The Cobb County Democracy Center, led by Executive Director Dr. Monica Wills Brown, organized a Kennesaw Candidate Forum on Tuesday. The event aimed to facilitate a discussion between candidates running for office and the city’s residents regarding Kennesaw’s rapid growth, increasing housing costs, and infrastructure requirements.

Participating in the forum were Tracey Viars, Jon Bothers, Madelyn Orochena, and Anthony Gutierrez who gathered to discuss various crucial topics related to the city’s future. Notably, Orochena and Bothers are challenging incumbent Lynette Burnette for the Post 1 seat, though Burnette was not in attendance.

The panel provided insights and opinions on a range of subjects, including affordable housing and the need for more apartments, enhancing the city’s parks, promoting energy efficiency through investments in solar panels and tax credits, improving the arts scene in Kennesaw, and investing in sustainable infrastructure, among other important matters.

Candidate Gutierrez emphasized the importance of focusing on the needs of current Kennesaw residents, expressing concern that the city is overly focused on attracting new residents. He also discussed concerns about Georgia Power’s monopoly and its impact on citizens who often face higher bills while the company reaps significant benefits.

Viars emphasized aesthetics and pedestrian safety, advocating for the use of planters, art installations, and tree-lined medians to enhance the city’s visual appeal.

Bothers voiced support for solar panels and suggested collaboration with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to address the need for affordable housing.

Orochena stressed the importance of supporting the arts and the need for some level of density in Kennesaw to bolster local businesses.

Residents will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the upcoming election, with advance early voting starting on Monday, October 16.