Ivan Figueroa Stepping Down From City Council

On Thursday, Jan. 9, Ivan Figueroa, council member for Post 4, officially notified the City of Johns Creek that he was resigning. Feb. 1 will be his last day in office.

Figueroa, who has served on the City Council since 2006 when Johns Creek was founded, submitted his resignation via email to the City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk and elected officials late Thursday afternoon.

"It was a difficult decision," said Figueroa who admitted tears started forming when he composed the announcement. But family and a busy career in sales that requires covering Georgia and Florida, ultimately was the deciding factors he said. "It's been on my mind for quite some time," he added.

Figueroa said he considered the fact that by resigning now the city could hold the election to fill his seat at the same time as the election for the Post 6 seat which was vacated last August when Bev Miller resigned to run for the mayor's seat.

"There's never a good time to do this," said Figueroa, "but by resigning now, it will not cost the city any extra money to run a special election."

Figueroa and his wife, Karen, had purchased a home in St. Simons, GA a year ago. While his wife had settled into their new home, he has maintained a residence in Johns Creek. "I look forward to unpacking the boxes in my home office that have been sitting in my St. Simons home since we moved here."

Figueroa said the Jan. 27 City Council meeting will be his last.

"Ivan is a part of our team that laid the foundation for our city and the things he accomplished is long and impressive," said Mayor Mike Bodker.

"I know I join our council, citizens and businesses in wishing nothing but success to Ivan and his family."

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Editor's note: Below is the email message Ivan Figueroa sent out to the media after notifying the city of his decision to resign from office.

Since taking office in 2006, my fellow Councilmembers and I worked diligently to accomplish much in the service of the citizens and businesses of Johns Creek. 

Our fire and police departments are recognized across the state and the nation for their superior capabilities, demonstrating our commitment to the promise of improved public safety that was such an important part of our drive of cityhood. 

The established guidelines for future community growth, as evidenced our city’s Comprehensive Plan, show our appreciation of citizen input and our dedication to the community’s long-term vision.   

By working closely with staff to implement conservative budgets, we have been able to invest heavily in infrastructure, one of the highest priorities brought to us by our citizens. We have improved traffic flow and safety by reconfiguring roads and installing intelligent traffic systems. 

We have greatly enhanced the quality of life in Johns Creek by installing sidewalks, improving sports fields and facilities, and creating community events that build on the pride that is Johns Creek. This spring our City will have a new pavilion at Newtown Park that will seat 800 plus, which was designed with outdoor performances in mind.   

I step down knowing that city finances are in order, and proud that I was able to co-sponsor a request that City Council consider a tax rate reduction of one mil—about 20%, paid for, in part, by expected new Local Option Sales Tax Revenue. 

On a personal note, I wish to thank our citizens for allowing me to serve seven wonderful years as a City Council member in Johns Creek.  My wife, Karen, and I have raised our daughters here, surrounded by wonderful friends, and supported by the finest schools we could imagine.  

Johns Creek, and all it encompasses, will forever hold a place in our hearts.  We are relocating to South Georgia, closer to my sales territory in Georgia and Florida. The move will allow me to be in both markets and spend less time on the road and more time at home with my family.

Regards,

Ivan