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Legislators talk transit funding, other issues at town hall By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — State Sen. Sally Harrel and state representatives Mike Wilensky and Josh McLaurin talked healthcare, education and the state budget at a town hall March 4. First, each legislator individually went over some of the legislation they have filed this session, and then answered questions from attendees. Harrel represents Dunwoody as well as other portions of DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Wilensky’s district includes Dunwoody and parts of Doraville and Chamblee. McLaurin represents parts of Sandy Springs, Roswell and Johns Creek. All three are Democrats. A recurring theme of the night was
the challenges of governing from the minority party. Partially in response to the planned I-285 toll lanes, Harrel said she filed a resolution that would call for amending the state constitution to allow Georgia’s gas tax to be used for public transit projects. Right now, Georgia’s constitution requires gas tax revenue only be used for roads and bridges. “I was grateful to have a hearing,” Harrel said. “I didn’t think I’d get that. It got a lot of media attention. It’s not going to pass this session … but it started the dialogue.” Harrell said compromises on the proposed constitutional amendment or other sources of revenue, like a ridesharing tax, could be worked out in the future.
See HALL, Page 20
CARSON COOK/CRIER
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch introduces, from left, State Rep. Josh McLaurin, State Rep. Mike Wilensky and State Sen. Sally Harrel.
Discover Dunwoody hosts talk on the importance of placemaking By CARSON COOK carson@appenmediagroup.com
More than half a million people visited Dunwoody in 2019, mostly business travelers, according to estimates from the visitor bureau. DUNWOODY, Ga. — Local leaders often The average visitor spends $360 a day focus on how to make their city a desiron a hotel room, dining, shopping and able place to live. Outside of major tour6 66 66 6 66 6 entertainment, which adds up to millions ist destinations, less attention is paid to in economic impact. Discovery Dunwoody making a city a desirable place to visit. estimates the sales tax revenue generated According to author and community by visitors saves Dunwoody residents development consultant Peter Kageyaabout $6,500 per household. ma, those things are one and the same. “Tourism is important to us,” Dun“Tourists like what locals think is cool,” Kageyama said. woody Economic Development Director That was the theme of his talk before Michael Starling said. “What tourists members of the Dunwoody City Council, want is what residents want is what ofand business and community leadfice workers want.” @ @ staff @ @ Discover Dunwoody outgoing Ex@ @ ers March 5. The event was hosted by 1 13/4/19 Page11 03-06-19_HAbannerBlue.qxp_Layout 3/4/1911:16 11:16 AM AM Page @ @ Discover @ 03-06-19_HAbannerBlue.qxp_Layout Dunwoody, the city’s convenecutive Director Katie Williams said 03-06-19_HAbannerBlue.qxp_Layout 1 3/4/19 11:16 AM Page 1 1 3/4/19 11:16 AM Page 1 @ and visitors bureau. 03-06-19_HAbannerBlue.qxp_Layout the organization wants residents to tion @ @ @ @
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understand the benefits of tourism in their community and to serve as ambassadors, promoting the city to potential visitors. Enter Kageyama, whose books are all about what makes people love where they live. It’s not enough for a city to be safe and functional, he argues. Cities should look for ways to make their spaces more attractive, interesting and fun. “There is no love in fixing potholes,” Kageyama said. “There is no emotional investment in fixing a pothole. That’s not > > to say we’re going to stop fixing > potholes, > > CARSON COOK/CRIER > but we need to do more … ‘Where is the > Author > and community development > > to > consultant Peter Kageyama speaks fun?’ is a perfectly> legitimate >> > question > > >before the Dunwoody City Council, city ask when talking about placemaking.” > > > >
> staff and business leaders March 5 at > > > > > > > See> DISCOVER, Page 5 > >Crowne Plaza Ravinia. > > > > > >> Hours:Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5:30, 10-5:30, Fri 10-5 Fri 10-5 Mon-Thurs Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5:30, Fri 10-5 Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5:30, Fri 10-5
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