ed council members advocate a return to a Balanced Growth strategy. Where do you stand on bus rapid transit routes along Ga. 400? I stand at the nearest Bus Stop! Ok, sorry for that, but really, I think the proposed BRT along the GDOT Managed Lanes makes great sense – it will take advantage of state and regional monies already earmarked for that project, and the so-called Last Mile funding that Alpharetta and neighboring communities will need to fund can be accomplished without new taxes. We need to reduce the number of cars on the road and the traffic they create. In my opinion, this is the best interim traffic management solution available to Alpharetta while the newly-created Atlanta-region Transit Link (the ATL) develops, funds, and implements long-term traffic management strategies. Many employees in Alpharetta must commute because they cannot afford to live here. Do you see any solution in terms of affordable housing? Alpharetta is landlocked, and further annexation opportunities are unrealistic. So, we’re a prosperous center of technology that can expect housing prices and commercial rents to continue to increase at a faster pace than neighboring cities. However, because businesses continue to expand in Alpharetta, the good news is that our residents can expect millage rates and taxes to remain among the lowest in the region. And, as documented recently by the AJC, the further good news is that apartment rents have peaked in Alpharetta and are actually falling. So, while the cost of entry may be higher than in surrounding cities, our quality of life, excellent schools, and stable taxes and rents have made Alpharetta the best overall value in the region. Describe the kind of Alpharetta you’d like to see in 8 years. How can you help make it happen? Eight years from now, my goal is to have eliminated the divide that’s been created between those in Alpharetta who support more high-density growth and those of us who favor a balanced approach that won’t compromise our infrastructure. During this campaign, I have knocked on hundreds of doors and heard from residents who have seen council repeatedly act in favor of “special interests.” I will help change that, by first insisting that we adhere to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which calls for balanced growth, but also by being as proactive as possible in seeking out the ideas, opinions, and support of a base that is representative of all of Alpharetta. Whether we’re natives or more newly arrived, Alpharetta residents deeply appreciate its unique qualities – great schools, fabulous parks, and green spaces, and its hometown atmosphere – and expect our City Council members to protect and enhance those qualities. We deserve nothing less. What distinguishes you from your opponent in terms of what you could bring to the office? First, I’m prepared and able to take on the challenges of elected office! In the past ten years, I’ve served as a volunteer for my HOA board, Neighborhood Watch, and Windward Community Services Association. For the past six years, I’ve been an appointee to the Alpharetta Planning Commission. I’ve shown that I’m a consensus-builder who knows how to get the right things done. Second, I’m passionate about Alpharetta and the challenges we face. Before moving here 13 years ago, I lived in many different places during my corporate career, giving me a perspective and appreciation for all that Alpharetta offers. I don’t take our unique quality of life for granted, and that’s why – when it came time to downsize - John and I decided Alpharetta is truly our hometown. We’re here for the long-haul and committed
MEET THE CANDIDATES to helping keep Alpharetta a great place to live, work and raise families.
KATIE HARDING Has Alpharetta reached its limit on development? How does one guard against overdevelopment? Anyone who says that the city has reached its limit on development is not fully acknowledging projects that have already been planned and approved prior to now. The more pressing quesHARDING tion is whether Alpharettans and existing infrastructure can tolerate the coming growth well. Along with new opportunities, growth brings pains and transitions, but I’m hopeful about what’s ahead for the city. It is worth mentioning that Alpharetta’s growth is guided by the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, which allows for land use according to zonings such as residential, corporate office, commercial, industrial, parks & open space, and mixed-use. The plan must be updated at certain intervals by law, so I encourage residents to engage in public forums to offer input on those updates. One person cannot guard against overdevelopment; it requires a team of committed councilpersons and mayor whose guide is the CLUP and aim is the greater good of the city. Where do you stand on bus rapid transit routes along Ga. 400? The cost of building heavy rail makes it prohibitive, so I favor BRT as a solution that brings needed public transportation connection further into North Fulton along 400. BRT is the recommended option for extending public transit north of Holcomb Bridge Rd. Additionally, there is an opportunity to partner with GDOT to incorporate BRT within managed lanes that are on the way, but we must act quickly to take advantage of that collaboration. Many Alpharetta employees must commute because they cannot afford to live here. Do you see any solution in terms of affordable housing? Housing affordability continues to be a growing issue across Metro Atlanta and the nation. Many of the amenities and necessities that comprise the quality of life elements we enjoy depend on workforce, transportation and housing. Leaders have a responsibility to acknowledge and address challenges surrounding those issues. In other areas, developers are taking advantage of low-income housing tax credits. Inclusionary zoning is being imposed within some rental properties where a certain percentage of units (e.g. 10%) must be priced at a fixed percentage of median income (e.g. 60%). I cannot say if either of those would be a good solution for Alpharetta, but I believe housing affordability is becoming a matter of corporate and social responsibility, and I am interested in further discussing possible remedies. Describe the kind of Alpharetta you’d like to see in 8 years. How can you help make it happen? I would like to see the Technology City of the South connecting and supporting residents of all ages with signature opportunities to live, work and play here. This includes the critical revitalization of the North Point corridor. I’d additionally like to see local transit that connects residents to our different activity nodes where we will find people enjoying arts and culture as they walk or bicycle safely around the city. I will contribute to this vision by guiding stakeholders to pursue concepts outlined by residents and, of course, by engaging with friends and neighbors as we enjoy life in our hometown. What distinguishes you from your opponent in terms of what you could bring to the office?
NorthFulton.com | Alpharetta-Roswell Herald | May 17, 2018 | 7
YOUR BALLOT
Voters in North Fulton may select either a Republican or Democrat primary ballot at the polls May 22. They will choose from a slate of candidates in statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, commissioner of insurance, state school superintendent, commissioner of labor and two public service commissioners. Local races for the state Senate and House feature far fewer contested races. The winners in each partisan race will face off with the opposing party winner in the November General Election.
FULTON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD (Non-partisan) District 2 (North Fulton) • Katie Reeves (I) • Tom Pemble
FULTON COUNTY COMMISSION District 1 (North Fulton) Republican Democrat • Liz Hausmann (I)
STATE SENATE
District 21 (Alpharetta, Milton) Republican Democrat • Brandon Beach (I) • Nicole Nash District 32 (Parts of west Roswell) Republican Democrat • Kay Kirkpatrick (I) • Christine Triebsch District 56 (Roswell, Alpharetta, Mountain Park) Republican Democrat • John Albers (I) • Jim Guess, Jr. • Ellyn Jeager • Patrick Thompson
STATE HOUSE
District 47 (Milton) Republican Democrat • Jan Jones (I) • Andrea Nugent District 48 (Roswell, Alpharetta) Republican Democrat • Betty Price (I) • Mary Robichaux • Jere Wood District 49 (Alpharetta, Roswell) Republican Democrat • Charles Martin • Krishan A. Bralley • Wesley Randall District 51 (Roswell and Johns Creek) Republican Democrat • Alex B. Kaufman • Josh McLaurin As a 34-year-old working woman, I represent the Alpharetta workforce and the average age of Alpharetta residents. When I look to the future, I see 30 to 40 more years of live-work-play here, and I will make decisions through the lens of a long-term perspective in consideration of the current and next generation. During my time working at the local Verizon Amphitheatre, I balanced not only the responsibility of raising funding for my own and others’ livelihoods, but also the needs and requests of my clients while protecting the interests of the organization as a whole. This same practice is required of all who serve our local government and must address the concerns of individuals and groups while honoring the greater good of the city. I am committed to making smart evaluations on council, and I would be honored to serve with the team of leaders elected to preserve and promote our city. I ask for you to join me in voting Katie Harding for your Alpharetta City Council Post 3.
See MAYOR’S CANDIDATES, Page 8