Johns Creek City Council Post 3 Race

Election Day, November 5th, is almost here.  The marquee race in this election is between Mike Bodker and Bev Miller for the mayoral position, but there are also other races on the ballot for you to decide who will serve on City Council for four years.  For City Council Post 1 you have a choice between the incumbent Randall Johnson, and Lenny Zaprowski.  For City Council Post 3 you have a choice between the incumbent Karen Richardson, Cori Davenport, and me.  The City Council Posts are elected at large so these choices will appear on every ballot.

I am running to bring a fresh perspective to City Council, expand the limited circle of people involved in our city government, and increase outreach to the community.  We need City Council members to explain the issues, actively solicit input, and discuss how community concerns are being addressed.

I encourage you to do your own research in deciding whom you would like to see serve.  Google the candidates and talk to your neighbors.  You can learn about me through my Facebook page, and my blog at johnscreek.patch.com.  Other candidates also have Facebook pages and websites to inform you about their candidacies.  There is information available through the Johns Creek Herald, the Johns Creek Neighbor, and the League of Women Voters/WSB-TV.

One very useful website is http://media.ethics.ga.gov/search/Campaign/Campaign_ByName.aspx.  There you can learn about the campaign contributions and expenditures of each candidate.  On the contributions side, I have chosen not to accept campaign contributions and build up obligations to individuals and businesses.  It should not require tens of thousand of dollars in a campaign chest to be elected to serve in city government.  What I need from you is your vote, not your money.

On the expenditures side, instead of using mailers to push key phrases and emotional buttons, I have relied on writing thoughtful articles; and on a door-to-door campaign to present myself to voters and answer your questions of why you should vote for me.  I have met you at Ocee and Newton parks, visited 64 neighborhoods, knocked on over 3,000 doors, and my campaign is still going strong.  I have enjoyed presenting my candidacy to you at every possible community event including the PTSA sponsored Voter Information Forum, the Rivermont forum concerning the Brumbelow traffic light, the Concerned Citizens meeting at Perimeter Church, the Mayoral Debate Forum sponsored by the JCCA, the Johns Creek Fall Festival, and the Johns Creek Arts Festival.

As you study all the candidates, you will find many similarities.  We are all concerned about traffic, infrastructure maintenance, parks, safety, zoning, and maintaining the quality of life in Johns Creek.  So what are the differences between the candidates for City Council Post 3 that will help you make your choice?

First, I believe we should embrace change.  We should be informed by the past, but we should make our decisions based on our hopes and wishes for the future.  It is time to bring a fresh perspective to city council and broaden the circle of people involved in our city government.  The roads will still be repaved, the streets will still be safe, and improvements will still be made in our city if we have new faces on City Council.

Second, I am the independent voice in the race for Post 3.  I am not aligned with either candidate for Mayor because I do not believe the council should devolve into factions.  Each councilmember should speak his own views and not be obligated to others when voting on issues.

Finally, if you vote for me because you believe that I am the candidate that will be the most thoughtful, will put in the most effort, and will be the most focused on reaching out to you and addressing your concerns, I promise not to let you down.

Nancy Reinecke

Candidate for Johns Creek City Council, Post 3