Said Witts, “Having spent my first two years on council with both candidates, it is apparent to me that only Barbara Bender has the leadership and communication skills necessary to lead our [...]]]> Councilman Tom Witts and incoming Council members, Bobby Howard, Dave Emanuel and Diane Krause, have endorsed Barbara Bender in her campaign for Mayor.

Said Witts, “Having spent my first two years on council with both candidates, it is apparent to me that only Barbara Bender has the leadership and communication skills necessary to lead our Council and our City.”

Said Howard, “I support Barbara Bender because she has exhibited the leadership skills to make the tough and reasoned decisions needed to continue moving Snellville forward.”

Said Krause, “I support Barbara Bender for Mayor because she takes action and delivers—she isn’t all lip service.”

Said Emanuel, “I support Barbara Bender for mayor because she has demonstrated her leadership ability and her dedication to seeing projects through to completion. Barbara is a visionary with the common sense necessary to turn visions into realities.”

“I am proud to have the support of Councilman Witts and the three incoming council members. I know they share my desire to make the city even better. I look forward to working with them to move Snellville forward,” said Bender.

Stated Byrne, “I have known Barbara for many years, professionally and personally. I know her to be a dedicated individual who considers it a joy to be of service to others.  I have no doubt she will continue to do [...]]]> Former Snellville City Attorney Mike Byrne today endorsed Barbara Bender in her campaign for Mayor.

Stated Byrne, “I have known Barbara for many years, professionally and personally. I know her to be a dedicated individual who considers it a joy to be of service to others.  I have no doubt she will continue to do so as Snellville’s Mayor.  As the former City Attorney for Snellville, I know how important it is to have the Mayor and Council working together to find common sense solutions for the benefit of all citizens.  With that in mind, I am proud to endorse my friend, Barbara Bender, to be our next Mayor.”

“As former city attorney, Mike knows what type of leader it will take to move Snellville forward. I am proud to have his confidence and support,” said Bender.

THE TRUTH: Kautz co-authored the halfway house ordinance with Council member and fellow attorney, Warren Auld. At the Council’s first consideration of her proposal, a citizen pointed out that it contained no [...]]]>

Kelly Kautz’ Claim: Barbara failed to support an ordinance proposed by Kautz that would regulate halfway houses and their operation in residential neighborhoods.

THE TRUTH: Kautz co-authored the halfway house ordinance with Council member and fellow attorney, Warren Auld. At the Council’s first consideration of her proposal, a citizen pointed out that it contained no less than 162 violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act and would potentially subject the city to costly litigation.

After three postponements, Kautz failed to support her own ordinance! Barbara and the other Council members “joined” with Kautz to abandon Kelly’s flawed proposal.

[Reference: ZOA 09-01 11/09/09 RM minutes]

(At the same meeting, Kautz seconded and supported Barbara’s reappointment as Mayor Pro Tem.)

THE TRUTH: This statement is true. The housing in question was an active adult community [RM 08-13-2007] proposed under the city’s “R-HOP” (Residential Housing for Older Persons) zoning classification.

As “baby boomers” reach retirement age, there is a greater demand for [...]]]>

Kelly Kautz’ Claim: Barbara voted ‘yes’ to higher density housing on Lenora Church Road.

THE TRUTH: This statement is true. The housing in question was an active adult community [RM 08-13-2007] proposed under the city’s “R-HOP” (Residential Housing for Older Persons) zoning classification.

As “baby boomers” reach retirement age, there is a greater demand for this type of housing. R-HOP communities allow older adults to down-size after their children leave home while remaining close to the amenities that Snellville provides. Barbara is committed to serving this growing need and is opposed to forcing seniors to leave the city to find suitable housing.

What is most interesting about Kautz’ claim is that she co-authored the R-HOP zoning ordinance under which this community was approved! Prior to her vote against this much-needed housing for senior citizens, she curiously stated that she never envisioned residential developments for seniors to be located in residential areas!

THE TRUTH: This statement is true. I voted to allow a business that has served Snellville residents for 16 years to build a new structure and grow within the city’s limits. The owner has been a valued citizen, assisting the police in solving several crimes. [...]]]>

Kelly Kautz’ Claim: Barbara voted to approve a pawn shop.

THE TRUTH: This statement is true. I voted to allow a business that has served Snellville residents for 16 years to build a new structure and grow within the city’s limits. The owner has been a valued citizen, assisting the police in solving several crimes. He is also a member of the Snellville Tourism and Trade Association board.

Kautz claims to support Snellville’s business community, but failed to do so in this instance.

THE TRUTH: There has never been a vote to authorize an access road along Nob Hill, nor can Kautz provide proof of any such vote. Period.

Further, there is no such road contemplated in the new Towne Center plan, nor are there [...]]]>

Kelly Kautz’ Claim: “Barbara voted ‘yes’ to an access road along Nob Hill.”

THE TRUTH: There has never been a vote to authorize an access road along Nob Hill, nor can Kautz provide proof of any such vote. Period.

Further, there is no such road contemplated in the new Towne Center plan, nor are there any proposals or funding for a road in the future.

THE TRUTH: The vote she references on December 10, 2007 was not a vote to fund additional police officers. Council member Warren Auld directed the City Manager to prepare a revised budget that left out important information and would mislead [...]]]>

Kelly Kautz’ Claim: “Barbara did not support the funding of additional police officers in 2007.”

THE TRUTH: The vote she references on December 10, 2007 was not a vote to fund additional police officers. Council member Warren Auld directed the City Manager to prepare a revised budget that left out important information and would mislead the public into thinking we had more money to spend than we did.

I, of course, did not support this action.  It should give you pause that Miss Kautz did.

On February 11, 2008, with accurate figures, I made the motion to pass the amended budget which included funding for three additional police officers.  She voted with me to pass this budget by a 6-0 vote.  (RES 2008-05, 02/11/08 meeting minutes).

Said Bender, “It has been an honor to serve the [...]]]> Barbara Bender, who previously announced her campaign for Mayor, resigned from the Snellville City Council at Monday’s City Council Meeting. The law requires council members to resign when they are seeking another office. Bender also announced that she has raised nearly $20,000 for her campaign.

Said Bender, “It has been an honor to serve the people of Snellville on the City Council for the last 6 years. I am proud of the meaningful accomplishments I have achieved. Within the last year, we have made tremendous steps to move Snellville forward.

“Through our economic development efforts, we have attracted new business and jobs. We have a comprehensive plan for the Towne Center @ Snellville, completed a new Public Safety Building and we have renewed our sense of community. Most importantly, this year I proposed a budget that reduced taxes on our families and businesses. It is vital that we continue moving Snellville forward. This election will determine whether Snellville continues moving forward or goes back to the stagnation of the past. Vote for me and I will move us forward,” continued Barbara.

As a Certified Public Accountant for 20 years and Vice President of Hamilton Financial, Barbara understands finances. She understands the need to control spending, implement efficiencies to cut waste and keep taxes low while preserving high levels of service in public safety, roads and parks.

Barbara Bender has served on the Snellville City Council since 2005. She has represented the Gwinnett Municipal Association on the Planning Advisory Committee for the Gwinnett County 2030 Unified Plan. She also participated in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Community Planning Academy and is a graduate of the Georgia Municipal Association’s training course. She is the past treasurer of the Snellville Commerce Club, served on the Gwinnett Municipal Board in 2009 and is Leadership Gwinnett Alumni of the class of 2010-2011.

Barbara has been married to her husband Greg for 27 years. They have 2 children, Nick (22) and Katie (18).