I never really imagined myself as a candidate in a political campaign until now.  I am running for Palmetto City Council because our community faces important challenges in the years ahead.  Thoughtful leadership is required to ensure a safe and prosperous Palmetto.  I want to preserve the future of our city.  With every new clear cut lot development and with every new backlit sign towering over the roadway, we loose a resource that is very special, our small town character.

The South Fulton area is undoubtedly primed for growth in the years ahead.  Development standards have been enacted in the unincorporated areas of Fulton County such as the Chattahoochee Hill Country Overlay District and along the South Fulton Parkway Corridor.  These standards were established to mitigate the problem of “cookie cutter” development.  Numerous developments are already established in this area incorporating these overlay standards.  Palmetto needs to be an anchor of South Fulton’s growth… not an eyesore left in the wake.

We face the challenge of new development and preservation of our existing resources.  Several citizens recently voiced opposition to proposed rezonings along Hutcheson Ferry Road.  Many have expressed disappointment with development that has occurred along Carlton Road.   The moratorium on new sewer taps offers a reprieve from runaway development.  This limitation offers a window in which to establish development guidelines that will benefit the whole community.

Our downtown has potential to become a destination for the area.  We need to foster a business environment where our neighbors can work and interact locally.  Downtown revitalization is occurring in neighboring cities along Highway 29.  We need restaurants and shops here that will use existing space to bring commerce back to downtown.

I have researched the establishment of a quiet zone for train whistle railroad crossings.  The Federal Railroad Administration crossing regional manager, Tom Drake, said that establishment of a quiet zone for the railroad is a key to business development in downtown areas.  Further, State and Federal grants and programs are available to help downtown development.  I will aggressively pursue these options.  We need to return the feel and look of community back to our town.

Finally, the City Council is responsible for making thoughtful decisions on future development within our City.  I want a better tomorrow for our families, friends and neighbors.  A vote for John Miller offers a servant willing to respectfully guide Palmetto’s future ... not react to it.

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