I am voting for Jere Wood in the runoff on December 1st.

I am voting for Jere Wood because he is the only independent, proactive leader in this runoff.  He’s also the only one in this runoff to stay on a positive message for Roswell and is the only one who will have the time necessary to truly work hard for ALL of Roswell. 

He respects the political process and regardless of the issues, even when he and I disagree, he has always stayed within the boundaries of the political game.

Much has been made about our disagreements but, in fact, I’d say we agree most of the time.  On billboards, my transportation initiatives, environmental policies, my sustainability programs.  Of course the Mayor and I were recently the only ones to be against a rezoning that would have brought higher density into a neighborhood area.  So on the major issues that are important, I’d say we agree more than we disagree.  Now, on the biggest disagreement we’ve had, Charlie Brown, Jere has shown he can listen to the voters and change his position.  I can respect that.

And just because we do disagree on some things, sometimes in a very public way, that doesn’t mean we can’t work together.

Those who endorsed both my opponent and the Mayor’s opponent have tried to make a big deal about supposed divisions among those on Council.
To them I would say - grow up.  They don’t seem to understand there is great value in considering different sides of issues.  They seem to be pushing for a group that gets together and sings Kumbaya and everyone just goes along to get along.  That’s just not good for the creation of public policy where there are differences of opinion that need to be listened to and hashed out and where people need to take a stand on an issue, make compromises, make difficult decisions and really work together for the best interests of ALL of Roswell.

We can still respect each other and the process, even if we disagree on issues or methods.  Mayor Wood calls me and others to talk about whatever his latest issue is.  Some might even cringe when you hear his trademark - “do you have a minute”?  But he is open to talking, listening, compromising and figuring out how to make things happen.

In the past few years I cannot recall one time where David Tolleson called me about an issue or had a substantive discussion about anything. 

Now, frankly, endorsements don’t mean much.  My opponent was endorsed by quite a few folks, including the unprecedented endorsements of sitting Councilmembers.  In the face of that plus an onslaught of negativity, outright falsehoods and dirty politics, I was still able to just barely squeak out a win.  And don’t forget these same folks are also the ones running David’s campaign.

So, I don’t put a lot of stock in endorsements.

And, frankly, I don’t have anything to gain from this.  Apparently, there are all kinds of rumors about Mayor Wood promising me the moon for my endorsement.  Well again, rumors and innuendo are the way the folks running against us operate.  But the truth is I just told him last week I would support him and didn’t ask for anything in return and he didn’t offer anything. 

This is just my opinion on who is now the best candidate in the runoff for mayor.  And I do have the personal experience of serving with both of them for the past eight years so maybe that perspective can be helpful to someone considering how to vote in the runoff.

But if you voted for me then I encourage you to vote for Mayor Wood on December 1 because that is your best chance to get an independent, proactive leader who really does serve ALL of Roswell.

If you voted for me because you think I will be the best watchdog for your tax dollars then you need to vote for Mayor Wood.  He has agreed to take a harder look at how we can make budget cuts and operate differently to provide better service and save money.  That is probably my key issue.

If you voted for me because you wanted to see changes in our processes to make us more business friendly, then you need to vote for Mayor Wood.  He has agreed we need to determine what changes should be made.

His opponent has refused to recognize that many changes need to be made at all.  When he was on Council he was often the main one to just accept whatever staff offers, not question anything, add new spending.  We can’t accept that for our future. 

So, as I know many of you have said, you thought you’d never see the day where this would happen, but I am voting for Jere Wood and I hope you will too.  I’m going to work hard to get Jere re-elected and I hope you will too.  I’m going to encourage my friends and supporters to vote for Jere Wood and I hope you will too.

So please join me in voting to re-elect Mayor Jere Wood on December 1st.

Kent Igleheart

October 20, 2009

Opening

I want to thank the Woman’s Club for creating a scholarship in my mother’s name, the Tillie Wood. Scholarship.  My mother served as president of the Roswell Woman’s Club, she was a teacher, and she was honored by this recognition. 

For the past 12 years, it has been my honor to serve as your Mayor.  During that time, Roswell has tripled the amount of parkland, cut our property tax millage rate by 17 percent, and lowered our crime rate, making us the safest city in North Fulton County.  Two years ago we were recognized as in the top three places in America to raise a family.   I am proud to have played a part in those achievements.

There is a lot we can do to make Roswell an even better place to live.  I want to be part of that also.

To make Roswell better, I need your help.  I need your vote on November 3rd. 

Closing

Roswell is a great place to live.   My opponents and I agree on that.
We all want to make Roswell even better.
We agree that we need to make Roswell as safe as possible.
We agree that we need to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility.
We agree that  we need to encourage redevelopment in blighted parts of our city.

The difference between us is that I have proven over the last 12 years that I can lead Roswell as its Mayor and I can make it a better place to live.

My opponents have not.

I would appreciate your vote on November 3rd. 

Mayor Jere Wood

I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight.   I know you are here because you love Roswell as much as I do.

I am going to talk about what I have done to make the East side of Roswell a great place to live.   

Then I am going to talk about how we make it even better.

Under my leadership and with your help, the City of Roswell has:

*Annexed over 3,000 acres east of GA 400, including this high school and many of your neighborhoods.

* We invested over $35 million east of GA 400 to buy 243 acres of parkland, including Big Creek Park,  Garrard Landing Park, and the East Roswell Park expansion.

* We persuaded the Fulton County Library Board to build a new library east of GA 400 at a cost of $11 million, scheduled to open in two years.

* We built a new Fire Station east of GA 400 at a cost of $3 million.

* We spent  $3.1 million to build new sidewalks east of GA 400. 

* We cut your city property tax rate 17%.

I am proud to say that in 2007 Roswell was named the third best place to raise a family in America.

I want you to help me make East Roswell an even better place to live.

To do this:

* I am asking the City to build a new road and bridge over GA 400 connecting  East and West Roswell. 

* I am working with property owners on Holcomb Bridge Road to help them fill empty spaces. 

(I am currently talking with the Mimms, who own Kings Market, and Peter DeBenedictis, who works for the owner of the TJ’s shopping center.) 

* I will ask the City to complete sidewalks on both sides of Holcomb Bridge Road all the way to Ellard and along Old Alabama Road all the way to John’s Creek.

I am  working  with our neighboring cities and our state legislators to re-create Milton County.

For 12 years I have worked successfully to make East Roswell a great place to live.  If your re-elect me, I promise to make East Roswell even better. 

I would appreciate your vote on November 3rd. 

Mayor Jere Wood

Volunteers report that they have not heard or seen much of opposition.

What Jere is Doing

Personal appearances daily.  Volunteer Newsletter will list all events.  Volunteers are invited to attend all events.  

Telephone Calls to likely voters every open evening .

Door to door campaigning and visits to parks on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Media  Newspaper ads
 30-second spots on cable TV
 3 to 4 rounds of direct mail to most-likely voters

What Volunteers Can Do To Help

 Furnish information on events to attend, issues, info on other campaigns.
 Talk to friends.
 Post on Facebook.
 Signs in Yard.
 Stickers on car windows.
 Forward campaign E-mails to friends and neighbors.
 Host neighborhood meeting with Jere. 

Calendar of major events volunteers encouraged  to attend.

October 10th  Youth Day, campaign organizing bicyclists for Jere, first 50 who ride with us will receive free t-shirt or bandana.
 October 10th  2nd  fundraiser,  Twilight cruise on Chattahoochee River paddle boat
 October 11th  East Roswell Forum Debate.
 October 16th  Pre-BBQ Party.
 October 17th  Mayor’s BQQ Ball.
 October 20th  Roswell Woman’s Club Debate.

Next Volunteer Meetings, 7:00 pm, Jere’s mother’s house on Stroup Road. on:

 Tuesday, October 6th
 Tuesday, October 13th
 Wednesday, October 21st (Tuesday conflicts with debate)
 Tuesday, October 27th

September 22, 2009

The Arts Forum held on Tuesday evening, 9/22, at The Fickle Pickle was a success.  The weather was good, the food great, the conversation stimulating, and after almost everyone had left, Judie and I danced as Bobby and the Bow Ties played on. 

There were several suggestions on how the City could better promote the Arts, including directional signs, help in publicizing cultural events, and providing  places where arts and cultural organizations could meet. 

In response to questions about how I could help as Mayor, I answered, “There is nothing I can do without help from the arts community.”  To see my opening remarks at The Arts Forum, go to my blog at www.mayorwood.com. 

I recognize the importance of arts and culture to Roswell.  They bring good people to Roswell, generate good jobs, are good for business, and make Roswell a better place to live.  I get it.  Under my leadership as Mayor, Roswell adopted a Vision Statement that says we are a community that “celebrates our culture and protects our heritage”.  At my request, the City created the Historic and Cultural Affairs Board, hired a full-time Cultural Arts Director, built an amphitheater at Riverside Park and began a concert series, and opened Roswell Art Center West. 

For Roswell to achieve its  potential in the fields of arts and culture, I need help .  If the Arts and Culture Community wants help from the City, they need to organize, and when they want the City’s help, go as a group to the City Council.  If they become organized and work together, the City Council will support their efforts to promote arts and culture in Roswell.

Mayor Jere Wood

Stay Positive and Have Fun.

Volunteer Meeting. You are invited to a volunteer meeting this Wednesday night at my mother’s house on Stroup Road, 7:00 pm, 9-23. I want to hear how you think the race is going and what you suggest we need to do to win.

Yard Signs, Brochures, Stickers. Come by my office on Canton Street and pick up yard signs, campaign literature, and stickers to give your friends and neighbors, or e-mail us at mayorwood@mayorwood.com and we will deliver.

Website. Go to www.mayorwood.com to see new design by Eddie Mathis.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday. City Council meeting.

Tuesday. Mayor’s Forum on the Arts at Fickle Pickle, 6:30 pm.

Wednesday. Volunteer meeting at 7:00 pm; you are invited.

Thursday. Groveway Charrette at 8:00 am, Rotary at noon, West Side Bridge opening at 2:00 pm, Cottage School honoring dyslexia scholars at 5:30 pm, North Fulton Bar Association at 6:30 pm, Kiwanis Dinner at 8:00 pm.

Friday. Groveway Charrette wrap up at 1:30 pm, Foster Care Support Foundation at 2:00 pm, Centennial High Knights at home, 7:30 pm.

Saturday. Rivers Alive at Riverside Park at 8:30 am, PizzaVito on Crabapple Road opening at 12:30, Duck Race on Big Creek at 1:15, Sip of the South at Bullock Hall at 6:00 pm.

Sunday. Macbeth at Barrington Hall, 4:00 pm.

LAST WEEK

Rain all week. Alive after 5 survived when rain broke just long enough, Arts Festival on the square drowned. It looked like the sun was coming out Sunday afternoon, so I road Judie’s scooter to the Square and had to race back when the rain returned. I worked all Saturday and Sunday on Issues Statements. Go to redesigned web page to see the fruits of my labor.

Become my Friend on Facebook.

Its All Good!

Jere Wood

Stay Positive and Have Fun!

Alive After 5.  We need volunteers for Alive After 5, Thursday, September 17th, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., to staff our campaign tent at my law office on Canton Street.  This will be the last Alive After 5 this year so if you haven’t come yet, don’t miss it.  E-mail my office at volunteers@mayorwood.com if you have an hour of time to help.

Campaign stickers and brochures are in.  Put a “Jere Wood for Mayor” sticker on your car window.  New yard signs, T-shirts, and bandanas have been ordered.  Pick up a yard sign at my law office, or e-mail us at yardsigns@mayorwood.com and we will deliver them to you.

E-mail Addresses.  We need e-mail addresses of Roswell citizens; let me know if you can share any e-mail lists.

Volunteer Meeting.  Our next volunteer meeting will be held Wednesday, September 23rd, at my mother’s house at 10850 Stroup Road.  Save the date.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday. Rotary Tournament at Brookfield Country Club.  Roswell City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday. Dinner at TJ’s Sports Bar, 2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday.  Chattahoochee Nature Center Audubon Reception at 6:00 p.m.; Roswell King Social Club; and Alex Kaufman Fundraiser at Horseshoe Bend, 9:00 p.m.

Thursday.  Roswell Rotary, 12:00 noon; Roswell Station HOA meeting; Doubletree Hotel Renovation Celebration, 4:30 p.m.; Roswell Master Transportation Plan Meeting, Roswell High School, 6:00 p.m.; Masonic Lodge for dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Friday.  Football at Roswell High School.  Neither Roswell High nor Centennial High have lost a game on the field to a non-Roswell team.

Saturday.  Movie Night at Riverside Park; Shakespeare at Barrington Hall.

Sunday.  Foster Care Support Open House, 2:00 p.m.

LAST WEEK (Week of 9/7)

Friday. I cheered the Centennial Knights on to victory against Alpharetta High School.  Roswell High beat Pope away.

Saturday.  I spoke at the Republican Breakfast about the threat of big government taking over our free market economy, the text of which is on my blog at www.mayorwood.com.

Next, I went to the tea party at City Hall.  It is clear that much of Roswell is not happy with Washington.

Sunday.  I was privileged to be the guest of Kirt Lattanze in Edenwilde, along with his picks for City Council, Nancy Diamond, Dr. Betty Price, Jim Pollak, and Jerry Orlans.

Facebook

Become my friend on Facebook. 

It’s all good!

Jere Wood

STAY POSITIVE AND HAVE FUN!

Republican Breakfast This Saturday. The North Fulton Republican Party has invited me to be their featured speaker at their breakfast, 8:30 a.m., 9/12, Horseshoe Bend Country Club.  I will be talking about how I became a Republican and disappointed my mother.  The cost of breakfast is $10.00, and you are all invited.

Upcoming Events

I will be having fun this week!

Tuesday. I will welcome citizens today to the Roswell Police Academy.

Wednesday. I will have lunch with the Roswell Ramblers at the Adult Rec Center, and preside at the Roswell City Council meeting.

Thursday. I will open the second Transportation Master Plan meeting at East Roswell Park, 6:00 p.m.

Friday. I will be rooting for the Knights at the Centennial High School football game.

Saturday is a big day.  In addition to speaking at the Republican Breakfast which you are invited to, I will welcome folks to the North Fulton & Friends Tea Party at the Faces of War Memorial in front of City Hall at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday.  At 1:00 p.m. I will be at Kirt Lattanze’s house in Edenwilde for a cookout, followed by the Hembree Forest neighborhood street party at 3:00.

Monday.  I will visit the Rotary Golf Tournament at Brookfield Country Club, and preside at the Roswell City Council meeting.

Last Week, 8/30

Sunday.  I attended the Boy Scout Cavalcade at Roswell City Hall, which was rained out, and the Drake House Ice Cream Social at the Town Square, which was almost rained out.  Congressman Tom Price, Commissioner Lynn Riley, and I judged ice cream with fruit, and I had way too much to eat.

Monday.  I qualified to run for re-election, and two new interns joined our team, Mike Kim and Brandon Adams.  That evening we went to the North Fulton Republican Victory Dinner, where Congressman Price and all the Republican gubernatorial candidates, Karen Handel, John Oxendine, Eric Johnson, and Mike Scott gave them political advice.

Tuesday.  I opened the Transportation Master Plan meeting and introduced Congressman Price to an audience of 1,500 at his Town Hall Meeting.

Wednesday.  We had a volunteer cookout in the yard at my law office on Canton Street.  I don’t know how many people came, but they ate all of the 190 hamburgers and hot dogs grilled by Jimmy of Rhea’s Takeout.

Thursday.  I called a special meeting to answer Council’s questions about my sponsoring the North Fulton & Friends Tea Party on 9/12.  Two council members, including one of my opponents, did not attend.

Friday. The last day for qualifying.  Every race is contested.  I expect Jim Pollak will give Councilman Iglehart a real race. I tossed the coin for the Centennial v. Roswell High School football game, and divided my time equally on each side of the field, rooting for my home teams.  I joined Principal Spurka and Principal Bartley for barbecue from Slope’s before the game.

Saturday. I joined two or three thousand people to see the Return of the Beatles concert at Riverside Park.

Sunday.  I enjoyed the end-of-summer celebration and fireworks at Centennial High School.

Yard Signs

Come and get ‘em.  I hope you like our new logo.  We have yard signs with the old logo. You can pick up a yard sign from the breezeway at my office, 1173 Canton Street, or we will put one up for you upon request by e-mailing me at mayorwood@mayorwood.com, or by calling 770-641-1923.

Facebook

Become my friend on Facebook. 

It’s all good!

Jere Wood

Stay Positive and Have Fun

Volunteer Cookout this Wednesday, September 2, at 6:00 p.m.  Roswell’s best hamburger chef, Jimmy of Rhea’s Takeout, will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs at my office, 1173 Canton Street.  Come and join me for Roswell’s best hamburgers.  Please R.S.V.P. by e-mailing me at mayorwood@mayorwood.com or calling my office at 770-641-1923. 

Qualifications

I will qualify to run for re-election as Mayor today.  I also expect Nancy Diamond and Betty Price to qualify for the two open City Council seats, and Jim Pollak to qualify to run against Councilman Igleheart.  I have not heard which seat Peter Vanstrom will be running for.  With all the good candidates for Council and a contested Mayor’s race, I expect a relatively high turnout of voters on November 3rd, which is good for my campaign. 

Upcoming Appearances

Monday, August 31st.  I attended the kickoff for the Homestretch Golf Tournament at Brookfield Country Club this morning.  Tonight I will be attending the reception for the GOP Victory Dinner in Buckhead and  returning in time for the open forum council meeting at City Hall, 7:30. 

Tuesday, September 1st.  I will be attending Tom Price’s town hall meeting at the Roswell High School auditorium.  We are expecting a large crowd; it should be interesting. 

Wednesday, September 3rd.  I will be greeting Senator Johnny Isakson at Roswell Rotary Meeting, Roswell Area Park, at 12:15 p.m.

Friday, September 4th.  I will be meeting with Tom Price to discuss transferring grant money for improvements to South Atlanta Street. Friday night I will be at Roswell High School,  rooting for both teams at Roswell High v. Centennial High varsity football game.   

Saturday, September 5th.   The Beatles are coming to town and will perform at Riverside Park starting at 7:30 .m.   Arrive early for a parking spot and bring a picnic dinner and lawn chairs.

Sunday, September 6th.  Huge fireworks display at Centennial High, sponsored by the City of Roswell and local merchants.  Hope to see you at at least one of these events. 

Yard Signs
Come and get ‘em.  You can pick up a yard sign from the breezeway at my office, 1173 Canton Street, or we will put one up for you upon request by e-mailing me at mayorwood@mayorwood.com, or by calling 770-641-1923.

Talk to your friends about the Mayor’s race. 

It’s all good 

Jere Wood

STAY POSITIVE AND HAVE FUN

The campaign is gaining momentum.

Mayor’s Roast

On  August 12th, over 150 people turned out for the Mayor’s Roast, and they contributed more than $10,000.00 toward our re-election campaign.  Jay Barnet, former mayor of Mountain Park, roasted pork, beef  and chicken; and Moby and the mayors of Johns Creek, Milton, and Mountain Park roasted me.  Joining them were Sam Olens, candidate for Attorney General, Dr. Betty Price, Margie Cooper, Robert Polatty, Randy Brannon, and the Reverend Malone Dodson.  Bobby and the Bow Ties sang a song for our campaign based upon the Kingston Trio hit, “Ballad of the MTA”.  We will post a video of the song as soon as it is available. Everyone had a great time.

Beacon Debate

Over 450 people  turned out for Thursday night’s debate at the Holiday Inn.  I had fun and based on messages I received afterwards, it appears we solidified our support and won over undecided voters.

Organizing

We are continuing to work on our web site and to build and organize our voter e-mail database.  This week I  hope to settle on a campaign slogan, create art work for new yard signs and campaign literature, and develop a budget for campaign expenditures.

Help Wanted

On Thursday 8/20, we need volunteers to help at Alive After Five.  We will set up a tent in front of Eclectic Finds, 1167 Canton Street, to collect  voter e-mails and hand out campaign info and yard signs.  We will be next to the “Free the Chickens” tent that  will have baby chickens for children to pet, which should attract their parents.   If you have half an hour to help between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., please e-mail me at mayorwood@mayorwood.com.

Remember to talk to your friends and neighbors about the campaign.  If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me at mayorwood@mayorwood.com, or call 770-641-1923.

It’s All Good! 

Jere Wood