2011 Election Guide
- 10/26/11
- Categorized in: DeKalb News, Politics
Avondale Estates
Mayor
David A. Milliron
Education: B.S., University of Florida; 108 credit hours (two certificate levels) from The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Occupation: Vice president of an information technology company
Elected positions held previously: Commissioner, City of Avondale Estates (2008-2009); Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Avondale Estates (2010-2011); Secretary/Treasurer, DeKalb Municipal Association (2009); Vice President, DeKalb Municipal Association (2010); President, DeKalb Municipal Association (2011).
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Property taxes that are in line with a home’s market value; annexation of the blighted commercial properties along East College; and smart, forward-thinking development.
Why are you seeking this office? To facilitate communication and partnerships, strengthen board relationships, encourage new ideas and promote activities that make our quality of life in Avondale Estates even better.
Ed Rieker (Incumbent)
Education: MBA, Emory University, Goizueta Business School
Occupation: Successful serial entrepreneur creating and selling technology businesses.
Elected positions held previously: Mayor, City of Avondale Estates
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The quality redevelopment of our downtown, revitalization of Willis Park, new dog park, storm-water infrastructure improvements, annexation issues, support for Museum School.
Why are you seeking this office? Being Mayor has provided an opportunity for me to give back to my community. This positive experience will help me in moving the city forward.
City Commissioner
Randy S. Beebe
Education: BS (Information Systems); Executive MBA
Occupation: Retired (AT&T)
Elected positions held previously: none
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Progressive planning and controlled growth in the Business District. Develop an action plan to confront property assessments.
Why are you seeking this office? For over 20 years, my experience was implementing product lines within diverse disciplines at AT&T. Five of those years I worked within government commissions.
Lindsay (Winzeler) Forlines
Education: St. Pius X Catholic High School, Class of 1999; B.A. in Journalism, The University of Georgia, 2003 (graduated Magna Cum Laude); J.D., The University of Georgia School of Law, 2008.
Occupation: Currently, stay-at-home mother/inactive trial attorney
Elected positions held previously: Executive chair, University of Georgia School of Law Mock Trial Board, 2007-08.
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Reinvigoration of stalled downtown development, exploration of annexation of the “commercial corridor” leading into Avondale Estates along College Avenue, continued support for the Museum School.
Why are you seeking this office? To support my beloved hometown through civil service, hopefully helping to insure that Avondale remains a wonderful place for families for many decades to come.
John L. Quinn
Education: UGA School of Law
Occupation: Attorney
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? (1) Development that is appropriate to Avondale; (2) Supporting the Avondale Estates Museum School and building on its success in our City; (3) Openness and transparency in governance.
Why are you seeking this office? What a wonderful community! Let’s build on this to make Avondale Estates an even better place to raise a family and locate a business.
John Washburn
No information provided
Clarkston
City Council
(Vote for 3)
Andrew Brim
Education: BS Statistics, BS Information Technology
Occupation: Java Developer/Team Lead
Elected positions held previously: N/A
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Getting more community involvement and identify and execute projects to help establish a better “Curb Appeal” to bring new residence and business to Clarkston.
Why are you seeking this office? I have lived in the area for 36 years and I would [like] to stay, but the city needs [to] rebuild its reputation as a family community.
Jean Brown
Education: B.S. Natural Resources; M.S. Environmental Engineering Sciences (expected graduation December 2011)
Occupation: Environmental Specialist at Ga. Department of Natural Resources - EPD
Elected positions held previously: Appointed member of City Council (since January 2011)
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Reducing unnecessary costs to the city and its residents. Providing a more accessible and responsive government revitalization of the “City Center” through redevelopment.
Why are you seeking this office? I would like to continue to be of service to my community by making positive changes through my direct role on city council.
Christopher Busing
No information provided
Cathy Case
No information provided
Warren Hadlock
(Incumbent)
No information provided
Dianne Leonetti
Education: Kent State,
Hilbert College
Occupation: Service Excellence Coordinator
Elected positions held previously: Council member (18 months-2010-2011)
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Continuing with the development of the City Center Business District – streetscapes, City Hall, building renovations – to encourage business and residential growth.
Why are you seeking this office? I enjoy working with the council, residents and city manager to bring to reality a vision of growth, safety and prosperity we have long held.
Decatur
City Commission – District 1, Post B
William F. Floyd
(Incumbent)
Education: BCE Auburn University; MBA Georgia State
Occupation: Contracting
Elected positions held previously: Five terms on Decatur Commission
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Revenues for cities and all local governments continue to be a critical issue.
Why are you seeking this office? Having served 5 terms on the Decatur City Commission I wish to continue to serve and help the city move forward.
City Commission – District 2, Post B
Kecia A. Cunningham
(Incumbent)
Education: B.A. Agnes Scott College
Occupation: Associate Financial Advisor
Elected positions held previously: Decatur City Commission – District 2
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Continuing the positive, forward progress for the City of Decatur while balancing constituent needs with our available resources.
Why are you seeking this office? In order to continue to serve and represent the people of District 2 in the important decisions facing our city.
City Commission – At Large
Jim Baskett (Incumbent)
No information provided
City Schools of Decatur Board of Education, District 1, Post B
Peg Bumgardner
Education: DeKalb Community College and Clayton Jr. College
Occupation: Small business financial consultant
Elected positions held previously: City Schools of Decatur, Charter System School Leadership Team Renfroe Middle School
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The need for proactive, creative approaches to funding; communicating the impact of our educational initiatives; and building trust of our teachers as professional educational resources.
Why are you seeking this office? I want to continue to move our children to educational excellence and success so as adults they are productive and fulfilled 21st century global citizens.
Garrett Goebel
Education: BA, James Madison College, Michigan State University, Major:
International Relations, Additional Major: German
Occupation: Software developer, R&D
Elected positions held previously: School Leadership Team, 4/5 Academy
What do you see as the most important issues in this election: Rising enrollments and declining per-pupil revenue. Our challenge is long-term capacity planning and cost containment prioritizing small class sizes, teacher compensation and minimizing tax burden.
Why are you seeking this office? To ensure our children have every opportunity to succeed in a strong education system. My priorities are communication, community engagement and early identification of needs.
City Schools of Decatur Board of Education, District 2, Post B
Julie Phair Rhame
(Incumbent)
Education: BA in Journalism/Communications, University of Georgia
Occupation: Strategic Communications Consultant
Elected positions held previously: Two terms on the Board of Education, City Schools of Decatur, 2004 – present
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Lack of state funding for public education, planning for Decatur’s rapid and unprecedented student population growth, and community engagement.
Why are you seeking this office? To continue improving our efforts in providing all students with a rigorous and engaging education so they graduate equipped for success with 21st century skills.
Doraville
Mayor
Tom Hart
Education: BS economics and accounting, St. Bernard College; graduate/masters in special education and chemistry, Georgia State University, Dalhousie University
Occupation: Retired chemist
Elected positions held previously: City Council 2006-07 City of Doraville
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Reducing the cost of government while making better use of departments. Raising the quality of architectural and building standards. Rebranding the city and mainstreaming the business exchange.
Why are you seeking this office? Provide leadership and a new direction for the city. We need a fresh community perspective bringing lower taxes, efficient, open government and quality development for our residents and businesses.
Lou Ella Jenkins
Education: Law degree from John Marshall Law School, masters degree in labor history from Georgia State University, bachelor of arts degree in history with a minor in secondary education from Oglethorpe University.
Occupation: Sole practitioner attorney at law
Elected positions held previously: Although I have not held elected office previously, I have extensive life and work experiences which have well prepared me to excel as mayor of Doraville.
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Economic stability, continued public safety excellence, promoting a good business environment and making our government accessible to the public.
Why are you seeking this office? To guide Doraville financially, to make Doraville an exceptional place to live and maintain a business, and to seek quality development.
Donna Pittman (Incumbent)
Education: Studied at Georgia State University and DeKalb Community College in business, education and law enforcement
Occupation: Mayor of Doraville
Elected positions held previously: City Council member, mayor pro-tem, acting mayor
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? There are several very important issues that I am already addressing. The city finances, maintaining our property values, redevelopment, making sure we continue being a safe city and education.
Why are you seeking this office? I have been in Doraville for 30 years I know my citizens and I love my community. I know where we have been, where we are and where we need to go.
City Council, District 1
Pam Fleming (Incumbent)
Education: Two years of college in business and finance studies
Occupation: Thirty years experience as administration and customer service manager
Elected positions held previously: City of Doraville council member 2008-12
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Fiduciary accountability; economic and development challenges; effective, compliant and accountable departments; and a government which has complete over sight of its operations and transparency.
Why are you seeking this office? Moving the city forward takes a committed, compassionate and a “common sense” approach when evaluating our needs. I am dedicated to Doraville in moving us forward.
John Noonan
No information provided
District 2
Chris Avers
Education: Master of Business Administration, Keller Graduate School of Management, Atlanta, 2000; Project Management Certificate, Keller Graduate School of Management, Atlanta, GA 2000; Management Development Program, Georgia Tech, 2006; CAS3, Army Combined Arms & Services Staff School, 1989; QM OAC, Army Quartermaster Officer Advanced School, 1986; QM OBC, Army Quartermaster Officer Basic School, 1983; Bachelor of Arts, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 1982
Occupation: Inventory management specialist, CDC DSNS
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? We have so many issues to address: budgets, personnel, new businesses, schools improvement, controlling boarding houses and the GM plant development.
Why are you seeking this office? A council person must communicate and listen to Doraville citizens and business folks and provide sensible solutions to the city agenda to further the safety, well-being and prosperity of all.
Trudy Jones Dean
Education: University of Maryland, B.A.
Occupation: TESOL Certification Instructor, Job Corps of America Instructor
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Community Development—Implementing incentives to attract quality businesses. We also need to fix the permitting issues; Fiscal Responsibility; Transparency and Accountability.
Why are you seeking this office? We need to improve the standards in our community and adhere to those standards. With some changes, Doraville can be a great place to live.
Bob Roche (Incumbent)
Education: Associate of Arts, additional studies
Occupation: Business and IT Consultant
Elected positions held previously: Doraville City Council - 1 term
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The cities are facing a financial crisis due to overspending by the council majority and poor financial practices. This must be resolved very soon or Doraville may be disincorporated.
Why are you seeking this office? Apart from 4 years effective service on the city council, I have 30 years experience and making organizations more provide better service at reduced costs.
City Council, District 3
Maria T. Alexander
(Incumbent)
Education: High school
Occupation: I am a 30-year employee of a Fortune 500 ® corporation with experience in budgeting, procurement, customer service, management and import/export.
Elected positions held previously: I have served as a Councilmember since 2007 and have served as Acting Mayor.
What do you see as the most important issues of this election? Our most pressing challenge is our current economic situation. We must capture all revenues due the city, be they court fines, alcohol taxes, etc. to ensure the continued progress of community development.
Why are you seeking this office? Having served as a Councilmember since 2007 and for a period of time as Acting Mayor, I would appreciate to opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Doraville.
Ginny Calvert
Education: High school
Occupation: Housewife, retired property manager
Elected positions previously held: None.
What do you see as the most important issues of this election? Limit spending and trying to keep city from going bankrupt. Try to get people more involved and get council to work together.
Why are you seeking this office? I’ve lived here more than 50 years and I’d like to see if I can rectify some of the things that I have tried to do from the floor. Hopefully I can help the people.
Sharon Spangler
No information provided
Dunwoody
Mayor
Bob Dallas
Education: BSBA and MBA University of Florida; JD Georgia State University College of Law
Occupation: Business attorney
Elected positions held previously: Dunwoody and DeKalb County Planning Commissioner; Director, Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? City actions which impact the quality of Dunwoody schools, namely public safety, transportation and zoning; and not increasing the city taxes.
Why are you seeking this office? Dunwoody is a family friendly city. With five boys I want to make certain it is safe, works to benefit our schools, and provides a class A professional business environment.
Mike Davis
Education: Quinnipiac
University, BS management
Occupation: President – My Georgia Doctor Inc.
Elected positions held previously: none
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Control of our taxes and saying no to the referendums is a primary reason I’m running for mayor. A recession is no time to raise taxes.
Why are you seeking this office? I plan to guide Dunwoody into the future. This is a pivotal election for Dunwoody.
Gordon Jackson
No information provided
City Council
At Large District 1, Post 4
Rick Callihan
Education: BA in Business Administration, Communications
Occupation: Director of
operations
Elected positions held previously: NA
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? New zoning needs enacted, roads need paved, sidewalks need built, and the city needs to build cash reserves and avoid frivolous spending.
Why are you seeking this office? I will bring a conservative, common sense approach to budgeting while working to maintain the quality of life that attracts families and businesses to Dunwoody.
Terry Nall
Education: Wake Forest University, BS in accounting; certified public accountant (CPA), certified trust and financial advisor (CTFA), and certified employee benefits specialist (CEBS)
Occupation: President of U.S. insurance subsidiary for Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Disciplined Spending: Needs must come before wants.
Zoning: Next council will re-write the zoning code. We need the best zoning tools to restrict high-density growth.
Why are you seeking this office? As the only CPA on the ballot, I want to ensure a disciplined approach to spending and protect Dunwoody from excessive risks and debt.
Robert Wittenstein
(Incumbent)
Education: BA, political science with a concentration on municipal government and public policy administration. Certificate of recognition from the Georgia Municipal Association for completing seven courses in municipal government including two courses in municipal finance.
Occupation: Senior vice president, Alere Health
Elected positions held previously: Currently serving as District 1 Council member
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Zoning. It is time for Dunwoody to decide how it wants to manage development to support the Comprehensive Plan and the Master Plans for Dunwoody Village and Georgetown.
Why are you seeking this office? As a founding member of the Dunwoody City Council I feel a keen sense of responsibility to ensure that Dunwoody continues down the path we have begun to define.
At Large District 1,
Post 5
Kerry DeVallette
Education: BA, History,
University of Tennessee
Occupation: Principal, The JKS Abbott Group, a healthcare IT advisory firm
Elected positions held
previously: none
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Addressing traffic issues, accelerating the rate in which we repave our roads, and getting our zoning ordinances re-written in the next nine to 12 months.
Why are you seeking this office? To bring my proven civic and business leadership skills, clinical approach to analyzing issues, and conservative fiscal values to council.
Lynn Deutsch
Education: Masters of city planning, Georgia Tech; Certificate in gerontology, Georgia State University; Bachelor degrees in government and journalism, University of Texas
Occupation: Former public policy researcher/mom/volunteer
Elected positions held previously: None–appointed to City of Dunwoody Planning Commission
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Traffic, park bonds, density, future development and fiscal concerns are the issues most often mentioned to me as I am meeting with Dunwoody residents.
Why are you seeking this office? I am running to ensure that Dunwoody is a city that respects the taxpayer, provides accountability, preserves our neighborhoods and is responsive to our citizens.
At Large District 1,
Post 6
John Heneghan
(imcumbent)
Education: B.A. in public administration/business law
Occupation: federal employee
Elected positions held previously: Founding member of Dunwoody City Council
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Road congestion, crime reduction and providing quality city services at the lowest price.
Why are you seeking this office? When I have the ability to make a difference, I have a responsibility to do so and second, transparency in government breeds self-corrective behavior.
Lithonia
Mayor
Tonya Peterson Anderson (Incumbent)
No information provided
Doreen Carter
Education: BBA Accounting; MA Theology; MBA 2012
Occupation: Accounting
Elected positions held previously: City Council
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The important issues in the election are effective leadership, a transparent and cohesive government, accountability, public safety, code enforcement, revitalization and a positive community environment.
Why are you seeking this office? I have worked hard as a council member to improve the city’s finance and image. The time has come for proven leadership to attract economic development and job opportunities.
Al T. Franklin
No information provided
Deborah A. Jackson
Education: Ph.D. and M.A., Public Policy & Community Economic Development, Southern New Hampshire University; J.D., Law, Rutgers University-Newark; M.A., Political Science, Rutgers University-Newark; A.B., History, Princeton University
Occupation: Attorney; economic development consultant and adjunct instructor
Elected positions held previously: Lithonia City Council (2009-2011)
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The need for informed and competent leadership; strengthening the government’s ability to work for the citizens; and good working relationship between mayor and council.
Why are you seeking this office? To use my community, government, legal, and leadership experiences for the benefit of the citizens to build a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable community.
City Council
(Vote for 2)
Darold P. Honore’ Jr.
Education: Bachelors from Georgia State University in finance and working on my masters in education from Strayer University. Leadership DeKalb class of 08
Occupation: Realtor
Elected positions held previously: Mayor
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The most important issue in this election is the large number of new elected council members at one time. The ability for the council on day one get the city moving will be a monumental task not to mention working a budget with a very low tax digest.
Why are you seeking this office? I live in the city and would like it to prosper and survive. Many people encouraged me to run to bring experience to the council.
Shameka S. Reynolds
Education: Associate Degree in Funeral Service Science
Occupation: Business owner, licensed funeral director and embalmer
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Cooperation from city hall and its residents working together so that we can carry out important issues to improve our city.
Why are you seeking this office? I’m seeking office to continue the work that has already been started but I want to bring positive solutions to the people of this great city.
Tabitha D. Wingo
Education:
Occupation: Corporate Tax Examiner for Georgia Department of Revenue
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Being a servant to the citizens of Lithonia. The citizens say they want economic growth, a beautiful city and a stronger local government. Now its time for that to be birth!
Why are you seeking this office? I want to bring life, pride, revitalization, growth, unity, education back into out community and government. My vision: new council, a new attitude and a new future.
Drucilla Woods
Education: Graduated Bruce Street High School
Occupation: Retired. Former court information officer for DeKalb County Superior Court
Elected positions held previously: This is my first time running for an elected position. I have however been very active in local politics in Lithonia
What do you see as the most important issues in this election: Code enforcement, economic/community development, and public safety.
Why are you seeking this office? I see a need for transparency in local government. Citizens deserve to be heard on issues. I will work to make Lithonia a proud city.
Tracy-Ann Williams
Education: Certified nurse assistant, Everest Institute; Paralegal Certificate, Kaplan University; Over 20 years of administrative experience
Occupation: Office administrator
Elected positions held previously: N/A
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The most important issues are revitalization of the city, improving code enforcement, and attracting new businesses.
Why are you seeking this office? We can reshape our future and revitalize our city to be one of the most welcoming, innovative and productive places to live and work, while maintaining our small town feel.
Stone Mountain
City Council, Post 1
Richard Mailman
Education:
Occupation: owner Mailman’s Yard Service and More
Elected positions held previously: city council
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Economic growth, stabilization of downfall of home prices, safety for our community, and better life as a whole.
Why are you seeking this office? Because I care about my community and the welfare of the residents of the City of Stone Mountain.
City Council Post 2
Claus A. Friese
Education: Equivalent BA Business from Hamburg, Germany
Occupation: Business owner
Elected positions held previously: None
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? Bringing business experience to the council I have 37 years of success here and would like to see the town prosper again.
Why are you seeking this office? It is customary for successful people to offer their talent and experience for the benefit of the city.
Denise Glenn
Education: Bachelor of Art in Child Development from Spelman College
Occupation: Teacher, DeKalb Academy of Technology and Environment, 4th Grade Language Art/ELA
Elected positions held previously: Stone Mountain City Council
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? I believe investment in economic development, fiscal responsibility and a better quality of life for residents of the city.
Why are you seeking this office? If elected to provide quality services for residents and businesses. I have always considered the city council position as continued service to community.
Mozell Sims Hurley
Education: Graduate Tuskegee University
Occupation: Retired Fulton County government/real estate and tax pro
Elected positions held previously: 1st time
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? All citizens have access to city budget appropriations & provisions thru revenue, involvement, participation, access and targeted areas.
Why are you seeking this office? To represent Stone Mountain citizens who feel they are underrepresented. Engage in planning, venues and events that will bring the greatest good and enhancement for the city and its citizens.
Cyril Mungal (Incumbent)
No information provided
City Council Post 3
Chakira J. Sallee
Education: Received my BS in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2001, working on my MS in International Relations with Troy University, anticipated graduation 2012
Occupation: Project engineer with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.
Elected positions held previously: Incumbent for Stone Mountain City Council Post 3
What do you see as the most important issues in this election? The most important issues facing the city are maintaining a fiscally sound budget, public safety, and economic development.
Why are you seeking this office? I am running for re-election because I believe I can continue to make a difference in our community and help the city grow responsibly.
