Q&A With the Council Candidates

There are six candidates for two Lilburn city council posts - two for Post 1 and four for Post 2 - in the Nov. 8 elections. Lilburn-Mountain Park Patch asked each of the candidates to respond to a set of questions. Here's how they answered the first question. Stay tuned for more questions and answers.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for Post 1 for Lilburn?

Teresa Czyz: I believe that I am the best candidate for a council member position for several reasons. First, I sincerely care about the City of Lilburn. That’s why I choose to be involved, from serving on the Alcohol Review Board and Planning Commission to volunteering for city and neighborhood activities.   Second, I have experience that will benefit the City of Lilburn. As a planning engineer, I understand that before I make a decision that impacts the city or its residents, I have to examine all possible outcomes of that decision in order to make a choice that is beneficial to the future of the city and its residents. Third, I have knowledge about the city and how it operates. I attended the first Lilburn 101 Class. In addition, I’ve spoken with the council members, city manager, police chief, planning director and other leaders in the city to understand their vision for the future of Lilburn. And finally, my long-winded responses to a question make me perfect for the job!

Thomas Wight: For three reasons. First, I have the background, education, and experience to do the job. I graduated with a Bachelor in Urban Planning from the University of Utah. Second, I am a solo practitioner in my law firm. I work for myself so I have the time and energy to be effective at the job. And third, I have a vision for Lilburn. I know where we should be focusing. We have a lot of good things in Lilburn. We are affluent, we have a good neighborhoods, good infrastructure, good police force, and city employees. We have a lot of assets we are not making a lot of good use of. That is a failure of the Mayor and City Council. I want to make something that is really good and turn it into something really extraordinary.

Why do you feel you are the best candidate for Post 2 for Lilburn?

Angel Alonso:  I have lived in Lilburn for more than 20 years and I have seen our quality of life decrease because of the actions of our elected officials.  I promise that I will put the good of Lilburn ahead of any personal gain.

Scott Batterton: I feel I have performed my duties in a diligent way for the city of Lilburn. Clearly I am the best qualified of the candidates. I have experience on several of the boards and as Mayor of Lilburn and as Councilman.

Kay Bennett: I have a lot of time to devote and invest into the city. I know everybody in Lilburn. I want to see Lilburn at its best. Scott Batterton is a friend of mine, but I think right now we need new thinking and new ideas.

Porter Deal: I believe the choices made by leaders at the local level affect our lives as much or more than those made at the state and national levels. I want to bring transparency to local government and assure that the voices of local residents are heard over the voices of outside influences.