Politics & Government

Get to Know: Steve Broadbent

Candidates for Johns Creek City Council Post 2 answer some Patch questions.

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

Age:  58

Occupation: Johns Creek Business Owner - Executive Benefits Consulting

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Why are you running for City Council? 

Broadbent: I am running to keep Johns Creek on the path where it is an appealing and exciting city for both families and businesses. My wife and I have raised our two daughters in Johns Creek. I want to ensure Johns Creek remains a great city in which others can raise their families. At the same time, I will seek to create a balance between a family-oriented city and one that is attractive for businesses.

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What are the most important issues facing the city?

Broadbent: Similar to many cities across America, Johns Creek faces a number of challenges. The recession has caused a decrease in property assessments and, as a result, tax revenues are falling. However, the costs of providing the critical city services have not changed. The continued success of Johns Creek in the near term is dependent on maintaining a limited, but efficient city government. Effective city operations require a balance between the outsourcing of services versus those services provided "in house" by city employees. Additionally, fees charged by Johns Creek to businesses must be reviewed to ensure they are competitive with the surrounding communities and not placing Johns Creek at an economic disadvantage. Johns Creek is overly dependent on residential property tax revenue; therefore, we need to ensure the city is attractive for the establishment of new businesses and those that want to relocate.

What will be your priorities when/if you enter office?

Broadbent: My immediate priority is to maintain a fiscally sound and balanced budget, while ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of city services. Public safety, both fire and police services, must have the highest priority among the services provided by the city. Next, a strong economic development plan must be established to ensure Johns Creek is attractive to both new businesses and those who want to relocate. A successful economic development plan will bring better balance between residential and business tax revenue. Economic development must include our partners at the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce, Johns Creek Business Association, and the Fulton County School Board. Johns Creek has some of the best schools in Georgia. Maintaining an effective partnership with our top-rated schools is important to businesses who may want to consider Johns Creek as home while, at the same time, they increase property values for homeowners in Johns Creek.  

Where do you see Johns Creek in 5 years?

Broadbent: The best part of this campaign is the many great conversations that I have had with Johns Creek residents while knocking on doors throughout the city. Our residents are very proud of this city and what it has accomplished in its first five years. Over the next five years, my objective as a member of the City Council is to ensure we continue to have a family-oriented city with great schools, recreational opportunities, and a thriving business community. Until we have a stronger and more stable economy, we should maintain a very conservative fiscal policy by keeping spending down and limiting the size of the city government.  When the economy is stronger, we need to look at issues important to Johns Creek’s families, such as expanding our parks and adding more sidewalks and bike paths throughout the city. We also need to focus on expanding the business community over the next five years. We need to conduct a full review of Johns Creek’s business taxes and fees, the licensing requirements, and other regulatory burdens to ensure we are competitive with surrounding cities and counties. In five years, I see a city that has further enhanced its reputation as a family-oriented city and has a prosperous business community.

What elevates you above the other candidates?

Broadbent: I am the only candidate that has the broad leadership experience necessary to take Johns Creek forward. My education, work experiences, and 22 years as a U.S. Navy officer, make me exceptionally qualified to serve the citizens of Johns Creek. In addition to my Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering and MBA, I am uniquely qualified for the City Council with a Master's in Public Policy which I earned at The George Washington University. I have led public organizations and private enterprises, both large and small. In the public sector, I served as a Deputy Assistant U.S. Treasury Secretary and demonstrated respect for the taxpayers’ dollars in every decision I made. In the private sector, I led a large profitable organization in AT&T across half this country as a senior executive.  Today, I am a small Johns Creek business owner and fully appreciate the challenges of operating a small business in today’s challenging economic environment. 


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