I am running for re-election as Ward 1 representative in the Powder Springs City Council election on November 3, 2009.  I have served the citizens of Ward 1 since November 2003 and, with your vote, I would like to use this experience to serve as your councilman for the next four years.

I have served the City of Powder Springs and Ward 1 for six years. I have also served the city as a member of the Downtown Development Authority and as a member and chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  In addition I was a member of the Powder Springs Task Force when it was first started.  My years of experience with the Social Security Administration, in several levels of supervision and management as well as with direct public contact, has given me experience in providing public services to diverse populations under varying circumstances.

The last few years have been a time of great change in our city. We have purchased, renovated and moved into a new City Hall building providing additional, professional space for city employees.  The new Library was completed in partnership with Cobb County.  We were able to upgrade the facilities of the Senior Center at the Ford Center complex as well as provide the senior citizens with a new bus.

The following are some other accomplishments that I am proud to have supported for Ward 1 and the City of Powder Springs:

            Installed sidewalks along the length of Shipp Road and elsewhere in the city

            Personally purchased bench for the Lucille Creek Trail

            Lewis Road Project is underway and on schedule for December 2010 completion

            Upgrade and renovate the Ron Anderson recreational facility with Cobb County

            Approved several quality subdivisions in the city, four in Ward 1

            Voted against 33% Mayor/Council pay increase in 2005

            Proposed one-year rollback of Mayor/Council pay for $21,000 in savings to the city

            Increased Homestead Exemption for senior citizens

            Implemented Impact Fees for developers to help pay for infrastructure

            Opposed increase in Mayor/Council retirement pay that would cost $11,000 annually

While I am proud to have been a part of these accomplishments, there are a number of projects on the horizon and I believe my experience gives me a unique perspective to see that your tax dollars are spent in the best way possible to complete these projects:

            Complete the streetscape project on Atlanta Street

            Install Silver Comet Trail bridge over Old Lost Mountain Road

            Upgrade traffic devices at Sailors Parkway and Old Lost Mountain Road intersection

            Sidewalks along Warren Farm Road to Silver Comet Trail

            Completion of Lewis Road project

            Upgrade/modernize Public Safety facilities              

            Upgrade/modernize the city’s financial software

            Complete recruitment and hiring of long-term City Manager

            Provide more transparency in city meetings              

            Extension of SPLOST program

            Plan and develop Linear Park facilities with Impact Fees

            Hire Economic Development coordinator     

            Continued oversight of zoning issues

These issues will require working knowledge of the city and how various departments operate.  Deliberations with the Mayor and other City Council members will decide the course of action taken to bring these projects to successful completion.  Many decisions will be made affecting city operations and the expenditure of your tax dollars.  Having worked with the Council and city department heads in the past has given me the experience and knowledge necessary to finish the work in your best interest.

You can help return me to City Council as your Ward 1 representative by voting for me on November 3^rd.  Keep experience on the council by re-electing Ra Barr as your Ward 1 City Councilman.