Friday, November 2, 2001
|
Friday, November 2, 2001 |
|
Senoia voters head to the polls Tuesday By JOHN
THOMPSON In less than a week, the most contentious election year in Senoia's recent history will be over. Long-term observers are saying this year's race for mayor is unlike anything that's transpired in the last 60 years. The two candidates for mayor, Diann Cleveland and Pam Youngblood, were coworkers on the City Council, but this year's run for mayor has left the two candidates barely speaking to each other. In seeking the city's highest office, Youngblood is focusing on her experience in city government. "During the last four years, I have worked hard to help position the city of Senoia for the inevitable growth from the metro Atlanta area," she said. "Our infrastructure and land use plans have been designed to maintain the 'small town community' image of Senoia while financially positioning the city to absorb the growth," she added. Youngblood said the city needs "strong visionary leadership for the challenges ahead." "I have personally worked with Coweta County through Commissioner Mutt Hunter and obtained his assistance to provide labor for the brick planters on Main Street. I have worked with him at the East Coweta Senior Center and also worked with him helping to get the recent SPLOST passed," she said. Cleveland agrees the city needs strong leadership, but said the city needs to work hard to maintain the city's historic and family-oriented flavor. She also believes the city's focus needs to be on providing services for people who have been in the city for years. "I would also make sure developers follow through on their promises," she said. Cleveland also favors larger lot sizes. "We were one-acre lots forever. I've not had one person tell me we should have smaller lots," she said. The City Council race is more crowded with nine candidates seeking the four spots. Residents will choose two candidates from four who are running for council: Robert Hannah, Pat Tunnell, Ed Roberts and Arlevia Gates, to fill the positions of incumbents Hannah and Cleveland. In the race to replace Councilman Darren Ratajski, who resigned in September, voters will choose between Kenneth Davis and Robert Belisle. The final council position is the race for Pam Youngblood's council seat. Youngblood resigned when she decided to run for mayor. The three candidates are former Mayor Lester Mann, Bill Wood and Ernie Jackson Jr. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
|
||