I will bring a sharper focus on Neighborhood Protection, Economic Development, Efficient Operations and Effective Implementation. My opponent has been ineffective in making any positive change a reality, even though she has been over the department that should be making this happen. I will bring a clearer understanding of the issues Roswell faces and an ability to work with others to get things done.
The official record of an elected official’s votes is the best judge of their performance. Please see just a sample of Councilmember Betty Price’s votes below.
Links are provided below for each vote to verify from the City of Roswell’s official website.
My opponent, Incumbent Betty Price
HAS FOUGHT AGAINST NEIGHBORHOOD PROTECTION
She has consistently supported developers over homeowners.
Who do you want voting on the next project proposed behind your house?
Made the initial motion for and voted to approve a used car dealer on Holcomb Bridge Road just east of GA400 – the entrance to Roswell. We want to remake this stretch of Holcomb Bridge and another used car dealer is NOT what is needed. This use goes against the existing and 2030 Comp Plan and was strongly opposed by surrounding neighborhoods. The used car dealer was approved 4-3, with Mayor Wood breaking the tie. May 10, 2010, Agenda Item #3, CU10-01, File # 10-0128
Made the initial motion for and voted to approve King’s Court Chapel (Willeo Rd & Hwy 120) over strong opposition from surrounding neighbors. This project involved several variances to buffers, stream crossings, access issues and squeezes too much onto a difficult piece of property.
February 14, 2011, Agenda Item #8, CU10-06, File # 10-0617
Made the initial motion for and voted to allow Fellowship Christian School to build a football stadium and allow sound and lights – in the backyards of hundreds of existing homeowners – over the substantial opposition of surrounding neighbors. Less than five years after a denial for this stadium and less than two years after Roswell won against an FCS lawsuit in the Georgia Supreme Court, Councilmember Price led the way on this very contentious project.
July 11, 2011, Agenda Item #4, CU11-02, File # 11-0058
Made the initial motion for and voted to allow a variance to the Steep Slope Ordinance – the primary defense preventing building on extremely steep hills which will cause damage to nearby stream.
April 11, 2011, Agenda Item #4, File # 11-0073
In several zoning cases she made the initial motion to approve what the developer wanted but because of community opposition, no other councilmember would even second her motion. Each of these rezonings was defeated, but who do you want voting when the next project?
Made the initial motion to approve car wash, dry cleaner and day care at the back entrance of Horseshoe Bend. The motion died for lack of a second.
September 13, 2010, Agenda Item #5, RZ10-05, CV10-01, CU10-03, File # 10-0225
Made the initial motion to approve a project violating Parkway Village guidelines. The “Roswell look” along Highway 92 is due to Parkway Village guidelines and it is critical to continue to follow these guidelines for future development. The motion died for lack of a second.
July 12, 2010, Agenda Item #8, PV10-01, File # 10-0357
SHE HAS NOT FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As the liaison to Community Development my opponent has been ineffective in making changes to the problems businesses and residents face within that department – the key reason Roswell is seen as anti-business.
SHE VOTED AGAINST:
Cutting $1,001,539 in annual operating expenses, eliminating unneeded positions and restructuring departments. This was the culmination of a comprehensive effort to streamline city operations and save your tax dollars. Thankfully this budget cut passed 5-1
October 25, 2010, Agenda Item #7, Budget Amendment 1585-10-25-10, File # 10-0725
Smoking Ban in Roswell Parks. Roswell is an active city with many of using city parks, including children. Roswell was one of the first cities in the area to ban smoking from it’s parks. Other cities have now followed. The smoking ban passed 5-1
May 17, 2010, Agenda Item #6
and July 12, 2010, Agenda Item #5, File # 10-0289
Trying to reduce Pawn/Gold/Check Cashing shops. A requirement of minimum distance between these “eyesores” that only exhibit a further deterioration of certain corridors. This requirement passed 3-1.
October 11, 2010, Agenda Item #5, RZ10-09, File # 10-0671
SHE HAS NOT EVEN VOTED ON KEY ISSUES:
Abstained from voting on the final FY2012 Budget. Voting on the annual expenditures of the city is THE KEY responsibility of every Councilmember. My opponent did not vote on the final version of this year’s budget.
June 1, 2011, Agenda Item #1, File # 11-0340
Occasionally, a Councilmember may abstain from a vote if there is a real or perceived conflict of interest on that issue, which is a totally legitimate reason not to vote. In the past 10 years there were no abstentions in 3 calendar years and only 1 in 3 more. Each of these was actually a “recusal” from voting due to potential conflict.
Councilmember Price has set a new standard for simply not voting, not because of any potential conflict. If she has stated a reason it has generally been because she “didn’t have enough information” or because it was a particularly contentious issue. Yet all the other Councilmembers present voted.
In just 23 months in office she has abstained from voting 11 times (in both committee and Council meetings). No other Councilmember EVER has come close (that’s 9 different people over the last 10 years)
You elect your Councilmembers to represent you – which involves voting on issues before the Council. I will vote on every issue brought before me on the Council.
Other Abstentions:
$60,000 for construction and approval of two permanent easements for the Swaybranch Stormwater Detention Pond Rehabilitation Project
September 26, 2011, Agenda Item #15, Budget Amendment #4320G1-09-26-11, File # 11-0557
Betty Price Abstained
Funding one-time employee stipend at mid-year budget adjustment. Not actually approving this budget item but agreeing to take a second look in January, 2012.
June 1, 2011, Agenda Item #1, File # 11-0340
Betty Price Abstained
Cultural Arts Center Strategic Plan: FY 2011 – FY 2013.
April 12, 2011, Agenda Item #12, Admin/Finance & Recreation and Parks Committee, File # 11-0261
Betty Price Abstained
SR 120 at Mimosa Boulevard Crosswalk Improvements for MARTA Offset Project
April 27, 2011, Agenda Item #24, Community Development and Transportation Committee, File # 11-0296
Betty Price Abstained
Resolution to Adopt the Signing Authority Policy. A house-cleaning measure to clarify which employees may sign certain contracts.
February 14, 2011, Agenda Item #6, File # 11-0092
Betty Price Abstained
2010 Comp Plan Update to Short Term Work Program and Capital Improvement Element
May, 19, 2010, Agenda Item #6, Community Development and Transportation Committee, File # 10-0305
Betty Price Astained (said not enough time to review information – all others voted)
Banning open alcohol containers on city streets, with exemptions for special events and streets within subdivisions, i.e., your own front yard or street.
May 3, 2010, Agenda Item #9, File # 10-0057
Betty Price Abstained
Crabapple Road Sidewalk project in the amount of $179,563.87
October 27, 2010, Agenda Item #5, Community Development and Transportation Committee, File # 10-0717
Betty Price Abstained (she said she needed to go look at area again – all others voted)
Roof Repairs for Roswell Area Park Community Activity Building and at 820 Community Circle.
November 9, 2010, Agenda Item #1, Admin/Finance and Recreation and Parks Committee, File # 10-0743
Betty Price Abstained
Recommendation from Chief Spencer for Fire Station to be located at Big Creek – a tough call – I was a leader of the opposition to locate the station here and would have voted against this.
December 14, 2010, Agenda Item #2, Public Safety and Public Works Committee, File # 10-0848
Betty Price Abstained