SUPPORT LIBERTY'S LAW!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Will Milton Survive Financially?


Will Milton Survive Financially?

This is a question that I am asked on a regular basis. I believe that Milton will not only survive but will thrive if the right people are making the decisions for our city.

It is no secret that Milton, along with many other cities, has had a difficult time balancing our budget. For the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2009, we had a mid-year budget amendment that reduced expected revenue by $1.5 million dollars. To balance our budget, expenses had to be reduced by this same amount. We are experiencing tough economic times and the leaders you choose will be responsible for insuring Milton's financial success.

Short-term vs. Long-term

The current City Council and staff have recognized the City's challenging financial situation. The downturn in the economy has resulted in a decrease in sales tax revenue. Also, with the property tax assessments frozen in place, revenue from property taxes will not increase, and are projected to decrease over the next couple of years.

The answer is not to raise taxes, but decrease expenditures through efficiency. Our desire for greater control and more flexibility over how your tax dollars are spent has led us to the decision to self perform some of our services rather than relying on one third party provider. In the short-term, we may not realize much cost savings due to additional costs that are always incurred as part of any transition of this type.

It is our belief that in the long-term, we can provide better service in a more cost efficient manner.

Community leaders vs. Community activists.

In these tough economic times it is important that we elect decision makers who understand governmental accounting and the balance needed to maintain our quality of life and our rural character.

We need community leaders not community activists.

It is important to have a team that can work together with our Mayor to not only lead our city through these tough economic times but also set the vision for years to come. It is also important to have community leaders who have a good relationship with the leaders of adjacent cities, Fulton County and the School Board as the decisions they make can, and do, affect us in Milton.

The Future of Milton

I was instrumental in including the financial model as part of the comprehensive land update process. I believe that it is imperative that we understand the financial impact of every decision we make. This will allow us to better plan for our future including the purchase of additional park land, development of existing park land, additional public safety officers, re-paving of paved roads and maintenance of gravel roads, and much needed intersection improvements. All of this can be accomplished if we have the right leaders making the decisions.

Over the past fifteen years I have served our community and worked hard to maintain our quality of life. Through overlays, master plans and the Rural Preservation Plan, I have worked with other community leaders to maintain our rural character. As a CPA and a business leader, I understand the city's finances and the impact our decisions make on those finances.

On November 3rd I ask you to vote to Re-elect me, Karen Thurman to the Milton City Council from District 1. Together we can Preserve Milton's Past while Securing Its Future.

Thank you for your support.
Karen

To learn more about Karen and her vision for Milton, please visit:

www.Thurman4Milton.com

Courtesy Thurman4Milton 310 Lake Bend Ct Milton GA 30004

For Your Information.

All:

While Accessmilton.com appreciates the passion of all campaigns, it is imperative that material we post on this site is approved by the official sources.

With that in mind, please be aware that unless such confirmation takes place, no publication will occur.

To our audience who share comments, we will not post any copied and pasted articles on Accessmilton.com as news posts unless with receive both the name of the person or persons who have sent this material as well as the true author of the article placed in the comments section.

Such a situation would also require the sender's name be part of the actual news post much like our "Letters To The Editor."

Should anyone need further clarification, do not hesitate in contacting me.

Keep safe,

Tim Enloe
Magnolia Media, LLC
Power Realty
770 653 0552

Friday, October 30, 2009

Letter To The Editor.

I appreciate “People4Milton” quoting me in their support for our City. But to eliminate any confusion, I have listed my article that was written in October of 2007 so that there is no miscommunication in the context from which the quote came.

Milton Needs a Healthy Business Community


By: Adam Orkin as published in The Milton Herald, Oct. 27, 2007

As a lifetime member of the Atlanta metro community, now residing with my family in Milton, and as a business owner in Milton, I find myself asking why there is so much acrimony in Milton today, and why does it seem so difficult to do the right thing.


My companies, Orkin and Associates, a third-generation, family-owned business, and Devin Properties, a real estate development company, strive to do the right thing and implement the best practices in everything.

Whether investing in quality real estate projects, or developing pedestrian friendly communities, or through applying our philanthropic approach to great causes, we seek out every opportunity to try to give back to the community from which we derive our livelihood.

My companies build consensus through team approach because we believe that collaboration and mutual respect are keys to a strong and vibrant community.

Unfortunately, we, as well as many other business leaders today, do not believe the City of Milton officials are committed to these same principles. Recently, it has become apparent that some City Officials are pursuing a one-sided, extremist campaign that will ultimately undercut and weaken our community. It is similarly baffling and distressing that other officials, knowing the potential dangers, are simply standing by.

Why is the business community, as the primary builder of communities (and the tax base), the contributor of jobs, housing, offices, industry, services and entertainment, left out of the discussion?

Why are we overlooked on the issues about which we have so much expertise and insight to offer? Why is it so difficult for businesses to operate in Milton? Especially at this critical juncture in the establishment of our new City, extreme measures that inhibit and discourage businesses from operating in Milton are against the interests of everyone in our community.

I am sure that we can all draw our own conclusion as to what is happening, and no one is interested in pointing fingers. We only want to help resolve the problems faced by our City. To do that, we, the business leaders of Milton, need a seat at the table. Our business knowledge will help to transform Milton into one of the best places to work, live and play in the metro region, and the entire State of Georgia. Without the support of a strong and thriving business community, a city cannot function over the long term absent of overtaxing its citizens.

Therefore, as both a private citizen and on behalf of Orkin and Associates and Devin Properties, I want to express my opposition to many of the development regulatory measures which are being discussed and may be enacted within Milton.

These include a two-story building height limitation, unreasonably large undisturbed buffer zones, and a total prohibition of manmade dentition ponds, excessive setbacks and slope easement requirements, as well as many other short-sighted ordinances which could have far-reaching, destructive consequences for our community.

Furthermore, these measures may well be unconstitutional because they would be arbitrary and capricious, would discriminate unreasonably, and would significantly diminish our property rights without just compensation.

One disturbing and misguided policy argument often advanced is that septic tanks will save our beautiful pastures from “looking like Midtown Atlanta.” The reality is that most septic tanks are ticking time bombs of sewer waste because of poor site planning or maintenance.

Consequently, they are a primary cause of groundwater contamination, environmental degradation, and public health problems. Moreover, blindly promoting septic over central sewer to “control growth” inevitably backfires and results in the worst kind of development: sprawl. As a community, we should try to end sprawl, not expand it.

What my companies do support are new urbanist principles, smart growth, transportation alternatives, sidewalks, greenway trails, parks, great architecture, beautiful hardscapes and landscapes, mixes of uses – of the things that build and strengthen communities.

To this end, I challenge each of you as the elected leaders of Milton to meet with the business leaders of Milton in a forum that will offer the opportunity to work as a team to build a policy platform that will encourage companies, small and large, to come to Milton. Let’s work together – our future depends on it.

Strength of Weak Ties; an open letter from Joe Longoria to the citizens of Milton


I firmly believe that we learn more from people of differing views than from a tight-knit circle of like-minded supporters. Our political leaders should embrace diversity of thought, not punish those who disagree.

Welcoming different perspectives and embracing disagreement is the essence of democracy. It is known as "the strength of weak ties." The idea is that our strong ties-close friends-tend to reinforce what we already know. Whereas our weak ties-acquaintances who interact with people we don't know-provide us with new insight from different perspectives.

This is important in politics because it forces people to reconsider their preconceived opinions. It is how we learn. Willingness to listen to others and to reconsider one's views is the only way to avoid becoming self-centered and absolutist.

I welcome differing opinions from people who don't agree with me. More importantly, I believe this is relevant to how we should govern our city. That is how good public figures are able to represent all their constituents. Embracing differences makes it possible to build bridges between opposing groups and interests.

My opponent for the Milton City Council, Tina D'Aversa is a hardworking public official, but she has one major shortcoming, an unwillingness to reach out for and accept opposing points of view, an inability to put herself in the other person's shoes. As a member of a close-knit group of political allies, Ms. D'Aversa lacks a diversity of inputs.

Ms. D'Aversa, in spite of her qualities, has demonstrated serious failings when faced with the pressure of the campaign. Attempting to entice me to leave the race, threatening business boycotts of those who do not support her, and spreading numerous falsehoods about my positions on issues signify an inflexibility and inability to function reasonably under stress. She should not attack people who disagree with her; she should embrace them.

It will be up to the voters on November 3rd to decide who they want to represent them from District 5. I pledge to you that if I am elected, you will never see hostility, spite, deception, or recriminations in any of my actions. I will welcome all points of view from all citizens, not just one group or another. You can count on that because that is who I am.

As always, if you would like to contact me directly, please feel free to contact me directly at: joe4milton@gmail.com or (770) 634-0080.I will look forward to working with you in the years to come to better serve our City of Milton.

Respectfully,

Joe Longoria
Candidate for Milton City Council 2009
District 5

Remember to vote on November 3rd!

Courtesy Friends of Joe Longoria 14341 Club Circle Milton GA 30004

Got Big Trash?

Bulky Trash Amnesty Day Coming November 7th!

Bulky Trash Amnesty Day is the perfect time for Fall cleaning without worrying about what to do with the big stuff! The Public Works Departments of Milton, Alpharetta, and Roswell are joining together on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to offer residents a chance to clean out their garages, basements, and attics and dispose of unwanted items at no charge.

Residents should bring items to the City of Roswell Public Works Division at 1810 Hembree Road. This event has become highly popular, so arrive early and please expect delays.

Materials will only be accepted at the site on the day of the event and only during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please note that the line will be cut off at 2:00 p.m. For more information, contact Milton Grows Green, at MiltonGrowsGreen@earthlink.net.

Our City Is In Turmoil...


Click To Enlarge Image.

Reposted per request.
Courtesy Friends of Joe Longoria 14341 Club Circle Milton GA 30004

Veronica Stone Salon Comes To Milton


Please welcome Veronica Stone Salon to Accessmilton! Veronica Stone Salon is here for you, our inspiration! Be admired! To find out more about this wonderful Milton, GA business, please click here=> http://www.accessmilton.com/Advertisers/VeronicaStoneSalon.php

Paid advertisement.

Our City Is In Turmoil...


Click To Enlarge Image.

Reposted per request.
Courtesy Friends of Joe Longoria 14341 Club Circle Milton GA 30004

Second Debate Comes To Milton.

By Tim Enloe
Accessmilton.com


This past wednesday night, another Milton debate transpired. This time around the event organizer was Beacon Media with host Atlanta National Golf Club.

Moderators were Jonathan Copsey and John Fredricks of The Beacon.

In attendance with Mayor Joe Lockwood were council candidates Joe Longoria, Bill Lusk, and Karen Thurman. Absent were candidates Tina D'Aversa, Al Trevillyan, and Bernard Wolff citing scheduling conflicts.

With a crowd of 25 to 30 citizens in attendance, the protocal called for 90, 60, and 30 second answers.

The first question focused on Mayor Lockwood's support of all three incumbants and his continued faith in D'Aversa. Other issues addressed were sewer vs septic, park land use, as well as the city's financial state.

Bill Lusk, candidate for the district three seat, was pleased with the venue. "It was a pleasure to participate in the Debate sponsored By the Beacon and held at Atlanta National on Wednesday Night last. The questions posed to those serious candidates Who took the time to show up, were the ones that truly are Of concern to our residents," Lusk said, "It is disconcerting to know that Three of the proclaimed candidates chose to Boycott the event. One can only surmise as to their reluctance to expose themselves To the real issues and search for the truth."

District 1 candidate Karen Thurman concured, "I thought the debate was very professionally run. The questions for each candidate were both unbiased and direct. They were also relevant to all of us that live in Milton."

Mayor Lockwood, running unopposed this season, was still invited to participate. "I enjoyed having to opportunity to share my thoughts and visions with our citizens"

The discussion lasted for roughly and hour and half with cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres prior and a cash bar after.

The Accuracy Of Accessmilton.com Polls.

All:

Over the course of this election season, we have been asked numerous time about the accuracy of the Accessmilton.com poll in the right margin. Are the numbers true? Are they skewed?

The truth of the matter is that those numbers can easily be manipulated if you know what you are doing.

However, we can tell you that the previous election polls that we ran in both '06 and '07 were 100% accurate in predicting who would be the victor in those races.

Will '09 prove to be the same? We will know November 4th!

Thank you,

Tim Enloe
Magnolia Media,LLC
Power Realty
770 653 0552

Vote D'Aversa, Wolff and Trevillyan on Nov 3rd for Appropriate Growth and Development in Milton

Developer Influence in Milton

People for Milton is not "anti-development" or "against developers." We are for managed growth. We value thoughtful developers who are willing to work with our city to create projects that enhance our character, are carefully designed, appropriately placed, and adhere to our zoning ordinance and land use plan. We believe such projects enhance our quality of life rather than diminish it. In order to ensure that growth occurs in this manner, we must have elected officials who are free of developer special interest influence. We need independent objective decision makers who observe the letter and spirit of our laws, policies, and rules. This is a win-win for citizens and the development community and ensures an equal playing field for all those wishing to do business in our city.

Unlike their opponents, we believe that Milton City Council At-Large Candidates Bernard Wolff (District 1), Al Trevillyan (District 3), and Tina D'Aversa (Incumbent - District 5) will be objective decision makers and will not be influenced by developer special interests. None of these candidates have accepted money from developers.

In contrast, not only do Karen Thurman (District 1) and Bill Lusk (District 3) have family and business ties to developers, their campaigns are largely financially supported by them.
Joe Longoria (District 5 challenger) seems to be following closely in their footsteps. Thurman and Lusk support Longoria's election bid, and his stance on growth and development is no different than theirs. Many of the same developers that support Thurman and Lusk also support Longoria, even displaying his yard signs and co-hosting his campaign events.
__________________

What Does History Tell Us?

Thurman and Lusk say they are rural preservationists, but their financial support by developers and the way they vote indicate otherwise. What is especially troubling is that many of these same developers have had dealings with the city in the past three years, and Thurman and Lusk have voted favorably for their interests. Here are just a few examples:

April 28, 2008 - RZ07-016 - Text Amendment to the City of Milton Zoning Ordinance, Article 12G State Route 9 Overlay District regarding buffers and building height. Thurman voted against increasing buffers between residential and commercial properties and against the two-story height limitation. Lusk was absent.
Coincidence? In the months preceding this vote in a October 31, 2007 Milton Herald, Adam Orkin of Orkin and Associates and Devin Properties, a real estate development company owning land in the State Route 9 area and Thurman campaign contributor, supporter, and co-host of her 2009 Campaign Kick-off party (also a Lusk and Longoria supporter), wrote in a Letter to the Editor: "I want to express my opposition to many of the development regulatory measures which are being discussed and may be enacted within Milton. These include a two-story building height limitation, unreasonably large undisturbed buffer zones...as well as many other short sighted ordinances which could have far-reaching destructive consequences for our community." In that same editorial, Mr. Orkin discusses his favor of sewers over septic systems.

Then, on September 16, 2008, Thurman and Lusk voted to extend sewer in the City, thus paving the way for high density development. See Sept 16, 2008 AJC Article Bitter issue: Milton council agrees to extend sewer lines.
March 16, 2009 - ZM08-08/VC08-08 - South side of Webb Road. Applicant: Ken Morton, Webb Road Associates. Thurman and Lusk voted to approve two variances to reduce side yard setbacks. No extraordinary hardship existed, which is required by law in order for the city council to award a variance. Approving these variances allowed the developer to sidestep the legal Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan, permitting more density than planned. Dillard and Galloway, LLC, representing the applicant in the case, is a campaign contributor and supporter of Karen Thurman and attended her 2009 Campaign Kick-Off Party.

The choice is ours to make, and we have only one chance to get it right. We will be voting for an open, honest, transparent, and fair government who works for the People of Milton and not for developer special interests. We support candidates for Milton City Council who we trust will stand firm on ensuring only appropriate, law-abiding growth and development in our city and who will not allow for further sewer expansion. We owe it to ourselves, our property values, and our quality of life to join together to ensure we elect city council members who will work diligently towards preserving our rural, equestrian heritage.

Please vote for Tina D'Aversa (Incumbent, District 5, At-Large), Bernard Wolff (District 1, At-Large), and Al Trevillyan (Write-In Candidate, District 3, At-Large) on November 3rd!
_________________

People for Milton believes that

our elected officials should:

Employ independent objective judgment in performing their duties. They should decide all matters on the merits, free from avoidable conflicts of interest and both real and apparent improper influence.

Honor and respect the principles and spirit of representative democracy and set a positive example of good citizenship by scrupulously observing the letter and spirit of laws, policies, and rules.

Ensure an open, transparent city government that is fair and equitable to its citizens and those wishing to do business in or with the city.

Please cast your vote wisely on November 3rd

Vote for Tina D'Aversa (Incumbent, District 5, At-Large), Bernard Wolff (District 1, At-Large), Al Trevillyan (Write-In Candidate, District 3, At-Large).
Courtesy People4Milton 916 Devon Crossing Way Milton GA 30004

Milton Trusts Tina: Leadership, Experience and Balanced Decision Making


Double Click To Enlarge Image.>

News From Tina D'Aversa

Dear Milton Neighbor,

Thank you for supporting me for re-election to the Milton City Council.

It is important that you vote November 3, 2009. In order to preserve our community and protect the equestrian lifestyle nestled in a balanced business arena. We must continue to elect leaders who have the interest of our community at heart; leaders who will remain strong when political pressure is on; leaders who will vote to uphold the law and our land use plans even when development pressures are strong. Yes, we need funding for our city, but we have many options and do not need to lose sight of the reason we incorporated as a city: Local control to preserve and protect our diverse, rural lifestyle. I have not changed my vision for Milton....if you love the diverse cultural character of Milton, do something to support the vision:

Vote November 3, 2009, Tina D'Aversa, a community leader you can trust to support you; be fair and uphold the vision of Milton!

Protecting and Preserving ALL of Milton, Tina D'Aversa
Milton City Council Member
District 5 at Large
678-457-0677 Direct
www.tinadaversa.com

If you have questions for me, please call me at 678-457-0677 or email me at
tdaversa@bellsouth.net and I will be happy to speak with you.

Tina D'Aversa for Milton

In 2006, I provided my clear vision of Milton: Preserving our equestrian heritage and diverse lifestyles, managing and funding appropriate growth.
I have listened to the citizens of Milton and, my vision is the same in 2009 as the day I came to Milton.

Vote for Tina D'Aversa, November 3, 2009

Courtesy This message was paid for by the Tina D'Aversa Election Campaign Fund

Thursday, October 29, 2009

A Day Away..Lake Conasauga; Chatsworth, GA.



Double Click To Widen Screen.


From time to time; Accessmilton.com will be providing short segments called "A Day Away..." These beneficial pieces will provide both information and video to the Milton, GA resident on places to visit throughout GA when you only have a day to get away!

If you do not see a destination that we have profiled, feel free to send your request to sales@magnoliamedias.com / Subject Line: A Day Away Request.

This week, we are proud to feature our debut destination; Lake Conasauga in the North Georgia Mountains!

Lake Conasauga Campground Chatsworth, Georgia

Set in the rugged highlands of the western Chattahoochee National Forest, 19-acre Lake Conasauga is a mountaintop oasis adjacent to the 34,000-acre Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia's largest wilderness area. Tent campers will be well rewarded after the long gravel drive that deters all but the most determined RVers. Expect a nearly full campground on weekends. Make sure to bring everything you need — civilization is far away. After you go boating, hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing, you will be ready to kick back in the breezy campground.

The campground is located near the lake and divided into three areas. The main campground has 31 sites divided into two loops. The upper loop is on a forested ridge with 12 spacious and private sites. It has several water spigots and a central bathroom atop the ridge with flush toilets for each sex. The lakeside lower loop is shaded by white pine with little understory. Five sites are actually lakefront. Those and the other sites offer an appealing view of the clear blue waters ringed in rhododendron. A comfort station and water spigot are located at the head of the loop.

Camp, fish, and hike in the high country around Georgia's highest lake.
The second loop area holds only four sites in a grassy clearing ringed with trees, but no view of the lake. But the Lakeshore Trail makes the lake instantly accessible. Flush toilets and water are nearby. This small area has an isolated feel to it.

The final five sites sit in the overflow area atop the ridge above the lake. The area has flush toilets but no water, though a short trip to the other loops can amend that problem. The breezes are stronger here, and the area has a mountaintop feel to it. A campground host is located at the largest loop on summer weekends. Recycling stations are in each camping area.

If you find it hard to pick a site, you will really be hard-pressed to decide what to do first. To explore Lake Conasauga, dammed in 1940 by the CCC, you can take the .8-mile Lakeshore Trail that courses through hemlock and rhododendron along the water's edge. A grassy glade with benches covers the dam. Sit down, relax, and absorb the atmosphere. Or use a canoe or small johnboat and fish for bream, bass, or trout. Only electric motors are allowed. Want to take a dip? Across the lake from the campground is a ringed-off swimming beach. You can reach it from the picnic area or the Lakeshore Trail.

Start hiking right from your campsite. The Songbird and Grassy Mountain Trails are instantly accessible. Wildlife viewing is made easy by the .6-mile Songbird Trail. The Forest Service has cleared small plots along the trail to make a better habitat for the likes of the owl, woodcock, and kingfisher. Beavers have dammed the trailside stream, strengthening biodiversity with their ponds that provide a habitat for numerous amphibians. The 2-mile Grassy Mountain Tower Trail climbs gradually to the 3,692-foot fire tower. From the tower you can see the forested Cohutta Wilderness and the Southern Appalachians as they stretch northward into Tennessee.

Just a short distance away from Lake Conasauga are forest roads that circle the southern half of the Cohutta Wilderness. No fewer than six trails lead from these roads into the heart of the Cohutta. Make the most of your adventuring with a map of the wilderness, which can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Chatsworth. The Tearbritches Trail (Forest Trail #9) starts just east of the campground. It crosses Bald Mountain then descends to Bray Field along the Conasauga River. The Conasauga River has a reputation as Georgia's cleanest, clearest waterway. Chestnut Lead Trail (FT #11) drops into the lower Conasauga in 1.8 miles. East Cowpen Trail (FT #30) traverses the high country at the heart of the wilderness. Large trees, wildlife, and good fishing are Cohutta hallmarks.

Conasauga is an area of Georgian superlatives: the highest lake, the cleanest water, the largest wilderness. Come here with high expectations. You won't be disappointed.

To get there; Head north on I-75 to Dalton. From Dalton, take US 76 to Chatsworth. From Chatsworth take US 411 north for 4 miles to Eton. Turn right at the traffic light in Eton and follow Forest Road 18 east for 10 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 68 and follow it for 10 miles. Lake Conasauga will be on your right.
Information: (706) 695-6736

Regarding Video Below of Milton Municipal Debate.

All:

We would like to extend an apology to all of our readers. Due to a technical difficulty on Wednesday night, Accessmilton.com was only able to capture a portion of the Beacon Media Sponsored Milton Municipal Debate. While we hope the content provided below proves beneficial, it is our pledge to you to insure that in the future, all Milton related debates will be broadcast completely from start to finish.

Thank you,

Tim Enloe
Magnolia Media, LLC
Power Realty
770 653 0552

Clips From Beacon Media Sponsored Milton Municipal Debate



Double Click To Widen Screen.



Double Click To Widen Screen.



Double Click To Widen Screen.



Double Click To Widen Screen.



Double Click To Widen Screen.

Meet the Candidates Tonight, Oct 29th at the White Columns Veranda Club.

Double Click To Enlarge Image.

Meet the Candidates

Bernard Wolff, District 1

Al Trevillyan, District 3

Tina D'Aversa, District 5 - Incumbent

Tonight, October 29th at

the Vernada Club - time is

7:30 PM.

The Veranda Club Is

Located In

THE GOLF COMMUNITY ON WHITE COLUMNS DRIVE.

There is a clear choice this election; Preserve the Milton we grew up knowing or moved here for...or let it change forever without the controls we expect our elected officials to uphold.

Come and hear the candidates speak to what they stand for and ask the questions most important to you. Understand how they will preserve and protect Milton.

Tina D'Aversa - www.tinadaversa.com

Al Trevillyan - www.al4milton.com

Bernard Wolff -www.bernardwolff4milton.com

VOTE November 3

Hosted by: Rob and Laura Bentley, Paul and Kathy Moore, Lisa Cauley, Kurt and Julie Nolte, Dianne Redding, Byran and Stacy Bourff, Jeff and Tracy Artis, Gerry and Kim Swiacki, Curtis Mills, Debroah and Stephen Lajewski, eddie and Sabrina Moore, Mike and Kim Horne, Cary and Carter Schlenk and Alan Tart.

Courtesy Bernard W. Wolff Election Committee 1000 Lackey Road Milton GA 30004
Reposted Per Request.

2009 campaign.

October 26, 2009

Citizens of Milton, Dear Friends, supporters and citizens,

Over the last couple of weeks I have been contacted by both people I know, as well as concerned citizens that I don't, about all of the rumors, statements, and emails going around with accusations from all sides on what our existing city council and Mayor have, or have not done. These concerns range from "the mayor has turned his back on the citizens" and has changed his stance since he was elected, to the majority of council has voted to "extend sewer" in Milton, to the same people have voted for variances to developers, to our existing council wants to promote "high density" development, to the mayor should not be supporting existing council members, etc.

While the majority of our council, which includes myself, Burt Hewitt, Bill Lusk, and Karen Thurman have voted for approval on certain things, let me try to give you the facts and dispel any miss-understandings floating around.

"The mayor has changed his stance and promises since being elected"

:I have absolutely not waivered from my positions or what I ran on as a platform for mayor of the City of Milton. I have acted and will continue on the basis of being reasonable and using common sense on all issues we face. I have never said that I will say yes for everything or no for everything but look at each situation and make the decision I think is best for all of Milton, which includes your family just as it does mine.

"The majority of council and mayor have voted to
"extend sewer all over Milton"

:Absolutely not true. When the city was incorporated we inherited a decade old sewer map from Fulton County. This map that some feel is the "official sewer map" does not include thousands of acres and several land lots that were sewered, including many subdivisions, or given permission to sewer, before we became a city. The majority of council, including myself, have worked to try to define the true and actual legally committed area for sewer that we inherited as we became a city. This way it will be fair to property owners who had previous commitments from Fulton County and also fair to the remainder of our citizens who want to keep density low. We are very close, within 98% agreement with the county, to defining this pre-existing actual boundary. The good news is that with the above, Milton's land mass is 84% unsewered and there is no infrastructure available to make it any less. I am confident that all of our council members, including myself, will not support extending sewer outside of the true and actual boundaries. Again I support common sense on this and believe that all citizens armed with the actual information and facts would agree also.

"Some council members and the mayor have voted for variances"

:We have a Board of Zoning and Appeals, a Planning Commission Board, a professional city staff, and a council that may participate in certain variance processes. These cover something that may be out of the ordinary and need a final decision as to whether approve or deny a request from a property owner. We, as the majority of council, have approved some variances along with staff recommendations and usually with at least one board's recommendation also. I am confident that any variance passed was reasonable and did not adversely affect any of our citizens. Some like to say that everything should be treated to the letter of the law and is black and white, but I disagree. If that was true you wouldn't need a mayor, council, or employees, as a computer could do the job.

"Some members are promoting High Density development"

:Every zoning action to date is based on our existing Comprehensive Land Use Plan and backed up with staff analysis, as well as our board commission's recommendations. There have been no actions taken outside of these guidelines. I am committed, as well as I believe our entire council, to keep within these guidelines, both existing and our future Land Use Plans derived from our citizens and volunteer boards.

"The mayor should not be supporting existing council members"

:Before this election process started I committed to our council that I would support the team that had been working together for the last 2 years and helping to accomplish what I think are great strides for our new city. This in no way means anything negative about any of the challengers running. Three years ago I don't believe we had a balanced council and we paid for it with growing pains and bad press, but that changed with the election in 2007. Be assured that I have not taken sides with any council members that maybe were not supportive of me and vice versa in the past, but have just learned to work with each one accepting their strengths and expertise, and understanding their weaknesses. I believe we have a healthy mix of opinions and visions from our council which allows me to lead our city in the same common sense, down the middle, reasonable manor that I pledged from day one. I believe it is healthy and productive for our city to be run by a diverse group where no one extreme has over riding power.

With all this said, please remember that this is "campaign" season and there are a lot of misinformation and accusations floating around. Some members of council and candidates are purposely trying to paint a picture opposite of the above information. While I certainly would ask that you get out and vote next Tuesday, November 3rd, for the candidates that you feel best represent you, I also would ask that you base your decision on fact and not on emotions.

I would imagine you, as a citizen like me, have enjoyed the positive news and coverage of Milton over the past 2 years and I would like to continue the trend of making Milton a better place to live.

I have been honored to serve you for the last 3 years and look forward to serving you for the next 4. Please feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions about our city for you. joe.lockwood@cityofmiltonga.us or cell number 678-993-7664.

Sincerely,

Joe Lockwood

Retraction And Apology.

All:

We would like to extend an apology to former Milton City Attorney Mark Scott.

Earlier this month, information came to us that Mr. Scott was party to the Neal O'Brien Ethics charge Against D'Aversa.

After further investigation, this information regarding Mr. Scott turned out to be false. We have corrected this error and reposted the article as it should have be written initially. Our apologies to Mr. Scott for this error.

Tim Enloe
Magnolia Media, LLC
770 653 0552


Former Milton Councilman Neal O'Brien filed an ethics charge against District 5 Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa earlier today.

O'brien only held his district 4 seat for a mere ten months due to a run-off with former candidate Tim Enloe. Come the Fall of 2007, Burt Hewitt easily dethroned the former councilman to capture the fourth district position. Neither party could be reached for comment at press time.

Meet the Candidates Tonight, Oct 29th at the White Columns Veranda Club.

Double Click To Enlarge Image.

Meet the Candidates

Bernard Wolff, District 1

Al Trevillyan, District 3

Tina D'Aversa, District 5 - Incumbent

Tonight, October 29th at

the Vernada Club - time is

7:30 PM.

The Veranda Club Is

Located In

THE GOLF COMMUNITY ON WHITE COLUMNS DRIVE.

There is a clear choice this election; Preserve the Milton we grew up knowing or moved here for...or let it change forever without the controls we expect our elected officials to uphold.

Come and hear the candidates speak to what they stand for and ask the questions most important to you. Understand how they will preserve and protect Milton.

Tina D'Aversa - www.tinadaversa.com

Al Trevillyan - www.al4milton.com

Bernard Wolff -www.bernardwolff4milton.com

VOTE November 3

Hosted by: Rob and Laura Bentley, Paul and Kathy Moore, Lisa Cauley, Kurt and Julie Nolte, Dianne Redding, Byran and Stacy Bourff, Jeff and Tracy Artis, Gerry and Kim Swiacki, Curtis Mills, Debroah and Stephen Lajewski, eddie and Sabrina Moore, Mike and Kim Horne, Cary and Carter Schlenk and Alan Tart.

Courtesy Bernard W. Wolff Election Committee 1000 Lackey Road Milton GA 30004

Atlanta retail foreclosures part of troubled economy.

By Rachel Tobin Ramos / Atlanta Journal Constitution

John T. Adams, a self-described lover of American history, envisioned retail destinations from bygone eras.

The developer of two suburban Atlanta retail centers‚ Crabapple Mercantile Exchange in Milton and Ellard Village in Alpharetta, paid attention to the little details. Wrought-iron fences, wooden overhangs, historic-looking brick facades.

But recently, both of his elegant projects were repossessed by his bank, Flagstar of Troy, Mich.

To be sure, Adams’ ambitious projects are part of what made them financially unwieldy.

But economic conditions‚ a lengthy recession that has hurt retailers as much as anyone‚ are part of the formula that is making retail foreclosures a new part of the economic landscape in Atlanta.

According to several retail experts, banks are beginning to foreclose on retail projects as they see little hope for the current owners to keep them stable — meaning full of tenants that help pay the mortgage.

While residential properties started falling into foreclosure in 2008, experts interviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said they are just starting to see retail developments get taken back by banks or sold on courthouse steps.

It may not be easy to spot these projects, however. Some might not be entirely vacant or seem to have vacancies at all.

Take those that Adams built, for example.

Both of his projects were more than 50 percent leased; one was 89 percent leased at one point. But his problems emerged as the economy cooled. Now “for lease” signs pepper the Ellard Village project, and one of the spaces in Crabapple is incomplete, waiting for a tenant.

What happened to Adams is emblematic of the retail development industry: As fewer consumers pulled out their wallets, retailers pressed developers for concessions on rents.

Rents, however, are based, in part, on development costs as well as market conditions. During the boom times, developers were seeing rents steadily increase and many retailers expanding. For example, quoted retail rents in metro Atlanta peaked in the third quarter of 2008 at $16 per square foot, according to a report by CoStar Group, a real estate information firm. In the third quarter of this year, they had plummeted to $15.17, a level not seen since the end of 2006.

Developers can only lower rents so much before they can’t meet their mortgage payments. If they can’t give tenants enough in concessions, the tenants might close, leaving shuttered store windows and less income from the property.

Alan Wexler of Databank Atlanta, a real estate research firm, said that he’s only recently started seeing more retail projects get taken back by the banks.

“It’s a trickle right now because the lenders really don’t want to take these things back,” Wexler said. In addition to not wanting to become property managers, these projects “have no value” for the banks, he explained.

Like underwater homeowners whose houses cannot sell for the amount owed, many retail properties that were purchased and developed in the past three years are no longer worth their mortgages.

“Now I’m beginning to see a trickle of foreclosures because these are the ones that really have no hope,” Wexler said. “The lenders just throw up their hands and take them back. Next we’ll start seeing them getting sold for pennies on the dollar.”

Again, Adams’ two mercantiles are good examples.

The bank already accepted a loss of about $3.4 million on the Crabapple Mercantile Exchange mortgage and about $1.3 million on Ellard Village when it took them back on the courthouse steps, according to documents from Databank. Databank listed mortgages at $7.4 million and $9.1 million, respectively.

Kyle Stonis, a broker for Bull Realty who is now marketing Adams’ projects to sell on behalf of the bank, said the bank may have taken more losses than that before the properties made it to auction.

His job is to stabilize the properties by finding new tenants, then sell them so that the bank can get “the best price.”

But he acknowledges that he is open to just about anything. “Right now we’re looking at all offers on the properties,” he said.

These aren’t the only two properties that have fallen into foreclosure. Just in the past few weeks, Databank has found properties from Roswell to Lawrenceville to Lithonia that have been either reclaimed by banks or bought on courthouse steps.

Just because the properties were foreclosed upon, however, doesn’t mean retail tenants must vacate.

On the contrary, the bank or new owners will try to keep properties leased, and current tenants will get priority treatment, as it’s easier to keep a tenant in this economy than find a new one, experts said.

While specific data is difficult to find on the number of retail projects in foreclosure in Atlanta, Wexler said he’s seen a recent uptick as he’s been monitoring sales activity. In his records, he found nearly 25 retail foreclosures since the beginning of the year.

Most were small centers‚ less than 45,000 square feet (malls have anywhere from 100,000 square feet to more than 1 million square feet). The foreclosed properties were scattered across metro Atlanta, from Sawnee Corners in Cumming to Stockbridge Village in Stockbridge.

Real estate attorney Phil Skinner with Arnall Golden Gregory explained the foreclosures this way: “We’ve been in this recessionary economy for 18 months. At this point, it’s a question of how long any given owner/borrower can hang on if their asset isn’t performing well. You can usually hang on two to six months. But when we get to 12-18 months, and experience store closures with retailers of various sizes, it becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

He said that just as developers were getting asked for concessions from tenants, banks were getting asked for concessions from developers, which pushed them to a breaking point as well.

“I think we’re just feeling the cumulative weight of the passage of bad times,” he said.

Still, while this means tragedy for some, others see opportunity, said Jonathan Dubovsky, director of leasing for the Georgia division of the Shopping Center Group, a large retail brokerage based in Atlanta.

First, developers or others who have cash to spend can buy retail centers for just pennies on the dollar in terms of what they cost to build.

Second, the situation is opening the door for some retailers to grow in projects they could never dream of before.

“Discount retailers are getting opportunities to lease prime spaces in shopping centers that they most likely never would have seen have three years ago,” Dubovsky said.

Examples include dollar stores such as Dollar General, discount chains such as Big Lots, T.J. Maxx and CitiTrends, and grocer Food Lion, which is making a big play in metro Atlanta.

Fitness chains are also finding it easier to take large spaces in retail developments. LA Fitness and Workout Anytime have been growing fast in Georgia.

Still, the worst could be yet to come.

“We haven’t reached the peak yet,” Wexler said. “But we’ve started having these large vacancy problems.”

Skinner said the holidays will separate the weak from the strong: “If you write a story now and another in January or February, there will be a big change.”

Third quarter 2009 vs. third quarter 2008

Vacancy rate: 10.7 percent, up from 8.4 percent

Quoted rental rates: $15.17 per square foot, down from $16

New buildings completed: 
19, down from 44

Source: CoStar Group

Our City Is In Turmoil...


Click To Enlarge Image.

Courtesy Friends of Joe Longoria 14341 Club Circle Milton GA 30004

No action on D'Aversa complaint until after election.

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

The city's Ethics Board made it clear at its meeting Oct. 26 the complaint against incumbent councilwoman Tina D'Aversa would not be dealt with in any way until after the Nov. 3 municipal election.

"I don't think this is the time or the place for that deliberation to take place," said Joe Whitley, an Ethics Board member. "To inject this board into the political process, that's not something I'd like to be involved with."

The complaint filed by former councilman Neal O'Brien alleges D'Aversa violated the city's ethics ordinance in a series of taxpayer-funded e-mails she sent to her political opponent in the election, Joe Longoria, in early September. In the e-mails, she urged him to drop out of the race and offered him a position on the Ga. 9 Design Guidelines Committee.

O'Brien said in his complaint, among other charges, that the "corrupt bargain" constitutes a bribe and that D'Aversa couldn't use a taxpayer-funded account to influence an election.

D'Aversa said the filing is politically motivated and timed to inflict maximum damage on her campaign.

The decision to not hear the case until after the election was easy to make, procedurally. D'Aversa has 30 days to respond to the complaint filed Oct. 21, which she had not done by the meeting because it had not been delivered to her yet by certified mail. The board didn't feel comfortable discussing the complaint's merits without her response.

"There is no harm in maintaining the status quo," said Ethics Board Chairman Todd Ashley. "But there is significant harm in undertaking something now that would have to be undone later."

But a wrinkle appeared Oct. 24 when O'Brien sent a letter to Ashley asking him to recuse himself from the proceedings, citing what O'Brien called a personal relationship with D'Aversa.

D'Aversa used Ashley in a political advertisement, and he has spoken on behalf of her campaign at political events.

Making a decision on that letter and its call for recusal would be "precedent setting," said Whitley.

With Milton being such a small town and council members appointing the Ethics Board, any one of its members could be accused of having a relationship with any city official, said board member Kristin White. And, as board member Carol Lane pointed out, the ordinance allows members to exercise political speech freely as long as they do not mention being an Ethics Board member.

"You're going to have different relationships, and one of those could be with someone running for office," she said.

Board member Clint Johnson said it is up to Ashley, not the board, to decide whether or not he should step down. Ashley agreed, and vowed to pay for another lawyer to look at Milton's ordinance and give a legal opinion on the matter. He said he couldn't have City Attorney Paul B. Fricke give an opinion, as Fricke has to advise the board — which could be a conflict of interest.

"This has to be right from the get go or I will remove myself," said Ashley. "It's better to be lighter in the wallet than wrong and have to explain something."

The board must take some action on the complaint by Dec. 21, 60 days after it was reviewed by Ashley.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

O'Brien files ethics complaint against D'Aversa

by Jason Wright / Appen Newspapers

MILTON — A former Milton Councilman filed state and city ethics complaints Oct. 21 against Councilwoman Tina D'Aversa over a series of e-mails she sent from her city-paid e-mail account to her opponent in the Nov. 4 election.

In the complaint, former Milton Councilman Neal O'Brien alleges D'Aversa's e-mails to opponent Joe Longoria in early September — in which she urged him to drop out of the election and offered him a position on the Ga. 9 Design Guidelines Committee — violated Milton's Code of Ethics.

Throughout the 17-page city complaint, O'Brien argues D'Aversa violated ethics guidelines pertaining to: bribery; using government equipment for political gain; using influence for monetary gain; using confidential information for personal gain; general conduct in office; and duties related to her elected position.

O'Brien said in his written statement that D'Aversa's e-mails featured "troubling" aspects, including "the cavalier offer [of] a post with no regard for the best interests of the city."

In a statement released Oct. 22, D'Aversa said she had heard about the complaint but hadn't read it. However she said the filing was "politically motivated and conveniently timed less than two weeks before the election to discredit me."

D'Aversa said the motive was partisan politics in that she was a "staunch supporter" of O'Brien's challenger in the 2007 election, Councilman Burt Hewitt, who defeated him.

She also said O'Brien supports Longoria, as well as incumbent council members Karen Thurman and Bill Lusk.

"I am on record supporting their respective challengers, Bernard Wolff and Al Trevillyan," she said.

O'Brien discounted D'Aversa's claim that the ethics charges were filed strategically to come at the critical point of the campaign, but declined to elaborate. He also wouldn't comment on claims he supports Longoria.

"This is simply about ethics, the rule of law and about constituents' rights to confidence in government free of corruption from the top down," O'Brien said. "Other than that, the complaint speaks for itself."

Longoria previously had steered clear of making a comment pertaining to the ethical implications of D'Aversa's e-mails. However, shortly before 2 p.m. Oct. 22, he launched a salvo against his opponent in the wake of the filing.

In it, he called D'Aversa's offer of an appointed city board position if he agreed not to challenge her seat "improper, unethical and possibly illegal" and a "corrupt bargain." His language was verbatim of that used in O'Brien's complaint.

Longoria said he'd been in New York during the filing and had been keeping up with the complaint via e-mails from his campaign manager, Bob Meyers. He said they pored over the document the night of Oct. 21 and prepared statements to be ready for various media inquiries about the situation, which accounted for the similar wording.

"This isn't our story," Longoria said. "We've been keeping quiet because you don't want to accidentally respond. Voters may read between the lines."

He denied any collusion between himself and O'Brien.

"I've never met Neal O'Brien," he said. "I don't know if I even voted for the guy."

D'Aversa maintains she did nothing unethical and wrote that O'Brien should be subject to a provision in the Code of Ethics that "makes it illegal to lodge a frivolous or politically motivated ethics complaint against a council member or other city official."

"I am confident that this complaint will ultimately be dismissed following an investigation and that Mr. O'Brien will be held accountable for what is obviously an effort to cast a shadow over my outstanding record of accomplishments and service to our city during this election," she said.

City Clerk Jeanette Marchiafava said Oct. 22 the complaint had been forwarded to Ethics Board Chairman Todd Ashley, who approved to send it to D'Aversa by certified mail. Ashley declined comment on the case, citing the Code of Ethics' prohibition against discussion of the complaint.

The councilwoman has 30 days to respond to the complaint. The Ethics Board has 60 days to decide whether a violation actually took place. They met for their regularly scheduled quarterly meeting Oct. 26 after press deadlines. Check www.northfulton.com for updates from that meeting.

Acting Executive Secretary of the State Ethics Commission Tom Plank said his office could confirm receipt of the complaint from O'Brien. However, Plank could not give any details about it, citing a 48-hour window for D'Aversa to be notified. She has 30 days to respond to the complaint.

There have been four previous ethics complaints in Milton's three-year history. The first came against O'Brien and fellow council member Bill Lusk. Mayor Joe Lockwood and councilwoman Julie Zahner Bailey each were accused of violations, as was Ethics Board member Carol Lane. All complaints to date were dismissed.

Milton District 5 candidates speak on issues.

Courtesy Appen Newspapers

All candidates in Milton's City Council races were given the same three questions. Following are the responses from the district 5 candidates (each was given 600 words to answer the questions). This is the last week the Milton Herald will publish the answers from each race.

Tina D'Aversa

MH: What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what is your solution for it?

D'AVERSA:

The greatest challenge is the balancing of tax dollars and other funding with providing necessary and desired services for our citizens. Citizens want parks and high levels of public safety, better and more efficient infrastructure and appropriate economic development.

The challenge is that Milton does not have the money to do everything that is desired. Milton has the money to provide necessary services at a higher level than Fulton County provided these services in the past. The city council and staff must find alternative forms of funding for the desired services. The Parks Authority is one good example of a funding body that can help the city to provide a higher level of parks and programs to the city.

The vision for Milton can be maintained and the government will have the money to do so if we manage taxes, balance budgets and do not spend beyond our means. Finding alternative sources of funding for non-necessities is very important. I have a plan for these alternative sources and funding.

MH: What strengths and weaknesses make you the better candidate than your opponent?

D'AVERSA:

Tina D'Aversa strengths: Business credentials; master's degree in finance; 20 years of business management experience in various top-level roles at large and mid-level companies; three years teaching college-level business courses; three years serving the city of Milton as the district 5 council member.

Community Service Record: I have a proven record of service to this community and to the greater North Fulton community.

My service includes: Parks and recreation 11-year volunteer coach and various board positions through the county; inclusion of all citizens in the community and disability awareness activities with 10 years in various board and volunteer positions throughout the community; education of children and adults throughout the community for 10 years; planning and development volunteer in Alpharetta and Fulton County prior to Milton for 10 years; homeowners' association board member for 10 years at vp level and five years as president prior to living in Fulton County.

Opponent: My opponent, from what I have read, has limited experience volunteering outside his own subdivision/HOA, and he spent most of his volunteer time in another state. My opponent also admittedly travels on corporate business that takes him away from the community a great amount of time.

Milton is unique and needs leadership that understands the diverse cultures of the city. I have the proven leadership and a record of successfully leading the diverse community and serving all citizens of Milton. My vision is an inclusive Milton where all citizens are treated equally and fairly no matter their cultural differences, ability levels or area of Milton they live in.

MH: What is the first thing you would like to accomplish in office (or your second term)? And be specific.

D'AVERSA:

In my second term serving Milton, I will pursue the establishment and launch of our Parks Authority. Milton citizens stated on a citizen survey that parks and recreation programs are very important (top 3 ranking) to them. I heard the appeal and will work with the city council, staff and state representative to ensure the parks authority is established in early 2010 as urgently as possible. This will help with economic development in Milton, so I have two priorities working simultaneously.

Joe Longoria

MH: What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what is your solution for it?

LONGORIA:

The greatest challenge facing the city of Milton is one of finance. We must ensure that our future revenues meet the service and infrastructure demands of our citizens. The cost of existing services will increase over time, as will the population of Milton. This growth will require new and improved services. How to meet those demands and expectations will be our biggest challenge.

Milton has finite revenue to support these growing demands. While property taxes on real estate are by far Milton's largest source of revenue, these taxes are fixed and would not provide the required increases needed to meet expense demand. Historically, about 15 percent of Milton's tax revenue comes from commercial businesses. Milton must seek ways to increase its revenue in this area. I am firmly committed to maintaining Milton's uniquely wonderful rural character. I would not support any initiative that would raise taxes. Thus, in order to avoid a budget deficit in the next few years, Milton must find a way to maintain our rural tradition in a fiscally responsible way.

MH: What strengths and weaknesses make you the better candidate than your opponent?

LONGORIA:

I am not a professional politician, but I am very professional. I am action-oriented; I will get the job done. I am also collaborative; I will work with and through others.

I have always been an entrepreneur, learning early on how to run a business. Small businesses constitute the heart of commerce in the United States. I have experience working with business start-ups and have expertise in mergers and acquisitions. I have used this experience to combine and create global organizations. This work has led to a deep understanding of team building and the difficult decisions that are part of this process.

On the civic side, I have often volunteered to help organizations that benefited my community. I have served in numerous capacities with the YMCA, local school boards, development committees and the Boy Scouts of America. As a district chairman for the Boy Scouts, I was part of the Atlanta Area Council's board – a board that served more than 80,000 youth and leaders. Managing a group of this size and diversity was a wonderful and challenging experience.

I believe that my business and civic experience has direct impact on my ability to serve the city of Milton.

One weakness that I must acknowledge is a tendency to be optimistic. Optimism usually encourages cooperative problem solving. However, sometimes needless bickering and personal agendas can get in the way of progress. I want the citizens of Milton to share a common vision of our future success. I want to help the city achieve this vision. I offer the voters a choice for a new approach.

MH: What is the first thing you would like to accomplish in office (or your second term)? And be specific.

LONGORIA:

My first priority will be to help the city prepare for a new era following the termination of the comprehensive contract with the outside consulting firm CH2M HILL OMI. This company has managed most city functions, except public safety, since the city's founding three years ago. The city hopes to reduce costs by substituting one all-inclusive contract with a number of competitively priced services from multiple vendors — so called "point solutions," an area where I have had considerable experience.

Managing service providers is not a simple task. It will pose a number of challenges and a new level of detailed oversight on the part of the city. The city council will need the right talent, skills and expertise to manage multiple vendors. It is important to ensure we have a strategy and the revenue in place to support this type of outsourcing arrangement. My background has equipped me to make a solid contribution in this area.

North Fulton heads to the polls

By Joan Durbin / Neighbor Newspapers

Last-minute politicking is sure to shift into high gear this week as the finish line for north Fulton city council and mayoral candidates is within sight.

Two city council seats in Alpharetta, three in Milton and four in Roswell are up for grabs in the Nov. 3 municipal elections. Also in Roswell, three candidates are vying for the mayoral post. Johns Creek elections are uncontested this year.

No one in the county elections office wanted to hazard a guess on the number of voters to exercise their ballot power this year.

“It is the responsibility of Fulton County’s Department of Registration and Elections to be well-prepared for each election regardless of turnout. We prepare for 100 percent voter turnout,’ said Barry Garner, director of the Department of Registration and Elections.

In 2005, turnout was 12.9 percent of registered voters in Alpharetta, or 2,595 of 20,185 eligible. In Roswell, 5,805 of 43,502 registered voters showed up, or 13.3 percent.

Four years later, as of Oct. 1, registered voters in Alpharetta now number 30,065 and 49,200 in Roswell. Milton has 17,325.

Advance voting continues through Friday. North Fulton residents may cast ballots in Sandy Springs at the North Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Room 209 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Two precinct locations in north Fulton have been changed this year. Those who voted at NC02 at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church on Old Alabama Rd. now must go to AP02 at Alpharetta Community Center on Roswell St.

Precinct RW13 at The Church of the Savior on Kimball Bridge Rd. has been merged with AP01A at New Prospect Elementary School, also on Kimball Bridge Rd.

Information: www.fultoncountyga.gov/county/elections/

Milton Debate Tonight.

The Milton Municipal debate, sponsored by the Beacon
and the Atlanta National Golf Club, 350 Tournament
Players Drive, Milton is tonight at 6PM, and commences
with a cocktail reception for the public. The debate is
open to the public and the press.

So far, all the candidates have confirmed except
Bernard Wolff, Al Trevillyan, and Tina D'Aversa. All
three have told us they are not going to participate as
of this time. We urge all interested parties to attend,
as this an important venue for or the Milton citizenry
to hear what the candidates have to say on the issues.
Thank you.


Courtesy Beacon Media.

News from Bernard Wolff

Dear Milton Neighbors, Friends and Supporters:

In this final week of the 2009 campaign season, I have previously scheduled events up to November 3rd. Thus, due to these scheduling conflicts and short notice, I have respectfully declined to participate in tonight's Milton Municipal Debate.

I cannot in good conscience cancel a firmly scheduled meeting with a segment of voters who are anxious to hear what I plan to do when I am elected.

Thanks,

Bernard Wolff
Candidate for Milton City Council
District 1,
At-large1000 Lackey Road
Milton, GA 30004
770-754-0003
bernardwolff@bellsouth.net
BernardWolff4Milton@com

Demand the Milton We Were Promised.
Please elect me, Bernard Wolff, on November 3rd.

Courtesy Paid for by the Bernard W. Wolff Election Committee.

Milton Trusts Tina: Experience, Leadership, Integrity

Double Click To Enlarge Picture.

News From Tina D'Aversa

Dear Milton Neighbor,
Thank you for supporting me for re-election to the Milton City Council.

It is important that you vote November 3, 2009. In order to preserve our community for the future to enjoy, we must continue to elect leaders who have the interest of our community at heart; leaders who will remain strong when political pressure is on; leaders who will vote to support the law and our land use plans even when development pressures are strong. Yes, we need funding for our city, but we have many options and do not need to lose sight of the reason we incorporated as a city: Local control to preserve and protect our diverse, rural lifestyle. I have not changed my vision for Milton....if you love the diverse cultural character of Milton, do something to support the vision.

I am unable to attend the Beacon debate tonight. I respectfully declined because of other committments this evening that were planned in advance of the invitation to attend the debate. If you have questions for me, please call me at 678-457-0677 or email me at tdaversa@bellsouth.net and I will be happy speak with you.
Vote November 3, 2009, Tina D'Aversa, a leader you can trust to support you and the vision of Milton!

Thank you!

Protecting and Preserving ALL of Milton,
Tina D'Aversa
Milton City Council Member
District 5 at Large
678-457-0677 Direct
www.tinadaversa.com

Tina D'Aversa for Milton

In 2006, I provided my clear vision of Milton: Preserving our equestrian heritage and diverse lifestyles, managing and funding appropriate growth.

I have listened to the citizens of Milton and, my vision is the same in 2009 as the day I came to Milton.

Vote for Tina D'Aversa, November 3, 2009

Courtesy This message was paid for by the Tina D'Aversa Election Campaign Fund.