Elections 2013: Danny Dunagan

NAME: Danny Dunagan<br /> <br /> OCCUPATION: Small business owner/operator <br /> <br /> Candidate for Mayor of Gainesville<br /> <br /> 1. Why are you running for this office? <br /> <br /> In 1997, I was appointed to serve on the City's Planning and Appeals board. In 2002, I was named Chairman where I served until 2006 when I resigned to run for City Council. My tenure on that board created for me an interest in city governance. I was elected to the City Council in 2006 and served on the Council until I had to resign in August to run for Mayor. I enjoy helping to lead our City in a manner that remains true to sound fiscal policy while it maintains services necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the citizens of our great City.<br /> <br /> 2. Is the first time you have run for political office? (If "no," please explain.)<br /> <br /> I was elected in 2006 to the Gainesville City Council and re-elected in 2009.<br /> <br /> 3. What qualifications for the office do you bring to the campaign?<br /> <br /> In addition to a desire to serve as Mayor, I bring the following qualifications:<br /> a. 42 years as owner/operator of a small business in Gainesville<br /> b. 6 years as director of S.E.F.A. ( Drycleaning Association)<br /> c. 16 years in city government ( 10 years volunteer; 6 years City Council )<br /> <br /> 4. What do you see as the biggest concern/issue facing the city of Gainesville?<br /> <br /> Growth with its inherent challenges. Among those are traffic, public safety and maintaining the quality of life for the citizens of Gainesville.<br /> <br /> 5. Are there any specific changes you would like to undertake if you are elected? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> The continued prosperity of our City, keeping taxes low and operating an efficient municipal government while maintaining a sound economic future for business and industry. Addressing the traffic problems that we face today and plan for the future. Continue to develop the infrastructure and capacity to support business growth and job creation. Making sure as Gainesville and Hall County grow we have enough water to meet the demand into the future.<br /> <br /> 6. Do you favor the city's continued used of the "islands" annexation policy it has been using in recent years? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> Annexations are a legal tool given to municipalities provided by the Georgia General Assembly to annex those properties that are surrounded on all sides by city property. Annexing these properties improve public safety issues and sets the cities boundaries.<br /> <br /> 7. Do you favor eliminating left turns on Green Street? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> I support finding feasible solutions to traffic congestion and there is and will not be any simple solutions. With that, every option should be looked at. After further study, banning left turns on Green Street could be a short-term fix, but most importantly would have a negative effect on neighborhoods. There is enough cut through traffic in our neighborhoods now and for sure we do not need to do anything that would increase that.<br /> <br /> 8. A number of other suggestions and questions have been raised during a series of meetings this year dealing with the transportation issues facing the city. Short-term and long-term, what are the answers in your opinion?<br /> <br /> It will take a careful combination of short- and long-term solutions for traffic improvements. I support moving forward on the comprehensive/citizens advisory panel suggestions and address those that are within budget and look for funding to address those the city can't implement without state and federal involvement.<br /> <br /> 9. A suit involving the city and Hall County over sales tax revenues was recently settled. Overall, how would you assess the relationship between the city and the county?<br /> <br /> Cities and County governments work together and cooperate far more than one is led to believe. We have mutual respect, joint projects and a collective vision for a prosperous future.<br /> <br /> 10. Do you favor changing the city's at-large voting system to a by-district system? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> No. Courts upheld our present system as well as the Justice Department. Personally I run at-large and serve at-large.<br /> <br /> 11. What should the city be doing to ensure that its long-term water needs are met?<br /> <br /> Gainesville is presently using about 50% of the water it is permitted to withdraw from Lake Lanier, with Cedar Creek and continued conservation practices, we are positioned for the next 30 to 40 years. We must continue to look at all options to increase our water supply for the long term.