Real Accountability, Real Transparency. Here's where I stand.
Real Accountability, Real Transparency
Less density near downtown. The traffic and parking have become a nightmare, and the council passed sweeping density legislation over resident objections — the combined projects would add over 700 apartments on Holcomb Bridge. If elected, I will direct council to hold a follow-up discussion on that decision.
More owner-occupied homes. Most of us want more owner-occupied homes built in the space we have left. The current council is split on this. My research shows it's administratively easier to build rental units in Norcross than single-family homes, and I want to change that.
A public vote tracker. As soon as administratively possible after each council meeting, I will introduce a simple table on the city website showing exactly how each councilmember voted on every issue, with a link to the agenda items.
Limit councilmember discussion time. I fought to get residents their allotted speaking time during meetings, and the council responded by voting to reduce the time allowed by law. I will introduce a measure to match councilmember discussion time to what's allowed for citizens during Mayor and Council meetings (longer discussions belong in policy work sessions).
Streamline open records requests. It's your most powerful accountability tool as a citizen, and I want to make it as simple as possible.
Term limits. I will introduce a measure for term limits for City Council and Mayor. If anyone tells you the vote every 4 years is already a term limit, you're listening to a sitting politician — incumbents enjoy election advantages, period.
Fiscal Matters
More patrol cars, fewer automated speed traps. Did you know the city has taken in over $20M in speeding fines since installing the school zone cameras? Twenty million. The laws surrounding these cameras are written to maximize fines by confusing drivers. We're going to unplug those cameras — they were never about safety. Drivers slow down when they see blue lights, not cameras.
Someone needs to start using some common sense. The new public safety building, originally approved for $20M, had budget overruns and scope creep adding 25% ($27M total) to the project cost. There aren't enough cameras in Norcross to pay that bill!
Cut facility rental fees for residents. I want to cut them by 50%. We live here and our taxes fund those spaces, yet we pay the same rate as non-residents to rent them.
Most business-friendly city in metro Atlanta. I want Norcross known that way, maybe in all of Georgia. We should welcome new ideas and new businesses when they make sense for Norcross. I want to untangle the maze of city process and procedure and make city hall a one-stop shop for setting up a business here.
A Norcross for Norcross Residents
They voted for developers — I will vote for you. If elected, I am here to be a voice for the people who already live here, not developers chasing people who might live here someday. No more growth for growth's sake. Show me how a specific project will enhance the lives of existing citizens and I'll listen, but no more "explosive growth" just because Duluth and Suwanee are doing it.
Fight for Norcross city schools. Are you happy with the education system in Gwinnett? Did you know it's illegal for Norcross to have its own city schools? Several cities have worked independently, and unsuccessfully, to change that law. I want to unite Norcross with every city that wants to see this change become a reality, and I will drive that effort.
Some Small Things
I pledge to fix that annoying pothole next to Dominick's! 🙂
I will put a trash can at every public bench, city-wide to cut down on litter.
Resurrect American flags on holidays for Holcomb Bridge Road.
