AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2009 > January > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAre you better off today, Sandy Springs?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Soon we inaugurate a new president, which for some will be a welcome sign that the election season is finally over.
No more yard signs, no more bumper sticker, not more attack ads clogging our TV’s. I can hear the collective sigh of relief.
But not so fast.
This is the year that the first duly-elected government of Sandy Springs will be contested. When they were elected as the city began they were running on what they were going to do. Now they have to answer for what they have done. So to twist a phrase from Ronald Reagan — are you better off now than when we achieved cityhood, and if not, what are you going to do about it?
This is where we, the people, have out voice. It always sounds so profound when someone looks at election results and says “the people have decided” but it’s true. If you feel strongly one way or the other about a public servant what are you willing to do to back up you convictions?
If you like someone are you willing to campaign for them. Write a check? Talk to your neighbors? Volunteer in their campaign?
And if you don’t like someone are you out looking for an alternative? Are you aware of who else might be out there? Can you articulate why you think some rascal should be voted out of office? Are you willing to really put your beliefs on the line and run for office?
One of the things that bugs me is that local elections like these often get decided by a very small portion of the electorate. There is something about an off-year election that fails to stir the people who need to be involved the most. These races do not have the sex appeal that brings voters out in the same numbers as a presidential race, but they have more to do with our day-to-day lives.
And that brings me back to the question over the quality of our lives. When the city council approved the application for a sports complex for Holy Spirit Preparatory School over the objection of the neighborhood there was a lot of talk/threats that there might be some payback come election day.
I’m not advocating any candidate get another term or be sent packing, but it you have experienced one of those moments this is your year.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Jim Osterman
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Comments
By Ashley
January 15, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
That is a great question. Our tax rate is the same 4.731 mils as it was under Fulton County. Yet we are actually seeing that money spent in Sandy Springs. We have roads being repaved, sidewalks being installed, police proactively patrolling our streets, a fully staffed fire department that responds quickly with trucks or rapid response vehicles, and improvements being made at parks. Oh, we also have a government that is operating in the black during the economic downturn. I would say we are much better off than under Fulton County.
By steven b ashe
January 16, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this
only change most of us have noticed is the new “Gustpo” approach to law enforcement. I hear it every day. From Doctors to construction workers….Over-reacting egos at work …I’ve never heard so many sirens day and night since their inception. Plus it seems to take 4-5 squad cars to respond to the smallest incedence. How do you exsplain this….Prior to the SS police dept,{no pun intended} north fulton annex saw an avg of 1000 motor vehichel citaions per month. Now…it averages 1000 a week. Ummm that just doesnt add up.
By DRH
January 17, 2009 9:05 PM | Link to this
I’m personally glad that Sandy Springs and all the other North Fulton cities broke away. I love living in Unincorpoated South Fulton where we have million dollar homes, new construction, upscale shopping centers and quiet neighborhoods. Not every place in South Fulton is ghetto as you Sandy Springians love to think. I also love the fact of how OUR Fulton County PD does real police work not out here on the interstates bringing home the bacon. The last poster on here mentioned that tickets have increased. My question is have the number of accidents decreased admist all this ticketing. If you had so much money as you claim, then why all of the excessive ticketing. AND NO, I did not get a ticket (before someone plays that tired card).
By You Idyot
January 17, 2009 9:31 PM | Link to this
Bitter party of one, your tables is ready DRH.
By Paul Pasier
January 20, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this
Will they ever let me post again after I critisized Osterman?
By Paul Pasier
January 20, 2009 4:11 PM | Link to this
They let me post - and I missplelled something - thanks for the positive point of view on Sandy Springs, Mr. O
By Resident
January 21, 2009 12:51 AM | Link to this
Isn’t this the same police dept that had to fire their chief because of corruption charges. The mayor is too old. She got her reward but needs to go.
As far as the sidewalks. If you build it, they will come. They being more and more mexicans using the nice new sidewalk in your neighborhood.
By DRH
January 21, 2009 4:20 AM | Link to this
To Resident:
Yes, this is the same city that fired their chief for corruption. I thought this was one of the reasons why SS wanted out of Fulton County. So much for change we can believe in, LOL.
To You Idyot:
No surprise that you offer nothing to the conversation. Just keeping saying to yourself, “Golly, how can we keep those South Fulton folks away from us. We always complained about them but yet their kids kept our schools open with M to M while we sent our kids to private school. We always say we pay the bills but yet Fulton Industrial used to carry Sandy Springs during its vibrant years but we don’t want to admit that. I watch BET and think thats how South Fulton really is but I never been down there.” We know what you really want to say but don’t have the courage to say so.
By Jim Osterman
January 26, 2009 4:42 PM | Link to this
Mr. Pasier:
I encourage them to post people who disagree with me. Must have been a glitch that kept you off.
Gid bless. J.O.
By DJ
February 23, 2009 11:12 AM | Link to this
To “STEVEN B ASHE” I am so happy with SSPD they have done a GREAT job to clean the trash and trouble out of the City of Sandy Springs. Sandy Springs Police have slowed people down traveling in and out of our City. People are getting the point …. If your going to brake the Law in the City of Sandy Springs, the Sandy Springs Police Department will engage you!
I would ask Mr. Steven B Ashe, if your not happy with Sandy Springs Police then I would offer you move to a City or County were the police don’t care…….. As long as you live in Sandy Springs you will continue to hear the Sirens (Daily, Nightly, weekly, monthly, and Yearly!!) So if you don’t like it MOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!