Council Candidates Talk Historic Preservation

Norcross Patch asked the two candidates for Norcross City Council, Craig Newton and Greg McFarland, to answer five questions about themselves and their positions. So far, they've talked about their backgrounds, discussed their key issues and taken on the budget. 

Patch: The issue of development versus historic preservation is important in Norcross. Where do you stand on this issue?

Craig Newton: Historic preservation is important to our city. It provides us with the opportunity to experience unique structures that can't be replaced or replicated.  It establishes a sense of place, and gives character to our city.  The role of government in historic preservation is to do everything possible to ensure that historic structures are preserved.  The balance is to do this without over burdening the property owner with rules that impairs their ability to make necessary improvements, maintain their property's value or to sustain business’ economic viability.  Norcross has something very unique here, that other small cities are trying to emulate.   

Greg McFarland: Our historical element is what sets us apart. Who we are and where we have come from makes us special. Just look at the other areas around and see their struggle for identity without an established history. Justified growth is the basic measure to be the used as a gauge for any decision. If we become so focused new development without the strategic plans of a balanced approach we will possibly become like others around no history to hold to. This is in some respects one of the major issues that has played a major part of the current economic turmoil.

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.