Election 2013: Shanon Lutz

NAME: Shanon Lutz <br /> <br /> OCCUPATION: Teacher<br /> <br /> Candiddate for Mayor of Flowery Branch<br /> <br /> 1) Why are you running for this office?<br /> <br /> Being involved in my community has always been very important to me. As the wife of a County Commissioner, I have seen first hand how one caring individual can make a positive impact on our city. We have lived in Flowery Branch for the past 9 years and I have seen the overall effect that being involved in the community can make. I would like to infuse my upbeat personality and drive to make Flowery Branch a place that my girls will someday want to make a home for their families.<br /> <br /> 2) Is this first time you have run for political office? (If "no," please explain.)<br /> <br /> Yes, unless you count the years when I was Junior and Senior Class President in high school.<br /> <br /> 3) What qualifications for the office do you bring to the campaign?<br /> <br /> I have a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from UGA. I have served in education for 20 years. Considering the fact that the mayor of Flowery Branch is largely a ceremonial position requiring high levels of communication and organizational skills, my background in education has prepared me well for leading large groups, forming coalitions, managing critical situations, and negotiating and working with many different backgrounds and personalities. This foundation has helped me to win Teacher of the Year, become a member of the Teachers as Leaders Program, and a Certified Mentor Teacher.<br /> <br /> 4) What do you see as the biggest concern/issue facing the city of Flowery Branch? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> Flowery Branch is one of the fastest growing communities in the state. We need a leader that will embrace the small town feel while supporting the community's plan to enable growth.<br /> <br /> Also, we need to bring respect back to the the role of our mayor. Even if we personally disagree with our elected officials, as mayor, we have an obligation to acknowledge and treat our officials with the recognition they deserve for the role they serve. Our mayor in Flowery Branch is meant to be an ambassador, not a legislator nor a judge.<br /> <br /> 5) Are there any specific goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected? And, please explain your answer.<br /> <br /> When I am elected, I would like to restore dignity to the office by ensuring that all citizens have a voice in their government and a method to follow the actions of the council. Over the past couple of years, the city of Flowery Branch government has failed to uphold the level of transparency that our citizens expect. I would like to see much faster access to our minutes as well. Currently, minutes are usually running a month to six weeks behind from when a meeting is held. The council has recently spent a substantial amount upgrading the city's technology, but for our citizens, it is hard to see what new gains have been received from that significant monetary investment.<br />

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/10/266645