Candidate Q and A with Smyrna City Council Ward 5 Candidate Suz Kaprich

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.

SUZ KAPRICH: Hello, My name is Suz Kaprich, I am running for Smyrna City Council Ward 5.  I have been married for over 30 years, have 2 grown children and one very sweet dog named Romeo. 

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

SUZ KAPRICH: I am running for council so that I can have a positive impact on my community.  

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

SUZ KAPRICH: I have been a nurse executive for 20 years, and 3 years ago became a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway.  In my leadership roles I ran many large projects.  A council member needs to be able to see the broad impact on issues and initiatives.  I come with that perspective.  I will also be able to lead large projects that will benefit everyone in my ward.  

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 Council person for this post or ward.

SUZ KAPRICH:Each person lives by a set of morals and values, my values and morals relate to helping others and serving.  

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. Would you consider setting up an Ethics Committee to address unethical behavior in government?

SUZ KAPRICH: Yes, I would support setting up an ethics committee. I think it is very important.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Tell voters your thoughts on Transparency in Government.

SUZ KAPRICH: We need governmental transparency so constituents know what is going on and can have a say in local initiatives and the direction of the city. 

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

SUZ KAPRICH: Smyrna is a strong and vibrant community which has leadership who demonstrate responsible spending. 

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

SUZ KAPRICH: I’m not sure what you are asking here. City government infrastructure?  

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

SUZ KAPRICH: Diversity and inclusion is important in every venue, not just Smyrna.  I think there has been good progress with inclusion of diverse people and love the fact that this is a diverse community. 

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

SUZ KAPRICH: Our police department provides a great balance of enforcing law as well as supporting community members.  They have a difficult job and do their jobs very well.

COBB COUNTY DEMOCRACY CENTER: Please provide a closing statement.

SUZ KAPRICH: Thank you for the opportunity to engage in this dialog.  I will do my best and keep ward members informed about council activities.