The heated municipal election season is nearing an end with Nov. 2 less than a week away. North Fulton candidates’ positions on affordable housing and preventing a rise in crime have received the most focus during political forums.
Three north Fulton cities have contentious mayoral races and could see big changes on their city councils depending on the outcome of the election.
Johns Creek will have a new mayor. Mayor Mike Bodker, who was elected the city’s first mayor in 2006, will leave the office in December. Councilman John Bradberry and former councilman Brian Weaver are competing for his seat. City Council will look new too, with four open seats on the six-member Johns Creek City Council.
In Sandy Springs, Mayor Rusty Paul is being challenged by Dontaye Carter. Paul is the city’s second mayor and succeeded the late Eva Galambos. Newcomers will fill two open seats on Sandy Springs City Council and longtime incumbents for the other four seats are being challenged.
In Roswell, Mayor Lori Henry is in a contentious election with two challengers – Jason Yowell and Kurt Wilson. Henry has been under fire for the poorly managed and overbudget Oxbo Road project. An independent investigation that Henry commissioned found a lack of oversight by city administration.
Fulton County voters will decide whether to renew the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax by extending a one-cent sales tax to pay for school building upgrades, technology and other projects.
Voters will also consider renewing a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. If renewed, Fulton County expects the tax of three-quarters of a penny would generate $545 million over five years to improve roads, sidewalks and other transportation infrastructure.
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