Politics & Government

One New Candidate Enters Norcross Council Race

Greg McFarland will run against current Councilmember Craig Newton.

Qualifying for office closed on Friday afternoon, with two incumbent positions remaining unchallenged and one race expected.

Mayor Bucky Johnson and Councilmember Charlie Riehm both qualified for another two years in office, and no one threw a hat in to run against them. Resident Greg McFarland also qualified to run and named Craig Newton as his opponent, according to City Clerk Susan Wuerzner. 

McFarland announced his intention to run at last Wednesday’s Progressive Development Committee meeting at 45 South Café, citing former councilmember Terry Bowie as someone who helped him form his political views.

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"I think I'm uniquely qualified for this position," said McFarland, who was born and raised in Norcross, in a later interview. He said he believes his life experience, education and relationship with Norcross make him the person for the job. 

McFarland is currently pursuing a criminal justice degree at Gwinnett Technical College. He is a frequent volunteer in Norcross, having filmed the Norcross High football games for years. "I'm always out watching and listening," he said. "I want Norcross people to stand up for what they believe in." 

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Incumbent Craig Newton said he wants to keep his focus on bringing viable businesses into Norcross, among other things. "Some people don’t know that Norcross is attractive for high-tech companies in Gwinnett," said Newton in an interview. "I want to bring high-end, high-tech business to the city. I want to expand the tax base and, in fact, keep taxes low for the citizens," he added. 

He said that holding office is always tough because it means a lot of personal sacrifices--but he is ready and willing to make them to be a public servant. "I love this city—I’d love to see it continue to move in a positive direction," he said. 

The municipal general election will be held at City Hall on Nov. 8, 2011 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early voting held Oct. 17 to Nov. 4.  An absentee ballot application form can be found here. The issue of Sunday sales of beer and wine will also be on the ballot. 

Check back on Norcross Patch for more about these candidates. 


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