Politics & Government

Council Candidates Identify Key Issues

Two candidates for the open council seat talk about the challenges the city faces.

Norcross Patch asked the two candidates for Norcross City Council, Craig Newton and Greg McFarland, to answer five questions about themselves and their positions, which we will publish here unedited.  

Patch: What do you think are the most important issues facing Norcross today?

Greg McFarland: 

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As with most challenges in life the need to get back to “the basics” and do an evaluation of the situation and then to strategize looking at all options available. Local government is no different, with the unfunded liabilities and mandates placed upon it by outside forces (mainly the Federal government), local government has to be proactive to reduce the impact, since local governments have to balance their budgets vigilance is imperative. Business as usual cannot be the direction that we follow, assumptions are not options the quality end product should be the ultimate goal. Council needs to work actively to evaluate the modern elements and practical solutions for our needs.  

Craig Newton: 

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Norcross, like most US cities, faces a shrinking economy and subsequent lowered tax digest.  We may also face the challenge of  balancing new annexation with smart growth.

Managing these challenges requires experienced professional leadership, such as ours, along with strong legislative support from the Mayor and Council.

Another important issue is support for local businesses.  This should be made a priority.  A down economy, franchises and box retail stores contribute to the disappearance of locally owned businesses, causing small towns to wither and die. We need to support the people who run our local businesses and sustain our community.

The election for this Council seat will take place on Nov. 8 at City Hall. A town hall meeting and debate will take place at the Community Center on Tues., Oct. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 


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