BLOG: Do Tuesday's candidates have what it takes to deal with DeKalb cities' challenges?
By Tom Spigolon tspigolon@neighbornewspapers.com
Tom Spigolon, news editor
Advertisement
The cities of Doraville, Pine Lake, Chamblee and Stone Mountain are seeing contested races for mayor and city council in Tuesday's city elections as each city deals with its own unique challenges.
Stone Mountain faces the challenge of bringing new tenants to fill vacant spots in its redeveloping downtown area. Doraville is struggling with a myriad of issues, including how to redevelop the former General Motors plant site and replace the estimated $1 million in taxes the city lost when GM ceased production in 2008 after 60 years. Decatur is struggling with how to continue its residential growth so it won't be forced to find new tax revenues to maintain its current level of services.
Decatur has contested races for city commission and city school board (Decatur is the only municipal school district in DeKalb County).
Stone Mountain has a hotly contested race for mayor because the current mayor, Gary Peet, is not seeking re-election. Doraville has nine candidates vying for three city council seats.
Who do you see winning Tuesday's elections? What will those elected need to deal with their city's challenges?