I have lived in Palmetto since 1987, when I came to work for the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries as administrator of the Palmetto Campus. I am currently the vice president of finance for the home. I have had the pleasure of not only living but also working in our city.

I was born in Gainesville, Ga., and was raised in Gainesville and Cleveland, Ga. I am married to Lynette Harper who is lead guidance counselor at Northgate High School. We have two daughters, Allyson and Andrea. Both of our girls graduated from Creekside High School. Allyson teaches at Hidden Lakes Academy in Dahlonega, and Andrea teaches first grade at Central Elementary School in Carrollton. We have been members of Palmetto Baptist Church for 19 years.

I began my experience on the City Council in 1999 when I ran for and was elected to an unexpired term. I ran again in 2001 and was elected for a four-year term. I have served as mayor pro-tem and am currently one of Palmetto’s two representatives on the South Fulton Municipal Regional Water and Sewer Authority.

Palmetto is a wonderful place to live and work. Our citizens pay one of the lowest tax millage rates in our area. People are moving to Palmetto because they have seen it as a good place to call “home.” The recent relocation of the Baptist Retirement Communities facility to Palmetto is another indication of this fact. Our senior adults have a senior services center on Turner Avenue that is second to none.

However, there are some issues which should concern our residents. We continue to need jobs in or near Palmetto for our residents. We are in the process of addressing our future water needs though our participation in the South Fulton Municipal Regional Water and Sewer Authority. We are addressing our sewage needs by purchasing sewage capacity from Fulton County. Our people need good and affordable housing which complements our current community atmosphere.

Our residents should be proud of the services they receive from the city: public works, police protection, and fire protection provided in conjunction with Fulton County, all at a very low millage rate.

It has been a privilege to serve as a City Council member. I ask for your vote and support in the election on Nov. 8, 2005.

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