SPOTLIGHT Q and A with candidates for District 4

Dr. Jennifer Anthony

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

The three most pressing concerns that are on the minds of the residents of Mableton are increased taxes, implications of de-annexation, and infrastructure development.

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

I have several top priorities as an elected official for the new city of Mableton. They include updating zoning ordinances,  facilitating efficient public works service, increasing youth services and programs, creating a process for increased code enforcement accountability, identifying diverse housing opportunities, and diversifying revenue sources. 

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as democratic. With this approach, I thrive on setting goals, guiding team discussions, and having enough input to make the final decision. I recognize that every member of a team has valuable insights and experience and it is imperative to create a collaborative culture to gain fresh ideas and new creative input. 

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

Communication is integral for the success of any organization. The public expects transparency from all levels of government. Most residents also expect access to information about their community. These expectations mean the city council must be proactive in information dissemination. I believe this starts with a comprehensive communication strategy. Having an effective strategy ensures that there is consistent messaging and the messages are congruent with the mission, vision, and culture.  Although Mableton is one city, each district has distinct needs and it is important that as a council our digital communication must segment different demographic groups into multiple audiences and appeal to each audience in a way that is best for them. It is important to understand and use social media integration to communicate information. Communication is a two-way process. Part of the strategy would be to significantly improve the way Mableton city council connects with and listens to residents. The perspectives and experiences of our constituents are important. And our local government must show that the opinions of our residents matter. That encourages most people to speak up and engage for a better community. Lastly, effective communication should be aimed at inspiring action.

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

Communication is a vital management component of any organization and effective communication is an integral issue in effective management. The district that I represent is but one piece of the Mableton community.  It takes the entire council to work as a collective body to ensure that we are a strong cohesive community and city. For communication to be effective, it must be clear, correct, complete, concise, and compassionate.

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

There has been a lot of chatter regarding the possibility of an increase in taxes to raise revenue and meet fiscal needs.  I believe that raising taxes should never be the default response for addressing budgetary concerns. There are other options that provide greater stability and are more acceptable to residents and businesses.  One thing that is often overlooked is the ability to manage our own real estate assets.  By doing this, Mableton could potentially generate new revenue, stabilize the general fund, and increase the tax base. We must examine privately owned lots that are underused and find ways to encourage development on those sites or support redevelopment to increase the taxable value of surrounding land.  A city having control over its own land use and zoning is one of the easiest routes to creating wealth. 

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

Leadership and learning are indispensable to one another.  Therefore, it is crucial to communicate and seek guidance from various stakeholders.  As a council, one of the first things that need to be accomplished is to retain an attorney, who in collaboration with the city council will work towards hiring a city manager, who will hire city staff. During these first days in office, I will vote on a proposed budget that is fiscally reasonable and responsible.  Also as the county begins to offload services, I will ensure that I exhibit strong leadership to ensure a smooth transfer of services and mitigate any impact on residents. 

What is your position on de-annexation?

State law recognizes the need for growing cities by stating, “municipal corporations are created for the purpose of providing local governmental services and for ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of persons and the protection of property in areas being used primarily for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional purposes” (O.C.G.A. § 36-36-51(1)). Cities exist to provide services to growing areas and residents enhanced amenities, which in turn can raise property values. Cities also serve to provide a sense of identity and community. Many residents appreciate having access to a smaller more responsive local government, where a mayor-council represents a few thousand people, allowing for decision-making to be in direct correlation to the needs of individual neighborhoods.  I understand the annexation opposition including the ballot verbiage. As a leader, it is my duty to not disenfranchise any voter. Therefore, I want to ensure that honest and transparent conversations take place and that solutions are presented. Real progress and resolutions are born from communicating, collaborating, and compromising. For the success of the city that is in its infancy, we need leaders who have a skill set and willingness to unite our Mableton residents instead of already starting out with discord and division.

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

Ethics centers around moral values and rules. As a school administrator, one of my greatest responsibilities is to always have an ethical perception and make decisions within the confines of what is ethical and right.  As a leader, I ground myself and my decision-making in the following four principles: 1) how do I manage my organization to optimize performance, 2) how are values and goals reflected in systems that are created,  3) how have I cultivated relationships with those I work with, and 4) how do my leadership values appear when faced with difficult situations?  To solve an ethical dilemma, I must first recognize what the dilemma is. Then it is imperative to seek all points of view.  Then if the situation necessitates involving other experts or gathering other opinions, I will do so. Then I always devise a plan for the steps I should take to ensure the best possible outcome for my decision. Lastly, I implement the plan and reflect on the outcomes. 

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

South Cobb has some sound structure, but it takes a holistic approach to continue to spur economic development and increase redevelopment. Mableton is poised to be the cultural and economic hub of Cobb County.  Mableton has easy access to both Interstates 20 and 285, as well as access to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.   So it is imperative that the council need to collaborate with both private and non-profit sectors to stimulate economic development, which in turn would ignite community improvements and improve educational outcomes. While also thinking of redevelopment, we also need to think about affordable housing options for our residents.  There is an unbalanced distribution of affordable housing between the various districts in Mableton.  This unbalance can be addressed through various options including providing density bonuses, adopting inclusionary housing practices, as well as utilizing community land trusts. Having stable housing options and thriving businesses are key components to the redevelopment of Mableton.

Cassandra Brown

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

1. Taxes – Net neutral millage rate or as close to zero as possible  2. Code Enforcement  3. Delivery of City Services  

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

Efficient and Cost-Effective Delivery of Services  Ethical and Transparent Government  Smart Growth and Planning for our future.

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

I am a data-driven, thoughtful, and collaborative leader.  I am decisive and not above rolling up my sleeves to get the job done.  I give my teams autonomy, but I “trust but verify”.

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

Once the council and mayor are seated it is imperative that we set up a series of town hall meetings to hear directly from our residents. Further, we should get a city website set up as quickly as possible for the dissemination of information.  Then finally, we should utilize the digital message board at the Amphitheater to communicate upcoming meetings and events. I would personally host weekly “open office hours” for residents and produce a monthly newsletter.  

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

I believe the key to effective communication involves the council members establishing a rapport with one another. I would seek to meet one on one with each member to get to know them. Also, it’s imperative that we are participating in team-building activities that seek to build trust and mutual understanding amongst the council. 

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

To ensure that we have the budget appropriation that we need to run the city we will need to have a strong city attorney, manager, and expert consultants to negotiate for Mableton’s fair share of the 10 sources of commercial revenues identified in the feasibility study.  Further, our team will also need to negotiate with utility companies for our share of franchise fees.  

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

Within the first 30 days, I want us to be underway with identifying a well-qualified city attorney.  Also, within the first 30 days, we will need to establish a meeting place. Within the first 90 days, we should’ve brought on a recruiter and identified qualified candidates for city manager, as well as commenced talks with consultants or companies that have experience in setting up new cities. During the first 60 days, we should also hold a town hall to keep our residents informed and to gain their input.

What is your position on de-annexation?

My position regarding de-annexation is that we follow the current Georgia law on this topic. Those seeking a legislative remedy are within their rights to do so.

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

As a landlord, I was asked more than once by holders of housing vouchers to take money on the side as an enticement to rent to them. I declined. 

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

We should undertake a comprehensive development plan with 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20-year goals.  As a first order of business, I would like to see the city start to work with our businesses regarding code enforcement with an aim to create a more orderly and aesthetically pleasing streetscape.  Ultimately, I’d like to see a city center in the Floyd Rd corridor with a live/work/play component that ties into our existing amphitheater and arts center. We can achieve this within the next 10-20 years through public/private partnerships and grants.  I would also seek funding from the state for assistance for our seniors who live in homes that are in need of weatherproofing and repair.

Heidi Dasinger

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

The establishment of a well-functioning, newly-elected governmental body and city staff and/or contract services;  2.  A high-quality and fiscally-responsible transition and establishment of services from Cobb County Government (CCG); and  3. Enhanced economic development efforts.  

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

My goals and the objectives to achieve those goals lie in my answer to the prior question.  My term for District 4 will be two years.  If, in that time, we can come together as a cohesive governing body, successfully transition the three or four services from CCG with a transparent and efficient budget, and begin to use zoning, code enforcement, and parks and recreational development to jump-start economic development in our town, then we have accomplished a great deal!

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

My strong program participation and supportive engagement with others have been twice awarded in two county leadership programs over the past four years.  This really speaks to my detailed, self-management of priorities and schedules to be able to fully engage in a program while maintaining an active professional and personal life at the same time.  Additionally, it speaks to my unique ability to be a consensus builder and bring diverse people together for a common cause.  Both of these qualities are needed in this new position to set an example for others and to lay a foundation for the expectations of city staff and/or consultants. I am transparent and direct “to a fault” 🙂 according to those close to me and my communication skills – which go both ways – have been my lifelong strong suit in any endeavor with all types of people.

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

It is critical we be as transparent as possible in this new government.  The controversy surrounding the formation of the city, the brief election cycle, and other factors behooves us to have an open door policy individually as councilpersons and to announce meetings and opportunities for votes on matters in a timely and comprehensive manner.  Personally, I have fielded questions and had conversations throughout this campaign with my Website email (Heidi@Heidi4Mableton.com) and personal visits to more than 600 homes since January 21. No one is left out if they choose to engage!

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

I already communicate with some candidates in other districts, a natural occurrence for people who want to unite for the good of all.  But, in the case of a governmental body, the mayor must set up communication expectations and opportunities and then the council should fully engage at every opportunity.  Again, transparency which stems from an honest attempt to work together is the basis for open and effective communications.  We may disagree, but let us do so precisely, responsibly, and kindly.

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

Management of resources will make or break us in the first few years!  First, we must update the city feasibility study against current numbers and be sure we fully understand the city charter guidelines as well.  Then we must study how CCG accounts for monies collected from the new city, budgets, and pays for services provided.  With assistance from other professionals (hired or contracted), we must then reevaluate all information in light of the actual city residents  we are now responsible for serving.  From this point, strict oversight of income, budgeting, and spending is critical at each and every meeting called by the mayor.  I will heavily lean on best practices offered by the Georgia Municipal Association for support in this area.

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

I always find this question interesting because, as a councilperson, I am there to first support the overall direction of the mayor on behalf of and in the best interest of my district.  Plans made by other council candidates are good starting points, but we cannot act independently, especially at first.  We are there to unite and work together.  But, to try to answer this question … this will be a great deal of work on many fronts.  If in the first 30 days, if we can gel as a group dedicated to implementing the city charter; and if in 90 days, we can have a working budget, some high-level staffing or contracted support, and begin the transfer of services from CCG, then we will have accomplished a great deal!

What is your position on de-annexation?

I am not in favor of overturning elections.  But, I understand there are several legitimate reasons for the concern of a few over being included in the city.  It is an issue we must address in the first year.  I trust each councilperson will bring the concerns of those in their district to the mayor and full council and we can begin to look at how other new cities may have dealt with a similar issue, how the Georgia Legislature views the issue at that point in time, and what our options are to proceed in a legal and responsible fashion that benefits the whole city.  

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

Oh goodness, I have many in my life, especially in a variety of leadership roles!  For one, I was president of a very large women’s group of the largest church – of a particular denomination – east of the Mississippi.  At that time, there were more than 6,000 members.  We had not paid dues to a national organization we were a part of for the past two years in defiance of the new practices and policies of the organization.  I did not know how much longer this “rebellion” would be allowed to go on before being asked to leave the organization or being made to do one thing or the other by the church’s lead pastor.  But, I felt it was totally irresponsible on the part of my women’s group to allow it to go on in this manner.  My officers and I thoroughly researched the situation, I then worked closely with my board, reached out to the membership of women, and discussed options with my pastor.  During my year as president, we made the bold move to pay the dues owed and leave the organization – not something any other church in our denomination had done that I knew of.  I left that leadership role feeling we had acted responsibly and in the best interest of all – which is always my goal!

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

Code enforcement is the first priority!  We must hold commercial and residential landowners responsible to meet the guidelines already set forth by CCG (and possibly modified by the new city government and staff in time).  This may be accomplished in a gradual fashion in terms of fines and incentives, but the major corridors of the city must be cleaned up first.  From this point, we can work with Select Cobb, Cobb Tourism, the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority, and other bodies to audit all efforts to redevelop the area of the new city in the past five years.  From this information, we need to perform an informal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis on the owner-interested developed and undeveloped properties to determine future use.  Bringing landowners together and then beginning as a unified body to determine the correct balance of commercial and residential development and the potential options for each tract of land will be a fairly massive job.  But, we must begin to do this and lay out a potential five and 10-year plan to then aggressively seek the investment to fulfill the city’s potential.  It’s a LOT of WORK and governments move slowly because they seek to represent the will of the people.  But, if other cities in Cobb have done it, I have no doubt – borrowing on their best practices – we will be able to as well!  The longer I campaign, the more I am convinced we truly have tremendous opportunities because now … Mableton Matters!

Robb Pendleton

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

From speaking with voters in my district, their 3 biggest concerns relating to the new City of Mableton are whether or not the city will raise taxes, how the city will impact property values and the implementation of city services versus the services currently provided by the county or by private companies (this relates to both the parks department and the private sanitation companies). From looking on social media platforms and speaking with voters outside of my district, similar concerns are shared across the city.

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

My goals and objectives for the new city are simple and as follows:    – Putting the people first – communication is key and I plan to have an open door policy, allowing constituents to reach me at all hours of the day by text and email to address their concerns   – Lower taxes & responsible spending   – An orderly transition to City Services  – Better business, better jobs   – Rehabilitating Veterans Memorial Highway   – Working with Cobb DOT to improve roadways and expand public transit  – Establishing an identifiable Downtown Mableton  – Mableton Film Commission – Turning Mableton into a film-friendly community presents an opportunity to bring in additional revenue for local businesses and residents, create new local jobs, and will generate income from permits, fees, and other associated production costs to help fund the city government and further offset the need to raise taxes

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

When managing a group of people, I set clear goals to be met and expectations on how to meet them. I lead by example and encourage my team with positive feedback. When faced with conflict, I am pragmatic and level-headed and don’t allow my judgment to be clouded by emotion. On the City Council I will be working as a leader for the community, but ultimately, YOU the voter will be my boss. I hope for constant feedback on my performance so that I may strive to always do the best job for you. I believe a government is most successful when all of the people participate in the process.

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

In addition to having my open door policy (which I will encourage my fellow City Councilors to do the same) and holding meetings with the people I represent, we will need a city website where citizens can go to find out what is happening in the city. Be it a community event hosted by one of the not-for-profits, a smoke alarm giveaway organized by the fire department, a notice of a road closure due to construction, or the opening of a brand new restaurant, the city should always strive to keep the people up to date and a website would prove to be the best method to achieve that goal. This website should also host its own moderated message board for residents to post questions and concerns, and to vote in polls as a way to communicate with the City Council and to give their own feedback on city issues. Additionally, the residents of Mableton should be given the option to sign up for a monthly newsletter that can be delivered by email that will detail upcoming events, both in the community and in the city government to keep the citizens informed and engaged.

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

In my current job, I am in constant contact with my coworkers and my bosses through text, phone calls, and email. The film is a lot like government in that it is fluid and issues that need solving are constantly popping up. I would expect to have an open line of communication with each of the City Councilors and the Mayor to reach out to their offices whenever the need arises, and I will provide that same courtesy to them. 

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

We are truly navigating uncharted waters – we don’t currently know what the annual city budget will consist of. According to the feasibility study conducted 3 years ago, the city will operate at a surplus of $3.2 Million, but since that study was done, the world has gone through a pandemic and we’re currently in the throes of economic uncertainty, teetering on a possible recession. The figures in the annual budget have no doubt changed since March 2020, but we don’t know if those numbers have gone up or down. The best way to manage the city budget, whatever it may be, is through responsible money management and discouraging wasteful spending without cutting corners. If the budget is tighter than expected, I would explore alternative avenues to bring in revenue to the city without raising taxes.

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

The first 100 days will be focused on building infrastructure for our new city. We will need to hire a city attorney, we will need to hire a city manager, a code enforcement team, a zoning committee, and a Parks and Rec department, we’ll need to tackle sanitation and work out how we are going to handle either contracting the service out or creating our own service. These are all positions that will need to be vetted and filled within 24 months of the city council beginning its inaugural term. Even though we have 2 years to do it, I see no reason why we should drag our feet. As soon as I am elected to office, on DAY ONE, I will be making phone calls to start tackling the items listed on my campaign platform. I will be scheduling meetings with Cobb DOT to get roadway improvement projects underway, address litter concerns, and expand public transit across the city. I will contact community leaders and the Chamber of Commerce to begin courting prospective businesses to open up shop here in Mableton. I will begin working toward establishing a Mableton Film Commission to attract productions to film in our community, and once the zoning and code enforcement departments are set up, I will start reaching out to the owners of the vacant and derelict properties along Veterans Memorial to begin addressing the blight and revitalizing the area, to make the city more attractive to those of us who live here now and will in the future.

What is your position on de-annexation?

I voted in favor of cityhood and I believe the positives of a local city government outweigh the proposed negatives. We are a city now and need to begin working as a unified community. Some may argue that incorporating into a city was a waste of taxpayer dollars, but moving to abolish the new city or to carve out significant portions of newly incorporated land would be a waste of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, if not over a million. For those in District 4 with Mableton addresses in favor of de-annexation, I want to hear from you to address any concerns you may have and make sure that the city can work to serve you in the best way possible. For those residents that currently reside in neighborhoods with Austell and Smyrna addresses, I would be open to working toward a resolution to let them de-annex back into “Unincorporated Cobb County” if their neighborhoods voted unanimously to do so, with the option to rejoin the city at a later date.


Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

In the casting world, we meet hundreds of people a day and have to keep track of thousands of people per production. When meeting that many people, you connect with them on a personal level and develop friendships. On one occasion, we hired a woman who was poignant, quick to respond, and just an all-around cheerful person to be around. After a few days of working on a particular show, she stopped responding to us and then failed to show up to the set, despite confirming she would be there. An unexcused cancellation, or as we call it, a “no call, no show”, is a serious matter in the film industry and when looking back through our communications with her, we realized that she had multiple phone numbers and there were a few cryptic messages in our text exchanges. When the pandemic started, to cut down on human-to-human contact, productions changed over from physical paperwork and went digital. Due to this, we had access to all of her personal information, but we wrestled with the ethical dilemma of invading her privacy versus sending law enforcement to do a welfare check on her. Given the weird text messages she had sent us and the sudden change in attitude, we decided to risk it considering this could have been a life-or-death situation. When officers got her to come to the door, she was grateful that someone had checked in on her. She was okay that day but was in a domestic abuse situation and our instincts proved to be right – her estranged husband had been physically threatening and harassing her and she was afraid to leave her home. In the end, she escaped that horrible situation, and she still works with us to this day.

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

Today when you take a drive through Mableton, it is extremely disjointed and feels like multiple neighborhoods butting against one another, forming a patchwork of places instead of a unified community. I will work with community leaders and an appointed city planning committee to develop a designated “Downtown Mableton” – redeveloping the land along the Veterans Memorial Highway and Floyd Road/Mableton Parkway intersection into a city center that is a green, walkable area with a focus on solar and renewable energy and sustainable, affordable practices. I will work with Cobb DOT to expand public transit throughout the city, giving residents more access to not only the city but other parts of Cobb County as well. I would like to see the zoning committee work with the current landowners who have overgrown vacant lots or abandoned warehouses on their properties along Veterans Memorial to either develop the property themselves or lease/sell these properties to developers who would bring in residential areas or mixed-use commercial developments with shopping and eating on the ground floor and townhouse or apartment living spaces above. I will propose a visual layout that will build off of Mableton’s history in milling and as a railroad depot and reflect that in the designs of any new construction that will focus on storefronts and greenspaces over big box stores and parking lot wastelands. Redeveloping Veterans into a vibrant work/play community will make Mableton overall a more attractive area for businesses and will help bolster property values.

Patrica Auch

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

The residents of Mableton have many complex concerns and desires they hope to be addressed by their new city government. In order for those concerns to be addressed, the new city government will need to be effectively in place. The three most pressing concerns citizens should have for their new city council and mayor should be the tasks involved in setting up their new government. The three most pressing concerns for our city to take shape will be: 1.) hiring of a city attorney 2.) hiring a city manager 3.) negotiating intergovernmental agreements. 

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

My goal if elected to the city council will be to ensure the voice of District 4 is represented in all city decisions and to work to make Mableton a great place for citizens, families, and businesses. I plan to do that by Making Mableton greener and more walkable, stricter code enforcement, prioritizing solutions to our litter problem, and fostering community engagement. 

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

I employ a democratic leadership style rooted in collaboration and openness to input. I believe it’s important for all members of a board to feel respected, appreciated, and heard. My decision-making ability has been described as being measured and fair. 

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

I will encourage high-quality and effective communication by making myself available and approachable to my constituents. I will have several avenues for citizens to contact me, whether it is by phone, email, zoom calls, or in-person meetings. A newsletter is another tool that can be utilized to share updates and information with the community. 

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

In order for the city’s governing body to work collaboratively and effectively, it is necessary that council members employ effective and constructive communication with each other. I will encourage effective communication by being attentive to whoever is speaking, asking clarifying questions to better understand the subject being discussed, acknowledging the speaker’s perspective, and maintaining focus on finding solutions. I believe a standard of respect and civility is necessary in order for communication to be effective, and I will strive to maintain that standard even when deliberating controversial and complex issues. 

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

To ensure the city has the budget to effectively provide services, the city council will need to be fiscally responsible by not exceeding their revenues with expenditures. This will be done initially by focusing on the key services the city will provide. A new government will not be able to tackle all the problems within our city right away. We will need to create a strong foundation and focus on effectively providing the limited services the city is to provide which is planning and zoning, parks and recreation, and code enforcement. 

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

In the first 30 days, the new city council and mayor will have to meet and begin work on appointing key appointees, such as the city attorney. Within 90 days, we should have some intergovernmental agreements with the county, and have a few key appointments made. The speed and efficiency of the city formation will rely on the speed and efficiency of the city council.  

What is your position on de-annexation?

The city was formed through the legislature and the de-annexation initiatives will have to go through the legislature as well. Citizens desiring de-annexation will need to continue appealing to their state representatives.     

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

I resolve all ethical dilemmas by assessing the information I have at hand, and doing what I believe is the right thing to do. I have to live with the decisions I make, so I try to make decisions that I can justify and that are rooted in my values. 

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

The redevelopment will begin through planning and zoning, and code enforcement. Improved walkability and attractive landscaping can be implemented into zoning design, and stricter code enforcement will discourage blight and disrepair. By improving the condition of our community, our city will be more inviting and encourage economic growth. 

Robert Graham

What do you think are the 3 most pressing concerns for residents in the new city of Mableton?

I believe the three most pressing concerns for residents in our new city are getting our city on a responsible and fiscally sound footing from day one, addressing concerns about county services being provided through the transition, and ensuring economic development in line with positive growth while maintaining a strong sense of community. I am committed to working with the community to address these concerns and ensure that Mableton remains a great place to live and work.

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

As your District 4 Councilman for the new city of Mableton, my main goals and objectives would be: To ensure that the city is financially responsible and operates in a fiscally sound manner that benefits all residents. To work closely with the county to ensure that services are provided efficiently and effectively through the transition, and to continue to hold the county accountable for equitable distribution of resources. To prioritize economic development that is in line with positive growth and benefits the community as a whole, while maintaining a strong sense of community and preserving the character and identity of Mableton. To promote transparency and accountability in all aspects of city government, and to work closely with residents to address their concerns and needs. To prioritize public safety and work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of all residents. Overall, my goal is to be a dedicated and responsive representative for the people of Mableton and to work tirelessly to ensure that the city is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

I believe in a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. I think it’s important to work with all stakeholders to find common ground and develop solutions that benefit everyone. I also value transparency and accountability and strive to lead by example. Overall, I believe in empowering those around me to achieve success, while also being decisive when tough decisions need to be made.

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

Communication is essential in creating a transparent and engaged community. To ensure effective communication, I will take the following actions: Regular town hall meetings: I will organize and conduct regular town hall meetings where residents can voice their concerns and ask questions. Utilize social media: I will use social media to communicate with residents and keep them informed about city news, events, and initiatives. Attend community events: I will attend community events to meet residents and engage in face-to-face conversations. Utilize local media: I will work with local media outlets to communicate important information to the community. Use multiple channels: I will use a variety of communication channels, including email, phone, and text messages to reach residents where they are. By utilizing these communication strategies, I believe that we can create a more informed and engaged community in Mableton.

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

I believe that effective communication is crucial for the successful functioning of any governing body. In order to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton, I will take a proactive approach to engage with all members of the community, including residents, business owners, and community leaders. To facilitate communication within the governing body, I will work to establish regular meetings and open lines of communication with my colleagues on the council. I will prioritize active listening and constructive dialogue, and work collaboratively with other members of the council to address issues facing our community. I will also make use of technology and social media platforms to keep residents informed and engaged, and will hold regular town hall meetings to provide opportunities for community members to share their feedback and ideas. By prioritizing open and effective communication, I am confident that we can work together to build a better future for the city of Mableton.

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

I will work with other members of the city council and the community to assess the needs of Mableton and prioritize budget appropriations accordingly. I will also work to ensure that the city is fiscally responsible and that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. This may involve exploring new revenue sources, identifying cost-saving measures, and working collaboratively with other government entities to secure funding for important projects and initiatives. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the budget aligns with the priorities and needs of the Mableton community while maintaining the city’s financial stability.

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

In my first 30 days, I plan to work diligently to find responsible staff, such as the city attorney and city manager. I will also prioritize meeting with community leaders and residents to understand their concerns and priorities. Additionally, I will review the city’s budget and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the responsible and effective allocation of resources. In my first 90 days, I will work to establish clear communication channels with residents and local businesses to keep them informed of city developments and progress. I will also prioritize addressing any immediate concerns raised by the community, such as addressing blight or ensuring the effective provision of county services during the transition period. Finally, I will begin working with my colleagues on the city council to develop a long-term strategic plan for the city that addresses economic development, infrastructure improvements, and other important issues.

What is your position on de-annexation?

The decision to pursue de-annexation would need to be based on the specific circumstances, and needs of the community in question, as well as the legality of the undertaking of de-annexation. Ultimately, it would be up to the residents and their elected officials on the City Council to determine whether de-annexation is in the best interest of the community.

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

As an EMS professional, I have faced a number of ethical dilemmas throughout my career. One example that comes to mind is when ambulances are called up by FEMA for disaster response. In that situation, I am forced to make a difficult decision about how many ambulances and staff my ambulance service can spare to help our nation, while still making sure to provide for the needs of the sick and injured in our own communities.    To resolve this dilemma, I rely on a set of core ethical principles, including honesty, integrity, and respect for human life. I believe that it is my responsibility to prioritize the needs of my local community, while also doing what I can to assist with national disaster response efforts.    To strike the right balance, I work closely with my team to assess our available resources and determine how many ambulances and staff can be safely spared for disaster response. We also work closely with other agencies to ensure that the needs of our community are being met, even in the midst of disaster elsewhere.    I plan to bring these same values to the Mableton City Council. I believe in putting the needs of the community first, and always being transparent and accountable for my actions as a public servant. I will work tirelessly to ensure that the residents of Mableton are treated fairly and with respect and that their concerns and needs are heard and addressed. As a city council member, I will make sure to hold myself to the highest standards of ethics and integrity, and will always strive to do what is right for the community.

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

As your District 4 Councilman of the City of Mableton, I believe that one of our top priorities should be to create a business-friendly environment that encourages economic development and revitalization in our community. To achieve this, I plan to work closely with my fellow council members, local business owners, and community leaders to identify areas in need of redevelopment and to establish a clear vision for how we want our city to grow and thrive. We must also ensure that our zoning and permitting processes are streamlined and efficient, making it easier for businesses to open and operate in Mableton. By collaborating with other council members and engaging with the business community, I am confident that we can build a more prosperous and vibrant future for our city.

Brian Patrick

What are your goals and objectives as an elected official for the new city of Mableton?

The council member elected to the 4th district seat will serve a term of 2 years. My fellow District 4 residents have made it clear that their main desire is to see the city successfully transitioned without raising their taxes. As an elected representative, I strongly believe my main objective is to represent the desires of my constituents. Because of this, my main objective in those two years will be our city’s successful transition. 

How would you describe your management/leadership style?

I’ve learned in my career that the most effective leaders are those who are democratic in their management style. As a leader, I strive to include my team in the decision-making process. This is the best way to not only facilitate a diversity of ideas but helps everyone on the team feel true ownership of the goals at hand. I feel this leadership style is especially important when working within the framework of a city government. 

What actions will you take to ensure that high-quality and effective communication occurs throughout the city of Mableton?

Transparency is crucial to gaining and keeping the trust of an electorate. It will be important that we communicate often and effectively with the citizens of Mableton. This can be achieved by the new city hall actively maintaining an online presence through its website and social media outlets where routine updates on the council’s work is posted. Additionally, I believe the new government should have regularly scheduled town halls, and community forums, as well as members of the council actively engaging with residents in their district through smaller district-only town halls and meet-ups. 

As Mayor or member of the city council, how will you provide effective communication with other members of the governing body?

I will work with other members of the city council and the community to assess the needs of Mableton and prioritize budget appropriations accordingly. I will also work to ensure that the city is fiscally responsible and that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively. This may involve exploring new revenue sources, identifying cost-saving measures, and working collaboratively with other government entities to secure funding for important projects and initiatives. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the budget aligns with the priorities and needs of the Mableton community while maintaining the city’s financial stability.

What are your plans to ensure that the new city of Mableton has the budget appropriation to meet the needs of the residents?

As a city built on the “light” model, I think it is important that we initially only focus on the four services that have been discussed throughout this process. This helps ensure we can maintain a relatively small budget that doesn’t necessitate the appropriation of additional funding. In areas where we do not provide for residents, it is important for us to remember we are still residents of Cobb county and they will continue to be a strong partner and positive resource for Mableton. 

What do you plan to accomplish in your first 30 days? In your first 90 days?

As leaders, it is important that we set realistic expectations on the speed at which we can deliver on promises. Within the first 30 days, my focus will be primarily on foundational activities important to the future of our city. These activities include such things as negotiating who pays our special elections bill so that Mableton’s inaugural budget isn’t saddled with additional liabilities that stress our surplus, working with executive search firms to hire a city attorney and manager, and working with the newly formed council and mayor to create the actual budget. Within the first 90 days, it is my goal to be properly staffed in the necessary departments and to work with our attorney to begin negotiations on the transfer of franchise fees and new contracts for city services. 

What is your position on de-annexation?

While I personally voted for the city I believe wholeheartedly that those who favor de-annexation should be allowed to follow the legal and democratic processes currently in place to remove their areas from the city. If they succeed, I believe they should be allowed to de-annex. However, if they are unsuccessful, we should continue the important conversations of how to make the city of Mableton one all of us are excited and proud to live in.

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?

In my former career in advertising, my team often pitched campaigns to large companies with expansive ad budgets. For some of my employees, it was often difficult to resist selling clients needlessly expensive ad products. In one instance I was made aware of a large new client who’d been pitched a campaign with costly variables that wouldn’t increase their ROI but would certainly increase our company revenues, bonuses, and in the short term – our reputations. However, once made aware of this, I had our team rework the campaign to focus on properly serving the objectives and needs of the client. Even if it was to our initial financial detriment I knew that integrity always wins in the end. Thankfully our implemented changes helped us exceed the client’s expectations and they are still with the company to this day.  

What are your plans for redevelopment for the new city of Mableton?

We currently suffer from an abundance of poorly maintained commercial and residential properties and a business community lacking support, variety, and investment. Actually enforcing county ordinances is the first step toward redeveloping the area. Once fined and made aware of infractions, some percentage of property owners will comply and get their properties up to code. In the event property owners don’t comply with revitalization efforts I think it is right for our local government to use the nuisance abatement process to legally mandate the repair or closure/demolishment of these structures. Commercially, for companies with projects of large capital investment that will also bring new jobs to the city, I propose a combination of incentives that could include the Commercial & Industrial Rehab program, fast-track permitting, and temporary occupational tax abatements. Additionally, I’d propose creating additional ordinances around the appearance standards of commercial buildings so that we can ensure only safe and aesthetically pleasing businesses are allowed to operate within our city.  

EDITORS NOTE: Candidate Shanequa Moore did not participate in the survey.