Get to Know: Brad Raffensperger

In advance of Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 8, candidates for Johns Creek City Council Post 2 answer some questions posed by Patch.  Below, Raffensperger answers our questions:

Age: 56

Occupation: Registered Professional Civil Engineer licensed in 28 states. CEO/Owner of Trillium Structures, Inc., a structural design consulting firm and Tendon Systems, LLC,  a specialty restoration company employing 80 people.

Why are you running for City Council:  

Raffensperger: As a small business owner I live in the world of competitive pressures, stretching dollars and lean management while working to provide superior, responsive service to my clients. The taxpayer has a right to expect the same responsive, fiscally sound performance from its elected officials and public servant employees. I support smart, conservative budgets, keeping the property rate cap in place, improvements to traffic, strong public safety and a friendly business environment in the city. A focused, common sense approach is required to ensure that Johns Creek continues to be the great place it is, while we strive to enhance our business environment to encourage our existing businesses to expand here and new companies to locate in Johns Creek.

What are the most important issues facing the city?

Raffensperger: We have issues we need to address such as transportation improvements, sidewalk and bike path expansion and additional park space. On the other side we face budget pressures due to downward appraisals and insufficient business activity. A focused effort on economic development to facilitate business growth for our existing businesses and to attract new companies to Johns Creek will help to grow our tax base and provide additional local employment.

What will be your priorities when you enter office?

Raffensperger: My first priority is to keep the property tax cap in place to protect homeowners. Another priority is to encourage economic development to help balance our tax base so we don’t have to rely so heavily on homeowners.  This economic development will generate additional revenue to fund improvements plus create additional jobs in our community. Sound, conservative budgeting to ensure we receive maximum value for every dollar we spend is obviously very important to me and our taxpayers. This triple cord of financial restraint, economic growth and prudent spending forms the basis for continued, forward success for our Johns Creek. And whenever I can help push for the creation of Milton County I will do so since this will bring decision making closer to home and reduce taxes. Fulton County has clearly shown that it cannot be reformed and I have been the consistent voice on this matter.

Where do you see Johns Creek in 5 years?

Raffensperger: My plan for economic development will have expanded our tax base and created additional local employment. All of our traffic signals will be synchronized saving our commuters 15-18 percent in their drive times. Our budget will be in balance without any increase in the city millage rate. 

The success of our economic development plan has provided the additional funds for us to accelerate transportation improvements, sidewalk and bike path expansion and creation of new parks. 

Our City Center ideas will be clearly defined and a focused plan will be in place to work for its implementation.

And Johns Creek will still be a very safe and rewarding place to live, raise a family and for all of us to call it home.

What elevates you about the other candidates?

Raffensperger: My wide breadth of experience, education and business and leadership success has prepared me for such a time as this. Grounded in solid, practical engineering principles and as the only Registered Professional Civil Engineer in this race I understand infrastructure, transportation, construction and design.  

With an MBA from Georgia State University I understand budgets and cash flow. 

As a business owner since 1985 who has owned a diverse group of companies ranging from a child care center, manufacturing, specialty construction and engineering practice I understand the needs of the small business owner and entrepreneur. I sign the front of 80 paychecks each week and I understand our current economic challenges. I have learned that companies do not grow without visionary leadership and the entrepreneur’s skill set to build high performance work teams. 

But more importantly than all the degrees and credentials, I have a heart for the homeowner and small businessperson whose efforts and taxes carry the city. 

My vision is solid and my call is clear, “do more with less”.  In this day and time wise, resolute leadership combined with an optimistic, persevering spirit is required to protect the homeowner’s financial interest with visionary leadership to move our city forward. It is the essence of true servant leadership. I am asking for your vote and support on Nov. 8. Thank you.