Disagreeing Agreeably
Disagreeing Agreeably
I hope you were able to attend last week’s candidate forum hosted by the Norcross Neighbors at City Hall. If not you may want to ask your neighbors how it went. According to Steve Visser of the AJC the event was a clinic in civility:
“…..Ninety or so citizens of Norcross on Tuesday night participated in politics like voters often wish it were done.”
I echo Mr. Visser’s sentiment that people want a different kind of politics, especially at the local level. We need to realize that on 95% of issues we all agree. We all want Norcross to be safe and successful. Difficulties arise when we debate issues on which we differ. Too often the debate becomes personal, leaving hurt feelings and bad blood long after the debate. The result is people and groups that find themselves unable to work together even when they are in agreement. I am passionate about this city and feel I can add thoughtful and independent ideas. However, on any given issue others may know more or have better solutions. You can be sure as your representative I will listen to all sides and go where the facts lead.
If I could ask one thing of the voters this year (other then the obvious) it would be to reach out to those you have differed with in the past. Events like the ArtFest and the Home Tour give us opportunities to unite in a common cause, let’s use them to heal our community. Disagreements will always be with us, but we can disagree agreeably.
As we near the election I want to ask each of you again for your support and your vote. If you have suggestions or questions please let me know. I can be reached at (678) 429-6039 or by email at keithshewbert@gmail.com
Yard signs are now available; let me know if you would like one.
Norcross Times Questionaire
The following questionnaire was submitted to the Norcross Times for their candidate information insert.
Norcross Times Candidate Questionnaire:
Profile:
Keith Shewbert
786 Sunset Drive
(678) 429 – 6039
Age – 47
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Masters of Business Administration
10 years in Restaurant Management
15 years in Information Technology
Gwinnett Technical College Instructor (Math and Computer Science)
Board Member Norcross Downtown Development Authority
Board Member Gwinnett Village CID
Board Member Gwinnett Village Community Alliance
Questions:
#1. What made you decide to run?
I have been given the opportunuity to serve the city on the Gwinnett Village CID board and the DDA. As a council member I can do even more to help improve the quality of life in Norcross. I have tremendous respect for Bruce Smith and the service he has provided the city. We need leadership that will continue and extend the work that Bruce and the current council have started.
#2. Now that we have a City Administrator, what would you see as your role on the council?
The City Administrator reports to and follows the direction of the council. The council reports to the people. It is important for citizens to know that the city administrator is a professional manager responsible for carrying out the strategy and vision of the council. The council’s job is to engage the community, interpret their wishes, and create a strategy that preserves our history, plans for growth, and protects our community.
#3. What are the most pressing issues facing the City and what should the council do about them?
I believe the City of Norcross is at a crossroads. We are the beneficiaries of over one hundred years of inspired leadership that created the town we love so much. Growth now threatens the fabric of that city.
To manage growth we should remember the three P’s Preserve, Plan, and Partner. We must aggressively preserve and protect our history. We should plan for growth that fits the character of our community. When outside interest proposes development that does not fit “our plan” the council must learn to say “NO”. Once the community has decided how it wants to grow we should partner with folks who can make “our plan” a reality.
The council must remember its basic duty of protecting the city, and husbanding its resources. We live in a safe city, surrounded by challenges. Our Police need the entire communities support. Finally the council must spend smart. We can lower the millage rate while maintaining services.
