Long Term Financial Stability

We must continue to support long-term sustainable budgets that do not raise taxes. We need to efficiently fund those services most important to all citizens, including public safety and infrastructure investments.

	We must be vigilant in maintaining a limited, but efficient, city government.
	Continued recessionary pressure on property tax revenue requires a city government that works smarter and more efficiently.
	We must continue to assess the effectiveness of all departments in the city and the efficiency with which they use your tax dollars.
	We cannot allow any increases in the property tax millage rate to make up for the decreased tax base.

Infrastructure Investment

Johns Creek’s ability to attract new residents and businesses will, in part, be based on continued investment in our roads, sidewalks, bridges, bike paths, and green space.  

	The recession has increased the number of available residences and commercial properties. Attracting new residents and businesses requires quality roads and bridges that can effectively handle the number of existing residential and commercial properties.
	In this era of tightly constrained municipal budgets, clear priorities must be established, and funds earmarked for important infrastructure invesments.
	Sidewalks and bike paths can often provide an alternative to driving, and represent an often overlooked part of our infrastructure investment requirements.
	Every successful and vibrant city requires green space for recreation.  Effective long-term planning for land acquisition and zoning is a priority.

Economic Development

Attracting the right types of businesses, both small and large, is a priority for Johns Creek.  The mix of businesses is critically important as it impacts the tax base, traffic congestion, and the city’s reputation.     

	Successful economic development must be led by the city officials, but it also requires effective teamwork with the Johns Creek and North Fulton Chambers of Commerce, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and other public and private agencies.
	Efficient city regulations and business-friendly licensing requirements are important components  for successful economic development.
	A long-term master plan for the development of Johns Creek city center or downtown should be among the priorities for the City Council to consider.

Milton County

I enthusiastically support the creation of Milton County. A newly formed Milton County will give greater control over tax dollars to the citizens of Johns Creek, Roswell, Mountain Park, Milton, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs and reduce the duplication of services at the county and city levels.

	It is clear that the majority of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners is not interested in stopping the wasteful spending in the Fulton County government and reform will simply not work.
	The Fulton County Commission has been abusive for years to taxpayers who live throughout the County. Significant animosity and disagreements exist between the north Fulton cities and the Fulton County government concerning the efficiency and cost in the delivery of county services.
	The County has not realigned its staff and budget for the delivery of county services to reflect the creation of the many new cities throughout Fulton County.
	The leadership in the City of Johns Creek must continue to work closely with the state legislators to seek approval for the creation of Milton County in the 2012 legislative session.