Tuesday’s Election Keeps Some Incumbents, Brings New Leadership, a New City and More

As the polls closed on Tuesday, Novmber 3rd, the Metro Region found itself with new Mayors in Kennesaw (Derek Easterling), Powder Springs (Al Thurman), Douglasville (Rochelle Robinson), Brookhaven (John Ernst), Snellville (Tom Witts), Fayetteville(Ed Johnson) and Dunwoody (Dennis Shortal), while Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon, Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson, Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood, Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins, College Park Mayor Jack Longino, Doraville Mayor Donna Pitman, Tyrone Mayor Eric Dial and Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon and Hapeville Mayor Alan Hallman all held of challengers to continue another term in office.

Additionally, DeKalb County will see another city formed, as the City of Tucker was overwhelmingly approved by 74% of the voters and will begin full operations on July 1, 2016.  Lavista Hills did not see the same fate as it failed to incorporate by a mere 136 votes. The city of Tucker will have an approximate population of 36,000 and will feature a Council – City Manager form of government.

Gwinnett County voters with 75% of the vote in favor, overwhelmingly extended their 1% E-SPLOST, which is expected to generate close to $1 billion dollars and will continue to pay for education projects in the County and Buford school systems. This is a great win for Gwinnett and we commend the voters for continuing to support a great system like Gwinnett County Schools.

A number of new councilmembers will be sworn in this coming January, including Smyrna’s Doug Stoner and Derek Norton, Kennesaw’s Jim Eaton, Yvette Daniel and Jimmy Dickens.  Austell,  Powder Springs, Woodstock, Chamblee, Clarkston,  Decatur, Doraville, Douglasville, Fayetville, Lilburn, Norcross, Peachtree City, East Point, Hapeville, Johns Creek and Roswell all will welcome new members in January as well.

The Council for Quality Growth commends all those who were elected to serve and thanks all those who have served and will be moving on to new ventures.

To view a comprehensive listing of all elections and results, Click HERE