Candidate Q and A with Austell Mayoral Candidate Chris Djonis

The municipal elections for five of the seven cities in Cobb County are currently underway. This includes Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, and Smyrna. The Cobb County Democracy Center, in partnership with Spotlight, believes that voter engagement and informed decision-making are crucial in shaping the future of these cities. Candidates within competitive races have been asked to provide their positions on various issues to allow voters to gain insights into the candidates’ perspectives and priorities as voters make their choices in these local elections.
 
COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Tell voters about yourself, 

CHRIS DJONIS: My wife and I have lived in Austell for over 10 years and what originally drawn us to this “little town” due to its “friendly people and the sense of a small community from yesteryear,” we have two wonderful children and I know Austell is a wonderful community to raise them in. I am seeking the position of Mayor of Austell. Alongside my devoted family, I am determined to enhance our city’s charm while fostering stronger community bonds.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Tell voters why you are the right choice for Austell Mayor and why they should cast their ballots for you.

CHRIS DJONIS: Simply put, I believe that a government “for the people” must be transparent, honest, and put the interests of the community as a whole above those of big-money special interests. My city government will nurture progress and prosperity that benefits all of us, while protecting our small-town character, making Austell an even better place to live. I believe I have the integrity, energy and vision needed to tackle the challenges we face together. as a candidate for mayor and to outline the actions I aim to take if elected. With your support, I vow to implement the following initiatives: Public financial audit to ensure transparency and accountability; Town hall for all wards. I firmly believe that your input is important and am committed to holding town hall meetings in each ward to actively listen to your concerns and ideas; Feedback from police, fire, and city employees; Transparency and communication: I firmly believe in transparent governance and communication is key. I will ensure that it flows freely between the city administration and our residents. Community growth and smart development. I believe that prioritizing community growth is essential for a thriving Austell; and Promoting festivals and community involvement. By working together, we can ensure that Austell becomes a place where everyone feels welcome and engaged. I am excited about the potential that lies ahead for Austell.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: What experience will you bring to the role of Mayor?

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Other Cobb cities are actively looking at setting up ethics committees to review complaints and remedy conflicts of interest by city officials. As Austell Mayor, would you consider setting up an Ethics Committee to address unethical behavior in government? 

CHRIS DJONIS: I am a general contractor. My company specializes in renovating multifamily communities and commercial buildings in Georgia.” I believe my background and experience will help Austell develop its own revitalization plan and to successfully see it through without any waste.”

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Give voters your thoughts on Ethical Leadership and why it should be a factor they consider as they elect the next Mayor of Austell.

CHRIS DJONIS: Commitment to community. I deeply care about the well-being of our residents and believe that every individual deserves a safe, inclusive, and prosperous environment to thrive. And I am committed to actively engaging with members of our community to understand their concerns, aspirations and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions. My vision for Austell revolves around four key pillars, safety, education, transparency, and accountability. I also believe term limits for our mayor and council would be in the best interest of our community. By focusing our efforts on these areas, I believe we can create lasting, positive change as we revitalize our beloved community.

CHRIS DJONIS: I would definitely consider setting up an Ethics Committee to address unethical behavior. Accountability is the key to maintaining trust in our community and as your mayor, I will uphold myself and all members of city government accountable for their actions. Transparency and accountability are fundamental principles and good governance. I pledge to foster a transparent and accessible city government where the concerns and voices of our residents are heard and valued. Together, we can cultivate the environment. Of trust our decisions are made with integrity and in the best interest of our community. I believe that you have a right to know the truth about and a say in how your tax dollars are spent.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: What are your thoughts on Austell’s economy?

CHRIS DJONIS: My administration will prioritize strategic development planning that aligns with the unique needs of our city. Rather than pursuing overambitious projects that may not benefit our community in the short term, in the near future we will begin focusing on small pockets of redevelopment that will help preserve our cherished community feel. By minimizing wasteful spending in our pursuit of such redevelopment, we can optimize the use of our resources for the betterment of all our residents. Furthermore, I share your concerns about recent projects approved behind closed doors, such as constructing the massive warehouse across from Garrett Middle School. To address this issue, with the council’s approval, I committed to ceasing the issuance of new land permits for used-car lots, repair facilities, and businesses that do not directly contribute to our community’s overall appearance and welfare. I firmly believe that our city’s future depends on preserving its unique character and ensuring that any development aligns with the best interests of our residents. In conclusion, if elected as your Mayor, I will do everything possible to improve Safety, Education, Accountability, Transparency, and Strategic Redevelopment. I will work tirelessly to identify any shortcomings and rectify them promptly. It is my sincerest desire to serve you, the residents of our great city, and to promote a prosperous and harmonious community for all.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Share with voters your views on Austell’s infrastructure.

CHRIS DJONIS: I share the same concerns about the slow progress of Austell’s infrastructure and the importance of catching up with other cities to ensure safe and sustainable growth. Planning and being proactive in the face of potential disasters are not only key priorities for me but also fundamental to the future development and resilience of our community. Infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting economic growth, improving the quality of life for residents, and attracting businesses and investments. It is imperative that we address the current shortcomings and work towards modernizing and expanding our infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population. To do so, we must adopt a “grow smart” approach, integrating both short-term and long-term strategies. (Not building in flood zones) This means considering factors such as population growth, transportation demands, water and wastewater management, and the impact on the environment. By making informed decisions and investing in the right priorities, we can ensure that our infrastructure projects are not only efficient but also sustainable in the long run. Planning, in my view, is of utmost importance. It allows us to anticipate and mitigate potential risks, respond effectively during times of crisis, and build a more resilient community. It is my commitment to prioritize infrastructure development Implementing a “QUIET ZONE” and disaster planning as we work towards a brighter future for Austell. By investing in the necessary resources, collaborating with key stakeholders, and seeking the input of our community, we can develop a well-designed, resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population and safeguards our town from unforeseen challenges. Together, we can ensure that Austell remains a safe and thriving place to live, work, and raise a family.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Share your thoughts on Diversity and Inclusion and why it is important in Austell.

CHRIS DJONIS: My vision for Austell revolves around four key pillars: safety, education, transparency, and accountability. By focusing our efforts on these areas, I believe we can create lasting positive change as we revitalize our beloved community. Safety is of utmost importance to me. As your mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of every Austell resident. This includes fostering strong relationships between law enforcement and our community, implementing proactive crime prevention measures, and supporting initiatives promoting safer neighborhoods for families and businesses. Education is the cornerstone of a thriving society. I am dedicated to improving our education system, providing our children with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. By working closely with our schools, parents, and educators, we can enhance the quality of education in our local schools, empowering our youth to achieve their fullest potential. 

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: What are your thoughts on Austell’s Public Safety? 

CHRIS DJONIS: I am committed to working diligently with our police policy to ensure that it is managed correctly and effectively. The safety and well-being of our community are of paramount importance to me, and I understand the significant role that law enforcement plays in achieving this. My approach to managing our police policy will be guided by the following principles: 1. Transparency and Accountability, Community Engagement, Training and Professional Development, Fair and Just Policing, and Collaboration and Partnerships. I understand that effective management of our police policy requires ongoing evaluation, adaptation, and responsiveness to the needs of our community. I am dedicated to working closely with our police department, city council, and residents to ensure that our policies align with the values and priorities of our community. Together, let us build a safe, vibrant, and inclusive city that we can all be proud to call home.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Please provide a closing statement.

CHRIS DJONIS: In conclusion, I am enthusiastically seeking to be mayor of our wonderful City because I am passionate about serving our community, driving positive change and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. I humbly request your support and my journey, and I look forward to having the opportunity to discuss my vision for our city in more detail. Together we can create a city that we all are proud to call home. A true leader, particularly someone in the mayor’s position, should lead by example and utilize their power to ensure that all elections are conducted in a clean and fair manner. It is crucial for voters to have the freedom to choose their preferred candidate without any intimidation or baseless claims impeding the democratic process.