Elections 2013: Ed Edwards

NAME: Ed Edwards OCCUPATION: Retired Candidate for Post 3 on the Flowery Branch City Council 1) Why are you running for this office? In February of 2012 I moved to Flowery Branch. I fell in love with the city of Flowery Branch: the people, the beauty, and the diversity, the willingness to work together. The reason I decided to run is: I look at where we are going to be 15 to 20 years from now. Much of this passion began as part of Atlanta 2000, which was a committee of businessmen of Atlanta in the 80s that had a vision for the future of Midtown and the downtown area. The future always needs to be a consideration. And I do plan to make this my home for the rest of my life and I would like to give something back to the community. I want to learn what the hopes and concerns are of those that live in the city and if I can make just a little bit of difference, I consider that a victory. There are a couple of issues that I'm looking at. One is the quality of life here in Flowery Branch and right now we all have a great quality of life and we want to keep it going. The revitalization of Old Town Flowery Branch is indeed necessary to the continuation of attracting new people, business, activities and growth to our beloved city. Is this the first time you have run for political office? Yes 3) What qualifications for the office do you bring to the campaign? I have held several offices and served on several Boards of Directors over the years: I've been very active in State, National, and International printing organizations and local charitable, church, and neighborhood organizations. - Printing Industry Association of Georgia - Board of Directors, 1980s Chairman 1991 - International Thermographers Association - Board of Directors, 1980s Secretary 1989 - Georgia Agape - Child placement agency - Board of Directors, 1980s. Chairman 1987 - Atlanta 2000 - Committee of businessmen in Atlanta in the 80s that had a vision for Midtown Atlanta. - Active in Church - have served as a Deacon, Song Leader, and as a Foster parent for over 10 years. 4) What do you see as the biggest concern/issue facing the city of Flowery Branch? And, please explain your answer. One of the the things that I am always interested in is BALANCE. Life is like riding a bicycle. If you want to keep your balance, you have to keep moving forward and if you look at the design and makeup of our city government there is a need for balance. Does anyone reading this know how many of Flowery Branch's five Council members live in the same neighborhood? The answer is 2 plus the Mayor. The question is: Does this offer the citizens of Flowery Branch a proper balance within the total city community. We all know that we get a larger range of ideas when we have input from a larger segment of people. So, I'm looking to create balance. I am not alone in this! Voting at-large is in question all over the United States. Detroit City Chartered New Geographic Districts starting in 2013. The Voting Rights Act has lead California cities to dump at-large districts. In our own State of Georgia, Dalton, Gainesville, Columbus have either changed to districts, or been able to combine districts and some at-large areas together to avoid lawsuits. Here's the deal: If you get a lawsuit against your city, and you loose, you pay not only the law firms fee that represents your city you also pay the law firm that filed the lawsuit against you. This could be very costly to cities. Right now all our council members are elected by an at-large system. What that means is all council members are to represent every community within the city limits of Flowery Branch as a whole. What I feel would be more balanced, is to carve out five distinct districts within our city limits and elect one council member per district that is dedicated to the betterment of his or her district and its people. I believe deeply that we would all benefit from this fair representation. 5) Are there any specific goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected? And, please explain your answer. If I am elected I will be bringing to the table, FRESH EYES, FRESH IDEAS AND A NEW PERSPECTIVE. Now let me tell you what I believe in. First and foremost, I believe in GOD. I am a Christian and my faith is something I cherish and will not compromise. I believe in FAMILY and strong family values. Within this community, each family should reach out to include our neighbors and the city we live and work in. Remember, "Together we stand and divided we fall." I believe in working together for the better of the whole. Next, I believe in honesty, integrity, fairness and loyality. If I am elected I will uphold and abide by these values. I expect you to hold me to it. As a successful businessman, deacon in the church, chairman of multiple boards, leader and member within multiple committees, I have always expected to be accountable for not only my actions, but also my involvement and dedication.