answers to questions about their vision for the city and whether they support a city-manager form of government (which the city has per the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">Charter</a> so once again a silly question). But at the end of the day, the questions left little ability for the candidates to sink their teeth in or differentiate themselves. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1394.htm" target="_blank">Jeanne Aulbach</a> and <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1870.htm" target="_blank">Robert Byars</a> are in a run-off for the At-Large <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1657.htm" target="_blank">Post 4</a> seat. They both sort of bumbled over the first question about what sort of ethics policy the city needs, each declaring themselves ethical people – whew. And on the second question about being accessible to voters they both answered similarly, ready to hand out their phone numbers and email addresses to any and all. They both declared themselves against building a city hall. Ms. Aulbach seemed forever against it and Mr. Byars seemed only against it for now. When asked about a plan to widen 141, Ms. Aulbach showed more command of the subject. She understood the desire to alleviate traffic, but declared the current plan deficient because it does not address bottlenecks such as the intersection at the PIB-141 split. The other complex question presented to this post asked whether the new city should annex additional properties and about property rights for owners. Byars stated that he liked Peachtree Corners as is. Aulbach agreed that she sees no reason for Peachtree Corners to expand. Neither candidate referenced the Charter nor how it limits the city council actions on any of the topics presented. Overall, Ms. Aulbach showed more thought and answered most of the questions more carefully than Mr. Byars. The caveat is that Ms. Aulbach is very closely aligned with the UPCCA and I can’t say whether she had any forewarning about what some of the questions might be.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2153.htm" target="_blank">Post 5</a> At-Large is contended by<a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2129.htm" target="_blank"> Lorri Christopher</a> and <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page1686.htm" target="_blank">Gray Terry</a>. The first question asked whether they were in favor of TSPLOST (special purpose tax to support mass transit in our area) They both support this initiative, which left me baffled. They both sited bad traffic as the reason, but neither talked about who they expected to ride the new transit and to where. Both seem to have a sort of “build it and they will come” attitude about it. Gray Terry cited that MARTA is poorly run but seemed sure that folks north could somehow run a government transit system well. They were also asked about implementing an early warning system for tornadoes. Once again, they both jumped out in support, declaring that Peachtree Corners needs emergency warning and communications systems. They were asked about animal control for the deer population. They both declared a love of deer but that something must be done to prevent their take-over of the city. Terry suggested using a spray on your yard or a 12 gauge. Christopher said she built a fence to keep them out. Neither ever mentioned the Charter and that the three services included are limited to garbage, code enforcement, and zoning. These two are both ready to expand services at any moment. Keep your eye on whoever wins this post. They both have big vision for all the things that can be run, fixed, paid-for by the new city government. Post 5 has a four year-term so the winner can be patient with their plan. I sincerely hope that one of them is way more conservative than they appear. I invite them to back-off some of their current rhetoric. But we’d all be wise to guard our money; I think they have plans to use it. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Finally <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2515.htm" target="_blank">Weare Gratwick</a> and <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2850.htm" target="_blank">Brian Stickney </a>are competing for the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page2558.htm" target="_blank">Post 6</a> At-Large seat. Overall, these gentlemen fielded the most difficult slate of questions. The first question asked the candidates how they feel about imminent domain and how it might be applied in Peachtree Corners. Mr. Gratwick talked about local representation and planning and support of property rights. Mr. Stickney stated that no power of Imminent Domain is granted by the charter to the city and it should stay that way. The candidates were asked how they will stay informed about what is going on in the region. Both mentioned working with the county government and chamber of commerce. Mr. Stickney went further and emphasized the importance of understanding what is happening nationally. He sees more people moving to the South and to our area in particular for jobs or for retirement to nicer climates and that has to be considered to accurately plan. The next question asked for a vision for zoning for undeveloped parcels of land. Mr. Stickney took umbrage with the question stating that is was just too generic to answer well. Undeveloped parcels are in different parts of the city and each would have its own issues for traffic, surrounding residents and businesses etc. The moderator narrowed the question to the land across from the Forum. Mr. Stickney pointed out that the land there is already zoned by the county. The city can hope to work with the land owner and to control how traffic and density is managed at the site. Mr. Gratwick agreed, adding that the city would need to hire professionals to consult on the master plan.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Overall, I give the night to Mr. Stickney in Post 6 as having the best performance. He was the only candidate who consistently invoked the city-lite concept and the 3 services outlined by the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">charter</a> in his remarks. His closing statement called attention to the fact that many candidates seemed willing to add services in a blink, but he understood the limits of the Charter. If you are going to declare yourself a fiscal conservative you have to say “no” most of the time. You cannot see government as the solution to so many issues. He acknowledged that people don’t like to hear “no” when they want the government to solve their problems for them, but that is what a responsible political leader needs to do. Bravo Mr. Stickney.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Be sure to vote on April 3<sup>rd</sup>. </span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-39167187126250897492012-03-07T05:33:00.000-08:002012-03-07T05:33:52.485-08:00Run-off Elections in April<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three posts were secured on Tuesday night. Mike Mason, running unopposed, was confirmed as Mayor. Phil Sadd will represent District 1. Jay Lowe will represent District 2. The other posts are expected to have run-off elections in early April.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post 3 - Run-off between David Proud and Alex Wright</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post 4 - Run-off between Jeanne Aulbach and Robert Byars</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post 5 - Run-off between Lorri Christopher and Gray Terry</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Post 6 - Run-off between Weare Gratwick and Brian Stickney</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations to all the candidates for running great campaigns. The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee appreciates how well you engaged with us on the issues. We hope that Scott Ehrlich, Brent Johnson, and David Leader will stay as engaged in the City and the issues as they were during their campaigns. We look forward to seeing you on our Facebook Page and at future city meetings and events.</span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-75492010909503214452012-03-05T06:15:00.002-08:002012-03-05T06:17:59.645-08:00The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee – Preparing to Vote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMyX4k1mUY8FS4RcOvRdkhBWaxvZJTL3XbaaVi9pA-lwAlRqu-ZEbLryKAwr66QbHyJBIgsGFElwhhjunQ9ORgjfMz_zlOfBesw6KTWhwTRxJyfkPaYhpuBDdLCJoYIEM9JYWNCbYoEE/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMyX4k1mUY8FS4RcOvRdkhBWaxvZJTL3XbaaVi9pA-lwAlRqu-ZEbLryKAwr66QbHyJBIgsGFElwhhjunQ9ORgjfMz_zlOfBesw6KTWhwTRxJyfkPaYhpuBDdLCJoYIEM9JYWNCbYoEE/s320/vote.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">On Tuesday March 6, the voters of Peachtree Corners will go to the polls to elect their first city council. The field is diverse. A couple candidates seem to view a position on the council as a first step on their checklist to higher office. One or two seem more focused on resolving their own personal issues with zoning or code violations. Many are connected to the UPCCA and achieving what they were not able to achieve with volunteers through government dictate instead. Some talk a lot and we are not sure what they mean. But many seem genuine, un-political folks who really want what is best for the new city. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Where does the Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee stand in all this? We are committed to being a watchdog group. We want to make certain that the mayor and city council follow through on all the promises made during the campaign for cityhood. We want to see the promise of the Charter fulfilled – 3 services, limited government, minimal taxes, open and transparent. And above all, we want the city protected from special interest and “I know what’s best for you” politicians that usually run away with our various other governments. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">You see, the Peachtree Corners Charter is protected from change, expansion, added taxes by the need to go to the voters in a city wide referendum. We saw last week that <a href="http://www.gwinnettforum.com/#elliott" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">quiet action</span></a> by a politician or two and the Georgia State House can circumvent the Charter, dismissing our right to a vote. The PCBC is committed to drawing attention to those that threaten the integrity of the Charter. We will use all our tools – our writing, emailing, cartooning, blogging, Facebooking, calling, etc. to get voters and political leaders to take notice. We are not afraid to employ a little snark and sarcasm as well if it helps get voters and council persons to pay attention to the implications of their actions.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So far, we have gotten most candidates to answer a slate of questions on the issues and posted those, unedited to our <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">website</span></a>. We have engaged the candidates in a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501?sk=wall&filter=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> debate focused on several topics including:</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Should Peachtree Corners build a multi-million dollar city hall? </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As a city councilperson, will you commit to only put referenda that expand city services or increase taxes on major election ballots: i.e. presidential and mid-term November election dates only? </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Would you support a mandate that all actions relative to the formation of rules, regulations and other be reviewed by the citizens of Peachtree Corners for a period of no less than 30 days for comments before a definitive vote is taken by the council?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What are your comments on the secretive land swap that just occurred between Berkley Lake and Peachtree Corners? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many candidates engaged and provided thoughtful answers. Some we agreed with and some we challenged further. Some candidates have decided not to participate. They have ignored emails inviting them to engage and dismissed personal invitations to join in. Visit our <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">website</span></a> and our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501?sk=wall&filter=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span></a> page. Read what those who want to reach the 43% who are skeptical about what this new city will bring and discern who thinks that group is not worth their time.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee will not endorse specific candidates due to our status as a ballot committee. We have challenged the candidates on the issues important to our small government, fiscally conservative, skeptical of the new city constituency. Based on who participated in that dialogue and how they answered the questions presented, we believe voters can get a good feel for who will be focused on preserving the right to referendum and the small government, low tax promises the Charter attempts to ensure.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Vote on March 6!</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Visit us at <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0034ff; text-decoration: underline;">www.peachtreecornersfacts.com</span></a> and on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501</a></span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-86312153547178515912012-03-02T05:38:00.000-08:002012-03-02T05:38:09.148-08:00Is the Peachtree Corners City Charter a Sham?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U7vtvEznbnbHvO-2d2tP9mmS2fNA0sddpdz8fiJFOGh89temsmXcLotYyjB7e0HI5Qxd__hODLzc0Ad7Vpu1Pu0RttEeTkV6mL_QWe7lN1z_VB28-l1Qd3H5XzzKsuOolk79zKU19n0/s1600/World+domination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7U7vtvEznbnbHvO-2d2tP9mmS2fNA0sddpdz8fiJFOGh89temsmXcLotYyjB7e0HI5Qxd__hODLzc0Ad7Vpu1Pu0RttEeTkV6mL_QWe7lN1z_VB28-l1Qd3H5XzzKsuOolk79zKU19n0/s320/World+domination.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Many in Washington look upon the Constitution as an ancient document written by a bunch of old guys with almost no relevance to today. It is ignored or circumvented when working within its bounds is deemed too cumbersome or inconvenient. The Peachtree Corners <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Charter.pdf" target="_blank">City Charter</a> is the city’s “constitution”. It describes the <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Map.pdf" target="_blank">boundaries</a> of the city, how the city will function, how it will add services, elect officials and collect taxes. It clearly states that the charter may only be changed by a referendum of the city’s citizens. But a small group of politicians just changed the charter without any such vote by the citizens. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">These politicians, including <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index_files/Page499.htm" target="_blank">mayor-to-be Mason</a>, the Berkeley Lake Mayor Salter and State Representative <a href="http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2011_12/house/bios/riceTom.htm" target="_blank">Tom Rice</a>, met together, decided that a stretch of land along Peachtree Industrial would go to Berkeley Lake despite being ratified in the Charter as belonging to Peachtree Corners. <a href="http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20112012/HB/956"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Bill 956</span></a> was passed by the State House on February 27, 2012. It amended our charter by legislative fiat. No citizen referendum. Poof! <a href="http://peachtreecorners.patch.com/articles/peachtree-corners-city-borders-may-change" target="_blank">161 businesses </a>are no longer in Peachtree Corners because a group of politicians banded together to go around the city’s “constitution.” Promises were made during the vote for cityhood. Those promises have already been broken.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now, I believe that if a group of residents or businesses want to secede from the City, they should be allowed to do so by following the rules in the Charter and State Law. What is shocking is how quickly Mr. Mason and Mr. Rice directly circumvented a referendum because they saw the need to do so. Mr. Rice has offered all sorts of “I know what’s best for you” reasons. But rather than explain those reasons and let the citizens vote per the charter, he used his political power to simply act. What else do these politicians think needs action and going to the voters is just too much trouble? What do they think we need next: Perhaps a police department, a big city hall, more tax revenue, more, more, more. But we certainly need no votes by the citizens. That is just too inconvenient and the voters won’t understand anyway. They need the superior intellect of us politicians to tell them what is best! Yikes folks.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In November, we didn’t vote to become a city because we wanted to write 'Peachtree Corners' on our return address- we voted to adopt the charter. The charter defined our boundaries. The charter was sold to all of us as having protections built into it that no other city had- it could not be changed without a referendum. <a href="http://www.gwinnettforum.com/#elliott" target="_blank"> By legislative fiat</a>, Tom Rice and his cronies just changed the charter without our vote. This isn’t an issue of whether I pay the legal fees to fight Berkeley Lake annexation attempts, it’s much more fundamental than that. The city we voted on in November will now no longer exist. Is the charter still a legally binding document or not? And if it is, what good is the supposed requirement for a referendum if Tom Rice and his buddies down at the statehouse can sit down over a glass of bourbon and a good cigar and do whatever the hell they want to do anyway? Remember that cities exist at the will of the legislature, so political friends there will allow quick changes to our Charter whenever it is convenient for them. And the rights of we the citizens are just so much lip service.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Be sure to vote on March 6. Be sure to pick people absolutely dedicated to protecting your right to referendum laid down in the Charter. Do not surrender this city to the elitist “I know what’s best for you whether you like it or not” politicians. Mike Mason looks to be that kind of politician. Figure out who his friends are and who is a thorn in his side and make sure we have a council that will stick up for us. Candidates, show us if you have any thorns please. Post your comments on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>.</span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-41621747537096388532012-02-27T14:43:00.001-08:002012-02-27T15:50:29.603-08:00Should Peachtree Corners Build a City Hall?<div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As soon as government purchases land that land is removed from private use. The land ceases to be available for income-creating ventures and is instead dedicated to the income-taking venture that is government. For this reason, it is the PCBC’s belief that government should almost never own land or buildings. There are some exceptions – military bases and schools for example - but for most government activities, rented space works best. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When government builds, it builds for future growth. Why purchase land, hire architects and contractors, and issue bonds to create a space exactly big enough for the people and functions of today’s government? Armed with this logic, many Taj Mahal city halls have arisen in nearby cities. It can be controversial to have too many empty offices and meeting rooms in that giant new building. This can prompt a race to fill the space up with more city employees working on projects that cost ever more tax payer money. Allowing government to build a large building almost guarantees that the government will become larger itself. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many of the reasons cited for creating the new city were to support the growth of businesses and to help the blighted and under-used parts of the city thrive. What better way for the city government to support downtrodden areas than to locate its offices in those areas? What better way to set the example of how to work with landlords to bring properties up to code than to be a customer not just a dictatorial enforcement authority?</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The PCBC appreciates the candidates that have come out against building a city hall in Peachtree Corners for now and ever more. We need a city council that will take a strong stance against government spending and government growth that will ensure that the new city of Peachtree Corners is and stays city-lite. </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peachtree-Corners-Ballot-Committee/228248203913501" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to read what the candidates have to say about city hall on our Facebook Page. </span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-6259842845233096542012-01-09T11:39:00.004-08:002012-02-22T08:12:08.698-08:00What District Am I In?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The election will be held on Tuesday March 6th. We will all vote for the Mayor and three "At Large" city council seats (known as posts 4, 5, and 6) We will each also select one council person to represent our geography, either District 1, 2, or 3. So what neighborhoods fall in each District? </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District One includes (but is not limited to) the neighborhoods of Apple Valley Condos, Deerings, Dunwoody Club Creek, Dunwoody Glen, Evergreen Corners, Flannigan Village Townhomes, Glenleaf Condos, Lockridge Forest, The Reserve, Spalding Glen, and The Views at Peachtree Corners. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">istrict Two includes (but is not limited to) the neighborhoods of The Barrick, Brookwood Condominiums, Cedar Corners, Chattahoochee Station, Dunwoody Manor, Forest Hills, Kedron Falls, La Hacienda, Neely Farm, Neely Neely Meadows, North Manor, Peachtree Forest, Peachtree Peachtree Forest Plantation, Peachtree Square Townhomes, Peachtree Station, Revington on the River, River Valley Estates, Spalding Bluff, Spalding Chase, Spalding Corners, Spalding Hollow, Spalding Park Place, Spalding Square Condos, Summit Trail Townhomes, Wedgewood Chase, Windsor Trace Condos, Woodlands Condos, Woodmont Landing, Wynfield Trace. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District Three includes (but is not limited to) the neighborhoods of Amberfield, Amhurst Place, Apremont, Avala, Avocet, Belhaven at Regency, Bentley Place, Bridgeport, Brookfield Chase, Chateau de Roi, Chattahoochee Shoals, Coppedge Crossing, Fox Hill, Fox Run Farm, Gran River, Greenleaf, Highcroft, Ivy Mill, Jone Brisge Landing, Linfield, Miller Farms, North River Crossing, River Mansions, River Station, Rivercrest, Riverfield, Riverview Estates, Scotts Mill, Spalding Bridge, Spalding Estates, Spalding Mill, Sunburst, The tibers, Turnbery Oaks, Valley Mist, Walden Mill, Waterford Place, Wellington Lake, Wentworth, Westchase Commons, Wickershire, Wildwood Farms, Williamsport.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PCBC volunteers have done our best to identify the neighborhoods in each district, but please check the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Map.pdf" target="_blank">district map</a></span> for the most accurate picture. You can view a Sample Ballot for this District <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a></span>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-73298829607246524082011-12-05T15:51:00.000-08:002011-12-05T15:51:04.716-08:00The Candidates<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Here are the candidates for the new city of Peachtree Corners</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Mayor: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Mike Mason will run unopposed </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">District 1: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Nneka Chukwu, Phil Sadd, Joe Sawyer</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">District 2: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Jay Lowe, Stephen Peet </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">District 3: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Scott Ehrlich, Vera Nercessian, David Proud, Alex Wright </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">At Large 4: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Jeanne Aulbach, Robert Byars, Robert Indech, Gloria Rucks </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">At Large 5: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Lorri Christopher, Brent Johnson, Gray Terry </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">At Large 6: </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial;">Ray Cobb, Weare Gratwick, David Leader, Brian Stickney</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: 0pt;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">All residents will vote on the mayor and the 3 At Large posts. Only residents of each district will vote for the particular district council seats. To determine which district you are in view the city map on our <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/PeachtreeCorners_Map.pdf" target="_blank">“Related Links”</a> page.</span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247408994656345493.post-43093694099076784842011-11-30T09:41:00.000-08:002011-11-30T09:41:20.059-08:00How to Run for Office in Peachtree Corners<div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you are a concerned citizen with the skillset that adds value to the community, are willing to put the time and effort in shaping the newly formed city into a model for others to follow, and want prevent the runaway government we are witnessing throughout the land, allow us to help level the playing field.</span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committee</b> (PCBC) is committed to leveling the playing field. PCBC is an all-volunteer group of concerned citizens in Peachtree Corners, committed to watching over the new city government and ensuring it is something truly unique in government - forever inexpensive and unobtrusive to its citizens. We intend to hold all candidates and eventual city officials to the promises of a City-lite government.</span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The PCBC invites all candidates</b> to submit a bio along with answers to our standard candidate questions. We invite everyone to participate in a podcast interview to be included on this site. All candidates must register with the County Elections office by November 30<sup>th</sup>. Check us out at <a href="http://www.peachtreecornersfacts.com/"><span style="color: #4500ff; font: 11.0px Helvetica; text-decoration: underline;">www.peachtreecornersfacts.com</span></a></span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 16.5px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b></b></span></div><div style="color: #2d2d2d; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hurry! In order to run for office you must register (qualify) by noon Wed Nov 30!!</span></b></div><div style="color: #424242; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The <a href="http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/Elections/ElectionsandVoting"><span style="color: #3052b9;">Gwinnett County Election's office</span></a> announced that qualifying dates are all day Monday, Nov. 28 and Tuesday, Nov. 29; and Wednesday, Nov. 30 until 12 noon. The qualifying fee to run is 3% of the desired post's salary. So for Mayor, the cost is $270.00 or 3% of the proposed $9,000 annual salary. For those wishing to run for one of the 6 city council seats, the cost is $240.00. You must go to the Gwinnett Elections Office and pay by check or money order before the deadline. The election will be held in March.</span></div><div style="color: #424242; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There was no mandate</span></b></div><div style="color: #424242; font: 11.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The election to create the city was not a mandate. Had 500 of the yes people voted no the city would have been voted down, however it is what it is, and now we must all work together to ensure that the future remains bright. We will not allow for any political machinery to prevail in this election. PCBC intends to facilitate to all citizens of Peachtree Corners the facts, and allow them to decide. Our promise is that if you are able and willing we will facilitate the access. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Posted By: Jose</i></span></div>Peachtree Corners Ballot Committeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18112512503374887517noreply@blogger.com