By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | Each issue of GwinnettForum contains our list of Continuing Objectives for the county. These objectives have been arrived at after much thought about what is needed to make life in Gwinnett better.
These are long-term objectives to improve our county. These objectives need the support of local citizens to stimulate county officials into recognizing the importance of these goals, and making them happen. We ask GwinnettForum readers to recognize these objectives, and mention them to our local officials so that the improvements can be accomplished.
There has been little movement on these goals in 2015. We look forward to more interest in these objectives during 2016. Here are several thoughts concerning objective which may see more action in 2016.
With this a political year, there is hope for several to be accomplished. Specifically, we look forward to a more rigorous two-party system for Gwinnett. While the Republicans have been strong here for years, we have been saddened at the continual weakness of the Democratic Party. Some say that with more diversity in the county, there is hope that the Democratic Party can be more aggressive in the future. It needs a larger base of operations, and strong leadership. This could come from people who have not been active in Democratic affairs before who see the possibilities for attainment of more accomplishments in the new year.
Coupled with leadership from the trenches, the Democratic Party must fill challenges in offices with people who are accomplished and electable. This will strengthen the alternative party more than anything else.
Happily, last year saw the start of more talk about rapid transit in the county. While studying issues is important, what the county needs is a proposal for voters to show their support for rapid transit. That puts the onus on the county to work toward a reasonable proposal with all dispatch available. To delay work on this means more traffic congestion and frustration by motorists.
One of the pleasures of 2015 has been a more active arts community. With a new board showing leadership, the Hudgens Art Center is taking on new life, now having a new director. Not only that, but there is growing interest in the arts in our cities, which is also commendable. Hurrah! While more is needed, there was significant move on this objective last year.
There was also significant enlargement of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District in 2016. That was commendable and bodes well for the re-development of that area of the county.
Here is the list of our Objectives for 2016
Gwinnett Objectives:
- Development of a two-party system for county offices.
- Light rail for Gwinnett from Doraville MARTA station to Gwinnett Arena.
- Extension of Gwinnett Place CID area to include Gwinnett Arena and Sugarloaf Mills Mall.
- Banning of tobacco in all Gwinnett parks.
- More diverse candidates for political offices and appointment to local boards.
- Creative efforts to support the arts in Gwinnett.
- Advancement and expansion of municipal and Gwinnett historical societies.
- Stronger regulation of late-night establishments with alcoholic licenses.
Statewide objectives:
- Moving statewide non-partisan judge election runoffs to the General Election.
- Requiring the Georgia Legislature to meet once every two years.
- Establishment of more Community Gardens.
- Development of more roundabouts at heavy traffic intersections.
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