One Crazy Season - A Look Back At The '06 Election

By Temura Bly;
Accessmilton.com


Part 2

District 3: Jon Carroll

1. Why did you choose to run for office?

I wasn't sure who would run and I thought I could help Milton get off to a good start.

2. What did you learn about in being a candidate?

It was good to see that side of the political coin. I have a better understanding of the process now and a better appreciation for how important money is in even local elections.

3. If you had 2006 to do over again, would you have done anything differently?

If I knew that there would be 4 other good candidates who were going to run, I probably wouldn't have run.

4. Do you have any regrets?

No. It was good to meet the people who ended up steering Milton's early direction and seeing Milton get formed.

5. For those who are either no longer in office or were not elected, are you still active with the City? If so, please share with us what you've been up to.

Yes, I've been on the CPAC committee for more than a year.

6. Are you pleased with the direction the City of Milton is headed in today?

Mostly. I wish we had at least passive use of the Birmingham park.

7. If given the opportunity, would you run again?

I have no plans to run again. I would not run unless I thought I could do better than the candidate available for my district.

Clint Johnson - Did not confirm.

Marty Lock -

1. Why did you choose to run for office?

Like most everyone else, I was excited about our new city and wanted to be a part of putting it together—police, fire, city services, etc.—and getting it off to a good start.

2. What did you learn about in being a candidate?

I learned more about the city than I ever would have otherwise, and met some terrific people as well, people who have remained some of my best friends today. It’s a great deal of work to run for office—it seems as if you’re campaigning 24 hours a day—and you can never accomplish all that you would like to in a given timeframe.

3. If you had 2006 to do over again, would you have done anything differently?

I would have done more homework into the process, prepared more thoroughly and started earlier. Back in that crazy campaign and election of ‘06, the candidates who worked the hardest and had the most help were the most successful.

4. Do you have any regrets?

I regret not winning and I wish I had the money I spent back, but it was a great experience and I’m glad I did it. Everyone who believes in and participates in the democratic process should put their name on the ballot at least once to experience it!

5. For those who are either no longer in office or were not elected, are you still active with the City? If so, please share with us what you've been up to.

I have been a participant on the Comprehensive Plan Activities Committee since its inception in early 2006. We hope to have a revised plan to the city council before the end of this year.

6. Are you pleased with the direction the City of Milton is headed in today?

I am pleased with some of the direction and displeased with other. Our city has faced and continues to face significant issues in these early years, and I do believe its leaders our doing what they feel is the best. But it is impossible to please everyone, and I am sure they are feeling the heat when they make an unpopular decision. We have a very outspoken populace in our city and they are not afraid to speak their minds.

7. If given the opportunity, would you run again?

The situation has changed dramatically since the inaugural election of ’06, both within the city and for me. What was attractive initially is no longer there, and I have some family issues that have placed more demands on my time. I do like serving the community in some fashion, however, so you never know!

Bill Lusk -

1.Why did you choose to run for office?

I had been a member of the N.W. Fulton Design Review Board for several years before the City incorporation and also a member of the Public Works Subcommittee for the Milton Formation Committee. Being involved in those capacities encouraged me to continue in Public Service and make Milton a success.

2. What did you learn about being a candidate?

I learned that the people of Milton were looking for experienced leadership. I also learned that the personal door-to-door campaign that I conducted, proved people were interested in candidates who were serious about serving. My educational, technical, and business backgrounds apparently were influential.

3. If you had 2006 to do over again, would you have done anything differently?

Absolutely not. My plan worked.

4. Do you have any regrets?

Only one. I became accustomed and looked forward to campaigning door-to-door every day of the week, for three and a half months. I really missed that aspect when it was all over. I had a great time meeting everyone on their own turf. I could have, and would have, done it for another three and a half months. This town is blessed to have 30,000 fine people.

5. For those who are no longer in office or were not elected, are you still active with the City? If so, please share with us what you’ve been up to.

NA.

6. Are you pleased with the direction the City of Milton is headed in today?

I am. Consider where we were three years ago and where we are today. We have earned our wings and are flying on course.

7. If given the opportunity, would you run again?

I shall, with the same energy and commitment as before, but now with three years of solid and productive City Council experience behind me.

Paul Moore -

1. Why did you choose to run for office?

After playing an active role as a community activist on planning and zoning issues, playing a role in the planning and execution of the Birmingham Crossroads 4 corner plan and other community zoning issues over an 8 year period, it made sense to consider a role on the City Council in an official capacity. I felt like I was in touch with the voice of the community and had an obligation to represent those voices as we launched our new city.

2. What did you learn about in being a candidate?

I confirmed what I already knew….Milton is made up of a diverse cross section of America with common goals. Our community has people who have spent their lifetime here and others who arrived yesterday, but they share a common vision and passion for our community…to be a part of and preserve a lifestyle that holds true to the values of middle America of honesty, integrity, quality of life and a sense of community where you know and care about your neighbor.

3. If you had 2006 to do over again, would you have done anything differently?

No, I don’t think so. The district I ran in experienced a fair and above boards campaign period that unlike some of the other districts was not riddled with false accusations and mud slinging.

4. Do you have any regrets?

Yes….that my message was not strong enough to secure the seat on City Council.

5. For those who are either no longer in office or were not elected, are you still active with the City? If so, please share with us what you've been up to.

I have the good fortune of being Mayor Joe Lockwood’s appointee to the Planning Commission and was subsequently elected Chairman by the Commission members. The planning Commission hears all the planning and zoning cases on behalf of the City Council and makes a formal recommendation to them on what we see as the key factors in the application. I am also a member of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPAC) for the city that is creating the long term plan for our future land use. I participated in the Birmingham Park clean up and am an active member of Protect Milton.

6. Are you pleased with the direction the City of Milton is headed in today?

Yes…in general. I think our Mayor, Joe Lockwood has done an excellent job of managing the city’s toughest battles, many of which were self inflicted by the controversial antics of some of the past and current members. He has brought some harmony and they seem to be working better now on the issues rather than focusing on undermining each other’s credibility. As we face the economic and growth challenges that are upon us and that will come as the economy improves I am hopeful they will remember that they serve the community and they need to be in touch with our thoughts and interests. The community has spoken loud and clear about conservative growth and conservative planning, about where our traffic issues are the worst and how increased density and sewer extension will only compound the issues. We have spoken loud and clear about the need to use our park land (and the need for more) and the importance of the bike and trail system, the preservation of our dirt roads and having balanced services for the young families and our growing senior population. We have been clear about the preservation of scenic corridors and preserving our equestrian community. It is all out there for the City Council to consider. There are very few gray areas and I know some of them will heed our direction. We just need to continue to express our vision and not let them forget. Please show up at the public meetings and let your voice be a part of reminding them.

7. If given the opportunity, would you run again?

Not at this time. I enjoy the connected role I get to play as a member of the Planning Commission and the time demands are about right in my balance of family, work and community involvement.