The 2011 election season began on Monday with the qualifying period for Austell City Council's two open seats and mayor position.
All incumbents– Mayor Joe Jerkins, Ward 2 Councilman Scott Thomas, Ward 4 City Councilwoman Virginia Reagan and At-Large Post 2 Randy Green turned in their applications on Monday, along with two new faces.
Suzanne Thomason, a 30-year Austell resident, is seeking the position of At-Large Post 2 councilwoman. Thomason worked for 10 years at Austell Elementary. Learn more about her in her
Lance Lamberton, the head of the Cobb Taxpayers Association, is also seeking a seat on the city council. If Lamberton's name sounds familiar it's because his organization, CTA, was the main organization opposing the recent countywide SPLOST, and because he engaged in a televised debate with Rose Wing of the pro-SPLOST group, Citizens for Cobb's Future, earlier this year.
Lamberton, who is seeking the Ward 4 seat currently held by Virginia Reagan, has lived in Austell for 10 years and has about 40 years of experience as a political activist who insists that government officials be held accountable when it comes to tax and spending issues. He also worked in the Reagan White House. Check back today with South Cobb Patch to read more about him in his "Meet the Candidates" profile.
South Cobb Patch will continue to provide coverage of the 2011 election qualifying period which continues until 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Correction: Rose Wing was incorrectly identified as Debra Wing and the Ward 4 city council seat is currently held by Virginia Reagan, not Randy Green.
Lance also suggested at a council meeting to put Sunday liquor sales to vote. This would cost taxpayers much, as every election the city has cost $, and what a great way to bring people to Austell, to the Sunday Liquor store, not what the city needs as an attraction. He should look at the improvements in our many great parks, thanks to splosh tax revenues. Without it the parks would look as they did a few years ago. Very run down.Thank you splosh for all the great improvements.
I believe that Mr. Lamberton's idea was to include the Sunday Liquor Sales vote in this current ballot, therefore not costing the city anymore money. I agree that Austell is not a side show, but from a business point of view why would you not have Sunday Liquor Sales? All citizens would have to do is go to another city to get the liquor and bring it back to the city of Austell. Business is business and well to say the least the liquor store is named after the mayor!
Don't give govt. anymore of our money. But Lamberton isn't the guy. He has done virtually nothing in the fight against taxes, except take credit for the work other people have done.