Message From Mayor Joe Lockwood

It is hard to imagine that all we have accomplished here in the City of Milton has happened in less than two years and I am proud to say we have come a long way. We have formed a new City, elected a hard-working City Council and put together an outstanding City Staff. Together we have celebrated many successes and have overcome many obstacles. Our leadership has helped bring Milton to fruition these past few years and will continue to push for the City we all voted for.

We've made many accomplishments thus far. We launched our own Public Safety department and signed an intergovernmental agreement with Alpharetta to provide Milton with 911 dispatch for police and fire instead of Fulton County dispatch. The Finance department presented balanced budgets for FY 07, 08, 09 that continue to fund crucial projects such as road improvement, public safety and setting money aside for parks and recreation. The Public Works department launched new projects like the Catchbasin Lid Replacement Program and a Sidewalk Replacement Program and worked with Alpharetta to help a citizen in need by installing a granite dust path on Windward Pkwy. The list goes on and on. We can all be proud of the progress we've achieved.

It is important to remember in times of difficulty and in times of prosperity the importance of strong leadership. I want to assure the citizens of Milton that it is my pleasure and responsibility to lead this City into a bright and triumphant future. I, along with City Council and Staff, will continue every day to take the initiative to enhance our City. We will endure the necessary growing pains every new City experiences and prosper.

Tom Peters, author of Thriving on Chaos, has a great motto to live by: "Loving change, tumult, even chaos is a prerequisite for survival, let alone success." I agree with this sentiment in every sense of the word. Chaos and tumult, and handling it correctly and in the right manner, will surely deliver success. This statement rings true for all areas in life, including local government.

I want to remind Milton citizens that cities across the nation, both small and large, experience change every day. Milton, just like any other city, will face new challenges every week, and every week we will have new solutions. We will face those challenges head on and learn from each new experience. Not a single day goes by without progress.

What I ask of you now is your continued support. Know that Council, City Staff and I are working hard to make you proud to call Milton your home. We will continue to work together for a better future. Remaining optimistic and continuing to share any concerns you may have is vitally important. With your help and cooperation, the success of the City of Milton has no limits.

Sincerely, Mayor Joe Lockwood