Norcross 2020 - "Thoughtful Progress Together"

Economic Redevelopment in the 96th district

2008-07-01T09:52:00.002-05:00

Over the last three years I have worked to advance the economic redevelopment of Southwest Gwinnett County. We will add quality jobs in the 96th district by supporting entrepreneurs, recruiting new businesses, and working with local businesses to expand their operations. While working on redevelopment issues in the 96th district I:

Led the effort to expand the Gwinnett Village CID from I-85 to Buford Hwy
Former member of the Norcross Downtown Development Authority
Board member of the Gwinnett Village CID, and Community Alliance
Completed Basic Economic Development program at Georgia Tech
Member of Partnership Gwinnett Economic Development board
Member of the 2007-08 class of Leadership Gwinnett
Purchased and expanded a business (Northern Star Coffeehouse) in the district

I have joined a network of hard working, thoughtful people at the city of Norcross, Gwinnett Village CID, Gwinnett County, and Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce who are transforming the 96th district. With your vote we can add an advocate for our community at the State level.

Northern Star Coffeehouse

Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2007-08

Webb Field Groundbreaking

Legue of Women Voters / AJC Voter guide

2008-06-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Please check out my responses to the LOWV/AJC questionaire.

http://a2.thevoterguide.org/a-ajc08/race-detail.do?id=150195521&party=Republican:R

Supporting Summerour

2008-06-23T20:55:00.001-05:00

The recently completed Corners to Crossing event held by the Norcross Neighbors and the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association raised over $20,000 for charity including $2,800 for the Summerour Middle School Foundation. These kinds of community efforts to support our schools will be returned many times over to make the Norcross area a greater place to live, work, and play. Thanks to all those who helped with the race and block party. We're already looking forward to next year.

June 26th Fund Raiser

2008-06-21T21:13:00.001-05:00

You are cordially invited to join us

for a kick-off fundraiser honoring

Councilman Keith Shewbert
Candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 96

Thursday June 26, 2008

7:00 to 8:30 PM

at Global Mall
5675 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30071

Suggested Contributions:

Platinum Level: $1000
Gold Level: $500
Silver Level: $250

Organized by
Shiv Aggarwal, Mike Deming, & Tina Dang

RVSP to
Aarti Aggarwal

770.875.2366
aarti.aggarwal@yahoo.com

Checks should be made payable to Progress 96

Checks may be brought to the event or mailed to:

Progress 96
C/o Councilman Keith Shewbert
726 Oak Terrace
Norcross, GA 30071

Crime down in Gwinnett Village

2008-05-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

As a founding member of the Gwinnett Village CID I am proud to see our aggressive funding of extra Gwinnett and Norcross Police Officers is paying off, both agencies are doing a great job and need our continued support.

5/18/2008 12:01:00 AM

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Crime down in Gwinnett VillageBy Arielle Kass

Staff Writer

LAWRENCEVILLE - Overall crime has decreased in the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District by nearly a third.During identical five-month periods in 2007 and 2008, crime rates dropped by 29 percent, according to statistics compiled by the Gwinnett County and Norcross police departments.Those numbers include 28 fewer entering auto offenses, 16 fewer motor vehicle thefts and 16 fewer residential burglaries."I think the reduction in crime is something very, very encouraging," CID director Chuck Warbington said. "The word's kind of getting out that it's a real hot area for police right now."Last June, the CID started paying off-duty officers to patrol the area from 11:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. seven days a week. Warbington said the additional police presence, when combined with the police department headquartering its Quality of Life Unit in the Village and an increased emphasis on eliminating graffiti, has helped deter crime.From Jan. 1 to May 15, 2007, there were 317 incidents in the Village. For the same period in 2008, that number dropped to 226.Warbington said he was surprised that crime dropped in almost every area despite what has been seen as a worsening economy in the first part of 2008."That we're still getting that type of crime reduction is amazing," he said.According to the statistics, there was one more murder in 2008 and three more home invasions. The number of rapes and carjackings remained stagnant, while crime rates dropped in 14 other categories that were tracked by police.Warbington said people have begun to tell him that they feel safer in the area. While he said Gwinnett Village is often safer than people believe it to be, the perception of danger can be detrimental to the CID."We've got to continue to have a decrease in crime," he said. "If people don't feel safe, whether it's reality or not, you can't lease a building. It takes time, it takes effort."

Education and Economic Development

2008-05-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

Principal for a day at Beaver Ridge Elementary

I have been deeply involved in the schools in the Norcross cluster. and am a fervent supporter of public education. Over the last few years I have been involved with the following:

Member of the Summerour M.S. Council
Founder and President of the Summerour Middle School Foundation
Raised 5,000$ for SMS Foundation
Procured Funding for Summer Program at SMS serving 100 middle school students (Math and Science focus), $40,000
Math and Reading Mentor, Junior Achievement Instructor
Two year participant in Gwinnett Chamber “Principal for a day” program
Adjunct instructor in Computer Science and Developmental Math at Gwinnett Technical College

As a board member of the Gwinnett Village Community Improvement District and Gwinnett Village Community Alliance I have continuously stressed the need to improve the perception, and increase community involvement in our public schools as a pre-requisite for economic redevelopment.

Norcross City Councilman Keith Shewbert qualifies for 96th district seat.

2008-04-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

I am proud to announce my candidacy for the 96th district seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. While serving as Norcross city councilman and board member of the Gwinnett Village CID I have seen progress toward the goal of revitalizing Southwest Gwinnett, but there is serious work ahead of us. My campaign will be about “Thoughtful Progress Together”. Together we will move forward to revitalize, redevelop, and secure our neighborhoods. Together we will create a receptive climate for small business creation, and attract new companies that bring quality jobs. Together we will give our schools the support they need to succeed. Working with our partners in the city of Norcross, Gwinnett County, Gwinnett Village and Gwinnett Place CID’s, Chamber of Commerce, and community groups we will develop solutions that improve security, quality of life, and property values in the 96th district. I look forward to engaging the community in a positive dialogue on how to achieve our common goals. More information about my campaign is available at www.Norcross2020.com. Together we can accomplish great things.

Keith Shewbert
(678) 429-6039
keithshewbert@gmail.com

Principal for a day at Beaver Ridge Elementary

2006-11-21T19:46:00.000-05:00

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council - Runoff
December 5th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement

Comment on the future of Norcross on my blog at www.Norcross2020.com

Back to School as Principal for a day at Beaver Ridge Elementary

Forget Dolly, if cloning is possible, I want several copies of Esther Adames-Jimenez. Ms Adames is the Harvard educated principal of Beaver Ridge Elementary where I was invited to take part in the GCPS “Principal for a day” program. When she took over Beaver Ridge three years ago the school was one of the worst of the worst. As a 90/90 (90 percent minority, 90 percent free and reduced price lunch) school, little was expected of a school that supplies one third of Summerour Middle’s students. Ms. Adames has turned the school completely around. Not only did they make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) this year, the school is in the upper half of all elementary schools in the county and gaining on top schools like Simpson. She demands results and expects every child, regardless of background, to perform at a high level. She has instilled a passion for learning in her students, a passion for high performance in her staff, and has developed a large and active parent teacher organization. Beaver Ridge has added reading and writing programs so that each student experiences six reading sessions per day. The children recite their mission, vision, motto, and pledge of allegiance every morning during televised announcements. The school is spotless, quiet, and wherever you turn children are focused on becoming life long learners. As Esther told me during our day together, she will do anything for the children. Any request from staff that is for the children will be met if at all possible.

If you have a chance, make an appointment to visit this incredible school. It will prove to you that the challenges of educating in a diverse community can be overcome. With educators like Ms. Adames, Dr. Pugh at Summerour, and Dr. Watkins at Norcross Elementary I am optimistic that the Norcross cluster will regain its former level of academic achievement. To this end city leaders must embrace education and advocate for our share of county support. No other single improvement will have a larger impact on the Norcross community.

While on the subject of education I wanted to personally thank all those who signed up to mentor at Summerour, and teach Junior Achievement at Norcross Elementary. Your commitment to these children and the community will pay great dividends, and if you are like me you will get more back from the experience then you give.

Finally thanks to all of you who came out to vote Nov. 7th. Please mark your calendar to vote in the runoff on Dec. 5th. Remember that together we can accomplish great things for our community.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert
(678) 429-6039
keithshewbert@gmail.com

Champions, Teamwork and Big City Crime

2006-11-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

www.Norcross2020.com

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council
Runoff – December 5th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement

Champions, Teamwork and Big City Crime

Congratulation to the Norcross Blue Devils on their Region 7-AAAAA Championship. I am sure if you asked Coach Maloof he would tell you that success in football is built on teamwork. As in football our local government must work as a team to deliver services and build the community we envision. From my upbringing as an Air Force brat, to my work in restaurant and global IT management I have learned the necessity of teamwork. Strong opinions and creative ideas are valuable in the search for solutions, but good team players don’t let their egos get attached to their ideas. They look for opportunities to support their colleagues. No single person has all the answers. Once a course of action is decided team players give it their all. Let’s all try to work more collaboratively in the future to improve Norcross.

Big City Crime

Many people are concerned following a series of articles in the AJC about crime in the Southwest Gwinnett area. As Norcross’s representative on the Gwinnett Village CID board I have been involved for the last year in a search for solutions to our security challenges. The CID commissioned the study by Crimefighters, LLC. Chief Stidd, several local leaders and I were interviewed for the study. The results do show high crime in the Village area; however, unreported by the AJC was the tremendous difference in crime levels between unincorporated and city areas. Whereas the murder rate in the unincorporated area in 2005 was up 160% there were zero murders in the city limits. The bottom line is that we live in a safe city surrounded by a challenging environment. We need to thank our police department for the tremendous job they are doing to keep crime out of our city. My opponent feels that the police department needs to be micro managed by the council; picking and choosing what they feel are effective police programs. I believe we should leave these decisions to the Chief and his staff. If the Chief feels that SWAT training and other programs build capability, moral, and help him retain qualified Officers then I support him.

I have asked Richard Sawyer of Crimefighters to pull together the data comparing the city crime rate to the unincorporated Village crime rate. When I get these stats I will pass them on.

I would like to propose a program to help more of our police and firefighters find homes in the city limits. The Hometown COPS program would be a private initiative that looks to connect officers with residential opportunities. If you are a realtor, real estate investor, or mortgage specialist who would like to help, please contact me.

Run, Run, Run-off

Thanks to the Norcross residents who came out to vote Tuesday. Your record turnout shows that the community is engaged and that its voice will be heard. I hope to talk to as many of you as possible over the next three weeks. Let me know your opinions and thoughts. So circle Dec, 5th on your calendar and come out for the run-off.

Please feel free to contact me by email at keithshewbert@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 429-6039.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert

Disagreeing Agreeably

2006-10-17T09:49:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-11T06:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Smart Spending and Property Taxes

2006-09-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council
November 7th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement

Smart Spending and Property Taxes

Over the last four years the city of Norcross has raised property taxes twice despite an increase in revenue from new construction and ever increasing property valuations. In 2005 despite an anticipated 12% revenue increase from increased property valuations, the city still found it necessary to increase the millage rate two points, an increase of 42 %.

At that time in 2005 time several council members entertained even greater increases and practically guaranteed increases in 2006. Poor planning forced the city to sell property under duress to balance the budget. Fortunately new revenues from annexation of property along Jimmy Carter Boulevard allowed the present council to roll back millage rates slightly. No business can properly operate or create meaningful budgets without quality revenue forecasting. We need to do a better job of anticipating city revenues and living within our means. I believe with proper planning and investments in tools to boost productivity we can rollback millage rates.

Hiring a city administrator is a good first step towards smarter spending. A full time professional manager should pay for themselves many times over. As a much smaller city part time council members could provide oversight and management. Growth has dictated that we transition to a professional management structure and return the council to its intended purpose of providing strategic guidance. All of you know that in our economy you have to produce more with fewer resources every year if you hope to compete. This same attention to continuous improvement of city processes and increased productivity across the board will help Norcross deliver better services to more residents while keeping taxes low.

As your representative I will remember that the money we spend is your money not the City’s money. We need to be more productive, plan better, and spend your money more efficiently.

Let me know what you think. What is your vision for Norcross? What things need to be addressed by the city council? How can all of the citizens of Norcross work together to achieve our shared goals?

Please feel free to contact me by email at keithshewbert@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 429-6039.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert

Inspiring Futures - Atlanta Living Economy Network

2006-09-10T00:51:00.000-05:00

Inspiring Futures - Atlanta Living Economy Network

Came upon the BALLE concept while reading "The Small Mart Revolution". Although this sounds like a fringe movement some of the ideas make great sense for Norcross. We can certainly help our community by shopping locally. Spending more of our entertainmnet dollars intown and supporting local businesses and service providers.

News Forum Home Page

2006-09-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

News Forum Home Page

A great article on what one person with a big idea and perseverance can attain.

Gwinnett Forum.com -- Gwinnett County's community forum and idea exchange

2006-09-05T04:17:00.000-05:00

Gwinnett Forum.com -- Gwinnett County's community forum and idea exchange

Stay up to date on local politics by registering for Norcross resident Elliott Brack's newsletter.

Vote Keith Shewbert

2006-09-05T04:09:00.000-05:00

You can save this site to your favorites as www.Norcross2020.com , check back regularly for updates and news.

How can the Norcross community improve local schools?

2006-09-04T21:29:00.000-05:00

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council
November 7th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement

How can the Norcross community improve local schools?

Over the last year the PDC has made one of its four primary objectives supporting Summerour Middle School. We believe that there is no single improvement that can have a greater impact on quality of life in Norcross then upgrading out schools After meeting with Dr. Dana Pugh, the Summerour principle, and touring the facility with the council and Mayor we have come to believe that the community can have a significant impact on the schools performance.

Meetings with teachers, administrators, and school board member Mary Kay Murphy have resulted in a clearer understanding of how the Norcross government and community can aid the school. First the community must get out the word that our local schools are offering quality programs, that the vast majority of students are succeeding, and that the challenges of educating in a diverse environment are being addressed. Of over twenty categories Summerour is tested on it exceeded state requirements in all but two (mathematics for limited English proficiency and learning disabled students). Dr Pugh and our friend Carol Polak are helping to address the mathematics issue by creating an after school mentoring program. It will be up and running in October and I invite you to join me in volunteering for this important program. One hour a week can change a kid and maybe change you. Many other programs can use our communities support. Summerour has an award winning band program and debate team. These and many other programs need your support. By embracing our schools the community not only maximizes our impact at the grass roots, we also send a message to county and state representatives that we expect results.

A major factor in our schools test performance is student mobility. The county is just beginning to capture statistics and measure the impact of student mobility (attending several schools in the same year). When our teachers have the opportunuity to teach a student for several consecutive years their results are outstanding. Students who come and go demand more resources and tend to have lower test scores. High percentages of rental property are a direct cause of student mobility The census tract that surrounds Summerour has less then 35% home ownership. The national average of home ownership is 66%. I am working with the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance, Impact Resources, and the Latin American Association to change the residential dynamic in the area east of Buford highway. The city can have a huge impact by joining us in this enterprise.

Since our tour the Norcross Women’s and Garden Clubs have taken initiatives to improve the school and its appearance. Please follow their example by helping in any way you can. Let’s start a conversation in this community on how to bring about positive changes in local education. No one person has all the answers, but by engaging the issue we create the environment for success.

Let me know what you think. What is your vision for Norcross? What things need to be addressed by the city council? How can all of the citizens of Norcross work together to achieve our shared goals?

Please feel free to contact me by email at keithshewbert@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 429-6039.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert

Candidacy Announcement

2006-09-04T21:09:00.000-05:00

Vote for Keith Shewbert
Norcross City Council
November 7th, 2006
“Thoughtful Progress Together”

v Smart Spending
v Secure Neighborhoods
v Community Involvement

I am an active member of the Norcross PDC (Progressive Development Committee), a member of the Norcross Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and serve as Norcross’s representative on the Gwinnett Village CID board of directors. In addition I am working with many other Norcross residents to build the Gwinnett Village Community Alliance, a non profit sister organization to the CID that will focus on the people issues in the Village like education, housing, and community involvement. I also teach mathematics and computer classes at Gwinnett Tech.

My wife Jeanette and I have lived in Norcross for seven years. Jeanette works at Rock-Tenn as a manager in the IT department. She also works in the community, volunteering her time at the Garden Club, Woman’s Club, Norcross Elementary School, and through her church with the Norcross Cooperative Ministry. Through her involvement with Norcross Elementary School I volunteered with the Junior Achievement program and help with reading mentoring. When people ask where we plan to retire, we say that we’ve found our little corner of paradise in Norcross.

Let me know what you think. What is your vision for Norcross? What things need to be addressed by the city council? How can all of the citizens of Norcross work together to achieve our shared goals?

Over the coming weeks I will contact as many of you as possible to hear your ideas and get your input. Most mornings I am at the Northern Star Coffeehouse in downtown, stop by, share a cup of coffee with me, and let’s work together to build an even greater Norcross.

Please feel free to contact me by email at keithshewbert@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 429-6039.

Regards,

Keith Shewbert