Dear Fellow Citizens,
A better Griffin is just as important to my family, as it is to you, and I believe that my record as your at- large commissioner and knowledge of this community and the relationships I have developed over the years will allow me to continue bringing to the commission the kind of leadership that works.
For the past 16 years, I have worked to identify serious issues in our city government that desperately needed attention to include financial accountability, economic development and emphasis on a safe, wholesome community. I have had the opportunity to represent the city of Griffin this past year on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Griffin Downtown Council, Three Rivers RDC and Griffin-Spalding Area Transportation Committee.
The Griffin City Commission makes tough budget decisions and adopted a conservative 2019-2020 budget that meets our financial requirements and the goals developed. We have maintained a stable tax base and have not raised property taxes. Our 2019 proposed 7.083 millage rate, with a $10,000 homestead exemption, is less than the 8.85 millage rate in 2004. This past year’s audit reports that our general fund balance is $11,813,287.00, compared to a negative $3,139,477.00 in 2004 when I was sworn in as your at-large commissioner. You deserve proven leadership that works to manage the city’s budget and control governmental growth.
Our local governments have aggressively planned for future economic development to include industrial land acquisition, transportation improvement projects, airport relocation and quality housing-land use planning and support of higher education. Safe, reliable and affordable public utilities, economic incentives and an educated workforce are mandatory in recruiting business investment. I have worked to eliminate the very counterproductive, negative competitive relationship between the Griffin and Spalding County commissions. I believe in smart growth development and will continue to fight to keep out undesired growth that is a tax drain.
I have pushed for stricter property maintenance codes to ensure quality neighborhood redevelopment. This past decade, the city has created redevelopment opportunities in our hometown by working to demolish more than 800 substandard housing units. Community policing has resulted in a reduction in Part 1 Crime and an emphasis on code enforcement is giving our neighborhoods the kind of community you expect and deserve. Our commission continues to work together on parks and pathways that bring our neighborhoods together. You deserve a hometown to live, learn, work, play and retire.
As hard-working and responsible citizens, we expect our city’s management to manage, conserve resources and build in efficiencies that will result in a lower tax burden to you. We have laid the foundation to build and redevelop this community. You deserve no less. Please elect me as your mayor on Nov. 5, 2019. I will appreciate your vote and your help, and I will continue to give you the kind of leadership that is required to do the job, the kind of leadership you deserve.
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