North Fulton readies for elections.

Courtesy Jonathan Copsey; The Milton Herald

June 17, 2013


NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The cities of North Fulton are already gearing up for the Nov. 5 general election, working with Fulton County to facilitate the voting.

Several city council positions and mayors are up for reelection, with many candidates already declaring their intention to run.

In Milton, the mayor's post is up, and Mayor Joe Lockwood, who has lead the city since its inception, said he plans to run again.

"There are a lot of things happening now that were in the works for a number of years," Lockwood said, and that, if he were reelected, people can expect to "see more of the same and moving in a positive direction."

If reelected, this would be his third term, however only his second full term. His first term was only three years.

City Council members whose positions are to be decided this year include Karen Thurman, Bill Lusk and Joe Longoria.

This year, the council is divided into three districts, each with two posts. Despite this, all council members are elected at-large, meaning on the November ballot, Milton residents will vote for all three contested positions.

Milton will spend $70,000 for the general election and should there be a run-off, a further $34,000.

Milton's council will give final approval for the contract with the county Monday, June 17, after this paper goes to print. The numbers in the contract might change.

For Alpharetta, three seats are open – Chris Owens, Mike Kennedy and Donald Mitchell.

Mitchell, who was elected last year, was elected for fill in the unexpired term of Council member Doug DeRito, who left his position to launch a bid for mayor.

The city's bill with Fulton County for the election is $111,000.

In Roswell, the election is expected to cost $252,000. Four positions are up – Mayor Jere Wood and three council members – Kent Igleheart, Jerry Orlans and Nancy Diamond.

Qualifying week is Aug. 26-30 those wishing to run. The election is Nov. 5. Both Roswell and Alpharetta city halls will serve as early voting precincts between Oct. 14-Nov. 1.