Nash: Gwinnett will emerge from tough times stronger

By David Wickert

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Gwinnett County has weathered tough economic and political times in recent years but is poised to emerge stronger, County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash said Wednesday.

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Johnny Crawford jcrawford@ajc.com Gwinnett Chamber President Jim Maran stands behind Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash as she answers questions after her annual state of the county address at the Gwinnett Center on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. J

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Addressing hundreds of business and community leaders at Gwinnett Center in Duluth, Nash said Gwinnett should not be defined by the vacant businesses and foreclosed homes now prevalent in a county that until recently was booming.

“It’s easy to lose heart and I’m not pretending we have no challenges,” Nash said. “However, we already have the key to continued prosperity in our hands. That’s to build on the firm foundation this community has created to this point.”

Nash’s remarks came during a “state of the county” address that highlighted a host of accomplishments and challenges facing Georgia’s second-largest county. It was Nash’s second such address after winning election as chairwoman in March 2011.

The chairwoman inherited a collection of problems. Gwinnett leads the metro area in foreclosures; lenders sent another 1,622 foreclosure notices just last month. Like other counties, it has struggled to balance its budget as the slumping real estate market takes a toll on property tax revenue.

And many residents are still suspicious of county government in the wake of a 2010 grand jury report that found Gwinnett officials paid millions of dollars too much for park land in deals that benefited commissioners’ associates at the expense of taxpayers. That report led to the resignation of Nash’s predecessor, Charles Bannister, and the bribery indictment of former Commissioner Kevin Kenerly.

Nash mentioned those challenges Wednesday. But she focused on Gwinnett’s strengths.

Despite the sluggish economy, Nash noted that Gwinnett has the lowest unemployment rate among metro Atlanta’s five core counties. She highlighted several companies -- including Primerica, Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Q-Matic Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA – that have announced plans to expand in or relocate to Gwinnett County.

She also cited the county’s nationally acclaimed schools, solid infrastructure and strong business and community leadership as strengths.

Though the county continues to struggle financially, Nash noted Gwinnett approved a balanced $1.3 billion budget in January that includes no property tax increase and no reduction in services. Credit rating agencies also reaffirmed Gwinnett’s top AAA ratings.

Nash said Gwinnett must continue to seek efficiencies and pledged to “keep a tight rein on the county’s financial matters.”

To address vacant properties, Nash noted Gwinnett has used federal money to buy and rehabilitate about 190 homes and multi-family units that now house 160 families. And she said the county will work with the nonprofit Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful to launch a program to fight the decline of properties and neighborhoods.

“We can’t ignore our empty homes and businesses,” Nash said, but added, “They may not be a true measure of our community ...”

In the wake of the grand jury report, Gwinnett approved new land acquisition and ethics rules that Nash hopes will help restore public trust in county government. It also recently settled a long-standing dispute with its 15 cities over who provides and pays for a host of services.

“With your help, we will build on the strong foundation of all that we’ve built together in the past,” Nash told the audience.

Lawrenceville City Councilman Tony Powell was pleased with Nash’s remarks.

“I have real confidence that the chairman can keep us on an even keel, even during the tough times,” Powell said.